US5862223A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for a cryptographically-assisted commercial network system designed to facilitate and support expert-based commerce
Assignee: Community United IP LLC
•
Filing: 1996-07-24
•
Granted: 1999-01-19
•
Expires: 2016-07-24
Abstract
Abstract The present invention is an expert matching method and apparatus for managing communications between an expert having particular qualifications and an end user seeking a solution to an expert request. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention includes a controller having a database for storing expert qualifications. In one embodiment, the controller receives an expert request. A search program identifies experts qualified to respond to the expert request. The expert request is then transmitted to the expert, which results in an expert answer transmitted to and received by the central controller. After authentication of the expert answer, using a wide range of security levels from passwords to cryptography, the answer is forwarded to the end user. The method and apparatus of the present invention have applications on the Internet as well as conventional voice telephony systems.
Inventors
- 👤 Jay S. Walker
- 👤 Bruce Schneier
- 👤 James A. Jorasch
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 06:29
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06Q; G06Q20/00; G06Q20/22; G06Q10/00; G06Q10/06; G06Q10/063; G06Q10/0631; G06Q10/06311; G06Q10/063112; G06Q20/08; G06Q20/085; G06Q20/10; G06Q20/102; G06Q20/38; G06Q20/383; G06Q30/00; G06Q30/02; G06Q30/06; H; H04; H04H; H04H60/00; H04H60/29; H04H60/33; H04H60/56; H04N; H04N21/00; H04N21/20; H04N21/25; H04N21/258; H04N21/25866; H04N21/25891; H04N21/80; H04N21/81; H04N21/812
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 216
Claim 1
Independent Claim
163 words
An expert matching apparatus for managing communications between an expert having particular qualifications and an end user seeking a solution to an end user request, comprising: a controller unit for receiving an end user request generated by an end user, the controller unit having a database for storing therein a plurality of qualifications for a plurality of experts, each expert qualification associated with an address corresponding to a particular expert; means for searching the database to generate a search result containing expert qualifications which correspond to the end user request; means for guaranteeing payment to the expert for services rendered to the end user; means for initiating remittance of payments to the experts; means for transmitting at least a portion of the end user request to the expert address based on the search result; means for receiving an expert answer corresponding to the end user request transmitted; and means for transmitting at least a portion of the expert answer to the end user.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
163 words
An expert matching apparatus for managing communications between an expert having particular qualifications and an end user seeking a solution to an end user request, comprising: a controller unit for receiving an end user request generated by an end user, the controller unit having a database for storing therein a plurality of qualifications for a plurality of experts, each expert qualification associated with an address corresponding to a particular expert; means for searching the database to generate a search result containing expert qualifications which correspond to the end user request; means for guaranteeing payment to the expert for services rendered to the end user; means for initiating remittance of payments to the experts; means for transmitting at least a portion of the end user request to the expert address based on the search result; means for receiving an expert answer corresponding to the end user request transmitted; and means for transmitting at least a portion of the expert answer to the end user.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the expert address is selected from the group consisting of a web page address, a bulletin board address, a pager number, a telephone number, an email address, a voice mail address, a facsimile telephone number, and a postal mail address.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the expert qualifications are selected from the group consisting of a subject matter designator, experience, education, licenses, location, availability criteria, response times, rates, payment method, publications, prior work history, and a resume.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for certifying expert qualifications including a second database having expert names and qualifications corresponding to each expert name.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for receiving the expert answer includes an interface selected from the group consisting of an electronic network, the electronic network having at least one of an electronic bulletin board, a web page, a voice mail system, a voice telephone system, and a facsimile system.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
45 words
The apparatus of claim I, wherein the means for receiving the end user request includes an electronic network, the electronic network having at least one of an electronic bulletin board, a web page, a voice mail system, a voice telephone system, and a facsimile system.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for transmitting at least a portion of the end user request includes an electronic network, the electronic network having at least one of an electronic bulletin board, a web page, a voice mail system, a voice telephone system, and a facsimile system.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for authenticating at least one of the origin and integrity of transmissions received by the controller unit.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the authentication means includes a cryptographic operation with an encryption key.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the authentication means includes an identifier selected from the group consisting of a password, a name, or an identification number.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the authentication means includes a digital signature.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the encryption key belongs to an asymmetric cryptographic protocol.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the encryption key belongs to a symmetric cryptographic protocol.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the authentication means includes a hash protocol.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the authentication means includes biometric qualification.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the biometric qualification includes fingerprint analysis.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the biometric qualification includes voice analysis.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the database includes a memory device for storing expert qualifications in at least one of a text, video, and audio format.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the search means queries the database for expert qualifications which correspond to the end user request.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the end user request includes searchable criteria.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the search means queries the database for expert qualifications which correspond to the criteria.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the search means includes a fuzzy logic protocol for searching the database.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the search means includes an artificial intelligence system for searching the database.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the search means includes an expert system for searching the database.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the search means includes a keyword search procedure for searching the database.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means to classify the end user request.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the classifying means includes a second database having predetermined subject matter classifications for classifying the end user requests by subjects contained in the second database.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the classification means includes a fuzzy logic protocol.