Commercial product routing system with video vending capability

• US 7,835,509 B2
• Filed: 11/26/2003
• Issued: 11/16/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 03/12/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Telebuyer LLC
• Original Assignee: Telebuyer LLC
• Inventors: Katz, Ronald A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Woo, Stella L
• Application Number:
  US10/724,319
• Publication Number:
  US 20040111752A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,547 Days
• Field of Search: 379/93.12, 379/93.17, 379/93.21, 379/93.25, 379/93.02, 379/93.24, 379/90.01
• US Class Current: 379/93.12
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/208 Input by product or record sensing, e.g. weighing or scanner processing
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0601 Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0613 Third-party assisted
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/08 Auctions
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19645 Multiple cameras, each having view on one of a plurality of scenes, e.g. multiple cameras for multi-room surveillance or for tracking an object by view hand-over
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19658 Telephone systems used to communicate with a camera, e.g. PSTN, GSM, POTS
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19689 Remote control of cameras, e.g. remote orientation or image zooming control for a PTZ camera
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/2281 Call monitoring, e.g. for law enforcement purposes; Call tracing; Detection or prevention of malicious calls
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42 Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers specially adapted for wireless communication networks H04W4/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/432 Arrangements for calling a subscriber at a specific time, e.g. morning call service
• 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 3/51 Centralised call answering arrangements requiring operator intervention , e.g. call or contact centers for telemarketing
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/5125 with remote located operators
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/5158 in combination with automated outdialling systems devices for signalling identity of wanted subscriber H04M1/26
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/564 whereby the feature is a sub-conference
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/565 relating to time schedule aspects
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/567 Multimedia conference systems
• 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: H04N 21/2187 Live feed
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4223 : Cameras H04N23/00 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4334 : Recording operations recording of a television signal H04N5/76; arrangements for recording or accumulating broadcast information or broadcast-related information H04H60/27
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/76 : Television signal recording
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/142 : Constructional details of the terminal equipment, e.g. arrangements of the camera and the display
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/147 : Communication arrangements, e.g. identifying the communication as a video-communication, intermediate storage of the signals selecting H04Q
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/152 : Multipoint control units therefor

Abstract

A traffic control system selectively interfaces members of plural groups, as buyer groups and vendor groups, for video communication through a dial-up telephone system, for analyzing and compiling data, scheduling appointments, implementing conferences, consummating sales and the like. The traffic-control system comprises a telephonic interface apparatus for interfacing remote telephonic terminals of the dial-up telephone system identified with the members of plural groups, a video recording unit for recording and playing video transcriptions, a storage memory for storing data on the members, including telephonic terminal numbers and area-of-interest codes and a control computer to selectively interconnect the video recording unit with the remote telephone terminals through the telephonic interface apparatus to record and receive video communication.

Claims

1. A process, utilizing one or more multiple coordinated central control stations linked for communication with buyers or vendors located at widely distributed locations, for controlling buyer and vendor communication via public data communication links, comprising the steps of:

notifying, via the one or more central control stations, one or more buyers, at personal computers with video capability utilized by the buyers, regarding an offer from a vendor,

interfacing one or more buyers, via control by the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations, to provide a presentation including video data and text data relating to the offer from the vendor to the buyers at the buyer personal computers, the video data including high resolution video including high resolution still images, the buyers having a capability associated with the personal computers to alter the video data;

receiving, via control by the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations, identification data from the buyers, wherein the identification data is verified before the one or more buyers receive at least a portion of the presentation at the buyer personal computers; and

following a transaction between the buyers and the vendor relating to the offer, facilitating communication with the buyer regarding the transaction via electronic mail sent under control of the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations.

2. A process according to claim 1, wherein the video data includes dynamic video.

3. A process according to claim 1, further comprising the step of:

receiving, an indication from the buyer of the maximum amount that a buyer is willing to pay for the vendor'"'"'s offer.

4. A process according to claim 1, wherein the capability is associated with the personal computer used by the buyers to highlight areas of the video data.

