Anonymous voice communication between a first station and a second station is facilitated by providing an interface that allows input of a transaction specification from at least one of the first and second stations. A reference code associated with the transaction is generated, there being a defined relationship between the reference code and the address of the second station for voice communication. The reference code is supplied to the first station, and a voice communication request and the reference code are received from the first station. The reference code is used to recover said address and a channel for voice communication is opened between said first and second stations. Voice communication can thereby be established between the first and second stations without providing the address of the second station to the first station.An Internet-based service system for data mining user information is herein disclosed and enabled. The disclosed service system may facilitate users posting information, advertising products/services, connecting to other users, and making transactions over the Internet. data obtained from each transaction submitted through the service are data mined. The collected data may include personal information, private data, interests, intellectual property, etc. To create transactions, the system may create a proposed transaction specifying a transaction between first and second parties based, at least in part, on data mining the first and second party's history of transactions. The service system may transmit a reference code to the first party related to the proposed transaction, and wait to receive a communication request from the first party employing the reference code. The reference code may include text, image(s), video(s), audio, or communication link(s), and the proposed transaction may be an advertisement or matching service.
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0. 38. A method of data mining user information for connecting a first party with a second party over the Internet, the first party and the second party operating respectively a first station and a second station, each station being Internet enabled for transmitting and receiving data to and from a controller, the Internet being at least a packet data network, the controller operating, at least partly, as a service over the Internet to the first party and the second party, and wherein the controller has access to a data storage component storing address information or security information associated with the second party or the second station, the method comprising:
(1) data mining, by the controller and at the first station, information on the first party operating the first station based, at least in part, on data collected from the first station by the controller from a history of transactions involving one or more transactions that are associated with the first party over the Internet;
(2) data mining, by the controller and at the second station, information on the second party at the second station based, at least in part, on data collected from the second station by the controller and from a history of transactions involving one or more transactions that are associated with the second party over the Internet;
(3) verifying, by the controller, identity of the first party at the first station;
(4) creating, by the controller, a proposed first party transaction specification, the proposed first party transaction specification specifying at least a proposed transaction between the first party and the second party, the creating of the proposed first party transaction specification employing, at least in part, the data mining information on the first and second parties collected by the controller in (1) and in (2);
(5) generating, by the controller, a reference code for supplying to the first party at the first station, the reference code being associated, at least partly, with the proposed first party transaction specification created by the controller in (4), and the reference code having a relationship, at least partly, to the second party;
(6) supplying, by the controller, the reference code generated in (5) to the first party at the first station over the Internet, the supplying of the reference code being based on the controller having verified the identity of the first party at the first station in (3); and
(7) receiving, by the controller, a connection request over the Internet from the first party, at the first station, for connecting to the second party, the connection request from the first party employing, at least in part, the reference code previously supplied by the controller in (6) to the first party at the first station; and
wherein a connection between the first party and the second party over the Internet is made without requiring the first party and the second party to provide a transaction specification to the controller specifying a transaction between the first party and the second party prior to the controller creating the proposed first party transaction specification in (4), and wherein the connection between the first party and the second party is made without providing, to the first party at the first station, the address information or the security information that is associated with the second party or the second station and wherein the proposed first party transaction specification, which is created by the controller in (4), is not created by the first party at the first station and is not created by the second party at the second station.
0. 52. A non-transitory storage medium containing a software program executable by at least one processor, at a service system, for connecting a first party with a second party over a packet data network associated with the service system, the first party and the second party operating respectively a first station and a second station, each station being Internet-enabled for accessing the service system that is operating at least partly over the Internet, the software program, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the following at the service system:
verify identity of the first party at the first station;
obtain, by the service system, from the first station and over the packet data network, one or more first party transaction specifications associated with the first party operating the first station, the one or more first party transaction specifications specifying one or more of product information, service information, intellectual property information, content information, qualification information, characteristic information, or interest information, individually or in any combination, related to one or more transactions associated with the first party;
obtain, by the service system, from the second station and over the packet data network, one or more second party transaction specifications associated with the second party, the one or more second party transaction specifications specifying one or more of product information, service information, intellectual property information, content information, qualification information, characteristic information, or interest information, individually or in any combination, related to one or more transactions associated with the second party;
receive, by the service system and from the first party at the first station, an indication of electing into or electing out of a suggestion process;
implement the suggestion process, by the service system, where the suggestion process includes matching, by the service system, the one or more first party transaction specifications with the one or more second party transaction specifications, and the implementing of the suggestion process is based on the service system having received, from the first party at the first station, the indication of electing into the suggestion process;
generate, by the service system, a reference code for supplying to the first party at the first station, the generating of the reference code is related, at least in part, on the suggestion process that includes the matching of the one or more first party transaction specifications and the one or more second party transaction specifications, and the generated reference code having a relationship to the second party, and wherein the generation of the reference code is based, at least in part, on having obtained, by the service system, the one or more first party transaction specifications and the one or more second party transaction specifications;
supply, by the service system, the reference code to the first party at the first station over the packet data network, the supplying of the reference code being based on the service system having verified the identity of the first party at the first station;
receive, by the service system and at the first station, a connection request over the packet data network from the first party for connecting to the second party, the connection request from the first party employing, at least in part, the reference code previously supplied to the first party at the first station by the service system; and
open, by the service system and over the packet data network, a channel for communication between the first party at the first station and the second party at the second station, the opening of the channel is based on the service system having received the connection request from the first party at the first station; and
wherein the channel for communication between the first party and the second party is opened, by the service system, without providing, to the first party at the first station contact information or security information that is associated with the second party; and
wherein a connection between the first party and the second party over the packet data network is made without requiring the first party and the second party to provide a transaction specification to the service system specifying a transaction between the first party and the second party prior to the service system generating the reference code, and wherein the reference code, which is generated by the service system, is not generated by the first party at the first station and is not generated by the second party at the second station.