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the classification means includes an expert system.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the classification means includes an artificial intelligence system.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the classification means includes a comparator for semantic comparison between the end user request and the expert qualifications.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the classifying means includes a second database having predetermined subject matter classifications for classifying the end user requests by subjects contained in the second database, wherein the end user selects a subject matter classification from the second database.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the classification means includes an interface selected from the group consisting of a voice response system, a web page, and a direct text input field.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for anonymous transmission of end user requests.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for anonymous transmission of expert answers.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claims 34 or 35, wherein the anonymous transmission means includes a cryptographic protocol.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claims 34 or 35, wherein the anonymous transmission means includes an anonymous mix protocol.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claims 34 or 35, wherein the anonymous transmission means includes a voice modification processor.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for the end user to select an expert from the search results.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the controller unit provides the search results to the end user.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the end user selects an expert from a subset of experts who respond to the end user request transmitted by the controller unit.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the controller selects an expert from a subset of experts who respond to the end user request transmitted by the controller unit to the expert based on selection criteria established by the end user.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the selection criteria are at least one of (i) first to respond; (ii) random; (iii) price; and (iv) response time.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for an end user to select at least one expert.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
48 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the expert answer transmission means includes an electronic network for transmitting end user requests, the electronic network having at least one of a voice telephone system, a world wide web network, a bulletin board system, an online system, and an Internet system.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the expert answer receiving means includes an electronic network for receiving end user requests, the electronic network having at least one of a voice telephone system, a world wide web network, an electronic bulletin board system, an email address, an online system, and an Internet system.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for transmitting expert qualifications to an end user.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for transmitting reference data to an end user.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for storing and retrieving reference data.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the payment collection means includes at least one of (i) a credit card system; (ii) digital cash; (iii) electronic funds transfer; and (iv) invoice billing.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the payment remittance means includes at least one of (i) a credit card system; (ii) digital cash; (iii) electronic funds transfer; and (iv) invoice billing.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for payment includes an algorithm for calculating the payment rate as a function of the expert qualifications.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for payment includes an algorithm for calculating the payment rate as a function of the number of times the expert answer is transmitted to an end user.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for transmitting a bid from an end user to an expert.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 54, further comprising means for anonymous transmission of a bid from an expert to an end user.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for direct communication between an expert and an end user through the controller unit.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 56, wherein the direct communications means includes the controller unit for managing the direct communications between the expert and the end user.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 56, further including an online service provider system for hosting direct communications between the end user and the expert.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 57, further including an interface selected from the group consisting of a bulletin board system and a chat conference room.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for real time transmission of an end user request to an expert address, and real time transmission of an expert answer to the end user.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 57, wherein the direct communications are moderated by an expert.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 57, further comprising means for storing and retrieving the direct communications between the end user and the expert.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a language translator processor for translating at least a portion of one communication selected from the group consisting of end user requests and expert answers.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for storing and retrieving prior end user requests.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the end user request includes a test answer.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the expert answer is an evaluation of the test answer.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
163 words
An expert matching apparatus for managing communications between an expert having particular qualifications and an end user seeking answers to a problem, comprising: a controller unit for receiving an end user request generated by an end user, the controller unit having a database for storing therein a plurality of expert qualifications, each expert qualification associated with an address corresponding to a particular expert; means for selecting at least one end user request for evaluation by at least one expert; means for transmitting at least a portion of the end user request to the expert address based on the end user request selection; means for establishing a price for an expert answer corresponding to the selected end user request; means for guaranteeing payment to the expert for services rendered to the end user in response to the end user request; means for receiving the expert answer responsive to the end user request transmitted; and means for transmitting the expert answer to the end user.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
163 words
An expert matching apparatus for managing communications between an expert having particular qualifications and an end user seeking answers to a problem, comprising: a controller unit for receiving an end user request generated by an end user, the controller unit having a database for storing therein a plurality of expert qualifications, each expert qualification associated with an address corresponding to a particular expert; means for selecting at least one end user request for evaluation by at least one expert; means for transmitting at least a portion of the end user request to the expert address based on the end user request selection; means for establishing a price for an expert answer corresponding to the selected end user request; means for guaranteeing payment to the expert for services rendered to the end user in response to the end user request; means for receiving the expert answer responsive to the end user request transmitted; and means for transmitting the expert answer to the end user.
Claim 70
Independent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claims 1 or 67, further comprising means for receiving a bid from an end user.