5. A process according to claim 1, wherein the multiple coordinated central control stations have the capability to route the buyer and the vendor communication to each other.

6. A process according to claim 1, wherein the video data further comprises voice data.

7. A process according to claim 1, wherein the identification data includes a check digit.

8. A process according to claim 1, wherein the step of notifying further comprises the step of downloading data relating to the offer on a buyer'"'"'s personal computer.

9. A process according to claim 1, wherein the step of notifying is accomplished by email.

10. A process according to claim 1, wherein the step of notifying is accomplished by facsimile.

11. A process according to claim 1, further comprising the step of:

providing video data from one or more memory sites associated with the vendors during the course of an interface between buyers and the multiple coordinated central control stations based on the area of interest data.

12. A process according to claim 1, further comprising the step of:

providing the capability associated with the personal computers configured to enable buyers to alter the video data and an associated capability to capture one or more of the video images and transmit captured video images to another remote terminal.

13. A method, utilizing one or more multiple coordinated central control stations linked for communication with buyers or vendors located at widely distributed locations, for exchanging communications between buyers and vendors via a public communication system, comprising the steps of:

interfacing buyers utilizing personal computers with video capability with at least one database, the database storing data for one or more vendors;

receiving at the database, request data from the buyers via the one or more central control stations, the request data entered by the buyers to indicate an area of interest concerning a merchandise or a service, the request data also including an indication of the maximum amount the buyers are willing to pay for the merchandise or the service;

receiving identification data provided by the buyers from the personal computers, via the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations, at the database;

using at least part of the request data to selectively obtain data from the database responsive to the request data from the buyers;

providing, under control of the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations, certain data from data stored at the database, to the buyers at the personal computers, the certain data including high resolution still image data and graphic data including text data for viewing by the buyers before making a purchase, the certain data previously obtained from a source relating to the one or more vendors and stored at the database; and

also storing via the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations, data for each buyer relating to transactions initiated by interfaced buyers.

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the identification data contains a check digit.

15. A method according to claim 13, further comprising the step of:

providing video data from one or more memory sites associated with the source relating to the one or more vendors during the course of an interface between buyers and the central control stations based on the area of interest data.

16. A method according to claim 13, further comprising the step of:

providing a control device associated with the personal computers configured to enable buyers to alter the video data and an associated capability to capture at least one of the video images and transmit a captured video image to another remote terminal.

17. A method for directing and exchanging communications under control of one or more multiple coordinated control systems to accomplish transactions that relate to merchandise or a service available for purchase, the method involving selectively interfacing buyers at a plurality of remote locations using remote terminals with video capability, under control of the one or more of multiple coordinated control systems located at one or more plural sites to facilitate interactive data sharing with one or more widely distributed vendors, through a communication network, comprising the steps of:

interfacing at least certain buyers with at least one of the multiple coordinated control systems to communicate with the one or more widely distributed vendors;

receiving request data from the certain buyers, at the at least one or more multiple coordinated control systems, the request data entered by the buyers to indicate an area of interest indicative of a particular merchandise or service;

receiving identification data for the originating remote terminal with video capability for at least one of the buyers via the one or more multiple coordinated control systems when the buyer is in communication with the one or more multiple coordinated control systems;

storing at least a part of the request data from the buyers at the one or more multiple coordinated control systems and using at least a part of the request data to selectively obtain proposed data from the one or more widely distributed vendors responsive to the request data provided by the buyers;

providing access by the buyers under control of the one or more multiple coordinated control systems to a video memory device for conveying one or more video images including at least high resolution still images as part of the proposed data relating to the area of interest indicated by the buyers, the video images previously obtained from a source relating to the one or more vendors for subsequent viewing by interested buyers;

also storing at the one or more multiple coordinated control systems or a site associated with the one or more multiple coordinated control systems, for each buyer relating to transactions initiated by buyers while the buyers are interfaced with the one or more multiple coordinated control systems;

electronically transmitting data relating to the transaction initiated including a number identifying the transaction, after the buyer has terminated an interface with the one or more multiple coordinated control systems; and

downloading additional data relating to the area of interest to a personal computer of the buyer by subsequent electronic communication, after the interface between the buyer and the one or more multiple coordinated control systems is terminated.

