EP0249575A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Computerized communications system
Assignee: Call It Co
•
Filing: 1987-04-15
•
Granted: —
•
Expires: 2007-04-15
Abstract
Abstract A computerized system (10) and method for collecting input information from a person connected by telephone (12, 16) to the computerized system (10). The system (10) calls up predetermined audio information to establish a dialogue with the person. An operator (62) dynamically reviews the ongoing dialogues and can modify the set of audio information being used. The system (10) analyzes the correctness of the person's input information and can request correction of the information or disconnect the person if a predetermined weighted error count is also exceeded. The person's input information also provides important sales information such as the relationship between the number of sales and the degree of operator involvement with the dialogue, the time of day, week or season of the dialogue and the time required to complete the dialogue.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael B. Crane
- 👤 Neil W. Sullivan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 23:41
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/048; G06F3/0487; G06F3/0489; G06F3/04895; H; H04; H04M; H04M3/00; H04M3/22; H04M3/36; H04M3/42; H04M3/487; H04M3/493; H04M3/50; H04M3/51; H04M3/5166; H04M2201/00; H04M2201/40
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 39
Claim 1
Independent Claim
104 words
A computerized communications system for collecting input information from audio responses of a person in a telephonic dialogue between the person and said system, comprising: means for connecting the person to said computerized communications system; means for storing predetermined audio information; computer means for providing a predetermined sequence of audio signals responsive to said predetermined audio information; audio means for outputting selected audio message signals to the person responsive to said audio signals and said audio means for presenting the person with selectable options in said audio message signals for providing said input information to said system; and means for collecting said input information.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
104 words
A computerized communications system for collecting input information from audio responses of a person in a telephonic dialogue between the person and said system, comprising: means for connecting the person to said computerized communications system; means for storing predetermined audio information; computer means for providing a predetermined sequence of audio signals responsive to said predetermined audio information; audio means for outputting selected audio message signals to the person responsive to said audio signals and said audio means for presenting the person with selectable options in said audio message signals for providing said input information to said system; and means for collecting said input information.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system as defined in Claim 1 wherein said selectable options comprise speaking to an operator, speaking to a recording device,inputting said input information to storage means,generating encoded tone entries and outputting data.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system as defined in Claim 1 wherein said predetermined audio information comprises computer software and sets of prerecorded digitized script.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system as defined in Claim 1 further including a coupled mainframe computer, said input information transcribed to said mainframe computer for analysis and action thereon.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
102 words
A computerized communications system for collecting input information from a person through a telephonic dialogue between the person and said system, comprising: means for storing predetermined audio information; computer means for providing audio signals responsive to said predetermined audio information; means for connecting the person to said computerized voice communications system; audio means for outputting selected audio message signals to the person responsive to said audio signals, said computer means responsive to said predetermined audio information generating in said audio message signals the option to selectively verify, correct, edit and add to said input information; and means for collecting said input information.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
102 words
A computerized communications system for collecting input information from a person through a telephonic dialogue between the person and said system, comprising: means for storing predetermined audio information; computer means for providing audio signals responsive to said predetermined audio information; means for connecting the person to said computerized voice communications system; audio means for outputting selected audio message signals to the person responsive to said audio signals, said computer means responsive to said predetermined audio information generating in said audio message signals the option to selectively verify, correct, edit and add to said input information; and means for collecting said input information.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
141 words
A computerized communications system for collecting input information from audio responses of a person through a telephonic dialogue between the person and said system, comprising: means for connecting the person to said computerized voice communications system; means for storing predetermined audio information; computer means for providing a predetermined sequence of audio signals responsive to said predetermined audio information; audio means for outputting selected audio message signals to the person responsive to said audio signals and also for processing the responses of the person for input to and analysis by said computer means; and means for collecting said input information, said computer means analyzing said input information to determine the correctness thereof and outputting an appropriate audio signal to said audio means to provide the person with said audio message signals to selectively indicate the need for any additional said input information.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
141 words
A computerized communications system for collecting input information from audio responses of a person through a telephonic dialogue between the person and said system, comprising: means for connecting the person to said computerized voice communications system; means for storing predetermined audio information; computer means for providing a predetermined sequence of audio signals responsive to said predetermined audio information; audio means for outputting selected audio message signals to the person responsive to said audio signals and also for processing the responses of the person for input to and analysis by said computer means; and means for collecting said input information, said computer means analyzing said input information to determine the correctness thereof and outputting an appropriate audio signal to said audio means to provide the person with said audio message signals to selectively indicate the need for any additional said input information.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system as defined in Claim 6 wherein said computer means responsive to said predetermined audio information provides the person the option of selectively verifying and changing said input information.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system as defined in Claim 6 wherein analyzation by said computer means further includes analyzing the completeness of said input information.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system as defined in Claim 6 wherein said predetermined audio information includes computer software.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
139 words
