Technique for effectively providing a personalized information assistance service

• US 20090110178A1
• Filed: 10/06/2008
• Published: 04/30/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 05/25/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: John S. Miller, Nathan B. Baker, Timothy A. Timmins
• Original Assignee: John S. Miller, Nathan B. Baker, Timothy A. Timmins
• Inventors: Miller, John S., Timmins, Timothy A., Baker, Nathan B.
• Granted Patent: US 8,081,742 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 379/218.10
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2203/2061 Language aspects
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2242/15 Information service where the information is dependent on the location of the subscriber
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42068 where the identifier is used to access a profile
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/493 Interactive information services, e.g. directory enquiries ; Arrangements therefor, e.g. interactive voice response [IVR] systems or voice portals
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/4931 Directory assistance systems

Abstract

A user may utilize a communication device, e.g., a wireless phone, mobile device or personal digital assistant (PDA), to contact an information/call center where an operator provides personalized information and communications services to the user in accordance with the invention. Such services include, e.g., providing individual listing information items on a restrictive basis, caller identification service, etc. To personalize the services, at least one profile record associated with the user is used which specifies the subscribed services and the preferred ways of receiving information. For example, the profile may specify use of a special skilled operator, personal interests, methods of delivery of targeted information to the user, etc.

Claims

1. A method for providing information targeted to a user, comprising:

maintaining preference data associated with the user;

selecting information having content in accordance with the preference data;

receiving an information assistance call from the user, the call including a request for connection information;

searching a database in response to the request;

obtaining the requested connection information;

connecting the call to a destination device based on the requested connection information;

monitoring for a status of the call;

providing the selected information to the user during the call after the status is determined; and

providing the selected information to the user via a communication method different from the call, the communication method being specified in the preference data.