Commercial product routing system with video vending capability

• US 6,323,894 B1
• Filed: 01/27/1994
• Issued: 11/27/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 03/12/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Telebuyer LLC
• Original Assignee: Telebuyer LLC
• Inventors: Katz, Ronald A.
• Primary Examiner(s): WOO, STELLA L
• Application Number:
  US08/189,405
• Time in Patent Office: 2,861 Days
• Field of Search: 348/14, 348/15, 348/16, 348/17, 348/18, 348/19, 379/96, 379/94, 379/97, 379/98, 379/93, 379/93.21, 379/93.17, 379/93.12, 379/93.14, 379/93.01, 379/202, 379/204, 379/205, 370/62, 705/26, 705/27, 705/35-38
• US Class Current: 348/14.08
• 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 traffick-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 method for directing and exchanging on-line and off-line communications under control of a traffic control system to accomplish transactions that relate to merchandise or a service available for purchase, the method involving selectively interfacing under control of the traffic control system, buyers at a plurality of remote locations using personal computers with video capability, 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 traffic control system in communication with one or more vendors, through the public communication system wherein at least certain buyers electronically communicate with the traffic control system via digital lines of the public communication system;

receiving request data from the buyers, at the traffic control system 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 and including an indication of the maximum amount the buyers are willing to pay for select merchandise or service;

receiving identification data provided by buyers from the remote video terminals at the traffic control system;

storing at least a part of the request data from the buyers at the traffic control system and using at least a part of it to selectively obtain proposed data from the vendor responsive to the buyers'"'"' request data;

providing access concurrently by the buyers under control of the traffic control system to a video file server 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 vendors for subsequent viewing by interested buyers;

location used by said interfaced buyer to allow the buyer to view the video data and the graphic data relating to the request data prior to making a purchase;

also storing at the traffic control system, billing data including a record of charges incurred for each buyer relating to transactions initiated by interfaced buyers; and

electronically transmitting an indication of confirmation relating to the transaction initiated after an interface between the interfaced buyer and the traffic control system is terminated.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the request data from the interfaced buyer includes data to facilitate subsequent electronic communication and wherein the method further comprises the step of:

downloading additional data relating to the area of interest to the interfaced buyer'"'"'s computer by subsequent electronic communication, after the interface between the interfaced buyer and traffic control system is terminated.

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the additional data indicates that a presentation including video related to an indicated area of interest is available at the traffic control system.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the interfacing is accomplished over ISDN lines.

5. A method according to claim 2, further comprising the step of:

identifying the personal computers used by the buyers based upon automatically provided incoming data signals.

6. A method according to claim 5, wherein the incoming data signals are ANI signals.

7. A method according to claim 1, wherein the stored video data includes dynamic motion video.

8. A method according to claim 7, wherein the stored video data includes audio data.

9. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of:

facilitating access by the buyers to various different vendors under control of the traffic control system wherein each vendor has its own video storage device for storing video data.

10. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of:

utilizing a clock to limit and control the time during which an offering by a vendor including provision of video data to the buyer is made under control of the traffic control system.

11. A method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of:

monitoring time limitations with the clock.

12. A method according to claim 1, wherein the stored video data includes a graphical display including text of pertinent data associated with a vendor.

13. A method according to claim 12, further comprising the step of:

registering the buyers or vendors or both with the traffic control system prior to facilitating electronic communications.

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the registering step requires the buyers or the vendors or both to provide their names.

15. A method according to claim 13, wherein the registering step requires the buyers or the vendors or both to provide data to facilitate subsequent electronic communications.

16. A method according to claim 13, wherein the registering step requires the buyers or the vendors or both to provide their telephone numbers.

17. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of:

requiring the buyers to provide identification data prior to allowing the buyers access to stored video data associated with any vendor.

18. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of:

storing one or more video images as part of the stored video data relating to a particular vendor at the video storage device located at a vendor site.

19. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of:

storing the video data from a plurality of different vendors at the video storage device that is located at a site associated with the traffic control system.

20. A method according to claim 19, wherein the traffic control system has a data file including a list of merchandise or service codes.

21. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of:

offering the buyers various choices as part of the proposed data associated with a vendor, as related to the area of interest indicated by the interfaced buyer.

22. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of:

including within the area of interest, data on specific merchandise or service that a buyer is interested in purchasing identified by merchandise or service codes.

23. A method according to claim 1, wherein a vendor notifies the buyers via the traffic control system of discounted merchandise available for purchase after the initiated transaction.

24. A method according to claim 22, further comprising the step of:

providing EDI to facilitate consummation of a sale transaction between buyers and a vendor.

25. A method according to claim 22, wherein the specific merchandise is a tangible good.

26. A method according to claim 22, wherein the buyer consummates sale of the specific merchandise or service.

27. A method according to claim 22, wherein the buyer provides billing information for a purchase transaction.

28. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of:

providing an identification number that identifies the transaction to a buyer.

29. A method according to claim 28, wherein the identification number is provided during the interface facilitated under control of the traffic control system.

30. A method according to claim 28, wherein the identification number is provided with the indication of confirmation after the interface facilitated under control of the traffic control system is terminated.

31. A method according to claim 1, wherein communications to accomplish the transaction include transmission of audio data.

32. A method according to claim 1, wherein the stored video data include high resolution still images.

33. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of:

providing a graphical display including text data associated with the buyer via the traffic control system.

34. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of:

facilitating manipulation by the buyer of the stored video data via a peripheral device such as a mouse.

35. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of:

facilitating manipulation by the buyer of the stored video data including stored dynamic video via a peripheral device such as a mouse.

36. A method according to claim 35, wherein the manipulation facilitates a pan, tilt, or zoom operation.

37. A method according to claim 1, wherein the traffic control system stores data to facilitate communication between different business entities of which the buyers and vendor are representatives.

38. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of:

facilitating manipulation by the buyer of the stored video data including high resolution still image data via a peripheral device such as a mouse.

39. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of:

facilitating control of the request data provided by the buyer at least in part via a peripheral device such as a mouse.

40. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of:

maintaining at the traffic control system a record of prior transactions with buyers and charges associated with the prior transactions.

41. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of:

storing EDI software at a site associated with the traffic control system for use by the buyers and a vendor via the traffic control system.

42. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of:

registering buyers with the traffic control system and during the registration step, designating an identification number for use in subsequent electronic communications.

43. A method according to claim 42, further comprising the step of:

providing a check digit as part of the identification number.

44. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of:

facilitating on-line communication between the buyers and the traffic control system via an on-line computer service.

45. A method according to claim 44, further comprising the step of:

connecting the buyers with the traffic control system using an autodialing operation.

46. A method according to claim 44, further comprising the step of:

maintaining a record of various buyers accessing the traffic control system.

47. A method according to claim 46, further comprising the step of:

also maintaining a record of the amount of time individual buyers spend viewing the stored video data at the video storage device.

48. A method according to claim 1, comprising the step of:

obtaining data through the traffic control system on buyer reactions to an offer associated with select stored video data viewed by the buyers.

49. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of:

offering to the buyers various selections relating to an area of interest indicated by the buyers.

50. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of:

associating one or more sites with the buyers; and

requiring vendors to register with the traffic control system to entitle access to one or more site associated with the buyers by providing information relating to the vendors.

51. A method according to claim 50, wherein the vendors provide name data.

52. A method according to claim 50, wherein the vendors provide area of interest data.

53. A method according to claim 50, wherein the vendors provide a name of a business entity with which each one is associated.

54. A method according to claim 50, wherein the vendors provide data to facilitate subsequent electronic communication.

55. A method according to claim 50, wherein the vendors provide telephone number data.

56. A method according to claim 1, wherein both the buyers and the vendors are associated with separate business entities for communications between the business entities.