A computerized communications system for collecting input information from audio responses of a person in a telephonic dialogue between the person and said system, comprising: means for storing predetermined audio information; computer means for providing a plurality of predetermined sequences of audio signals responsive to said predetermined audio information; audio means for outputting selected audio message signals to the person from said computerized system responsive to said sequence of audio signals and said audio means for presenting the person with selectable options in said audio message signals for providing said input information to said computerized system; interface means for transmitting said audio responses from the person for input to said computerized system and for transmitting said selected audio message signals from said audio means for output to the telephone of the person; and means for collecting said input information.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
139 words
A computerized communications system for collecting input information from audio responses of a person in a telephonic dialogue between the person and said system, comprising: means for storing predetermined audio information; computer means for providing a plurality of predetermined sequences of audio signals responsive to said predetermined audio information; audio means for outputting selected audio message signals to the person from said computerized system responsive to said sequence of audio signals and said audio means for presenting the person with selectable options in said audio message signals for providing said input information to said computerized system; interface means for transmitting said audio responses from the person for input to said computerized system and for transmitting said selected audio message signals from said audio means for output to the telephone of the person; and means for collecting said input information.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
32 words
The computerized system as defined in Claim 10 wherein said audio means comprises an analog to digital audio converter, a digital to analog audio converter, a tone decoder/encoder and an audio detector.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
97 words
A computerized system for collecting a variety of input information including sales of goods or services by responses from a person in a telephonic dialogue between the person and a computerized system, comprising: means for connecting the person to said computerized system; means for generating a plurality of preselected questions and comments designed to elicit from the person said variety of input information, including associated marketing information, sales information and shipping information related to said sales of goods or services; and means for collecting said input information from the person responsive to said preselected questions and comments.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
97 words
A computerized system for collecting a variety of input information including sales of goods or services by responses from a person in a telephonic dialogue between the person and a computerized system, comprising: means for connecting the person to said computerized system; means for generating a plurality of preselected questions and comments designed to elicit from the person said variety of input information, including associated marketing information, sales information and shipping information related to said sales of goods or services; and means for collecting said input information from the person responsive to said preselected questions and comments.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system as defined in Claim 12 wherein said questions and comments include options presented to the person to selectively verify, correct and add to said variety of information.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system as defined in Claim 12 wherein said means for generating questions comprises audio means for outputting audio message signals to the person and computer means for providing a predetermined sequence of questions or comments to the person.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system as defined in Claim 12 wherein said collecting means comprises means for selectively storing and recording said input information.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
162 words
A computerized system for efficiently collecting input information from a person in the form of audio responses from a dialogue between the person and said computerized system, comprising: means for connecting the person to said computerized system; means for generating a plurality of preselected questions or comments designed to elicit from the person said responses providing said input information; and means for collecting from the person said responses to said preselected questions or comments, said collecting means being activated in response to completion of each said preselected question or comment and said collecting means being deactivated upon achieving predetermined conditions comprising at least one of: (a) exceeding a preselected silence time period for said responses being below a predetermined audio threshold level during said preselected period, (b) the person inputting a specific one of said responses, (c) the person inputting a particular one of said responses and (d) the person continuing to provide said responses after a particular time period has elapsed.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
162 words
A computerized system for efficiently collecting input information from a person in the form of audio responses from a dialogue between the person and said computerized system, comprising: means for connecting the person to said computerized system; means for generating a plurality of preselected questions or comments designed to elicit from the person said responses providing said input information; and means for collecting from the person said responses to said preselected questions or comments, said collecting means being activated in response to completion of each said preselected question or comment and said collecting means being deactivated upon achieving predetermined conditions comprising at least one of: (a) exceeding a preselected silence time period for said responses being below a predetermined audio threshold level during said preselected period, (b) the person inputting a specific one of said responses, (c) the person inputting a particular one of said responses and (d) the person continuing to provide said responses after a particular time period has elapsed.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus as defined in Claim 16 wherein said collecting means comprises an audio recording means.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus as defined in Claim 16 wherein said collecting means comprises means for recording encoded ones of said responses.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus as defined in Claim 16 wherein said means for generating questions includes computer means responsive to said responses for generating a next sequence of said preselected questions and comments dependent on the nature of said responses.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus as defined in Claim 19 wherein said next sequence comprises terminating said questions and comments if said responses results in achieving at least one of a plurality of predetermined conditions.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
157 words
A computerized communications system for collecting input information from responses of a person in a telephonic dialogue between the person and said computerized system, comprising: means for connecting the person to said computerized voice communications system; means for storing predetermined audio information including a set of predetermined error counts characteristic of the number and weight of various errors in said responses of the person; computer means for providing a predetermined sequence of audio signals responsive to said predetermined audio information; audio means for outputting selected audio message signals to the person responsive to said audio signals; and means for collecting said input information, said computer means analyzing said responses and said input information to determine the errors committed in said responses by the person and for outputting associated audio message signals characteristic of said predetermined error counts when the number and weight of the errors committed by the person coincides with ones of said predetermined error counts.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