0. 46. An apparatus for connecting a first party with a second party over the Internet without requiring the second party to provide, to the first party, security information or address information that is associated with the second party, the first party and the second party operating respectively a first station and a second station, each station being an Internet-enabled device, the apparatus including:
one or more data storage units;
one or more processors operating at a network node over the Internet, and software executable, at least in part, by the one or more processors of the apparatus to:
verify, by the apparatus over the Internet, identity of the first party at the first station;
obtain, by the apparatus over the Internet and from the first station, one or more first party transaction specifications associated with the first party, the one or more first party transaction specifications specifying one or more of product information, service information, intellectual property information, content information, qualification information, characteristic information, or interest information, individually or in any combination, related to one or more transactions associated with the first party operating the first station over the Internet;
obtain, by the apparatus over the Internet and from the second station, one or more second party transaction specifications associated with the second party, the one or more second party transaction specifications specifying one or more of product information, service information, intellectual property information, content information, qualification information, characteristic information, or interest information, individually or in any combination, related to one or more transactions associated with the second party operating the second station over the Internet;
create, by the apparatus, a proposed first party transaction specification, the proposed first party transaction specification specifying at least a proposed transaction between the first party at the first station and the second party at the second station, the creating of the proposed first party transaction specification being based, at least in part, on matching the one or more first party transaction specifications with the one or more second party transaction specifications obtained by the controller;
generate, by the apparatus, a reference code for supplying to the first party at the first station, the reference code being associated with the proposed first party transaction specification, and the reference code having a relationship with the one or more second party transaction specifications obtained, by the apparatus, from the second station, and the generation of the reference code being based, at least in part, on the apparatus having obtained the one or more first party transaction specifications and the one or more second party transaction specifications;
supply, by the apparatus, the reference code to the first party at the first station over the Internet, the supplying of the reference code being subsequent to having verified, by the apparatus, the identity of the first party at the first station;
receive, by the apparatus, a connection request from the first party at the first station over the Internet for connecting to the second party, the connection request from the first party employing, at least in part, the reference code previously supplied to the first party at the first station over the Internet; and
open, by the apparatus and over the Internet, a communication channel between the first party at the first station and the second party at the second station subsequent to having received, by the apparatus, the connection request from the first station over the Internet; and
wherein the opening of the communication channel between the first party and the second party, by the apparatus, is made without requiring the second party at the second station to provide to the first party at the first station, the security information or the address information that is associated with the second party; and
wherein the one or more data storage units are accessible by the software, and the software is executable by the one or more processors for storing, at the one or more data storage units, at least part of user information that includes information related to the first party and the second party; and
wherein a connection between the first party and the second party over the Internet is made without requiring the first party at the first station to provide a transaction specification to the one or more processors specifying a proposed transaction between the first party and the second party prior to the apparatus supplying the reference code to the first party at the first station.
0. 59. A controller for connecting at least a first party with a second party over the Internet based on data mining user information, the at least a first party and the at least a second party operating respectively at least a first station and a second station, each station being an Internet-enabled device, the controller including:
one or more data storage units;
one or more processors operating at a network node over the Internet; and
software executable, at least in part, by the one or more processors of the controller to:
verify, by the controller over the Internet, identity of one or more first parties operating one or more first stations, the one or more first stations being Internet-enabled devices;
data mine, by the controller over the Internet, information on the one or more first parties based, at least in part, on data collected by the controller from a history of transactions involving one or more transactions associated with the one or more first parties operating the one or more first stations over the Internet;
verify, by the controller over the Internet, identity of the second party operating the second station;
obtain, by the controller over the Internet, an initial transaction specification from the second party operating the second station specifying at least one parameter associated with a transaction between the second party and the one or more first parties;
match, by the controller over the Internet, the second party with at least one matched first party from among the one or more first parties operating the one or more first stations, the at least one matched first party operating at least a first party station that is an Internet-enabled device, the matching by the controller includes the controller using the at least one parameter included in the initial transaction specification and the data mining information collected by the controller on the one or more first parties from the history of transactions involving the one or more transactions associated with the one or more first parties;
create, by the controller over the Internet, a proposed transaction specification, the proposed transaction specification specifying at least a proposed transaction between the at least one matched first party and the second party, the creating of the proposed transaction specification being based on the controller having matched the second party with the at least one matched first party from among the one or more first parties;
provide, by the controller over the Internet, the proposed transaction specification to the second party;
receive, by the controller over the Internet, a second party transaction specification from the second party, the second party transaction specification received from the second party is based, at least in part, on the proposed transaction specification provided by the controller, and the second party transaction specification includes one or more of product information, service information, intellectual property information, content information, qualification information, characteristic information, or interest information, individually or in any combination, associated with the second party, and the second party transaction specification is associated with one or more transactions between the second party and the at least one matched first party;
generate, by the controller over the Internet, a reference code for supplying to the at least one matched first party at the at least one first party station, the reference code having a relationship with the second party transaction specification received from the second party operating the second station;
supply, by the controller over the Internet, the reference code to the at least one matched first party at the at least one first party station over the Internet, the supplying of the reference code being subsequent to having verified identity of the least one matched first party at the at least one first party station; and
receive, by the controller over the Internet, a connection request from the at least one matched first party at the at least one first party station over the Internet for connecting to the second party, the connection request from the at least one matched first party employing, at least in part, the reference code previously supplied to the at least one matched first party at the at least one first party station; and
wherein the one or more data storage units are accessible by the software and the software is executable by the one or more processors for storing at least part of user information that includes information related to the at least one matched first party at the at least one first party station and the second party; and
wherein a connection between the at least one matched first party and the second party over the Internet is made without requiring the at least one matched first party at the at least one first party station to provide a transaction specification that specifies a transaction between the at least one matched first party and the second party to the controller, prior to the controller supplying the reference code to the at least one matched first party at the at least one first party station.
0. 1. A method of facilitating anonymous communication between a first station and a second station, the second station having an address for communication, and each station being enabled to transmit and receive packet data and being connected directly to a packet data network, the method comprising:
providing a transaction specification from at least one of the first and second stations,
generating a reference code in response to the transaction specification, there being a defined relationship between the reference code and said address,
supplying the reference code to at least the first station,
receiving a communication request from the first station,
receiving the reference code from the first station,
using the reference code to recover said address, and
opening a channel for communication between said first and second stations,
whereby anonymous communication can be established between the first and second stations without providing said address to the first station.
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0. 30. A method of establishing anonymous communication between a first station and a second station, the second station having an address for communication, and each station being enabled to transmit and receive packet data and being connected directly to a packet data network, the method comprising:
supplying a transaction specification as packet data over the packet data network from at least one of the first and second stations to a controller,
generating a reference code in response to the transaction specification at the controller, there being a defined relationship between the reference code and said address,
supplying the reference code from the controller to at least the first station,
making a communication request from the first station to the controller,
supplying the reference code from the first station to the controller,
using the controller to recover said address from the reference code, and
opening a channel for communication between said first and second stations.
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0. 33. An apparatus for facilitating anonymous communication between a first party and a second party employing first and second stations respectively, each station being enabled to transmit and receive packet data and being connected directly to a packet data network, the second party having an address for communication, including
a means for enabling negotiation of a transaction specification over the packet data network,
a means for generating a reference code, there being a defined relationship between the reference code and said address, and for supplying the reference code to at least the first party, a means for receiving a communication request from at least the first party and for receiving the reference code from at least the first party,
a means for using the reference code to recover said address, and
a means for opening a communication channel between said first party and said address without supplying said address to the first party.
0. 34. An apparatus according to 33, wherein the means for opening a communication channel includes a means to test whether a connection is established.
0. 35. An apparatus according to 33, further comprising means to verify the communication request against at least one criterion specified in the transaction specification before opening a communication channel between the first party and said address.
0. 36. A method according to
0. 37. A method according to
0. 39. The method according to claim 38, in which the controller has access to the data storage component storing the address or security information associated with the second party or the second station, the method further comprising:
verifying, by the controller, identity of the second party at the second station;
recovering, by the controller, the address or the security information from the data storage component in response to the connection request received from the first party over the Internet in (7); and
opening, by the controller and over the Internet, a communication channel between the first party at the first station and the second party at the second station, without providing, to the first party, the address or the security information that is associated with the second party or the second station; and
wherein the opening of the communication channel between the first party and the second party is subsequent to having verified, by the controller, the identity of the second party at the second station.