18. A method according to claim 17, wherein access to the video data is provided according to a priority status.

19. A method according to claim 17, wherein access is provided in accordance with a rotational order.

20. A method according to claim 17, wherein access is provided in accordance with a random order.

21. A method according to claim 17, wherein the identification data includes data provided by at least one of the buyers.

22. A method according to claim 17, wherein the identification data includes automatic identification data provided for the remote terminal with video capability by the communication network.

23. A method according to claim 17, wherein automatic identification data includes ANI.

24. A method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of:

providing video data from one or more memory sites associated with a vendor during the course of an interface between buyers and the one or more multiple coordinated control systems based on the area of interest data.

25. A method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of:

providing a control device associated with the remote terminals including personal computers, the control device configured to enable buyers to alter the video data and an associated capability to capture at least one of the video images and to transmit a captured video image to another remote terminal.

26. A method for directing and exchanging on-line communications under control of one or more multiple coordinated central control systems to accomplish transactions that relate to a merchandise or a service available for purchase, the method involving selectively interfacing under control of the one or more multiple coordinated computers, buyers at a plurality of remote locations using remote video terminals including personal computers with video capability, the multiple coordinated central control systems in communication with one or more vendors with a capability to electronically communicate through a public communication system, comprising the steps of:

interfacing the buyers with the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations in communication with one or more vendors, through the public communication system wherein at least certain buyers electronically communicate with the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations;

receiving request data from the buyers, via the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations in communication with the one or more vendors, the request data entered by the buyers to indicate an area of interest concerning the merchandise or the service;

receiving identification data provided by the buyers from the remote video terminals via the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations when the buyers are in communication with the one or more vendors;

storing at least a part of the request data from the buyers via the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations and using at least a part of it to selectively obtain proposed data from the one or more vendors responsive to the buyers'"'"' request data;

providing access by the buyers under control of the one or more central control stations to a video memory for conveying one or more high resolution video images and text data related to the video images as part of the proposed data relating to the area of interest indicated by the buyers, the video images previously obtained from a source relating to the vendors for subsequent viewing by interested buyers;

also storing via the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations, data relating to transactions initiated by the interfaced buyers;

electronically transmitting data relating to the transaction initiated after an interface between the interfaced buyers and the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations is terminated including a number identifying the transaction; and

facilitating access by the buyers to various different vendors under control of the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations while interfaced.

27. A method according to claim 26, wherein each vendor has its own video storage device for storing video data.

28. A method according to claim 26, wherein certain vendors are accorded a priority status under control of the one or more central control stations.

29. A method according to claim 26, wherein buyers are provided access to the video data according to a priority status.

30. A method according to claim 26, wherein access is provided in accordance with a rotational order.

31. A method according to claim 26, wherein access is provided in accordance with a random order.

32. A method according to claim 26, further comprising the step of:

providing video data from one or more memory sites associated with the one or more vendors during the course of an interface between buyers and the multiple coordinated central control systems based on the area of interest data.

33. A method according to claim 26, further comprising the step of:

providing a control device associated with the remote video terminals, including personal computers, the control device configured to enable buyers to alter the video data and an associated capability to capture at least one of the video images and transmit a captured video image to another remote terminal.

34. A method according to claim 26, further comprising a step of:

storing via the one or more multiple coordinated control systems, a log of the buyers, the identification data of the buyers, and the area of interest provided by the buyers.