57. A method enabling on-line and off-line communications, including video communications, between at least two parties to accomplish a transaction, for example buyers or vendors, using remote terminals with communication capability such as personal computers, through a public communication system, the on-line and off-line communications directed under control of a traffic control system, comprising the steps of:

registering buyers with the traffic control system to entitle buyers for communication with or obtaining data relating to the merchandise or services offered by different vendors, the buyers providing identification data as part of the registration process for facilitating subsequent electronic communication;

interfacing a buyer at a remote terminal, with a stored video data site including stored video sales presentations relating to different vendors, through said public communication system, to facilitate on-line electronic communication under control of the traffic control system, said buyer using said remote terminal to enter request data relating to a specific area of interest that is selectively transmitted by the traffic control system to the stored video data site relating to a select vendor or group of vendors;

selectively providing the interfaced buyer with select data relating to the specific area of interest indicated by the interfaced buyer, from the stored video data site, including high resolution still image data or dynamic video data or a combination of both as well as providing text data including pricing information;

terminating communication between the interfaced buyer and the traffic control system and the stored video data site associated with a select vendor or group of vendors;

subsequently transmitting to the interfaced buyer by electronic communication, certain data relating to the specific area of interest indicated by the interfaced buyer by downloading the data via the traffic control system to a buyer'"'"'s remote terminal; and

compiling a record of buyers that have interfaced with the stored video data site in relation to the specific area of interest and notifying the buyers of availability of one or more other video sales presentations relating to the area of interest.

58. A method according to claim 57, wherein the remote terminals include a capability to facilitate control by the interfaced buyer of a display of the stored video data at the buyer remote terminal.

59. A method according to claim 57, wherein the on-line communications are accomplished via an on-line computer service.

60. A method according to claim 57, wherein the request data entered by the interfaced buyer indicates an amount the buyer is willing to pay for a specific item or service to which the transaction relates.

61. A method according to claim 60, wherein the select data relating to the area of interest transmitted to the interfaced buyer, also relates to the buyer'"'"'s indication of the amount the buyer is willing to pay.

62. A method according to claim 57, wherein the stored video data includes dynamic motion video.

63. A method according to claim 57, wherein the stored video data includes audio data.

64. A method according to claim 57, wherein the traffic control system facilitates access by the interfaced buyer to various different seller sites having at least stored video data for different sellers.

65. A method according to claim 64, wherein the request data entered by the interfaced buyer indicates an amount the buyers are willing to pay for a specific item or service to which the transaction relates.

66. A method according to claim 65, wherein the certain data transmitted to the buyer by electronic communication relates to the buyer'"'"'s indication of the amount the buyers are willing to pay.

67. A method according to claim 57, wherein presentation of the stored video data is limited and controlled by a clock.

68. A method according to claim 57, wherein a remote terminal used by the buyer is automatically identified based upon incoming data signals provided to the traffic control system.

69. A method according to claim 57, wherein the buyer and the vendor register with the traffic control system by providing their names.

70. A method according to claim 57, wherein the buyer and the vendor register with the traffic control system by providing data to facilitate electronic communications.

71. A method according to claim 57, wherein the buyer and the vendor register with the traffic control system by providing their telephone numbers.

72. A method according to claim 57, wherein the buyer provides identification data that is utilized to allow the buyer to access the stored video data site associated with one or more of the different vendors.

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

storing the video data of a particular vendor at a vendor'"'"'s own site.

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

storing the video data of the different vendors at the traffic control system site.

75. A method according to claim 57, wherein the traffic control system site serves the buyers and vendors.

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

offering the interfaced buyer various choices relating to the area of interest indicated by the buyer.

77. A method according to claim 57, wherein the area of interest includes data on a specific item or service that a buyer is interested in purchasing.

78. A method according to claim 77, wherein the vendor is apprised of amount that a buyer is willing to pay for the specific item or service.

79. A method according to claim 77, further comprising the step of:

providing EDI to facilitate consummation of a sale transaction between buyers and vendors.

80. A method according to claim 77, wherein the specific item is a tangible good.

81. A method according to claim 77, wherein the buyer consummates sale of the tangible item or service.

82. A method according to claim 77, wherein the buyer provides billing information for a purchase transaction.

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

providing an identification number to the buyer to identify a transaction.

84. A method according to claim 83, wherein the identification number is provided to the buyer during the interface facilitated under control of the traffic control system.