0. 40. The method according to claim 39, in which the reference code includes one or more of an image, a graphic, or a video, individually or in any combination, for displaying on a visual screen display at the first station;
wherein the communication channel for communication between the first party and the second party is made between the first station and the second station over the Internet, and the communication channel between the first party and the second party includes at least one of chat, messaging, video communication, voice communication, or an e-mail; and
wherein the creating of the proposed first party transaction specification in (4) is subsequent to the controller having obtained, at the second station and over the Internet, one or more transaction specifications associated with the second party; and
wherein the first station and the second station are each directly connected to the packet data network for connecting to the Internet.
0. 41. The method according to claim 38, wherein the proposed first party transaction specification created by the controller in (4) is supplied, at least partly, to the first party at the first station, the proposed first party transaction specification is to facilitate, using the first station, the first party placing one or more transactions with the second party at the second station, and the proposed first party transaction specification including one or more of product information, service information, intellectual property information, content information, qualification information, interest information, or characteristic information, individually or in any combination, related to the second party.
0. 42. The method according to claim 41, wherein the method further comprises obtaining, by the controller and over the Internet, one or more transaction specifications that are associated with the second party from the second station, the one or more transaction specifications that are associated with the second party include information that is related to the second party and that is posted by the second party on web pages, the posted information on the web pages being related to one or more of qualification information, characteristic information, product information, service information, intellectual property information, interest information, or content information, individually or in any combination, related to the second party, and
wherein the connection request, received by the controller over the Internet, from the first party for connecting to the second party in (7) includes at least one of voice communication, an email, or an instant message.
0. 43. The method according to claim 38, in which the creating of the proposed first party transaction specification further includes matching, by the controller, the data mining information related to the first party with the data mining information related to the second party.
0. 44. The method according to claim 42, further comprising:
obtaining, by the controller and over the Internet, one or more transaction specifications that are associated with the first party, the one or more transaction specifications specifying one or more of product information, service information, intellectual property information, content information, qualification information, or characteristic information, individually or in any combination, related to one or more transactions associated with the first party operating the first station over the Internet;
data mining information on the first party, by the controller and at the first station based, at least in part, on data collected by the controller from a history of transactions involving the one or more transactions that are associated with the first party over the Internet; and
charging, by the controller, a fee from at least one of the first party or the second party for providing services, by the controller, to the first party or the second party, the provided services are associated with facilitating communication or interaction between the first party and the second party over the Internet.
0. 45. The method according to claim 44 in which, prior to creating, by the controller, the proposed first party transaction specification specifying at least the proposed transaction between the first party and the second party in (4), the method further comprises:
obtaining, by the controller and from the first party at the first station or the second party at the second station, an initial transaction specification specifying at least one parameter associated with a proposed transaction between the first party and the second party; and
wherein the proposed first party transaction specification, created by the controller in (4), further matches, at least partly, the at least one parameter specified in the initial transaction specification obtained from the first party or the second party; and wherein the creating of the proposed first party transaction specification is further based, at least in part, on matching the data mining information related to the first party with the initial transaction specification.
0. 47. The apparatus according to claim 46 in which the reference code includes video or audio, and wherein the Internet includes a packet data network; and wherein each station is an Internet-enabled device that is further connected directly to the packet data network for sending and receiving packet data, and wherein at least the first station is a smart phone that includes a touch sensitive screen.
0. 48. The apparatus according to claim 46, wherein the software is further executable, at least in part, by the one or more processors to:
store, by the one or more processors and in a database that is accessible by the apparatus, one or more transaction histories associated with one or more users operating one or more user stations, the one or more users include at least the second party;
data mine, by the apparatus, the one or more transaction histories of the one or more users; and
create one or more proposed first party transaction specifications specifying at least a proposed transaction between the first party and the one or more users, the creating of the one or more proposed first party transaction specifications being based, at least in part, on the apparatus having data mined the one or more transaction histories associated with the one or more users operating the one or more user stations.
0. 49. The apparatus according to claim 48, wherein the software is further executable, at least in part, by the one or more processors to send the proposed first party transaction specification, which was created by the apparatus, to the first party over the Internet at the first station, the proposed first party transaction specification further including at least one of contact information, an address, or security information related to the second party, individually or in any combination, and wherein each station is an Internet-enabled device that is further connected directly to a packet data network for sending and receiving packet data; and
wherein the apparatus data mines, at the first station, the user information on the first party, based, at least in part, on data collected by the apparatus from a history of transactions involving the one or more transactions associated with the first party over the Internet, and
wherein the creating of the proposed first party transaction specification is based, at least in part, on matching the data mined information on the first party with the one or more second party transaction specifications associated with the second party.
0. 50. The apparatus according to claim 47 wherein the software is further executable, at least in part, by the one or more processors of the apparatus to:
verify, by the apparatus over the Internet, identity of the second party at the second station;
obtain, by the apparatus and from the second station, the one or more second party transaction specifications over the Internet associated with the second party operating the second station; and
charge, by the apparatus, at least one of the first party or the second party, a fee for facilitating transactions or interactions over the Internet; and
wherein the reference code supplied to the first party at the first station over the Internet is based, at least in part, on the one or more second party transaction specifications that is obtained by the apparatus;
wherein the proposed first party transaction specification that is created by the apparatus is not created by the first party at the first station and is not created by the second party at the second station, and
and wherein the communication channel opened by the apparatus between the first party and the second party includes at least one of chat, messaging, video communication, voice communication, or an e-mail.
0. 51. The apparatus according to claim 50 in which supplying the reference code to the first party at the first station is facilitated by one or more of chat, messaging, video communication, voice communication, web publishing, visual display, or e-mail, individually or in any combination, over the Internet, and wherein each station is an Internet-enabled device that is further connected directly to a packet data network for sending and receiving packet data.
0. 53. The non-transitory storage medium of claim 52, wherein the reference code includes one or more letters, numbers, or symbols, individually or in any combination, and the reference code further includes one or more of an image, a graphic, or video, individually or in any combination, and wherein the reference code is supplied to the first party visually via a screen display at the first station.
0. 54. The non-transitory storage medium of claim 53, further comprising a software program executable by the at least one processor to:
verify, by the service system and over the packet data network, identity of the second party at the second station;
receive an initial transaction specification from the first party operating the first station or the second party operating the second station specifying at least one parameter associated with a proposed transaction; and
subsequent to receiving the initial transaction specification from the first party or the second party, the software program is further executable by the at least one processor to create, by the service system, the reference code, wherein the reference code matches, at least partly, with the at least one parameter specified in the initial transaction specification.
0. 55. The non-transitory storage medium of claim 52, further comprising a software program executable by the at least one processor to:
store, in a database, the contact information or the security information that is associated with the second party at the second station or the second station, where the contact information or the security information includes a physical address, a phone number, or an IP address associated with the second party at the second station;
recover the contact information or the security information in response to the connection request received from the first party at the first station over the packet data network; and
open the channel for communication between the first party and the second party without providing, to the first party, the contact information or the security information that is associated with the second party or the second station.
0. 56. The non-transitory storage medium of claim 52, wherein the connection over the packet data network between the first party at the first station and the second party at the second station is facilitated by one or more of chat, messaging, image communication, video communication, voice communication, web publishing, visual screen display, or e-mail, individually or in any combination, and wherein at least one of the first station or the second station is a smart phone, and
wherein the connection request, received by the service system, from the first party for connecting to the second party includes at least one of voice communication, an email or an instant message.