Claim 71
Independent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claims 1 or 67, further comprising means for transmitting a bid to an end user.
Claim 72
Independent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claims 1 or 67, further comprising means for receiving a bid from an expert.
Claim 73
Independent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claims 1 or 67, further comprising means for transmitting a bid to an expert.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 70, wherein the receiving means includes an electronic network, the electronic network having at least one of a bulletin board system, an email address, a web page, and a voice telephone system.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 67, wherein the price establishing means includes a margin comparator for determining when a price bid transmitted by an expert is equal to or less than a payment rate submitted by the end user.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 73, wherein the margin comparator selects the price bid based on margin size.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus of claim 67, further comprising: means for receiving a bid from an expert; means for transmitting the expert bid to the end user; and means for receiving an acceptance of the expert bid from an end user.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus of claim 67, wherein the expert address includes at least one of a web page address, a bulletin board address, a pager number, a telephone number, an email address, a voice mail address, a facsimile telephone number, and a postal mail address.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 67, wherein the expert qualifications includes at least one of a subject matter designator, experience, education, licenses, location, availability criteria, rates, payment method, publications, prior work history, and a resume.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 67, wherein the expert qualifications are stored and transmittable in a multi-media format.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus of claim 67, wherein the means for receiving the expert answer includes an electronic network, the electronic network having at least one of an electronic bulletin board, an email address, a web page, a voice mail system, a voice telephone system, and a facsimile system.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 67, further including means for transmitting letters of interest to at least one expert.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus of claim 67, wherein the means for transmitting at least a portion of the end user request includes an electronic network, the electronic network having at least one of an electronic bulletin board, a web page, a voice mail system, a voice telephone system, and a facsimile system.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 67, further comprising means for authenticating at least one of the origin and integrity of transmissions received by the controller unit.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 82, wherein the authentication means includes a cryptographic operation with an encryption key.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 83, wherein the encryption key belongs to an asymmetric cryptographic protocol.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 83, wherein the encryption key belongs to a symmetric cryptographic protocol.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 82, wherein the authentication means includes a hash protocol.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 82, wherein the authentication means includes biometric qualification.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 87, wherein the biometric qualification includes fingerprint analysis.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 87, wherein the biometric qualification includes voice analysis.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 67, wherein the database includes a memory device for storing expert qualifications in at least one of a text, video, and audio format.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 67, wherein the selection means queries the database for expert qualifications which correspond to the end user request.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 67, wherein the end user request includes searchable criteria.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 92, wherein the search means queries a database having end user request and searchable criteria for searchable criteria which correspond to the expert qualifications.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 93, wherein the search means includes a fuzzy logic protocol for searching the database.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 93, wherein the search means includes an artificial intelligence system for searching the database.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 93, wherein the search means includes an expert system for searching the database.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 93, wherein the search means includes a keyword search procedure for searching the database.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 67, further comprising means to classify the end user request including a second database having predetermined subject matter classifications for classifying the end user requests by subjects contained in the second database.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 98, wherein the classifying means includes the controller unit.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 98, further comprising means for the end user to classify the end user request wherein the end user selects a subject matter classification from the second database.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 98, wherein the classification means includes at least one of a voice response system, a web page, and a direct input field.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 98, wherein the classification means includes a fuzzy logic protocol.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 98, wherein the classification means includes an expert system.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 98, wherein the classification means includes a comparator for semantic comparison between the end user request and the expert qualifications.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 67, further comprising means for anonymous transmission of end user requests.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 67, further comprising means for anonymous transmission of expert answers.