85. A method according to claim 83, wherein the identification number is provided after the interface facilitated under control of the traffic control system is terminated.

86. A method according to claim 57, wherein the communications to accomplish a transaction include transmission of audio data.

87. A method according to claim 57, wherein the stored video data includes high resolution still image data.

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

providing a graphical display including text associated with the buyer via the traffic control system.

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

facilitating manipulation by the buyer of the stored video data via a peripheral device such as a mouse.

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

facilitating manipulation by the interfaced buyer of the stored data including stored dynamic video via a peripheral device such as a mouse.

91. A method according to claim 90, wherein the manipulation further comprises the step of facilitating a zoom, tilt, or pan operation.

92. A method according to claim 57, wherein the on-line communications is facilitated via an on-line computer service.

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

facilitating manipulation by the buyer of the stored data including high resolution still image data via a peripheral device such as a mouse.

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

facilitating control of data entered by the interfaced buyer at least in part via a mouse.

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

maintaining at the data site associated with a vendor or at the traffic control system, a record of prior buyer transactions and charges associated with the prior buyer transactions.

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

storing EDI software at a site associated with the traffic control system for use by the buyer and the vendor.

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

registering buyers including designating an identification number for use in subsequent electronic communications.

98. A method according to claim 97, further comprising the step of:

providing a check digit as part of the identification number.

99. A method according to claim 92, further comprising the step of:

connecting the buyer for on-line communication with the traffic control system or the stored video data site associated with one or more of the different vendors via an autodialer.

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

maintaining a record of various buyers accessing the stored video data site associated with one or more of different vendors.

101. A method according to claim 100, further comprising the step of:

also maintaining a record of the amount of time the interfaced buyer spent viewing one or more video sales presentations at the stored video data site associated with one or more of the different vendors.

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

obtaining from the traffic control system data on buyer reaction to a vendor offer associated with one or more of the stored video sales presentations viewed by the interfaced buyer.

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

providing the buyer with selections relating to the specific area of interest indicated by the interfaced buyer.

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

associating stored video data with the buyer; and

requiring vendors to register with the traffic control system to entitle access to the stored video data associated with the buyer by providing information relating to the vendors.

105. A method according to claim 104, wherein the vendors provide name data.

106. A method according to claim 104, wherein the vendors provide area of interest data.

107. A method according to claim 104, wherein the vendors provide a name for a business entity with which each one is associated.

108. A method according to claim 104, wherein the vendors provide data to facilitate subsequent electronic communication.

109. A method according to claim 104, wherein the vendors provide telephone number data.

110. A method according to claim 57, wherein both the buyer and the vendor are associated with separate business entities for communications between the business entities.

111. A method for routing and facilitating on-line and off-line electronic communications through a public communication system between buyer and seller parties from different business entities registered with a central communication control system, the buyer or seller parties from one business entity utilizing electronic communication devices with video capability, to interact with the buyer or seller parties of another business entity under control of the central communication control system, comprising the steps of:

receiving identification data, from the electronic communication devices utilized by the buyer and seller parties of the different business entities that is verified at the central communication control system to ensure that the buyers and sellers are appropriately registered, whereby the central communication control system routes and facilitates communications between the buyer and seller parties through the public communication system;

receiving other data from the buyer or seller parties of the different business entities including data to facilitate on-line and off-line communications and data to indicate a select merchandise or service code designated by the channels of commerce and an area of interest;

providing access to stored video sales presentation data and text data including pricing information relating to select merchandise or service corresponding to the select merchandise or service code indicated by either the buyer or seller parties, the stored video and text data obtained from the buyers or sellers associated with the different business entities under control of the central communication control system and accessible to either of buyer or seller parties of the different business entities or both and the video and text data provided upon access or request by either party;

storing certain of the other data for the buyer or seller parties of different business entities including data entered by the buyer or seller parties during a transaction through the central communication control system and based on the data entered by the seller or buyer parties indicating the area of interest, creating a record for buyer or seller parties or both relating to an area of interest for subsequent notification;

terminating communication between the buyer and seller parties of the different business entities;

processing the record for buyer or seller parties to isolate a select group of buyers or sellers relating to the indicated area of interest; and

subsequently routing electronic data from either of the buyer or seller parties to each individual buyer or seller of the select group of buyers or sellers isolated during the processing site.