0. 57. The non-transitory storage medium of claim 52, wherein, subsequent to obtaining the one or more first party transaction specifications and the one or more second party transaction specifications, the non-transitory storage medium further comprises a software program executable by the at least one processor to:
data mine information on the first party, by the service system and at the first station, based, at least in part, on data collected from the first station by the service system from a history of transactions involving the one or more transactions associated with the first party over the packet data network;
data mine information on the second party, by the service system and at the second station, based, at least in part, on data collected from the second station by the service system from a history of transactions involving the one or more transactions associated with the second party over the packet data network; and
generate the reference code for supplying to the first party at the first station, the generating of the reference code further includes, at least in part, matching of the data mined information on the first party and the data mined information on the second party, and the generated reference code having a relationship to the second party operating the second station, and
wherein the generating of the reference code being subsequent to the service system having received, from the first party operating the first station, the indication of electing into the suggestion process.
0. 58. The non-transitory storage medium of claim 57, further comprising a software program executable by the at least one processor to charge, by the service system, a fee from at least one of the first party or the second party for providing, by the service system, services associated with facilitating communication links, transactions, or interactions, individually or in any combination, over the packet data network, between the first party and the second party.
0. 60. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the software is further executable, at least in part, by the one or more processors of the apparatus to:
generate, by the apparatus, a first party reference code for supplying to the second party at the second station, the first party reference code being associated with the proposed first party transaction specification specifying at least the proposed transaction between the first party at the first station and the second party at the second station, and the first party reference code having a relationship with the one or more first party transaction specifications obtained, by the apparatus, from the first station;
supply, by the apparatus, the first party reference code to the second party at the second station over the Internet, and suggest, by the apparatus and to the second party, a proposed transaction between the first party at the first station and the second party at the second station, and the supplying of the first party reference code being subsequent to having verified, by the apparatus, the identity of the second party at the second station;
receive, by the apparatus, from the second party at the second station over the Internet, a connection request from the second party for connecting to the first party at the first station, the receiving of the connection request from the second party being subsequent to the apparatus having supplied the first party reference code to the second party at the second station, and the receiving of the connection request from the second party being subsequent to the apparatus having suggested the proposed transaction between the first party at the first station and the second party at the second station; and
open, by the apparatus and over the Internet, a communication channel between the first party at the first station and the second party at the second station subsequent to having received, by the apparatus, the connection request from the first station over the Internet and the connection request from the second party at the second station over the Internet; and
wherein a connection between the first party and the second party over the Internet is made without requiring the second party at the second station to provide a transaction specification to the one or more processors specifying a proposed transaction between the first party and the second party prior to the apparatus supplying the first party reference code to the second party at the second station.
0. 61. The apparatus of claim 60, wherein the first party reference code is supplied by the apparatus to the second party at the second station subsequent to the apparatus having received the connection request from the first party at the first station over the Internet for connecting to the second party.
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As yet another example, a service or system supporting integration may implement analytical services based on information (e.g., stored by the service/system) about users of the service/system, particularly in the context of voice communication. The service/system may be implemented to gather such information, either from the user, or from other users, or from third party sources or from the user's activity within the service/system. In the context of an information marketplace, this information may comprise some or all of the characteristics, qualifications and/or profiles of the participant.
An illustration of this feature is implementation of the service/system to analyze for matches between individuals and/or entities and, based on those matches, to establish communication links between the matched parties. In so establishing these links, the service/system may merely suggest that the parties communicate or may automatically initiate the links. Indeed, the service/system may be configured so that either or both parties may elect in or out of this matching feature and, if electing in, may select between suggestion and automatic treatment. In any such case, the service/system preferably provides information to each party about the other (e.g., interests and expertise, and why/how the match occurred). Particularly in the case of automatic initiation, the service/system preferably makes such provision in advance (e.g., prior to the call or at the outset of the connection with each party).
For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which
Turning to the Figures,
It is to be recognized that, although devices 14, 16 are shown separately from corresponding devices 26, 28, the functions of the respective devices may be provided via one apparatus, without departing from the principles of the invention. To illustrate, the devices 14 and 26, as well as the devices 16 and 28, may be integrated, e.g., as a Web-enabled digital cellular phone, and/or a connected personal computer with a speaker and microphone. Dotted lines 15 are set forth to indicate these configuration options.
The packet data network 18 typically is a packet switched network and preferably operates using open protocols. The network 18 generally is the Internet, but it can also comprise other publicly available networks, as well as private networks, such as a local area network (LAN) and/or an intranet. The packet data network 18 can also be a combination of these types of networks, or otherwise, so long as it provides the functions described herein.
The servers 20-22 may be variously implemented provided they support the functions described herein and, in particular, support the integration of voice communication and anonymity. Accordingly, servers 20-22 may be singular or plural in number.
The servers 20-22 preferably comprise Web servers implemented to host at least one and typically plural Web sites. Generally, such servers 20-22 host the front ends of such Web sites, which typically are otherwise independent (e.g. separately owned and/or operated) of the servers 20-22.
It is to be recognized that the servers 20-22, in providing a service to independent Web sites, may also be implemented to support (directly or indirectly) features, functions, services and applications other than the integration of voice and anonymity. That support reflects that the hosted Web sites may offer a variety of features, functions, services and applications (e.g., information marketplaces). These features, functions, services and applications may be recognized by users who access one or more of the Web pages typically comprising a hosted Web site. These features, functions, services and applications may also be unrecognized by (or even hidden from) users, such as, as examples, directory service, database inquiry, transaction processing, and security monitoring.
It is also to be recognized that the servers 20-22 may enable communication other than by voice. As such, the servers 20-22 may comprise email, fax, text messaging or other servers operating via packet data network 18. It is also to be recognized that the servers 20-22 may comprise gateways to the communication network 30, such as to provide voice messaging. In this latter example, the servers 20-22 may support either/both voice recognition (e.g., to acquire and identify all or part of incoming messages) and/or voice synthesis (e.g., to deliver messages with users, either in established network mailboxes or for personal delivery to the user or their message machine).
Controller unit 24 typically is implemented to manage and coordinate operation of the service/system so as to integrate voice communication and anonymity. In the case of an information marketplace, the unit 24 preferably provides for establishment of communication links between an initiator and an expert, particularly when the initiator requests voice communications, and while ensuring the anonymity of either/both the initiator and/or the expert.
Communication network 30 may be variously implemented. In one embodiment, the network 30 comprises a conventional, circuit-switched network (e.g., the public switched telephone network (“PSTN”)). In another embodiment, the network 30 comprises a packet-switched network, such as the Internet, supporting VoIP. In still another embodiment, the network 30 comprises a private data network which embodiment tends to provide an enhanced service level (e.g., quality of service). In yet another embodiment, the network 30 is optimized to employ a combination of one or more of the above-described embodiments, depending on factors such as what technologies are available to each user, quality of service needs, user convenience, costs incurred and fees charged (e.g., user-selected fee rates), and the like.
It is to be recognized that although the communication network 30 and packet data network 18 are illustrated as separate elements in
The above-described components of the service/system are coupled among one another by wired or wireless technologies, or both. From coupling to coupling, these technologies may comprise network equipment, such as, but not limited to, servers, modems, routers, bridges and gateways. Such network equipment is well known and understood by one of ordinary skill in that art and, as such, is not shown in
Various signals are transmitted between and among components of the service/system. The signals include transaction specification 32, connection instruction 34, reference code 36, and communication record 40.
