Technique for providing personalized information and communications services

• US 20090156178A1
• Filed: 06/11/2008
• Published: 06/18/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 11/12/1999
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Grape Technology Group Incorporated (KGB)
• Original Assignee: Grape Technology Group Incorporated (KGB)
• Inventors: Timmins, Timothy A., Elsey, Nicholas J., Kepler, Michael A., Samudio, Michael T.
• Application Number:
  US12/157,608
• Publication Number:
  US 20090156178A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/414.100
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/109 Time management, e.g. calendars, reminders, meetings or time accounting
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/2745 using static electronic memories, e.g. chips
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2203/2072 Schedules, e.g. personal calendars
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2242/15 Information service where the information is dependent on the location of the subscriber
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/382 using authorisation codes or passwords
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42161 via computer interface
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/44 Additional connecting arrangements for providing access to frequently-wanted subscribers, e.g. abbreviated dialling at the subscriber's set H04M1/27; automatic redialling H04M3/424
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/4931 Directory assistance systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/4933 with operator assistance
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/00 Arrangements for interconnection between switching centres
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/003 Click to dial services
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/006 Networks other than PSTN/ISDN providing telephone service, e.g. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) , including next generation networks with a packet-switched transport layer H04L65/00 takes precedence; aspects not specific to the type of network H04M3/00; special services in those networks H04M3/42
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/12 for working between exchanges having different types of switching equipment, e.g. power-driven and step by step or decimal and non-decimal
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99939 Privileged access

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 listing information, contacts information, appointments information, etc. To provide effective connectivity, for example, when a user locates a phone number in his/her private directory using a web browser, the user may utilize a direct connect feature of the invention to initiate a phone call to the desired number over the Internet. In addition, the invention allows for delivery of the appointments information to the user not only via voice connection, but also SMS, email, facsimile, PDA, etc. It also allows for rendering a calendaring service in combination with such services as a TeleConcierge® service which helps the user to plan a future event, e.g., making a restaurant reservation. An appointment record concerning the future event is automatically incorporated into the user'"'"'s calendar once it is successfully planned. To personalize the services, at least one profile associated with the user is used which specifies the subscribed services and the preferred ways of receiving them. For example, the profile may specify use of a special skilled operator, methods of delivery of information to the user, etc.

Claims

1. A system for managing information sources for a user comprising:

an interface for receiving data concerning the user;

a processing element responsive to the data for identifying at least one information source associated with the user and determining an access right of the user to the information source; and

an output element for providing at least one option to perform an action on the information source, the option being provided as a function of the access right to the information source.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the information source includes a folder containing appointments information.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the data is received in establishing a telephone connection with the interface, and the data contains an automatic number identifier (ANI).

5. The system of claim 4 wherein the telephone connection includes a wireless telephone connection, and the ANI includes a wireless telephone number.

2. The system of claim I wherein the information source includes a folder containing contacts information.

6. The system of claim I wherein the at least one option being selected by an agent on behalf of the user, the agent being granted the access right to the information source.