Apparatus and method for ensuring a real-time connection between users and selected service provider using voice mail
First Claim
1. A computer-implemented method comprising:
- presenting to a user, via a computing device, a list of providers currently available to communicate with the user;
receiving a selection of a provider from the list of providers by the user via the computing device;
in response to the selection, attempting to establish a real-time communication connection between the user and the selected provider;
in response to a successful communication connection being established between the user and the selected provider, charging the user and compensating the selected provider; and
in response to an unsuccessful communication connection being established between the user and the selected provider after a predetermined number of attempts;
presenting a message to the user, via the computing device, regarding the failed connection;
receiving, in response to the message regarding the failed connection, a message from the user via the computing device; and
presenting the message to the selected provider that includes an option for the provider to attempt to establish a real-time communication connection between the provider and the user.
28 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus are described for ensuring a real-time connection between users and selected service providers using voice mail. The system enables seekers of a wide array of services to select, contact, converse, and pay for a service provider using a communications device such as the telephone. A seeker locates a service provider by providing the name of a profession, which is recognized by the system'"'"'s software. Once a service provider is selected, the system connects the seeker with the service provider for a live conversation. However, during service provider unavailability, the system enables the seeker to leave a voice mail message for the service provider and reconnects the user and service provider once the message is reviewed by the service provider. The system automatically bills the seeker for the time spent conversing with the service provider and compensates the service provider.
382 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A computer-implemented method comprising:
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presenting to a user, via a computing device, a list of providers currently available to communicate with the user; receiving a selection of a provider from the list of providers by the user via the computing device; in response to the selection, attempting to establish a real-time communication connection between the user and the selected provider; in response to a successful communication connection being established between the user and the selected provider, charging the user and compensating the selected provider; and in response to an unsuccessful communication connection being established between the user and the selected provider after a predetermined number of attempts; presenting a message to the user, via the computing device, regarding the failed connection; receiving, in response to the message regarding the failed connection, a message from the user via the computing device; and presenting the message to the selected provider that includes an option for the provider to attempt to establish a real-time communication connection between the provider and the user. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to:
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present, to a user a list of providers currently available to communicate with the user; receive a selection of a provider from the list of providers by the user; in response to the selection, attempt to establish a real-time communication connection between the user and the selected provider; in response to a successful communication connection being established between the user and the selected provider, charge the user and compensate the selected provider; and in response to an unsuccessful communication connection being established between the user and the selected provider after a predetermined number of attempts; present a message to the user, via the computing device, regarding the failed connection; receive, in response to the message regarding the failed connection, a message from the user; and present the message to the selected provider that includes an option for the provider to attempt to establish a real-time communication connection between the provider and the user.
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Specification