Transaction specifications 32 include specifications, characteristics and other parameters (referred to sometimes hereafter, in the context of transaction specifications, individually and collectively as “parameters”) associated with and describing a proposed transaction. These parameters preferably include the type of product/service being exchanged, the quality of the product/service, fees or other price, if any (e.g., pre-agreed fees), delivery or appointment time(s), and other related requirements. These parameters preferably also includes an indication as to whether there is a request for anonymous voice communication and/or any other specification of whether the transaction is to comprise voice communication. These parameters may also include additional information sought by the service/system, such as to obtain information (a) omitted from submitted transaction specification(s), (b) related to submitted transaction specifications, (c) sought by the service/system, and/or (d) combinations of these. Additional information, as an example, may include data as to which user initiates an appointed transaction wherein voice communication is requested/accepted and/or the related contact information for use by the service/system to preserve anonymity in establishing the connection for the applicable communication.
Transaction specifications 32 may be obtained from various combinations of user(s). As one example, only one of the users 10, 12 provides a transaction specification 32 in connection with a particular transaction. In such case, a user that does not provide a specification 32 typically will have furnished the same, similar or sufficient information, in advance, to the service/system. That information preferably is relevant to transactions generally (e.g., fees, times available, etc.). Also, that information may be provided actively (e.g., by completing information requests of the service/system) or passively (e.g., by the service/system's collection of data and/or data mining of same in the context of the user's history of transactions). In having furnished such advance information, a user is relieved of providing a transaction specification 32. It is to be recognized, however, that this relief may be case-by-case (e.g., as to specific transactions, or parameters thereof, such as, a listed user) and/or time-to-time (e.g., as to transaction posed for certain time frames), such that, in any particular case or time, this user may ultimately submit a transaction specification 32 (e.g., when polled by the service/system).
In an alternative, one user may be relieved of providing a transaction specification because the system/server effectively provides that user's transaction specification. This circumstance may arise variously, e.g., based on the business model or other operation standards of the service/system. In a particular case of this alternative, the system/server or either/both users may establish that only the transaction specification 32 of the user initiating communication is to be obtained/recognized (e.g., in an information marketplace, the initiator's transaction specification 32 controls). In another particular case, the system/server or either/both users may establish that only the transaction specification 32 of the user sought for communication is to be obtained/recognized (e.g., in an information marketplace, the expert's transaction specification 32 controls). In any case, the relief may be case-by-case and/or time-to-time, as described above.
As an extension of the above, the service/system also supports operation wherein neither party provides transaction specifications 32. In accordance with the above, this extension responds to both users providing advance information relevant to transaction specifications 32. Based on that information (and perhaps responsive to observed patterns of a user's conduct, e.g., Web surfing), the service/system determines one or more transactions that may be available and/or appropriate to the users. Preferably, the service/system provides to each user the parameters of the transaction(s) available to the respective user (e.g., via servers 20-22, as Web-page content, as an email, as an instant message, as a fax (Internet- or POTS-based), and/or as a voice message). The service/system may be implemented to schedule a particular transaction, or suggest a schedule for same.
As another example, both users 10, 12 provide transaction specifications 32. This example admits various cases. In one case, the transaction specifications 32 are the same. This case applies where the specification have character-by-character congruence. This case also applies where one user acknowledges the other's specification, either explicitly or tacitly (e.g., where the specification is negotiated to agreement between the parties in advance, as described further below). This case yet also applies where one user abdicates, for whatever reason, to the other user's specification.
In another case, the transaction specifications are different. In this case, one or both user(s) may provide information, which is specific to that user or otherwise irrelevant to, outside the knowledge of, and/or not assigned by the service/system to be provided by, the other user. To illustrate, each user may provide a user name and/or contact information that differs from the other. To illustrate further, one user may provide data about the transaction that is required solely from that user by the service/system (e.g., in the context of an information marketplace, an expert is required to provide a curriculum as to the instant transaction). In either such case, the service/system may participate similar to as described above when one or no user provides transaction specifications 32 to relieve one or both users from having to provide certain information in the respective transaction specifications 32 (e.g., the same or different information for each user), including, or not, from case-to-case and time-to-time.
Transaction specification(s) 32 may also involve various processes. As an example, one or more users may submit a transaction specification 32 based on negotiation with the other user and/or the service/system. The negotiation may be conducted via a communication network (e.g., POTS or fax) and/or a packet data network (e.g., email and/or instant messaging) and/or otherwise. In one alternative, the negotiation may be conducted, in whole or in part, via the service/system. In one form of this alternative, the negotiation may be conducted via the transaction specifications 32, where these specifications are submitted and, as necessary, iteratively re-submitted by each of the negotiating users (and/or the service/system) toward reaching agreement. At the same time, the negotiation may be conducted via the service/system other than through use of the transaction specifications 32. In any case, any such negotiation preferably culminates in each submitting user's submission of a transaction specification that is final to the transaction.
In any case, a negotiation generally implicates some or all of the parameters of the transaction. Following negotiation of the implicated parameters, the submitting users preferably submit respective specifications 32 reflecting the agreements with the other users and/or service/system. If not all parameters are negotiated to agreement; the submitting users may submit the transaction specification 32 based on an implementation wherein the service/system arbitrates the undecided parameters. In such case, the service/system may be implemented not only to arbitrate the undecided parameters, but also to mediate agreement on such parameters (e.g., by providing alternatives of same to users), and/or to determine such parameters and/or to suggest changes or determine changes to otherwise agreed on parameters.
In the context of an information marketplace, an initiator and expert may engage in a negotiation process toward agreeing on the parameters of one information transaction (or plural information transactions), and submission of one or more specifications 32 relating to the information transaction. The negotiation may involve give and take by both participants. On the other hand, the negotiation may be straightforward, such as if the expert simply accepts the parameters proposed by the initiator, or vice versa (e.g., the initiator may accept all the parameters set forth by the expert via Web pages or otherwise via the service/system). In this context, the participants may submit separate-but-congruent transaction specifications, or they may submit only one transaction specification between them, with the non-submitting participant either acknowledging that specification (e.g., an express indication that the participant has reviewed and approved the specification) or not.
The transaction specification(s) 32 preferably are obtained through the packet data network 18. More specifically, the transaction specifications preferably are obtained via servers 20-22, e.g., as Web page content, as email, as instant message, as an Internet-based fax and/or otherwise. However, the transaction specifications may be obtained via the communication network 30, e.g., as POTS-based fax and/or as a voice message. In this latter aspect, the transaction specifications preferably are obtained and recognized automatically, e.g., through voice and or character recognition.
A connection instruction 34 provides information on a proposed connection between users 10, 12. A connection instruction's information may be variously configured, e.g., from service/system to service/system, or from type to type. As an example, a connection instruction 34 may include one or more of a connection's type (e.g., email, chat, voice, video, etc.), time frames (e.g., day/date for initiation and conclusion), connection process (e.g., which user(s) initiate, via what network(s) and how), charging method (e.g., by duration, connection time or fixed sum) and contact information (e.g., phone number, IP address, domain name, Web server information, security information, chat alias and/or email address). Generally, the connection instruction(s) 34 include contact information of at least one user in the proposed communication.
