Abstract:
A user may utilize a communication device to contact an information/call center (21-27) where an operator provides personalized information and communication services such as listing, contacts and appointements information. 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 over the Internet. Additionally, appointments information is delivered to the user via a voice connection, SMS, email, facsimile, PDA, etc. Also, a calendaring service helps the user plan a future event and an appointment record concerning the future event is automatically incorporated into the user's calendar. At least, one profile associated with the user is used which specifies the subscribed services and 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.
Abstract:
In communications systems where multiple users may be associated with the same account, the voiceprint of a user is used to identify a profile of the user, facilitating identification of the user's preferences without requesting additional information from the user. The system may also monitor messages played to individual users, to control the playing of the messages to users. Calls made by users associated with the same account may be allocated to the caller initiating the call in bills, based on voiceprints. Voiceprints may be collected for use in deriving voiceprint samples during registration of a user with the system and during conversations between the user and the system. A voiceprint comparison threshold may be set based on the type of phone calling the system, to compensate for noise. Changes in phone numbers and/or addresses of users are monitored and the threshold is adjusted if changes are found.
Abstract:
A system and method is described for providing concierge-like services to individuals requesting such services comprising a pool of operators agents capable of receiving the request for concierge-like services and generating an electronic ticket representing such request and a pool of fulfillment agents capable of receiving the electronic ticket and engaging in such action as necessary to fulfill the request. The agents are networked to directory assistance and concierge databases and to third-party providers of concierge services to facilitate the process.
Abstract:
To facilitate managing his/her email through a Voice E-mail.TM. service, a user is allowed to select one or more sets of commands, with which he/she is familia r or prefers, to be emulated when the user interacts with the service. With this selection in place, when a user communicates with an information assistance provider to access the service, the user is identified and the email data and data concerning the selected commands associated with the user are retrieved. The user may then manage the email data using the select ed commands during the service.
Abstract:
To personalize a voice information delivery service, e.g., directory assistance, a voice email service, stock quotation service and other information assistanc e services, a user is afforded an option to customize automated voices/speeches to deliver information to him/her. The automated voices/speeches may be customized for different services and functions, and/or in terms of urgency, context, etc. of the information to b e voice-delivered. In an illustrative embodiment, the user's voice preferences for voice information deliveries are recorded in a user profile, which are represented by sets of speech characterizing parameters, respectively, based on which a text-to-speech (TTS) engine reads given text information to the user in the corresponding preferred voices/speeches.
Abstract:
In prior art, a user can access a particular information assistance service provider only through the carrier contracting the particular provider by dialing special digits recognized by the carrier's switches. In accordance with the invention, an independent telephone number is assigned to the particular provider which enables the user to call the provider independent of the carrier used. When the user calls the provider for information assistance service using the independent telephone number, a user affiliation file associated with the user is retrieved. Such a file includes information concerning one or more user affiliations recognized by the provider. Part of the service charges incurred in the information assistance call are allocated to the recognized user affiliations, or the user as a credit, discount or other remuneration.
Abstract:
A user may utilize a communication device to contact an information/call center (21-27) where an operator provides personalized information and communication services such as listing, contacts and appointements information. 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 over the Internet. Additionally, appointments information is delivered to the user via a voice connection, SMS, email, facsimile, PDA, etc. Also, a calendaring service helps the user plan a future event and an appointment record concerning the future event is automatically incorporated into the user's calendar. At least, one profile associated with the user is used which specifies the subscribed services and 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.
Abstract:
Search results and information found at an information source are transferre d to a repository, such as an information depot, which is accessible by a number of means, including telephone and Internet. Data identifying a user are maintained at the repository. Information is received from the information source where it is associated with the identifying data. The information is then stored at the repository and released to selected recipients based on instructions from the user that include the identifying data. The repository may be accessed through an information assistance service. The identifying data are used to recognize the user when the user accesses the information at the repository. Recognition may be performed, e.g., using automatic number identification (ANI) or a user voiceprint.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to using an information assistance service to send a message to a desired destination, e.g., an e-mail address, or other addresses associated with wireless telephones, pagers, SMSs, PDAs, PIM systems, etc. The message may include multimedia information, e.g., audio, video and/or text information. The information assistance service provider obtains "message overhead" data, as opposed to message content or body, from the caller or from external or internal databases such as the caller's contacts folders (also known as private directories) and user profiles. Such message overhead data may include "envelope" information such as the destination address (e.g., e-mail address) to which the message is to be delivered, destination name, sender's name and return address (e.g., return e- mail address). The data may also include a carbon copy (CC) address(es), a subject line, a signature, and/or notes for attachment to the message body, as well as a message ID for keeping trac k of the message. The message overhead data are entered automatically into the data fields bas ed on one or more criteria such as the data used in the previous message or the data used most frequently. If the correct data are not available automatically, the operator may type the data in using auto completion. The information assistance service provider transmits the messag e overhead data to a message server, and connects the caller to the message server to record th e message content to complete the message. The message server then integrates the received messag e overhead data with the recorded message content, and sends the resulting message to the desired destination. Using the message ID, the recipient may send a reply to the sender via the information assistance service provider. The reply, which includes reply overhead data and reply message content, may be in the form of a telephone call or an electronic reply or a combination o f the two. The messaging feature of the present invention may be offered to a caller who attempted a call but for some reason the call was incomplete and the caller is returned to the information assistance service provider for more assistance.