112. A method according to claim 111, wherein the stored video presentation data is dynamic motion video.

113. A method according to claim 112, wherein the stored video presentation data includes audio data.

114. A method according to claim 111 wherein the traffic control system facilitates access by a buyer to party various different seller party sites having at least stored video sales presentation data for different seller parties.

115. A method according to claim 111, wherein certain of the other data indicated by the buyer parties indicates a maximum amount the buyer parties are willing to pay for a specific item or service.

116. A method according to claim 111, wherein the stored video presentation data includes a graphical display including text of pertinent data.

117. A method according to claim 111, wherein the buyer and the seller parties are registered with the traffic control system that facilitates the communications between the buyer and the seller parties.

118. A method according to claim 117, wherein the buyer and the seller parties register with the traffic control system by providing their names or the names of the business entities they represent.

119. A method according to claim 117, wherein the buyer and the seller parties register with the traffic control system by providing data to facilitate subsequent electronic communications.

120. A method according to claim 117, wherein the buyer and the seller parties register with the traffic control system by providing their telephone numbers.

121. A method according to claim 111, wherein the stored video presentation data relating to a particular seller is located at the seller'"'"'s own facility.

122. A method according to claim 111, wherein the stored video sales presentation data related to a plurality of different sellers is located at a site associated with the central communication control system.

123. A method according to claim 122, wherein the central communication control system site is accessed by both buyers and sellers via an on-line computer service.

124. A method according to claim 111, wherein the buyer or seller parties are offered various choices relating to the area of interest indicated by the buyer or seller parties.

125. A method according to claim 111, wherein the area of interest includes data on the select merchandise or service that a buyer party is interested in purchasing or a seller party is interested in selling.

126. A method according to claim 125, wherein a seller party is apprised of an amount that a buyer party is willing to pay for the select merchandise or service.

127. A method according to claim 126, further comprising the step of:

providing EDI to facilitate consummation of a sale transaction between the buyer and seller parties.

128. A method according to claim 125, wherein the select merchandise is a tangible good.

129. A method according to claim 128, wherein the buyer party consummates sale of the tangible good or service.

130. A method according to claim 129, wherein the buyer part provides billing information for a purchase transaction.

131. A method according to claim 111, further comprising the step of:

providing an identification number to identify a transaction to the buyer party.

132. A method according to claim 131, wherein the identification number is provided during the interface facilitated under control of the central communication control system.

133. A method according to claim 131, wherein the identification number is provided with an indication of confirmation after the interface facilitated under control of the traffic control system is terminated.

134. A method according to claim 111, wherein the communications to accomplish a transaction include transmission of audio data.

135. A method according to claim 111, wherein the stored video presentation data includes high resolution still image data.

136. A method according to claim 111, wherein the buyer and the seller parties register with the traffic control system by providing information to facilitate subsequent electronic communication.

137. A method according to claim 111, wherein the on-line electronic communications are accomplished via an on-line computer service.

138. A method according to claim 111, wherein the off-line electronic communication includes subsequent electronic communication.

139. A method according to claim 111, further comprising the step of:

providing to the seller party a graphical display including text associated with the buyer party.

140. A method according to claim 111, further comprising the step of:

facilitating manipulation by the buyer party of the stored video presentation data via a mouse.

141. A method according to claim 111, further comprising the step of:

facilitating manipulation by the buyer of the stored video presentation data including stored dynamic video via a peripheral device such as a mouse.

142. A method according to claim 141, wherein the manipulation further comprises the step of facilitating a pan or zoom operation.

143. A method according to claim 141, wherein the manipulation further comprises the step of facilitating a tilt operation.

144. A method according to claim 111, further comprising the step of:

facilitating manipulation by the buyer of the stored video presentation data including high resolution still image data via a peripheral device such as a mouse.