As an illustrative example, the servers 20-22 provide one or more connection instruction(s) 34 in association with an applicable transaction between users 10, 12. The servers 20-22 preferably generate connection instruction(s) 34 based on and/or responsive to one or more transaction specifications 32. The servers 20-22 may also generate connection instruction(s) 34 based on and/or responsive to information stored within the service/system, such as within databases associated with one or more servers 20-22 (e.g., user profile databases). This latter information may include, as non-exhaustive examples, either/both associated billing preferences and/or contact information.
The servers might not have access to the same transaction instruction(s) and/or the same information from other sources, including databases. Accordingly, a transaction may associate with plurality of connection instructions 34. These instructions may not be equivalent. Typically, however, they are complementary or supplementary of one another.
Also as an illustrative example, a connection instruction 34 is assembled from information extracted from one or more transaction specifications 32. In the specific case of transactions involving voice communication, one or more servers 20-22 extract information relevant to voice communication (e.g., voice communication request, connection time frame, payment method, who initiates the call, etc.) and assemble that information into one or more connection instructions 34. These connection instructions 34 may provide for voice communication in combination with one or more other forms of communication.
If the transaction specification 32 directs other than voice communication, the applicable servers 20-22 extract and assemble a connection instruction 34 relevant to that communication type. In this latter case, however, the service/system may also be implemented to provide connection instructions 34 that cover voice communication (i.e., even if not originally requested). To do so, the service/system may provide the information for voice communication either in a separate connection instruction or integrated in one connection instruction.
Servers 20-22 preferably forward connection instructions 34 to the controller unit 24. It is to be recognized that the controller unit 24 may receive connection instruction(s) from multiple, independent servers. It is also to be recognized that the controller unit 24 may be implemented to generate connection instructions, either instead of or in conjunction with the servers 20-22 (e.g., where transaction specifications are obtained via the communication network 30, e.g., as POTS-based fax subject to character recognition and/or as a voice messaging subject to voice recognition). In this latter case, the connection instructions 34 preferably are based on and/or responsive to one or more transaction specifications 32, together with or apart from information stored within the service/system, such as within databases associated with one or more servers 20-22 (e.g., user profile databases).
The controller unit 24 preferably stores the connection instruction(s) 34. The storage can be variously implemented, e.g., in format, duration and/or comprehensiveness. As an example, the storage may be terminated after the applicable communication is completed, so as to erase the associated information. As another example, only a portion of the storage may be terminated and/or some information archived, with any retained information used for various purposes, e.g., such as for billing or tracking purposes.
The controller unit 24 preferably also is implemented to generate one or more reference codes 36 in association with an applicable transaction between users 10, 12. The controller unit preferably generates the reference codes 36 based on and/or responsive to one or more connection instructions 34. In that, each reference code 36 preferably corresponds uniquely to the implicated connection instructions 34.
It is to be recognized that the controller unit 24 may also generate reference codes 36 based on and/or responsive to information stored within the service/system, such as within databases associated with the unit 24 and/or one or more servers 20-22 (e.g., user profile databases). This generation may be apart from or, preferably, together with one or more connection instructions 34.
It is also to be recognized that the controller unit 24 may be implemented to generate reference codes based on and/or responsive to information obtained directly from one or more transaction specifications 32. The unit 24 may so generate together with or apart from one, plural or all connection instructions 34. The unit 24 may so generate together with or apart from some or all information stored within the service/system (e.g., contact information).
In any case, reference codes 36 preferably are generated in association with transactions so as to uniquely correspond thereto. In particular, reference codes 36 preferably are generated to enable the connection process associated with transactions. In addition, reference codes 36 are generated to enable tracking of transactions. As to the latter, in information marketplaces, reference codes provide for tracking a user's information transactions and, in particular, enable identification and cataloging of such user's various information transactions. As previously described, tracking responds to the circumstance that a user will tend to have a history of transactions and, at any given time, may be involved in several transactions, with each such past and current transactions typically having different attributes and connection criteria. Tracking transactions preferably is implemented so as (a) to differentiate among transactions, even if the transactions are between the same two users and (b) to record, for each such transaction, the transaction's attributes, such as, but not limited to, the parameters and other information associated with transaction specifications and/or, if any, connection instructions and/or other service/system information (e.g., fees or other pricing, actual elapsed time).
Reference codes 36 may be variously implemented. In one implementation, reference codes 36 comprise one or more, and generally combinations of, letters, numbers and symbols. In other implementations, reference codes 36 may comprise graphics, images, video, and voice patterns, or combinations of these, with or without any letters, numbers or symbols. Reference codes may comprise one or more groups of the above, (e.g., if the reference code comprises a code body and password, it may be provided as one or two sets of numbers, letters, etc.). Reference codes may also be provided variously to user(s), including, as examples, visually (e.g., by screen display, printed document, video), audibly (e.g., by voice or voice mail) or by methods hidden from a user's perception.
In addition to generating reference codes 36, the controller unit 24 preferably also provides for storing such codes. The storage can be variously implemented, e.g., in format, duration and/or comprehensiveness. As an example, the storage may be terminated after the applicable communication is completed, so as to erase any or all associated information. As another example, only a portion of the storage may be terminated and/or some information archived, with any retained information used for various purposes, e.g., such as for billing or tracking purposes and/or so that reference codes can be recycled for use in future transactions. (Storage of reference codes is further described below in connection with reference code database 100.)
In addition to generating reference codes, the controller unit 24 preferably also provides for transmission of reference codes to one or more users in the applicable transaction. Preferably, the unit 24 so provides via the packet data network 18. As an illustrative example, the unit 24 so provides by furnishing the respective codes 36 to one or more selected servers 20-22, enabling the servers 20-22 to transmit the codes 36 to respective users 10, 12 via the network 18. The selected servers 20-22 may be Web servers, email servers, chat servers, Internet-fax servers or otherwise. In the case of a Web server, the user preferably is enabled to access the codes either audibly, visibly and/or in a secure, hidden form (e.g., so that only the system—preferably authenticated—recognizes and can act on all or certain of the codes).
It is to be recognized that the unit 24 may be implemented to provide the reference codes via the communication network 30, together with or apart from provision via the packet data network 18. In this implementation, the unit 24 preferably transmits the codes via a PSTN gateway (e.g., for voice or standard fax transmission). In voice transmission, the unit 24 typically employs voice synthesis for communication and, preferably, has access to voice mail, either PSTN-supported or via a subscriber's private answering machine. Provision of the reference codes via the communication network 30 may be together with, or apart from, provision of such codes via the packet data network 18.
In the provision of references codes 36 to users, various approaches may be taken, particularly based on enabled and/or applicable connection processes. In one example, an information marketplace may be implemented so that (a) the initiator receives a reference code, but the expert does not, or (b) the expert receives a reference code while the initiator does not, or (c) both parties receive the reference code, or (d) neither party receives the reference code (e.g., a form of immediate connection).