35. A method for directing and exchanging on-line communications under control of one or more multiple coordinated central control stations to accomplish transactions that relate to merchandise or a service available for purchase, the method involving selectively interfacing under control of the one or more central control stations, buyers at a plurality of remote locations using remote video terminals including personal computers with video capability, the one or more multiple coordinated control stations in communication with one or more vendors with a capability to electronically communicate through a communication network, comprising the steps of:

registering the buyers and vendors with the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations prior to facilitating at least certain electronic communications;

interfacing the buyers with the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations in communication with one or more vendors, through the communication network wherein at least certain buyers electronically communicate with the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations;

receiving request data from the buyers, via the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations in communication with the one or more vendors, the request data entered by the buyers to indicate an area of interest concerning the merchandise or the service;

receiving identification data provided from the originating remote video terminals via the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations;

storing at least a part of the request data from the buyers via the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations and using at least a part of it to selectively obtain proposed data from the one or more vendors responsive to the buyers'"'"' request data;

providing access by the buyers under control of the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations to a video memory for conveying one or more video images as part of the proposed data relating to the area of interest indicated by the buyers, the video images previously obtained from a source relating to the one or more vendors for subsequent viewing by interested buyers;

also storing via the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations, data relating to transactions initiated by interfaced buyers; and

electronically transmitting by electronic mail, data relating to the transaction including a number identifying the transaction, after an interface between the interfaced buyer and the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations is terminated.

36. A method according to claim 35, wherein buyer access is provided to the one or more video data according to a priority status.

37. A method according to claim 35, wherein buyer access is provided in accordance with a rotational order.

38. A method according to claim 35, wherein buyer access is provided in accordance with a random order.

39. A method according to claim 35, wherein the identification data includes data provided by the buyers.

40. A method according to claim 35, wherein the identification data includes automatic identification data provided by the communication network.

41. A process according to claim 35, further comprising the step of:

providing video data from one or more memory sites associated with the one or more vendors during the course of an interface between buyers and the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations based on the area of interest data.

42. A process according to claim 35, further comprising the step of:

providing a control device associated with the remote video terminals including personal computers configured to enable buyers to alter the video data and an associated capability to capture at least one of the video images and transmit a captured video image to another remote video terminal.

43. A method for directing and exchanging on-line communications under control of one or more multiple coordinated central control systems to accomplish transactions that relate to merchandise or a service available for purchase, the method involving selectively interfacing under control of the one or more central control stations, buyers at a plurality of remote locations using remote video terminals including personal computers with video capability, the one or more multiple coordinated central control systems in communication with one or more vendors with a capability to electronically communicate through a communication network, comprising the steps of:

registering the buyers or vendors or both via the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations prior to facilitating electronic communications wherein the buyers or the vendors or both provide data to facilitate subsequent electronic communications;

designating an originating terminal identification number for use in subsequent electronic communications;

interfacing the buyers with the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations to communicate with one or more vendors;

receiving request data from the buyers, via the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations in communication with the one or more vendors, the request data entered by the buyers to indicate an area of interest concerning the merchandise or the service;

receiving identification data provided by buyers from the remote video terminals via the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations when the buyers are interfaced with the one or more multiple coordinated central control systems;

storing at least a part of the request data from the buyers at the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations and using at least a part of it to selectively obtain proposed data from the one or more vendors responsive to the buyers'"'"' request data;

providing access by the buyers under control of the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations to a video memory for conveying one or more high resolution video images as part of the proposed data relating to the area of interest indicated by the buyers, the video images previously obtained from a source relating to the vendors for subsequent viewing by interested buyers;

also storing via the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations, data for each buyer relating to transactions initiated by interfaced buyers; and

electronically transmitting data relating to the transaction initiated after an interface between the interfaced buyer and the one or more central control stations is terminated including a number identifying the transaction.

44. A method according to claim 43, wherein buyers are provided access to the video images according to a priority status.

45. A method according to claim 43, wherein buyer access is provided in accordance with a rotational order.

46. A method according to claim 43, wherein buyer access is provided in accordance with a random order.

47. A method according to claim 43, wherein the step of receiving request data further includes receiving an item number.