Claim 109
Independent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claims 105 or 106, wherein the anonymous transmission means includes a cryptographic protocol.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
53 words
The apparatus of claim 67, wherein the expert answer transmission means includes an electronic network for transmitting end user requests, the electronic network having an interface selected from the group consisting of a voice telephone system, a world wide web network, an electronic bulletin board system, an online system, and an Internet system.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus of claim 67, wherein the expert answer receiving means includes an electronic network for receiving end user requests, the electronic network having at least one of a voice telephone system, a world wide web network, an electronic bulletin board system, an email address, an online system, and an Internet system.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 67, wherein the payment collection means includes a payment device selected from the group consisting of (i) a credit card system; (ii) digital cash; (iii) electronic funds transfer; and (iv) invoice billing.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 67, wherein the payment remittance means includes a payment device selected from the group consisting of (i) a credit card system; (ii) digital cash; (iii) electronic funds transfer; and (iv) invoice billing.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 67, wherein the means for payment includes an algorithm for calculating the payment rate as a function of an expert qualification.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
178 words
A computer implemented expert matching apparatus for managing communications between an expert having particular qualifications and an end user seeking a solution to an end user request, comprising: a controller unit for receiving an end user request generated by an end user, the controller unit having a database for storing therein a plurality of expert qualifications, each expert qualification associated with an address corresponding to a particular expert; means for classifying the end user request; means for searching the database to generate a search result containing expert addresses which correspond to the end user request classification; means for searching external databases for search results containing expert addresses which correspond to the end user request classification; means for authenticating data communications between the controller unit and the expert; means for transmitting at least a portion of the end user request to the expert based on the search result; means for receiving at least one expert answer responsive to the transmitted end user request; and means for transmitting at least a portion of the expert answer to the end user.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
178 words
A computer implemented expert matching apparatus for managing communications between an expert having particular qualifications and an end user seeking a solution to an end user request, comprising: a controller unit for receiving an end user request generated by an end user, the controller unit having a database for storing therein a plurality of expert qualifications, each expert qualification associated with an address corresponding to a particular expert; means for classifying the end user request; means for searching the database to generate a search result containing expert addresses which correspond to the end user request classification; means for searching external databases for search results containing expert addresses which correspond to the end user request classification; means for authenticating data communications between the controller unit and the expert; means for transmitting at least a portion of the end user request to the expert based on the search result; means for receiving at least one expert answer responsive to the transmitted end user request; and means for transmitting at least a portion of the expert answer to the end user.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 113, further comprising means for exchanging payment between the end user and the expert.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
202 words
An electronic system for matching an inquiry formulated by a remotely located user with at least one remotely located consultant having particular qualifications relevant to said inquiry, said system comprising: a controller unit associated with a central authority, said controller unit capable of communicating with a plurality of remotely located users on the one hand and a plurality of remotely located consultants on the other hand, said controller unit being capable of receiving an inquiry from one of said users and transmitting said inquiry to at least one of said consultants; a database associated with said controller unit, said database storing qualifications corresponding to each of said consultants; means associated with said controller unit for searching said database to select at least one of said consultants having qualifications suitable for responding to said inquiry; means for searching external databases for experts having qualifications suitable for responding to said inquiry; means associated with said controller unit for transmitting said inquiry to each of said selected consultants; means associated with said controller unit for establishing with at least one of said selected consultants a fee for responding to said inquiry; and means associated with said controller unit for transmitting said response to said user.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
202 words
An electronic system for matching an inquiry formulated by a remotely located user with at least one remotely located consultant having particular qualifications relevant to said inquiry, said system comprising: a controller unit associated with a central authority, said controller unit capable of communicating with a plurality of remotely located users on the one hand and a plurality of remotely located consultants on the other hand, said controller unit being capable of receiving an inquiry from one of said users and transmitting said inquiry to at least one of said consultants; a database associated with said controller unit, said database storing qualifications corresponding to each of said consultants; means associated with said controller unit for searching said database to select at least one of said consultants having qualifications suitable for responding to said inquiry; means for searching external databases for experts having qualifications suitable for responding to said inquiry; means associated with said controller unit for transmitting said inquiry to each of said selected consultants; means associated with said controller unit for establishing with at least one of said selected consultants a fee for responding to said inquiry; and means associated with said controller unit for transmitting said response to said user.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 115, further comprising means associated with said controller unit for receiving a response from at least one of the selected consultants with whom a fee has been established.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 115, further comprising means associated with said controller unit for establishing with said user a price for providing a response to said inquiry.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 117 wherein said price is proposed by said user and said controller unit either accepts said price or proposes a different price.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 117 wherein said price is proposed by said controller unit and said user either accepts said price or proposes a different price.
Claim 124
Independent Claim
36 words
The system of claim I 15 wherein said central controller unit transmits a proposed consultant fee to said consultant along with said inquiry and said consultant either accepts said proposed fee or proposes a different fee.
Claim 125
Independent Claim
131 words
A method of electronically managing communications between an expert having particular qualifications and an end user seeking a solution to an end user request, comprising the steps of: providing a controller unit having a database for storing therein a plurality of expert qualifications, each expert qualification associated with an address corresponding to a particular expert; receiving at the controller an end user request from an end user; searching the database to generate a search result identifying experts who have qualifications which correspond to the end user request; transmitting at least a portion of the end user request to at least one expert address based on the search result; and transmitting an expert answer, based on the end user request, to at least one of the controller unit and the end user.