145. A method according to claim 111, further comprising the step of:

facilitating control of data provided by the buyer party least in part via a peripheral device such as a mouse.

146. A method according to claim 111, further comprising the step of:

maintaining at the central communication control system or at a data site associated with the buyer or seller parties a record of prior transactions and charges associated with the prior transactions.

147. A method according to claim 111, further comprising the step of:

storing EDI software at the central communication control system site for use by the buyer and the seller parties.

148. A method according to claim 111, further comprising the step of:

registering buyers with the central communication control system including designating an identification number for use in subsequent electronic communications.

149. A method according to claim 148, further comprising the step of:

providing a check digit as part of the identification number.

150. A method according to claim 111, further comprising the step of:

facilitating electronic communication by connecting the buyer or seller parties to an on-line computer service via an autodialer.

151. A method according to claim 111, further comprising the step of:

maintaining a record of an extent of access by various buyer parties to a video data site associated with a particular seller.

152. A method according to claim 151, further comprising the step of:

also maintaining a record of an amount of time a buyer party spent viewing the stored video presentation data associated with the particular seller.

153. A method according to claim 151, further comprising the step of:

obtaining data through the central communication control system on buyer party reaction to an offer associated with the stored video viewed by a buyer party.

154. A method according to claim 151, further comprising the step of:

offering the buyer party selections relating to an area of interest indicated by the buyer party.

155. A method according to claim 151, further comprising the step of:

associating a video data site with a buyer party; and

requiring seller parties to register with the central communication control system to access the video data site associated with the buyer party by providing information relating to the seller parties.

156. A method according to claim 151, wherein the seller parties provide name data.

157. A method according to claim 151, wherein the seller parties provide area of interest data.

158. A method according to claim 151, wherein the seller parties provide a name for a business entity with which each one is associated.

159. A method according to claim 150, wherein the seller parties provide data to facilitate electronic communication.

160. A method according to claim 150, wherein the seller parties provide telephone number data.

161. A method according to claim 111, further comprising the step of:

automatically identifying the electronic communication device used by either the buyer or seller parties based upon incoming data signals automatically provided to the central communication control system.

162. A method for facilitating on-line and off-line electronic communications, through a communication network system, between at least certain groups of persons such as buyers and sellers with a central communication control system of an independently managed third party for accomplishing transactions, comprising the steps of:

registering the buyers and sellers with the central communication control system wherein the buyers and sellers provide data for registration to identify themselves;

interfacing the buyers and sellers with the central communication control system, wherein at least certain of the buyers or sellers or both access the central communication control system for on-line communication;

storing at the central communication control system or at other storage location associated therewith, information data relating to the buyers or sellers including stored video including sales presentations and text data that is variously obtained from the buyers or sellers;

receiving at the central communication control system from at least certain of the buyers or sellers, request data to initiate a transaction indicating an area of interest relating to a merchandise or a service available for purchase, the request data provided via personal computers, furthermore, receiving other data as part of the registration data or otherwise for the buyers or sellers or both including data to facilitate subsequent off-line electronic communication;

storing the data for facilitating electronic communication for the buyers or sellers or both at the central communication control system or other storage location associated therewith and selectively recording buyer or seller activity data in association with the area of interest relating to the merchandise or the service, the buyer or seller activity data including the length of interface time between the buyers or sellers via the central communication control system tracked by the communication network system;

under control of the request data, providing from the central communication control system either to the buyers or sellers or both, either high resolution freeze frame data or dynamic video data or both and additional text data relating to the area of interest indicated by the buyers or sellers or both; and

also storing data relating to the transaction initiated by either the buyer or seller parties and assigning an identification number to the transaction initiated and that relates to a select video sales presentation that is provided in text form to either of the buyer or seller parties.

163. A method according to claim 162, wherein the stored video includes dynamic motion video.

164. A method according to claim 162, wherein the stored video includes audio data.

165. A method according to claim 162, wherein the central communication control system records ratings data relating to the buyers or sellers.

166. A method according to claim 162, wherein the stored video data includes a graphic display including text of pertinent data.