48. A method according to claim 43, further comprising the step of:

providing video data from one or more memory sites associated with the one or more vendors during the course of an interface between buyers and the one or more central control stations based on the area of interest data.

49. A process according to claim 43, further comprising the step of:

providing a control device associated with the personal computers configured to enable buyers to alter the video data and use an associated capability to capture at least one of the video images and transmit a captured video image to another remote terminal.

50. A method for directing and exchanging on-line communications under control of one or more multiple coordinated central control stations to accomplish transactions that relate to merchandise or a service available for purchase, the method involving selectively interfacing under control of the one or more central control stations, buyers at a plurality of remote locations using personal computers with video capability, the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations in communication with one or more vendors with a capability to electronically communicate through a communication network, comprising the steps of:

interfacing the buyers with the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations in communication with one or more vendors, through the communication network wherein at least certain buyers electronically communicate with the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations;

receiving request data from the buyers, at the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations in communication with the one or more vendors, the request data entered by the buyers to indicate an area of interest concerning the merchandise or the service;

receiving identification data provided by buyers from the personal computers via the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations when the buyers are in communication with the one or more vendors;

storing at least a part of the request data from the buyers at the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations and using at least a part of it to selectively obtain proposed data from the vendor responsive to the buyers'"'"' request data;

checking the identification data provided by the buyers before providing at least some access by the buyers under control of the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations to a video memory for conveying one or more high resolution video images as part of the proposed data relating to the area of interest indicated by the buyers, the video images previously obtained from a source relating to one or more vendors for subsequent viewing by interested buyers;

also storing via the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations, data relating to transactions initiated by interfaced buyers; and

electronically transmitting data relating to the transaction initiated after an interface between the interfaced buyer and the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations is terminated including a number identifying the transaction.

51. A method according to claim 50, further comprising the step of:

providing video data from one or more memory sites associated with the one or more vendors during the course of an interface between buyers and the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations based on the area of interest data.

52. A method according to claim 50, further comprising the step of:

providing a control device associated with the personal computers configured to enable buyers to alter the video data and use an associated capability to capture at least one of the video images and transmit a captured video image to another remote terminal.

53. A method for directing and exchanging on-line communications under control of one or more multiple coordinated central control stations to accomplish transactions that relate to merchandise or a service available for purchase, the method involving selectively interfacing under control of the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations, buyers at a plurality of remote locations using personal computers with video capability, one or more vendors in communication with the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations with a capability to electronically communicate through a public communication system, comprising the steps of:

interfacing the buyers with the one or more central control stations in communication with one or more vendors, through the public communication system;

receiving request data from the buyers, at the one or more central control stations in communication with the one or more vendors, the request data entered by the buyers to indicate an area of interest concerning the merchandise or the service;

receiving identification data provided by buyers from the personal computer via the one or more central control stations;

storing at least a part of the request data from the buyers via the one or more central control stations and using at least a part of it to selectively obtain proposed data from the one or more vendors responsive to the buyers'"'"' request data;

providing access by the buyers under control of the one or more central control stations to a video memory for conveying one or more high resolution video images as part of the proposed data relating to the area of interest indicated by the buyers, the video images previously obtained from a source relating to one or more vendors for subsequent viewing by interested buyers;

also storing via the one or more central control stations, data relating to transactions initiated by interfaced buyers;

electronically transmitting data relating to the transaction including a number identifying the transaction after an interface between the interfaced buyer and the one or more central control stations is terminated; and

providing an additional identification number relating to the merchandise code following the receipt of the request data from the buyers.

54. A method according to claim 53, wherein in addition to transmitting an identification number, also transmitting additional data relating to the merchandise code.

55. A method according to claim 53, further comprising the step of:

providing video data from one or more memory sites associated with the one or more vendors during the course of an interface between buyers and the one or more one or more multiple coordinated central control stations based on the area of interest data.

56. A method according to claim 53, further comprising the step of:

providing a control device associated with the personal computers configured to enable buyers to alter the video data and use an associated capability to capture at least one of the video images and transmit a captured video image to another remote terminal.

