Apparatus and method for ensuring a real-time connection between users and selected service provider using voice mail

• US 7,657,013 B2
• Filed: 10/29/2007
• Issued: 02/02/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 09/05/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Thryv, Inc. (Mudrick Capital Management LP)
• Original Assignee: UTBK, Inc.
• Inventors: Van der Linden, Sean, Faber, Scott, Lurie, Steven
• Primary Examiner(s): TRAN, QUOC DUC
• Application Number:
  US11/927,534
• Publication Number:
  US 20080049917A1
• Time in Patent Office: 827 Days
• Field of Search: 379/114.01, 379/114.03, 379/114.05, 379/114.1, 379/114.13, 379/114.21, 37911423-11428, 379/67.1, 379/88.06, 379/88.12, 379/88.17, 379/88.18, 379/90.01, 379/201.01, 379/209.01, 379/210.01, 379/214.01, 379/218.01, 379/265.01, 379/265.06, 379/265.09, 379/265.12, 705/5, 705/37, 705/52, 705/53, 707/6, 707/10
• US Class Current: 379/114.1
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/00 Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/49 Connection to several service providers
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/68 Payment of value-added services
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/805 Bidding
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 17/00 Prepayment of wireline communication systems, wireless communication systems or telephone systems using a coded card to authorise calls from a telephone set H04M1/675
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/0168 On line or real-time flexible customization or negotiation according to wishes of subscriber
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/018 On-line real-time billing, able to see billing information while in communication, e.g. via the internet
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/0196 Payment of value-added services, mainly when their charges are added on the telephone bill, e.g. payment of non-telecom services, e-commerce, on-line banking
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/46 Connection to several service providers
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/7457 Biding

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.

Claims

1. A method implemented in a communication system, the method comprising:

in response to a failure to establish real time communications between a user and a service provider selected by the user, deducting an amount from the selected service provider and recording a message; and

refunding an amount to the service provider in response to a connection between the user and the service provider established via the recorded message.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the refunded amount is equal to the deducted amount.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the amount deducted is predetermined.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising:

presenting the message recorded from the user to the service provider with an option to call back the user for real time communications between the user and the service provider.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the real time communications comprises telephonic communications.

6. A computer readable media storing instructions, the instructions causing a communication system to perform a method, the method comprising:

in response to a failure to establish real time communications between a user and a service provider selected by the user, deducting an amount from the selected service provider and recording a message; and

refunding an amount to the service provider in response to a connection between the user and the service provider established via the recorded message.

7. The computer readable media of claim 6, wherein the amount deducted is predetermined;

the refunded amount is equal to the deducted amount; and

the real time communications comprises telephonic communications.

8. The computer readable media of claim 6, wherein the method further comprises:

presenting the message recorded from the user to the service provider with an option to call back the user for real time communications between the user and the service provider.

9. A communication system, comprising:

a first unit to establish real time communications between a user and a service provider selected by the user; and

a second unit to deduct an amount from the selected service provider and to record a message in response to a failure to establish real time communications between the user and the service provider through a first connection attempt, and to refund an amount to the service provider in response to establishing a connection between the user and the service provider via the recorded message.

10. The system of claim 9, further comprising:

a third unit to present the message recorded from the user to the service provider with an option to call back the user for real time communications between the user and the service provider.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the connection comprises a telephonic connection.