Claim 126
Independent Claim
131 words
A method of electronically managing communications between an expert having particular qualifications and an end user seeking a solution to an end user request, comprising the steps of: providing a controller unit having a database for storing therein a plurality of expert qualifications, each expert qualification associated with an address corresponding to a particular expert; receiving at the controller an end user request from an end user; searching the database to generate a search result identifying experts who have qualifications which correspond to the end user request; transmitting at least a portion of the end user request to at least one expert address based on the search result; and transmitting an expert answer, based on the end user request, to at least one of the controller unit and the end user.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 121, further comprising the steps of collecting payments from the end users.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 121, further comprising the step of remitting payments to the experts based on the expert answer.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 121, further comprising the step of certifying the expert qualifications by querying a second database having expert names and corresponding qualifications.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 121, further comprising the step of authenticating at least one of the origin and integrity of transmissions received by the controller unit.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 125, wherein the authentication step includes a cryptographic operation with an encryption key.
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 125, further comprising the step of authenticating with a hash protocol.
Claim 133
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 125, further comprising the step of authenticating with a biometric qualification.
Claim 134
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 121, further comprising the step of storing expert qualifications in at least one of a text, video, and audio format in the database.
Claim 135
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 121, wherein the end user request has searchable criteria, comprising the further step of transmitting the end user request to an expert having qualifications which correspond to the searchable criteria.
Claim 136
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method of claim 121, further comprising the steps of: classifying the end user request by locating terms contained in both the end user request and a second database having predetermined subject matter classifications; and transmitting the end user requests to experts having qualifications which match the subject matter classifications of the end user requests.
Claim 137
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 130, wherein the end user generates the searchable criteria.
Claim 138
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 131, wherein the classification step further includes the step of selecting a subject matter classification from an electronic display of predetermined subject classifications.
Claim 139
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 121, further comprising the step of anonymously transmitting end user requests.
Claim 140
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 121, further comprising the step of anonymously transmitting expert answers.
Claim 141
Independent Claim
16 words
The method of claims 134 or 135, wherein the anonymous transmission step includes a cryptographic protocol.
Claim 142
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 121, further comprising the steps of: providing the search results to the end user; and selecting an expert based on the search results.
Claim 143
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 121, further comprising the steps of: transmitting the end user request to the experts; identifying a subset of experts who respond to the end user requests; and selecting an expert from the subset.
Claim 144
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 121, further comprising the step of using the controller unit to select an expert from the subset of experts who respond to the end user request transmitted by the controller unit based on selection criteria established by the end user.
Claim 145
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 121, further comprising the step of transmitting expert qualifications to an end user.
Claim 146
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 121, further comprising the step of transmitting reference data from a first end user to a second end user.
Claim 147
Independent Claim
23 words
The method of claims 122 or 123, further comprising the step of calculating the payment rate as a function of the expert qualifications.
Claim 148
Independent Claim
32 words
The method of claims 122 or 123, further comprising the step of calculating the payment rate based on the number of times which an expert answer is transmitted to end users 1-N.
Claim 149
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 121, further comprising the step of transmitting a price bid from an expert to an end user.
Claim 150
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 144, further comprising the step of anonymously transmitting the price bid from an expert to an end user.
Claim 151
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 121, further comprising the step of moderating direct communications between an expert and an end user.
Claim 152
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 121, further comprising the step of real time transmission of an end user request to an expert address, and real time transmission of an expert answer to the end user.
Claim 153
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 121, further comprising the step of transmitting the expert answer to a second expert for review.
Claim 154
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 121, further comprising the step of randomly selecting expert answers for review by a second expert.
Claim 155
Dependent Claim
153 words
An expert matching method for managing communications between an expert having particular qualifications and an end user seeking answers to a problem, comprising the steps of: providing a controller unit having a database for storing therein a plurality of expert qualifications, each expert qualification associated with an address corresponding to a particular expert; receiving at the controller an end user request from an end user; using the controller unit to select at least one end user request for evaluation by the expert; establishing a price for the expert answer corresponding to the selected end user request; providing an electronic means for guaranteeing payment to the expert for provision of the expert answer; transmitting at least a portion of the end user request to the expert address based on the end user request selection; receiving the expert answer corresponding to the transmitted end user request; and transmitting the expert answer to the end user.
Claim 156
Dependent Claim
153 words
An expert matching method for managing communications between an expert having particular qualifications and an end user seeking answers to a problem, comprising the steps of: providing a controller unit having a database for storing therein a plurality of expert qualifications, each expert qualification associated with an address corresponding to a particular expert; receiving at the controller an end user request from an end user; using the controller unit to select at least one end user request for evaluation by the expert; establishing a price for the expert answer corresponding to the selected end user request; providing an electronic means for guaranteeing payment to the expert for provision of the expert answer; transmitting at least a portion of the end user request to the expert address based on the end user request selection; receiving the expert answer corresponding to the transmitted end user request; and transmitting the expert answer to the end user.
Claim 157
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 150, further comprising the step of transmitting expert qualifications to the end user.
Claim 158
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 150, further comprising the step of receiving price bids from experts.