57. A method for directing and exchanging on-line communications under control of one or more multiple coordinated central control stations to accomplish transactions that relate to merchandise or a service available for purchase, the method involving selectively interfacing under control of the one or more multiple coordinated computers, buyers at a plurality of remote locations using personal central computers with video capability, the one or more multiple coordinated computers in communication with one or more vendors with a capability to electronically communicate through a public communication network, comprising the steps of:

interfacing the buyers with the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations in communication with one or more vendors, through the public communication network wherein at least certain buyers electronically communicate with the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations;

receiving request data from the buyers, at the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations in communication with the one or more vendors, the request data entered by the buyers to indicate an area of interest concerning the merchandise or the service;

receiving identification data provided by buyers from the personal computers via the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations;

storing at least a part of the request data from the buyers via the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations and using at least a part of it via the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations to selectively obtain proposed data from the vendor responsive to the buyers'"'"' request data;

providing access by the buyers under control of the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations to a video memory for conveying one or more high resolution video images as part of the proposed data relating to the area of interest indicated by the buyers, the video images previously obtained from a source relating to one or more vendors for subsequent viewing by interested buyers;

facilitating manipulation by the buyer of the video images including stored dynamic video or stored high resolution still image via a control device;

also storing via the one or more central control stations, data relating to transactions initiated by interfaced buyers; and

electronically transmitting data relating to the transaction initiated after an interface between the interfaced buyer and the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations is terminated.

58. A method according to claim 57, wherein buyers are provided access to the video images according to a priority status.

59. A method according to claim 57, wherein buyer access is provided in accordance with a rotational order.

60. A method according to claim 57, wherein buyer access is provided in accordance with a random order.

61. A method according to claim 57, wherein the record of charges is maintained and provided upon request.

62. A method according to claim 57, further comprising the step of:

providing video data from one or more memory sites associated with the one or more vendors during the course of an interface between buyers and the one or more central control stations based on the area of interest data.

63. A method according to claim 57, further comprising the step of:

providing a control device associated with the personal computers configured to enable buyers to alter the video data and use an associated capability to capture at least one of the video images and transmit a captured video image to another remote terminal.

64. A method for directing and exchanging on-line communications under control of one or more multiple coordinated central control stations to accomplish transactions that relate to merchandise or a service available for purchase, the method involving selectively interfacing under control of the one or more central control stations, buyers at a plurality of remote locations using personal computers with video capability, the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations in communication with one or more vendors with a capability to electronically communicate through a public communication system, comprising the steps of:

interfacing the buyers with the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations in communication with one or more vendors, through the public communication system;

receiving request data from the buyers, via the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations in communication with the one or more vendors, the request data entered by the buyers to indicate an area of interest concerning the merchandise or the service;

receiving identification data provided by buyers from the remote location via the one or more central control stations;

storing at least a part of the request data from the buyers via the multiple coordinated one or more central control stations and using at least a part of it to selectively obtain proposed data from the vendor responsive to the buyers'"'"' request data;

providing access by the buyers under control of the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations to a video memory for providing one or more high resolution video images as part of the proposed data relating to the area of interest indicated by the buyers, the video images previously obtained from a source relating to one or more vendors for subsequent viewing by interested buyers;

facilitating manipulation by the buyer of the video images via a control device; and

electronically transmitting data relating to the transaction including a number identifying the transaction after an interface between the interfaced buyer and the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations is terminated.

65. A method according to claim 64, further comprising the step of:

also storing via the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations, billing data including a record of charges incurred for each buyer relating to transactions initiated by interfaced buyers.

66. A method according to claim 64, further comprising the step of:

providing video data from one or more memory sites associated with the one or more vendors during the course of an interface between buyers and the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations based on the area of interest data.

67. A method according to claim 64, further comprising the step of:

providing a control device associated with the personal computers configured to enable buyers to alter the video data and use an associated capability to capture at least one of the video images and transmit a captured video image to another remote terminal.