167. A method according to claim 162, wherein the buyers and the sellers are registered with the central communication control system that facilitates the communications between the buyers and the sellers.

168. A method according to claim 162, wherein the buyers and the sellers register with the central communication control system by providing their names.

169. A method according to claim 163, wherein the buyers and the sellers register with the central communication control system by providing data to facilitate communications.

170. A method according to claim 162, wherein the buyers and the sellers register with the central communication control system by providing their telephone numbers.

171. A method according to claim 162, further comprising the step of:

storing the video data of a particular seller at the seller'"'"'s own site.

172. A method according to claim 162, further comprising the step of:

storing the video data of a plurality of different sellers at a site associated with the central communication control system.

173. A method according to claim 172, wherein the site associated with the central communication control system serves the buyers and sellers.

174. A method according to claim 162, further comprising the step of:

providing EDI to facilitate consummation of a sale transaction between buyers and sellers.

175. A method according to claim 162, wherein the merchandise is a tangible good.

176. A method according to claim 175, wherein the buyers consummate sale of the tangible good or service.

177. A method according to claim 162, further comprising the step of:

providing an identification number to identify a transaction to a particular buyer.

178. A method according to claim 162, wherein the identification number is provided during or after the interface facilitated under control of the central communication control system.

179. A method according to claim 162, wherein the stored video data includes high resolution still image data.

180. A method according to claim 162, further comprising the step of:

facilitating manipulation by a buyer of the stored video data via a peripheral device such as a mouse.

181. A method according to claim 162, wherein the manipulation further comprises the step of facilitating a zoom or pan or tilt operation.

182. A method according to claim 162, further comprising the step of:

facilitating communication via an on-line computer service.

183. A method according to claim 162, further comprising the step of:

facilitating control by a buyer of the stored video data.

184. A method according to claim 162, further comprising the step of:

facilitating on-line communication via an autodialing operation.

185. A method enabling on-line and off-line communications including video communication, between at least two parties from different buyer-vendor groups, located at remote terminals with communication capability, for example personal computers, through a public communication system, the communications directed and exchanged under control of a central data system that facilitates interactive data sharing by the parties, comprising the steps of:

interfacing at least a requesting one of the parties from a first group, at a remote terminal, with the central data system, for on-line communication through said public communication system wherein said party uses said remote terminal to request data from the central data system;

receiving data from the requesting party to indicate an area of interest and other data to facilitate further electronic communication;

storing at least a part of the data received from the requesting party indicative of an area of interest at the central data system;

selectively providing select data relating to the area of interest from the central data system, the select data including stored video data obtained from a video storage device associated with the central data system, the video storage device having a plurality of different video images relating to different areas of interest obtained from parties of a second group, the select data obtained from the video storage device and comprising either high resolution freeze frame data or dynamic data or both and a graphic including text display of pertinent information relating to the area of interest;

transmitting from the central data system to the requesting party a notification soliciting further viewing of video and text data embodied in sales presentations relating to the select area of interest; and

subsequently interfacing the requesting party to the central data system for further viewing of select video sales presentations.

186. A method according to claim 185, wherein the stored video includes dynamic motion video.

187. A method according to claim 185, wherein the stored video includes audio data.

188. A method according to claim 185, wherein the parties from the different buyer-vendor groups register with the central data system by providing their names.

189. A method according to claim 185, wherein the parties register with the central data system by providing data to facilitate communications.

190. A method according to claim 185, wherein the parties register with the central data system by providing their telephone numbers.

191. A method according to claim 185, wherein the stored video data includes high resolution still image data.

192. A method according to claim 185, further comprising the step of:

facilitating manipulation by the requesting party of the stored video data via a peripheral device such as a mouse.

193. A method according to claim 189, wherein the manipulation further comprises the step of facilitating a zoom or pan or tilt operation.

194. A method according to claim 185, further comprising the step of:

maintaining a record of various parties accessing the central data system and viewing the video data.

195. A method according to claim 185, further comprising the step of:

also maintaining a record of the amount of time a particular party spent viewing the stored video data at the central data system.