Claim 159
Dependent Claim
61 words
The method of claim 150, further comprising the steps of: establishing a price by determining when a price bid transmitted by an expert is equal to or less than a payment rate submitted by the end user; and selecting a price bid based on the margin of size between the payment rated submitted by the end user and the price bid.
Claim 160
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 150, further comprising the step of electronically managing auctions for the purpose of matching end user requests with experts.
Claim 161
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 154, further comprising the step of receiving at least one bid at the controller unit.
Claim 162
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 150, further comprising the step of transmitting a bid from the controller unit to the expert.
Claim 163
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 150, further comprising the step of transmitting a bid from the expert to the end user.
Claim 164
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 150, further comprising the steps of: transmitting a bid to at least one of the expert and end user; and receiving an acceptance from at least one of the expert and the end user.
Claim 165
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 150, further comprising the step of authenticating at least one of the origin and integrity of transmissions received by the controller unit.
Claim 166
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 159, wherein the authentication step includes a cryptographic operation with an encryption key.
Claim 167
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 159, further comprising the step of cryptographic authentication including an encryption key belonging to a symmetric cryptographic protocol.
Claim 168
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 150, further comprising the step of biometric qualification.
Claim 169
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 150, further comprising the step of searching the database for expert qualifications which correspond to the end user request.
Claim 170
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 150, further comprising the steps of: manual classification of the end user request by the end user; and transmitting the end user requests to experts having qualifications which match the subject matter classifications of the end user requests.
Claim 171
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 164, wherein the manual classification step further includes the step of selecting a subject matter classification from an electronic display of predetermined subject classifications.
Claim 172
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 150, further comprising the step of anonymously transmitting an end user request.
Claim 173
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 150, further comprising the step of anonymously transmitting an expert answer.
Claim 174
Independent Claim
14 words
The method of claims 166 or 167, further comprising the step of cryptographic transmission.
Claim 175
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 150, further comprising the step of exchanging payment between the end user and the expert.
Claim 176
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 150, further comprising the step of exchanging payment between the expert and the controller.
Claim 177
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 150, further comprising the step of exchanging payment between the end user and the controller.
Claim 178
Dependent Claim
127 words
An electronic system for matching an inquiry formulated by a remotely located user with at least one remotely located consultant having particular qualifications relevant to said inquiry, said system comprising the steps of: communicating with a plurality of remotely located users on the one hand and a plurality of remotely located consultants on the other hand, said system being capable of receiving an inquiry from one of said users and transmitting said inquiry to at least one of said consultants; storing said qualifications corresponding to each of said consultants in a database; searching said database to select at least one of said consultants having qualifications suitable for responding to said inquiry; transmitting said inquiry to each of said selected consultants; and transmitting said response to said user.
Claim 179
Dependent Claim
127 words
An electronic system for matching an inquiry formulated by a remotely located user with at least one remotely located consultant having particular qualifications relevant to said inquiry, said system comprising the steps of: communicating with a plurality of remotely located users on the one hand and a plurality of remotely located consultants on the other hand, said system being capable of receiving an inquiry from one of said users and transmitting said inquiry to at least one of said consultants; storing said qualifications corresponding to each of said consultants in a database; searching said database to select at least one of said consultants having qualifications suitable for responding to said inquiry; transmitting said inquiry to each of said selected consultants; and transmitting said response to said user.
Claim 180
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 172, further comprising the steps of: electronically negotiating a price for the answer/response through the controller; exchanging payment between the end user and the central authority; and exchanging a guaranteed payment from the central authority to the expert.
Claim 181
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 172, further comprising the step of transmitting a proposed consultant fee to said consultant along with said inquiry and said consultant either accepts said proposed fee or proposes a different fee.
Claim 182
Independent Claim
139 words
A method of providing information, operable for providing product support information comprising the steps of: transmitting and receiving calls to and from a controller, said controller communicating with a plurality of remotely located users on the one hand, and a plurality of remotely located online consultants on the other hand, said controller being capable of receiving an inquiry from one of said users and transmitting said inquiry to at least one of said online consultants; storing and retrieving qualifications corresponding to each of said consultants in a database associated with said controller; searching said database to select at least one of said consultants having qualifications suitable for responding to said inquiry; balancing the number of online consultants relative to the number of remotely located users; and routing calls from remotely located users to online consultants based on the inquiry.
Claim 183
Independent Claim
139 words
A method of providing information, operable for providing product support information comprising the steps of: transmitting and receiving calls to and from a controller, said controller communicating with a plurality of remotely located users on the one hand, and a plurality of remotely located online consultants on the other hand, said controller being capable of receiving an inquiry from one of said users and transmitting said inquiry to at least one of said online consultants; storing and retrieving qualifications corresponding to each of said consultants in a database associated with said controller; searching said database to select at least one of said consultants having qualifications suitable for responding to said inquiry; balancing the number of online consultants relative to the number of remotely located users; and routing calls from remotely located users to online consultants based on the inquiry.