68. A method for directing and exchanging on-line communications under control of one or more multiple coordinated central control stations to accomplish communications that relate to merchandise or a service, the method involving selective interfacing of buyers at a plurality of remote locations using remote terminals with video capability, the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations in communication with one or more vendors with a capability to electronically communicate, under control of the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations, through a public communication system, the one or more of multiple coordinated central control stations located at one or more plural sites, the method comprising the steps of:

interfacing at least certain buyers with the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations to communicate with one or more widely distributed vendors;

receiving request data from the buyers at the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations, the request data entered by the buyers to indicate an area of interest on a particular merchandise or service;

receiving identification data provided by buyers from the remote terminals via the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations;

storing at least a part of the request data from at least one of the certain buyers via the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations and using at least a part of the request data to selectively obtain proposed data from the one or more vendors responsive to the buyers'"'"' request data, the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations providing the proposed data from the vendors to the buyers in accordance with at least certain stored priority designations previously accorded to the vendors and executed by the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations;

providing access by the buyers under control of the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations to a video memory wherein the video memory is configured to provide video data including dynamic video images or high resolution still or both as part of the proposed data relating to the area of interest indicated by the buyers, the dynamic video images or high resolution still or both previously obtained from a source relating to one or more vendors for subsequent viewing by interested buyers; and

providing a control device associated with the personal computer configured to enable buyers to alter the video data and providing an associated capability to capture at least one of the video images and transmit a captured video image to another remote terminal.

69. A method according to claim 68, wherein buyers are provided access to the video data according to a priority status.

70. A method according to claim 68, wherein buyer access is provided in accordance with a rotational order.

71. A method according to claim 68, wherein buyer access is provided in accordance with a random order.

72. A method according to claim 68, further comprising the step of:

providing video data from one or more memory sites associated with the vendors during the course of an interface between buyers and one or more vendors based on the area of interest data.

73. A method according to claim 68, further comprising the step of:

assigning PIN numbers vendors, wherein the PIN numbers are coded to indicate the specific organization that a vendor is associated with.

74. A method for directing and exchanging on-line communications under control of one or more multiple coordinated central control stations to accomplish transactions that relate to merchandise or a service available for purchase, the method involving selective interfacing of buyers at a plurality of remote locations using personal computers with video capability, the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations in communication with one or more vendors with a capability to electronically communicate, under control of the one or more central control stations, through a public communication system, the one or more of multiple coordinated one or more central control stations located at one or more plural sites, the method comprising the steps of:

interfacing at least certain buyers with the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations to communicate with one or more widely distributed vendors;

receiving request data from the buyers at the at least one or more multiple coordinated central control stations, the request data entered by the buyers to indicate an area of interest on a particular merchandise or service;

receiving identification data provided by buyers from the remote locations via the one or more central control stations;

storing at least a part of the request data from at least one buyer at the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations and using at least a part of the request data to selectively obtain proposed data from the vendors responsive to the buyers'"'"' request data, the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations providing the proposed data from the vendors to the buyers in accordance with stored priority designations previously accorded to at least certain of the vendors under control of the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations;

providing access by the buyers under control of the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations to a video memory for providing stored video including one or more dynamic or high resolution still video images as part of the proposed data relating to the area of interest indicated by the buyers, the video images previously obtained from a source relating to one or more vendors and stored for subsequent viewing by interested buyers; and

facilitating manipulation by the buyer of the stored video data whereby the buyer can use a mouse associated with the personal computers to change the video images or highlight select areas with a cursor controlled by the mouse.

75. A method according to claim 74, wherein buyers are provided access to the video data according to a priority status.

76. A method according to claim 74, wherein buyers are provided access to the video data in accordance with a rotational order.

77. A method according to claim 74, wherein buyers are provided access to the video data in accordance with a random order.