In their provision to users, the reference codes 36 typically enable the connection process. In one example of a connection process, one or more reference codes are provided together with contact information. In another example of a connection process, one caller may be volunteered, assigned or otherwise designated to initiate contact (the “designated caller”). The designated caller typically initiates contact with the other user via the controller unit 24, particularly through one or both of the packet data or communication networks 18, 30. In doing so, the designated caller typically submits their reference code. That submission may be accompanied, or not, by the other user submitting their reference code.
In the connection process, the submission of reference codes may be accomplished variously. As examples, a user may submit reference codes by voicing the reference code (e.g., via VoIP or POTS), by keying in the code (e.g., for Internet submission via chat, email, or the like, or for POTS submission via tone or pulse coding), or combination or otherwise.
The service/system receives the reference codes so entered by one or more users and determines whether the codes are proper. If the entered codes are proper, the service/system establishes connections (e.g., VoIP and/or telephone calls) between/among users. Codes may be proper under various criteria (e.g., all or part of the entered codes matches exactly another entered code (or part thereof) and/or matches such other entered code under predetermined criteria and/or matches exactly, matches under predetermined criteria or is otherwise in accord with code records).
The connection process typically includes, but is not limited to, receiving, storing, inputting and processing reference codes. Although the process above describes user input of reference codes, the connection process may be entirely or partially automated, e.g., by using a software program or hardware component in a user's communication device and/or in connection with the controller unit 24 or servers 20-22.
In the connection process, a controller unit 24 preferably retrieves connection instructions) 34 associated with a transaction identified to a received reference code. The connection instructions 34 typically are previously stored in a database associated with the unit 24 and/or with one or more servers 20-22. The connection instructions 34 are retrieved so as to enable connection management (e.g., by the controller unit 24) of the connection associated with the received reference code.
In an example of management by the unit 24, the unit 24 connects the designated caller to the called party using contact information. In another example, the controller unit may reject the designated caller's request for voice connection with the other transacting party if the calling time does not satisfy a pre-agreed calling time frame. In yet another example, the controller unit 24 generates communication records 40. The unit 24 typically generates such records, e.g., during the connection, via monitoring the transaction (e.g., particularly voice communications supporting anonymity). The communication records 40 typically include various data associated with transactions, e.g., the identities of communicating parties, billing information, transaction reference code (for the purpose of identifying each specific transaction), the starting time and duration of the communication, among other data.
PSTN gateways 52 provide an interface between the PSTN 58 and the Internet 50. The PSTN gateways 52 preferably provide a voice grade interface. The PSTN gateways 52 typically comprise one or more computers, switches and/or similar equipment for processing telephone calls. The PSTN gateways typically perform various functions such as (a) the conversion and compression of analog signals from the PSTN to digital signals for transmission via the Internet 50 and (b) decompression and conversion of digital signals received via the Internet 50 into analog signals for transmission via the PSTN.
In
Wireless terminals 64, 74 illustrate other implementations of voice-enabled devices 26, 28. Wireless terminals 64, 74 may comprise any of screen phones, smart and/or super phones, or wireless PDAs, or other similar device. Wireless terminals 64, 74 communicate with base stations 62. Base stations 62 typically are fixed in location for communicating with wireless terminals within a specific geographical range. Within that specific geographic range, base stations 62 may also be responsible for coordinating all wireless terminals 64, 74.
In turn, the base stations 62 communicate with a mobile switching office (MSO) 60. The MSO generally is responsible for coordinating activities between different base stations 62. The MSO 60 is connected to PSTN 58 for landline communications.
Personal computers (PCs) 68, 76 illustrate still other implementations of voice-enabled devices 26, 28. PCs 68, 76 typically comprise desktop or notebook computers equipped with voice input/output devices and various software, including application and utility programs directed to communication. PCs 68, 76 typically also include a communication interface, including, as examples, a modem, ISDN card and/or LAN interface card. Via respective such communication interfaces, PCs 68, 76 are connected to the Internet through Internet access point(s) 66. Internet access points 66 generally provide protocol conversions, as necessary, for two-way data communication over the Internet. For example, an Internet access point 66 may comprise multiple modems coupled to an Internet router, the router providing a ramp with the Internet.
In a communication network 30 configured as in
The communication network 30 of
Voice processing system 89 preferably performs one or both of voice recognition and speech synthesis. The system's synthesis of speech typically is to articulate voice prompts (e.g., relating or according to text commands). The system's recognition of voice typically is to enable the controller unit 24 to respond to users' voiced input. That is, with voice recognition, users are enabled to input, e.g., spoken requests for connection and/or input of reference codes, such as in the form of voiced numbers, letters and words. Where both synthesis and recognition are implemented, users may interact with the controller unit 24 through voice communication, whether the conduit is packet data network 18 or communication network 30.
Network interfaces 96 generally enable communication between, on the one hand, controller unit 24 and, on the other hand, networks 18, 30 and/or other elements of an implemented service/system with which the unit 24 interfaces, whether directly or indirectly. The interfaces 96 preferably comprise network adapter infrastructure and, as such, provide various signal conditioning/conversion functions. The interfaces 96 typically handle one or more data types, including, as examples, analog, digital, broadband, wireless, and optical data.
Data storage component 98 preferably includes a plurality of databases. Such databases may enable communications, as contemplated herein. Accordingly, one or more databases may be employed in connection with, and/or for the purposes of, scheduling, organizing, establishing, maintaining, tracking and/or otherwise enabling a transaction.
The databases preferably include one or more of the following: reference code database 100, connection instruction database 102 and communication records database 104. Communication record database 104 may be implemented to provide various functions, including, as an example, storing communication records 40 for selected current and previous transactions. The database 104 may also be implemented to store other information, including, as examples, one or more of user codes, contact codes, connect criteria based on contact codes, and/or analytical data, all as described above.
Reference code database 100 may be implemented to provide various functions, including, as examples: storing reference codes 36 that are reserved or otherwise assigned, tracking reference codes that are in current use, identifying reference codes 36 that are to be deleted or otherwise terminated (e.g., after the scheduled transaction or expiration of some other period of time), identifying or determining reference codes that are recyclable or otherwise available for use, and otherwise maintaining reference codes 36.
Connection instruction database 102 preferably stores connection instructions and/or contact information. The database 102 may be implemented to store only such contact information of users available for voice communication service. However, the database 102 preferably is implemented to store contact information for any user available for communication through the service/system. The database 102 may also be implemented to store other information, including, as examples, one or more of user codes, contact codes, connect criteria based on contact codes, and/or analytical data, all as described above.
The data storage component 98 may also be implemented to support other databases, including outside the controller unit 24. Such databases may store or provide for information, including, as examples, user codes, contact codes, connect criteria based on contact codes, and/or analytical data, all as described above.
In an example embodiment employing each of the databases 100, 102, 104, reference code database 100 stores reference codes 36 that are applied to index some or all of the information stored in either/both of connection instruction database 102 and communication records database 104. As such, the reference codes are employed for storing, retrieving and/or updating of transaction information of implicated databases 102, 104. In operation under this embodiment, processor 82 uses reference code(s) 36 to generate one or more queries of data storage component 98 so as to retrieve information pertaining to that reference code and relevant to the query, such as information from or relating to connection instructions 34 and/or communication records 40.
