Method and system to connect consumers to information
36 Assignments
0 Petitions
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
40 Claims
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1-26. -26. (Canceled)
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27. A method, comprising:
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a first party providing an advertisement on behalf of service provider, the advertisement to include at least a reference to a telephonic connection with the service provider;
the first party collecting a fee from the service provider in response to a telephonic connection being established between the service provider and customer. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38)
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39. A system comprising:
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a means for a first party providing an advertisement on behalf of a service provider, the advertisement to include at least a reference to a telephonic connection with the service provider;
a means for the first party collecting a fee from the service provider in response to a telephonic connection being established between the service provider and customer.
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40. A machine-readable medium having stored thereon a set of instructions, which when executed, perform a method comprising:
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a first party providing an advertisement on behalf of a service provider, the advertisement to include at least a reference to a telephonic connection with the service provider;
the first party collecting a fee from the service provider in response to a telephonic connection being established between the service provider and customer.
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Specification