78. A method according to claim 74, further comprising the step of:

providing video data from one or more memory sites associated with the vendors during the course of an interface between buyers and one or more vendors based on the area of interest data.

79. A method according to claim 74, further comprising the step of:

providing a control device associated with each of the personal computers configured to enable buyers to alter the video data and an associated capability to capture at least one of the video images and transmit a captured video image to another remote terminal.

80. A method for directing and exchanging communications under control of one or more multiple coordinated central control stations to accomplish transactions that relate to merchandise or a service, the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations linking via a communication network buyers at a plurality of remote locations using personal computers with video capability, the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations in communication with one or more vendors with a capability to electronically provide data comprising the steps of:

receiving request data from the buyers, via the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations in communication with the one or more vendors, the request data entered by the buyers to indicate an area of interest concerning the merchandise or the service;

receiving identification data provided by buyers from the remote locations via the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations when the buyers are in communication with the vendors;

storing at least a part of the request data from the buyers via the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations and using at least a part of it to selectively obtain proposed data from a vendor responsive to the buyers'"'"' request data;

providing access by the buyers under control of the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations to a video memory for providing one or more video images including dynamic video or high resolution still images as part of the proposed data relating to the area of interest indicated by the buyers, the video images previously obtained from a source relating to one or more vendors for subsequent viewing by interested buyers;

facilitating manipulation by the buyer of the stored video data including stored dynamic video or stored high resolution still image via a control device; and

electronically transmitting data relating to the transaction initiated after an interface between the interfaced buyer and the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations is terminated.

81. A method according to claim 80, further comprising the step of:

also storing via the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations, record data including a log of buyers accessing the video memory including an amount of time spent by at least certain buyers to view any stored video data, the record data provided by a vendor upon request.

82. A method according to claim 80 wherein the data relating to the transaction relates to item number data.

83. A method according to claim 80, further comprising the step of:

providing access to various different memory sites associated with the one or more vendors during the course of an interface between buyers and the one or more multiple coordinated central control stations based on the area of interest data.

84. A method according to claim 80, further comprising the step of:

providing a control device associated with the personal computers configured to enable buyers to manipulate the control device and to captures at least one of the video images with an associated capability and transmit a captured video image to another remote terminal.

85. A method for directing and exchanging on-line communications under control of a control system to accomplish communications that relate to merchandise or a service, the method involving selective interfacing of buyers at a plurality of remote locations using remote terminals with video capability, the control system in communication with one or more vendors with a capability to electronically communicate, under control of the control system, through a public communication system, the communication control system comprising one or more of multiple coordinated communication control systems located at one or more plural sites, the method comprising the steps of:

receiving identification data provided from remote terminals by the buyers via the control system;

maintaining a record of at least certain buyer communications with the control system;

notifying buyers under control of the control system in accordance with a rotational order operation or a random operation of availability of select merchandise or services for purchase based on an area of interest stored for the buyers;

interfacing at least certain buyers with the control system to communicate with one or more widely distributed vendors; and

using the area of interest stored for the buyers to selectively obtain proposed data from the one or more widely distributed vendors responsive to the area of interest, the control system providing the proposed data including video image data from at least certain of the vendors to the buyers in accordance with stored priority designations previously accorded to the vendors and executed by the control system.

86. A method according to claim 85, wherein buyers are provided access to the video data according to a priority status.

87. A method according to claim 85, further comprising the step of:

providing access to various different memory sites associated with the vendor during the course of an interface between buyers and one or more vendors based on the area of interest data.

88. A method according to claim 85, further comprising the step of:

providing a control device associated with the remote terminals configured to enable buyers to manipulate the control device and to capture at least one of the video images with an associated capability and transmit a captured video image to another remote terminal.

89. A method according to claim 85, wherein the identification data is provided by registering via the control system.

90. A method according to claim 85, wherein the area of interest is indicated via blank forms accessed via a menu.

91. A method according to claim 85, further comprising the step of:

routing communication between the one or more multiple coordinated communication control systems.