Instant messaging to service bureau
First Claim
1. A method facilitating instant messaging with an information service bureau having a plurality of information agents, the method comprising:
- a) receiving first instant messages directed to a common address from a plurality of users, the common address to be used by the plurality of users seeking information from the information service bureau; and
b) routing the first instant messages to selected information agents.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention relates to facilitating instant messaging with an information service bureau, such as an operator or information service bureau or customer support center that has multiple information agents capable of responding to instant messages sent to a common address associated with the information service bureau. The incoming instant messages are received from users at a central location and routed to an appropriate information agent, preferably after being queued and upon an information agent becoming available. Any necessary address translation to forward the instant message to the appropriate information agent is provided at the central location. Responses to the instant message can be sent back through the central location or directly to the user; however, the instant message responses are either created or modified such that they appear to the user as coming from the central address, and not from the address of the particular servicing information agent.
62 Citations
32 Claims
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1. A method facilitating instant messaging with an information service bureau having a plurality of information agents, the method comprising:
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a) receiving first instant messages directed to a common address from a plurality of users, the common address to be used by the plurality of users seeking information from the information service bureau; and
b) routing the first instant messages to selected information agents. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A system facilitating instant messaging with an information service bureau having a plurality of information agents, the method comprising:
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a) at least one interface facilitating instant messaging; and
b) at least one control system associated with the at least one interface and adapted to;
i) receive first instant messages directed to a common address from a plurality of users, the common address to be used by the plurality of users seeking information from the information service bureau; and
ii) route the first instant messages to selected information agents. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
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Specification