157 words
A computerized communications system for collecting input information from responses of a person in a telephonic dialogue between the person and said computerized system, comprising: means for connecting the person to said computerized voice communications system; means for storing predetermined audio information including a set of predetermined error counts characteristic of the number and weight of various errors in said responses of the person; computer means for providing a predetermined sequence of audio signals responsive to said predetermined audio information; audio means for outputting selected audio message signals to the person responsive to said audio signals; and means for collecting said input information, said computer means analyzing said responses and said input information to determine the errors committed in said responses by the person and for outputting associated audio message signals characteristic of said predetermined error counts when the number and weight of the errors committed by the person coincides with ones of said predetermined error counts.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system as defined in Claim 21 wherein said audio means further provides to the person in said audio message signals selected options for providing said audio information to said system.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system as defined in Claim 21 wherein said responses of the person selectively comprise at least one of an audio response by the person and a tone encoded response.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
144 words
A computerized communications system for collecting input information, including a count of errors in said input information, from responses of a person in a telephonic dialogue between the person and said computerized system, comprising: means for connecting the person to said computerized voice communications system; means for storing predetermined audio information, including a predetermined caller error count characteristic of the number and weight of said errors possible in said input information; computer means for providing audio signals responsive to said predetermined audio information; audio means for outputting selected audio message signals to the person responsive to said audio signals; and means for collecting said input information, said computer means analyzing said input information to determine the errors committed in said responses by the person and for disconnecting said computerized system from the caller when the errors at least equal said predetermined caller error count.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
144 words
A computerized communications system for collecting input information, including a count of errors in said input information, from responses of a person in a telephonic dialogue between the person and said computerized system, comprising: means for connecting the person to said computerized voice communications system; means for storing predetermined audio information, including a predetermined caller error count characteristic of the number and weight of said errors possible in said input information; computer means for providing audio signals responsive to said predetermined audio information; audio means for outputting selected audio message signals to the person responsive to said audio signals; and means for collecting said input information, said computer means analyzing said input information to determine the errors committed in said responses by the person and for disconnecting said computerized system from the caller when the errors at least equal said predetermined caller error count.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
145 words
An apparatus for user programming in a predetermined manner of a computerized communications system to automatically collect input information in a telephonic dialogue between a person and said computerized system, comprising: user means for providing an input signal responsive to a user input; means for recording an audio input; means for digitizing said audio input; storage means for storing executive programming information and also for storing said digitized audio input and computer programs characteristic of said predetermined manner of programming; and computer means responsive to said input signals for programming said computerized system in said predetermined manner and responsive to said computerized system telephonically connecting to the person, said computer means executing selected ones of said computer programs and selectively retrieving and using portions of said digitized audio input in accordance with said predetermined manner to perform said telephonic dialogue and collect said input information.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
145 words
An apparatus for user programming in a predetermined manner of a computerized communications system to automatically collect input information in a telephonic dialogue between a person and said computerized system, comprising: user means for providing an input signal responsive to a user input; means for recording an audio input; means for digitizing said audio input; storage means for storing executive programming information and also for storing said digitized audio input and computer programs characteristic of said predetermined manner of programming; and computer means responsive to said input signals for programming said computerized system in said predetermined manner and responsive to said computerized system telephonically connecting to the person, said computer means executing selected ones of said computer programs and selectively retrieving and using portions of said digitized audio input in accordance with said predetermined manner to perform said telephonic dialogue and collect said input information.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus as defined in Claim 25 wherein said user input comprises at least one of an audio input and a tone coded input.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus as defined in Claim 25 wherein said digitizing means comprises at least one of a hardware system and said computer means responsive to selected computer software.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
120 words
A computerized communications system for simultaneously collecting input information from a plurality of different persons through a dialogue between each of the persons and one of a plurality of respective associated sets of audio message signals output from said system, comprising: means for connecting the person to said computerized system; means for storing predetermined audio information; computer means responsive to said predetermined audio information for simultaneously providing a plurality of sets of audio signals to said plurality of persons, each said set associated with a respective one of the persons; audio means for outputting each said respectively associated set of audio message signals to the respectively associated person responsive to said audio signals; and means for collecting said input information.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
120 words
A computerized communications system for simultaneously collecting input information from a plurality of different persons through a dialogue between each of the persons and one of a plurality of respective associated sets of audio message signals output from said system, comprising: means for connecting the person to said computerized system; means for storing predetermined audio information; computer means responsive to said predetermined audio information for simultaneously providing a plurality of sets of audio signals to said plurality of persons, each said set associated with a respective one of the persons; audio means for outputting each said respectively associated set of audio message signals to the respectively associated person responsive to said audio signals; and means for collecting said input information.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system as defined in Claim 28 wherein said plurality of sets comprise selectively the same set, different sets and mixtures thereof output to said plurality of persons.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
Maintenance schedule is calculated for granted US utility patents.