Claim 184
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 175, further comprising the steps of: measuring the duration and frequency of incoming calls from remotely located users; and adding or removing connections with consultants based on the time and frequency of calls.
Claim 185
Dependent Claim
169 words
An expert matching apparatus for managing communications between an expert having particular qualifications and an end user seeking a solution to an end user request, comprising: a controller unit configured for processing an end user request generated by an end user, the controller unit having a database for storing therein a plurality of qualifications for a plurality of experts, each expert qualification associated with an address corresponding to a particular expert, said controller unit configured to search the database to generate a search result containing at least one expert qualification which corresponds to the end user request, said controller unit further configured to select an expert based on said search result; and a transceiver disposed in communication with said controller unit, said transceiver configured for transmitting at least a portion of the end user request to the address of the selected expert, for receiving an expert answer corresponding to the transmitted end user request, and for transmitting at least a portion of the expert answer to the end user.
Claim 186
Dependent Claim
169 words
An expert matching apparatus for managing communications between an expert having particular qualifications and an end user seeking a solution to an end user request, comprising: a controller unit configured for processing an end user request generated by an end user, the controller unit having a database for storing therein a plurality of qualifications for a plurality of experts, each expert qualification associated with an address corresponding to a particular expert, said controller unit configured to search the database to generate a search result containing at least one expert qualification which corresponds to the end user request, said controller unit further configured to select an expert based on said search result; and a transceiver disposed in communication with said controller unit, said transceiver configured for transmitting at least a portion of the end user request to the address of the selected expert, for receiving an expert answer corresponding to the transmitted end user request, and for transmitting at least a portion of the expert answer to the end user.
Claim 187
Dependent Claim
49 words
The apparatus of claim 177, wherein said transceiver is further configured for receiving guaranteed payment information from a guaranteed payment system for payment of expert services rendered to the end user and for transmitting payment remittance information to a payment remittance system to remit payment to the selected expert.
Claim 188
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 178, wherein the controller unit is further configured to certify expert qualifications, said controller unit further including a second database having expert identifiers and qualifications corresponding to each expert identifier.
Claim 189
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus of claim 178, wherein the transceiver is disposed in communication with an electronic network, the electronic network selected from the group consisting of an electronic bulletin board, a web page, a voice mail system, a voice telephone system, and a facsimile system.
Claim 190
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 178, wherein the controller unit is configured to authenticate either or both origin and integrity of a transmission received by the controller unit.
Claim 191
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 181, wherein the controller unit is configured to authenticate either or both origin and integrity of a transmission received by the controller unit using a cryptographic operation with an encryption key.
Claim 192
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus of claim 181, wherein the controller unit is configured to authenticate either or both origin and integrity of a transmission received by the controller unit using an identifier selected from the group consisting of a password, a name, an identification number, and a digital signature.
Claim 193
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 178, wherein the controller unit is configured to classify the end user request, the controller unit further including a second database having predetermined subject matter classifications for classifying the end user requests by subjects contained in the second database.
Claim 194
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 178, wherein the transceiver is configured to anonymously transmit the portion of the end user request to the selected expert.
Claim 195
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 178, wherein the transceiver is configured to anonymously transmit the expert answer.
Claim 196
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 185, wherein the transceiver is configured for anonymous transmissions using a cryptographic protocol.
Claim 197
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 185, wherein the transceiver further comprises a voice modification processor.
Claim 198
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 186, wherein the transceiver is configured for anonymous transmissions using a cryptographic protocol.
Claim 199
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 186, wherein the transceiver further comprises a voice modification processor.
Claim 200
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 178, wherein the transceiver is configured to transmit reference data to an end user, and the controller unit is configured to store and retrieve reference data.
Claim 201
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 178, wherein the transceiver is configured to receive a bid from the end user and transmit the bid to the selected expert.
Claim 202
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 178, wherein the controller unit is configured to allow direct communication between the selected expert and the end user.
Claim 203
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 178, wherein the controller unit is configured to store and retrieve a prior end user request.
Claim 204
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 178, wherein the end user request includes a test answer.
Claim 205
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 195, wherein the expert answer includes an evaluation of the test answer.
Claim 206
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus of claim 177, wherein the controller is configured to establish said price using a margin comparator configured for determining when a price bid transmitted by the selected expert is equal to or less than a payment rate submitted by the end user.
Claim 207
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 197, wherein the margin comparator is configured to select the price bid based on margin size.
Claim 208
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 178, wherein the expert qualifications are selected from the group consisting of a subject matter designator, experience, education, licenses, location, availability criteria, representatives, rates, payment method, publications, prior work history, and a resume.
