Technique for providing personalized information and communications services

• US 20040259535A1
• Filed: 07/21/2004
• Published: 12/23/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 11/12/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Grape Technology Group Incorporated (KGB)
• Original Assignee: Metro One Telecommunications, Inc.
• Inventors: Timmins, Timothy a., Elsey, Nicholas J., Kepler, Michael A., Samudio, Michael T.
• Granted Patent: US 8,229,401 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/414.3
• 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

1-50. -50. (cancelled).

51. A communications system for providing a service comprising:

an interface for receiving signals in establishing a communication connection, the signals containing an identifier;

a processor responsive to the signals for obtaining a profile based on the identifier, the profile including at least one preference for providing the service; and

a device for providing the service based on the at least one preference in the profile.

52. The system of claim 51 wherein the at least one preference defines an option of the service.

53. The system of claim 51 wherein the communication connection includes a telephone connection.

54. The system of claim 53 further comprising a facility where a selected operator handles the telephone connection, the selected operator being selected based on a preference of a skill of an operator in the profile.

55. The system of claim 53 wherein the identifier includes at least part of an ANI.

56. The system of claim 51 wherein the service includes information assistance.

57. The system of claim 51 wherein the service includes delivering selected information, and the at least one preference concerns a method of delivery of the selected information.

58. The system of claim 57 wherein the method of delivery is via email.

59. The system of claim 57 wherein the method of delivery is via short message service (SMS).

60. The system of claim 57 wherein the method of delivery is via facsimile.

61. The system of claim 57 wherein the method of delivery is via voice connection.

62-125. -125. (cancelled).

126. A method for providing a service, the method comprising:

receiving signals in establishing a communication connection, the signals containing an identifier;

in response to the signals, obtaining a profile based on the identifier, the profile including at least one preference for providing the service; and

providing the service based on the at least one preference in the profile.

127. The method of claim 126 wherein the at least one preference defines an option of the service.

128. The method of claim 126 wherein the communication connection includes a telephone connection.

129. The method of claim 128 further comprising handling the telephone connection by a selected operator, the selected operator being selected based on a preference of a skill of an operator in the profile.

130. The method of claim 128 wherein the identifier includes at least part of an ANI.

131. The method of claim 126 wherein the service includes information assistance.

132. The method of claim 126 wherein the service includes delivering selected information, and the at least one preference concerns a method of delivery of the selected information.

133. The method of claim 132 wherein the method of delivery is via email.

134. The method of claim 132 wherein the method of delivery is via SMS.

135. The method of claim 132 wherein the method of delivery is via facsimile.

136. The method of claim 132 wherein the method of delivery is via voice connection.

137-153. -153. (cancelled).