Although controller unit 24 is illustrated using the elements depicted in
An example context for users conducting on-line transactions is an information marketplace. There, as also described above, a user is an initiator if they post an inquiry. In connection with the posting, the initiator may also include related requirements, such as a price target or maximum, a quality characteristic, a preferred delivery method, etc. The initiator generally posts on a virtual bulletin board, e.g., supported via the Internet. The initiator typically receives a response from one or more other participants (e.g., experts) in the marketplace, which generally is directed to the initiator's requirements, e.g., by providing a bid. The initiator may select none, one or more of the experts, typically at their sole discretion. The initiator may also continue the on-line transaction(s) with one or more of the experts toward negotiating a transaction specification 32 and, if that is satisfactorily accomplished, possibly selecting the expert.
In this example process, users involved in a transaction (“transacting users”) submit, in step 112, a mutually agreed transaction specification 32. As described above, that submission preferably is via servers 20, 22 (e.g., Web servers).
In step 116, the example process tests for whether the transaction specification 32 includes a request for anonymous voice communication (e.g., via immediate or later-scheduled connection). If anonymous voice communication is not requested, the transaction proceeds by other means, as indicated by step 118. If anonymous voice communication is requested, server 20, 22 passes, in step 120, one or more connection instructions 34 to controller unit 24. In step 122, controller unit 24 stores the connection instruction 34 (e.g., in connection instruction database 102). In step 122, controller unit 24 generates a reference code 36 associated with the transaction implicated by the connection instruction 34. It is to be understood that, while the controller unit 24 is described for this example process as, in the same step, both storing the instruction 34 and generating the code 36, the unit 24 may (a) perform those functions in separate steps and (b) may generate the code 36 in the absence of the storing activity.
In step 124, the reference code is delivered to one or both of the transacting users (a “confirmation”). In an illustrative case, confirmations include contact information. In another illustrative case, confirmations may be delivered only to a transacting user assigned to initiate the communication (e.g., the designated caller in the information marketplace context). Confirmations preferably are delivered through packet data network 18, as previously described.
In step 126, the user assigned to place the call (e.g., the designated caller) manually records the confirmation. For example, the user records some or all of the confirmation by writing it down, printing it out and/or storing it in memory.
In step 130, the assigned user initiates the connection process. The user typically does so by contacting controller unit 24 using a voice enabled device 26, 28 (e.g., via a voice interface) or using an Internet enabled device 14, 16 (e.g., via entries in a Web page).
In step 132, the assigned user is prompted to enter the reference code applicable to the transaction. In step 134, the controller unit 24 receives the reference code so input by the assigned user and retrieves the connection instruction 34 associated with that reference code. In an example case, the controller unit 24 retrieves that connection instruction 34 from connection instruction database 102.
In step 136, controller unit 24 tests whether connection criteria of the connection instruction are satisfied. This testing preferably includes verification of the initiating user's identity and agreement with the connection's scheduled time. If the connection criteria are not met, the connection is rejected, in step 138. Following such rejection, the service/system may be implemented to provide, as a step 139, notice to the called party of the rejected connection. Such notice, if implemented at all, may comprise the identity of the initiating user (or, at least, of the proper initiating user), details of the scheduled transaction/connection, and the basis for rejecting the connection.
If the connection criteria are satisfied, the process proceeds to step 144 wherein the controller unit 24 routes the call to the called party.
Alternatively to step 126, the confirmation may be stored automatically (i.e., without the user's action). Such storage typically is provided using a hardware, firmware and/or software (collectively, the “connection program”).
The connection program preferably is implemented not only to automatically store the confirmation, but also to automatically retrieve all or part of the confirmation. In so retrieving, the connection program preferably either/both reminds the user of the connection (step 140) and/or obtains the user's authorization to automatically initiate the connection at the scheduled time, including by providing the reference code (step 142). Steps 140 and 142, in an example case, may be implemented in a device that is both packet- and voice-enabled, e.g., an Internet-enabled cellular phone (hereafter referred to as a “dual-enabled device”).
It is to be recognized that, in a fully automated system, step 140 may be selectable (e.g., by the user) or may be omitted. If selectable, step 140 may be made variously configurable. For example, the user may be enabled to configure the connection program to provide one or more reminders of the scheduled connection time. The user may also be enabled to determine whether to proceed with connection.
The service/system may also be implemented to support dual modes: one mode providing for manual reception and treatment of confirmations and another mode providing for automatic connections. In this implementation, if a user requests immediate connection in a transaction specification 32 (i.e., in step 112), the connection program immediately processes the connection, doing so automatically and in real time. This implementation provides that later scheduled (not immediate connection) transactions may proceed manually. In that alternative, this implementation may provide that a user may select manual or automatic, or both (e.g., automatic confirmation reception and reminders, but manual connection initiation), such as on a transaction by transaction base.
In step 144, controller unit 24 routes the call to the called party. The unit 24 preferably is enabled to do so via contact information provided in the associated connection instruction(s) and stored in the connection instruction database 102.
In step 146, the service/system tests whether a connection is established. If the called party cannot be contacted in accordance with the connection instructions, controller unit 24 may be implemented to provide further assistance, as step 148. In one example of further assistance, the unit 24 requests that the caller call again. The controller unit 24 may do so with a suggested time (e.g., based on information about the called party's schedule, whether maintained in storage or obtained at the time of the connection). The controller unit 24 preferably also notifies the called party, e.g., of the attempted connection and/or of the suggested time for the later call.
With connection established between the parties, the controller unit 24 preferably generates transaction logs, as step 150. Information being logged may include, as examples in step 152, the identity of communicating parties, billing information, reference codes (e.g., for the purpose of identifying the transaction), connection time, conversation duration, and satisfaction rating of each party. The logs preferably are stored in communication records database 104.
In step 154, connection reports are transmitted to servers 20, 22. At least some reports preferably are formulated based on the transaction logs. The servers 20, 22 (e.g., Web servers) employ the reports for, among other purposes, billing and record keeping.
As previously described,
As previously described,
Accordingly, the subject matter of this application is directed to privacy concerns through the establishment, maintenance and control of anonymity in the context of voice communication. To illustrate, the subject matter is directed to establishing, maintaining and controlling anonymity on the part of users and experts alike in information markets, particularly information markets involving the Internet.
In another aspect, the subject matter of this application is directed, in one aspect, to integrating voice communication and anonymity. That is, the subject matter is directed to enabling parties involved in an online transaction to communicate by voice while selectively preserving anonymity; e.g. each party can select what, if any, personal information is disclosed to the other.
In yet another aspect, the subject matter of this application is directed to establishing and controlling anonymity at the time of non-voice communication involving the Internet, then controlling and maintaining that anonymity for voice communication, whether that communication is transmitted via the Internet or other packet-switched technologies or that communication is transmitted via circuit switched technologies and services, such as PSTN/POTS.
The foregoing embodiments and features are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to be limiting persons skilled in the art capable of appreciating other embodiments from the scope and spirit of the foregoing teachings.
It will be appreciated that the invention is not restricted to the particular embodiment that has been described, and that variations may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims and equivalents thereof. Unless the context indicates otherwise, a reference in a claim to the number of instances of an element, be it a reference to one instance or more than one instance, requires at least the stated number of instances of the element but is not intended to exclude from the scope of the claim a structure or method having more instances of that element than stated.
Liu, Christina Ying, Chang, William Ho
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