Claim 209
Dependent Claim
155 words
An expert matching device for managing communications between an expert having particular qualifications and an end user seeking a solution to an end user request, comprising: a memory device having a database containing a plurality of qualifications for a plurality of experts, each expert qualification associated with an expert address corresponding to a particular expert; and a processor disposed in communication with said memory device, said processor configured to receive an end user request generated by an end user, to search the database to generate a search result containing at least one expert qualification which corresponds to the end user request, to select an expert based on said search result, to transmit at least a portion of the end user request to the address of the selected expert, to receive an expert answer corresponding to the transmitted end user request, and to transmit at least a portion of the expert answer to the end user.
Claim 210
Dependent Claim
155 words
An expert matching device for managing communications between an expert having particular qualifications and an end user seeking a solution to an end user request, comprising: a memory device having a database containing a plurality of qualifications for a plurality of experts, each expert qualification associated with an expert address corresponding to a particular expert; and a processor disposed in communication with said memory device, said processor configured to receive an end user request generated by an end user, to search the database to generate a search result containing at least one expert qualification which corresponds to the end user request, to select an expert based on said search result, to transmit at least a portion of the end user request to the address of the selected expert, to receive an expert answer corresponding to the transmitted end user request, and to transmit at least a portion of the expert answer to the end user.
Claim 211
Dependent Claim
51 words
The expert matching device of claim 200, wherein said processor is further configured to receive guaranteed payment information from a guaranteed payment system for payment of expert services rendered to the end user and to transmit payment remittance information to a payment remittance system to remit payment to the selected expert.
Claim 212
Dependent Claim
143 words
An expert matching device for managing communications between an expert having particular qualifications and an end user seeking answers to a problem, comprising: a memory device having a database containing a plurality of qualifications for a plurality of experts, each expert qualification associated with an expert address corresponding to a particular expert; and a processor disposed in communication with said memory device, said processor configured to receive an end user request generated by an end user, to establish a price for an expert answer corresponding to an end user request, to receive an end user request for evaluation by at least one expert, to transmit at least a portion of the end user request to an address of a selected expert, to receive the expert answer responsive to the transmitted end user request and to transmit the expert answer to the end user.
Claim 213
Dependent Claim
143 words
An expert matching device for managing communications between an expert having particular qualifications and an end user seeking answers to a problem, comprising: a memory device having a database containing a plurality of qualifications for a plurality of experts, each expert qualification associated with an expert address corresponding to a particular expert; and a processor disposed in communication with said memory device, said processor configured to receive an end user request generated by an end user, to establish a price for an expert answer corresponding to an end user request, to receive an end user request for evaluation by at least one expert, to transmit at least a portion of the end user request to an address of a selected expert, to receive the expert answer responsive to the transmitted end user request and to transmit the expert answer to the end user.
Claim 214
Dependent Claim
42 words
The expert matching device of claim 202, wherein said processor is further configured to receive guaranteed payment information from a guaranteed payment system for payment to the expert for services rendered to the end user in response to the end user request.
Claim 215
Dependent Claim
148 words
An expert matching apparatus for managing communications between an expert having particular qualifications and an end user seeking answers to a problem, comprising: a controller unit for processing an end user request generated by an end user, the controller unit having a database for storing therein a plurality of expert qualifications, each expert qualification associated with an expert address corresponding to a particular expert, said controller unit configured to establish a price for an expert answer corresponding to an end user request; and a transceiver disposed in communication with said controller unit, said transceiver configured for receiving an end user request for evaluation by at least one expert, for transmitting at least a portion of the end user request to an address of a selected expert, for receiving the expert answer responsive to the transmitted end user request and for transmitting the expert answer to the end user.
Claim 216
Dependent Claim
148 words
An expert matching apparatus for managing communications between an expert having particular qualifications and an end user seeking answers to a problem, comprising: a controller unit for processing an end user request generated by an end user, the controller unit having a database for storing therein a plurality of expert qualifications, each expert qualification associated with an expert address corresponding to a particular expert, said controller unit configured to establish a price for an expert answer corresponding to an end user request; and a transceiver disposed in communication with said controller unit, said transceiver configured for receiving an end user request for evaluation by at least one expert, for transmitting at least a portion of the end user request to an address of a selected expert, for receiving the expert answer responsive to the transmitted end user request and for transmitting the expert answer to the end user.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4903201A
Cited
US4576579A
Cited
US4789928A
Cited
US5021953A
Cited
US5164897A
Cited
US5398300A
Cited
US5191613A
Cited
US5259766A
Cited
US5628011A
Cited
US5557518A
Cited
US5630125A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-01-18 | 2002-07-20 | 2003-01-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-01-18 | 2006-07-20 | 2007-01-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-01-18 | 2010-07-20 | 2011-01-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |