Patent US5946388A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5946388A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for priority queuing of telephone calls
Assignee: Inventor Holdings LLC
•
Filing: 1997-02-06
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Granted: 1999-08-31
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Expires: 2017-02-06
Abstract
Abstract A PBX/automatic call distributor (ACD) system allows callers to exercise control over their rank order within a phone queue. The ACD accesses a call database and develops offers to be made to callers, based upon a caller reaching a particular position in a queue or at a position at which the call is first placed in the queue. An interactive voice response unit (IVRU) is employed to offer a caller a chance to move up in the queue in return for a payment. If the caller wishes to accept the offer, the caller responds by using the touch tone keys of his/her telephone and entering a credit card number, an account number, or indicating some other method of payment. The ACD then changes the rank order of the caller's call within the phone queue and alters the rank position of other calls within the queue, accordingly.
Inventors
- 👤 Jay S. Walker
- 👤 James A. Jorasch
- 👤 Thomas M. Sparico
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 22:31
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04M; H04M15/00; H04M15/70; H04M15/745; H04M15/68; H04M3/00; H04M3/42; H04M3/50; H04M3/51; H04M3/523; H04M2203/00; H04M2203/20; H04M2203/2011; H04M2215/00; H04M2215/01; H04M2215/0108; H04M2215/0196; H04M3/487; H04M3/5232; H04M3/5235; H04M3/5238
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 316
Claim 1
Independent Claim
85 words
A method for call processing, comprising the steps of: (a) arranging call identifiers in a queue in dependence upon a time of receipt of calls corresponding thereto; (b) in accordance with a criteria, providing a message to a caller, whose call identifier is present in said queue, said message offering an option for the caller's call to receive an earlier answer in exchange for a payment; and (c) responding to said caller's acceptance of said offer by moving said caller's call identifier within said queue.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
85 words
A method for call processing, comprising the steps of: (a) arranging call identifiers in a queue in dependence upon a time of receipt of calls corresponding thereto; (b) in accordance with a criteria, providing a message to a caller, whose call identifier is present in said queue, said message offering an option for the caller's call to receive an earlier answer in exchange for a payment; and (c) responding to said caller's acceptance of said offer by moving said caller's call identifier within said queue.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method as recited in claim 1, wherein step b) comprises the further steps of: b1) measuring a time delay expected before a response is expected to be available for the call corresponding to a call identifier; and b2) if the time delay expected before a response exceeds a time delay threshold, presenting said message to said caller.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method as recited in claim 1, wherein step b) comprises the further steps of: b1) determining a rank position of said call in said queue; and b2) if the rank position of said call exceeds a preset value, presenting said message to said caller.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method as recited in claim 1, wherein step b) comprises the further step of: b1) offering to said caller an option to bid against other callers for a relative position within said queue.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method as recited in claim 1, wherein step c) further comprises: c1) placing said call identifier at a position in said queue that assures an earlier response.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
152 words
A system for processing of received calls directed to a plurality of agents, comprising: call distribution means for arranging call identifiers in a queue in dependence upon a time of receipt of calls corresponding thereto and operational in accordance with predetermined criteria, for outputting a message transmission signal; voice response means operative in accordance with said message transmission signal from said call distribution means, for providing a message to a caller whose call identifier is present in said queue, said message offering an option for the caller's call to receive an earlier response in exchange for a payment, and for informing said call distribution means of said caller's acceptance of said offer; and said call distribution means responsive to said informing for moving said caller's call identifier in said queue so as to enable said caller's call to be answered in a shorter period than if the offer had not been accepted.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
152 words
A system for processing of received calls directed to a plurality of agents, comprising: call distribution means for arranging call identifiers in a queue in dependence upon a time of receipt of calls corresponding thereto and operational in accordance with predetermined criteria, for outputting a message transmission signal; voice response means operative in accordance with said message transmission signal from said call distribution means, for providing a message to a caller whose call identifier is present in said queue, said message offering an option for the caller's call to receive an earlier response in exchange for a payment, and for informing said call distribution means of said caller's acceptance of said offer; and said call distribution means responsive to said informing for moving said caller's call identifier in said queue so as to enable said caller's call to be answered in a shorter period than if the offer had not been accepted.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
65 words
The system as recited in claim 6, wherein said predetermined criteria is determined by said call distribution means measuring a probable time delay before a response is expected to be available for the call corresponding to a call identifier; and if the time delay expected before a response exceeds a time delay threshold, causing said voice response means to present said message to said caller.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
52 words
The system as recited in claim 6, wherein said predetermined criteria is determined by said call distribution means determining a rank position of said call in said queue and if the rank position of said call exceeds a preset value, causing said voice response means to present said message to said caller.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system as recited in claim 6, wherein said predetermined criteria comprises offering to all callers an option to bid against other callers for relative position within said queue.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
146 words
An automatic call distributor operative in combination with a voice response unit to process received calls directed to a plurality of agents, comprising: a) means for arranging call identifiers in a queue in dependence upon a time of receipt of calls corresponding thereto; b) means, operational in accordance with predetermined criteria, for outputting a message transmission signal which causes said voice response unit to provide a message to a caller, whose call identifier is present in said queue, said message offering an option for the caller's call to be moved in said queue in exchange for a payment; and c) means responsive to said means b) indicating said caller's acceptance of said offer, by moving said caller's call identifier in said queue so as to enable said caller's call to be answered in a shorter period of time than if the offer had not been accepted.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
146 words
An automatic call distributor operative in combination with a voice response unit to process received calls directed to a plurality of agents, comprising: a) means for arranging call identifiers in a queue in dependence upon a time of receipt of calls corresponding thereto; b) means, operational in accordance with predetermined criteria, for outputting a message transmission signal which causes said voice response unit to provide a message to a caller, whose call identifier is present in said queue, said message offering an option for the caller's call to be moved in said queue in exchange for a payment; and c) means responsive to said means b) indicating said caller's acceptance of said offer, by moving said caller's call identifier in said queue so as to enable said caller's call to be answered in a shorter period of time than if the offer had not been accepted.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
68 words
The automatic call distributor as recited in claim 10, where in said p redetermined criteria is determined by said means b) measuring a probable time delay before a response is expected to be available for the call corresponding to a call identifier; and if the time delay expected before a response exceeds a time delay threshold, signalling said voice response unit to present said message to said caller.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
51 words
The automatic call distributor as recited in claim 10, wherein said predetermined criteria is based on a rank position of said call identifier in said queue and if the rank position of said call identifier exceeds a preset value, signalling said voice response unit to present said message to said caller.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
90 words
The automatic call distributor as recited in claim 10, wherein said predetermined criteria is based on (i) a time delay anticipated before a response is expected to be available for said call corresponding to a call identifier and (ii) a determining of a rank position of said call in said queue; and if the time delay expected before a response exceeds a time delay threshold or if the rank position of said call identifier exceeds a preset value, signalling said voice response means to dispatch said message to said caller.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
28 words
The automatic call distributor as recited in claim 10, wherein said means c) places said call in a further queue which enables an earlier response to said call.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
71 words
A method of accessing a limited availability telephone information provider, comprising the steps of: calling said telephone information provider and receiving a position in a queue of other callers awaiting access to said information; receiving from said provider an offer to change said position in said queue in exchange for predetermined compensation, said offer including an option to bid for a second position in said queue; and responding to said offer.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
71 words
A method of accessing a limited availability telephone information provider, comprising the steps of: calling said telephone information provider and receiving a position in a queue of other callers awaiting access to said information; receiving from said provider an offer to change said position in said queue in exchange for predetermined compensation, said offer including an option to bid for a second position in said queue; and responding to said offer.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method in accordance with claim 15, wherein said position in said queue is changed responsive to said responding step.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method in accordance with claim 15, wherein said offer to change said position in said queue enables the call to be answered in a shortened period of time.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method in accordance with claim 15, wherein said offer identifies one of many selectable positions in said queue.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
126 words
A memory media for controlling a computer system to perform call processing, said memory media comprising: a) means for controlling said computer system to arrange call identifiers in a queue in dependence upon a time of receipt of calls corresponding thereto; b) means operative in accordance with a criteria, for controlling said computer system to provide a message to a caller, whose call identifier is present in said queue, said message offering an option for the caller's call to receive an earlier answer in exchange for a payment; and c) means for controlling said computer system to respond to said caller's acceptance of said offer by arranging for said caller's call to be answered in a shorter period than if the offer had not been accepted.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
126 words
A memory media for controlling a computer system to perform call processing, said memory media comprising: a) means for controlling said computer system to arrange call identifiers in a queue in dependence upon a time of receipt of calls corresponding thereto; b) means operative in accordance with a criteria, for controlling said computer system to provide a message to a caller, whose call identifier is present in said queue, said message offering an option for the caller's call to receive an earlier answer in exchange for a payment; and c) means for controlling said computer system to respond to said caller's acceptance of said offer by arranging for said caller's call to be answered in a shorter period than if the offer had not been accepted.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
61 words
The memory media as recited in claim 19, wherein means b) further controls said computer system to: b1) measure a time delay expected before a response is expected to be available for said call corresponding to a call identifier; and b2) if the time delay expected before a response exceeds a time delay threshold, to present said message to said caller.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
48 words
The memory media as recited in claim 19, wherein means b) further controls said computer system to: b1) determine a rank position of said call in said queue; and b2) if the rank position of said call exceeds a preset value, to present said message to said caller.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
38 words
The memory media as recited in claim 19, wherein means b) further controls said computer system to: b1) offer to every caller the option to bid in competition with other callers for a relative position within said queue.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
34 words
The memory media as recited in claim 19, wherein means c) further controls said computer system to: c1) place said call identifier higher in said queue so as to assure an earlier response thereto.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
33 words
The memory media as recited in claim 19, wherein means c) further controls said computer system to: c1) place said call in a further queue which assures an earlier response to said call.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
73 words
A method for call processing, comprising the steps of: receiving a call from a caller; associating the call with a first time period in a queue; providing, to the caller, a queue movement offer requiring a payment; receiving, from the caller, a response to the queue movement offer; and answering the call within a second time period that is shorter than the first time period, if the offer is accepted by the caller.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
73 words
A method for call processing, comprising the steps of: receiving a call from a caller; associating the call with a first time period in a queue; providing, to the caller, a queue movement offer requiring a payment; receiving, from the caller, a response to the queue movement offer; and answering the call within a second time period that is shorter than the first time period, if the offer is accepted by the caller.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 25, and further including the step of transmitting the queue movement offer to the caller in response to a position of the call in a queue.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 25, and further including the step of transmitting the queue movement offer to the caller in response to an expected time period of the call in a queue.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 25, wherein the step of answering the call within a second time period includes moving the call to a different position in a queue.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 25, wherein the step of answering the call within a second time period includes moving the call to a different queue.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 25, wherein the queue movement offer includes a payment amount.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 25, and further including the step of receiving an indicator of the payment amount.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 25, wherein the queue movement offer includes an option to bid for a queue movement.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 25, wherein the queue movement offer includes an option to move to a top of a queue in exchange for a payment.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
71 words
A method for call processing, comprising: receiving a call; transmitting an upgrade offer including a payment amount; receiving a response to the upgrade offer; if the response does not indicate an acceptance of the upgrade offer, answering the call within a first time period; and if the response indicates an acceptance of the upgrade offer, answering the call within a second time period that is shorter than the first time period.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
71 words
A method for call processing, comprising: receiving a call; transmitting an upgrade offer including a payment amount; receiving a response to the upgrade offer; if the response does not indicate an acceptance of the upgrade offer, answering the call within a first time period; and if the response indicates an acceptance of the upgrade offer, answering the call within a second time period that is shorter than the first time period.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 34, wherein the transmitting step is in response to a position of the call in a queue.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 34, wherein the transmitting step is in response to an expected time period of the call in a queue.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 34, wherein the step of answering the call within a second time period includes moving the call to a different position in a queue.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 37, wherein the step of moving the call to a different position in a queue includes repositioning other calls in the queue.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 34, wherein the step of answering the call within a second time period includes moving the call to a different queue.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 34, and further including the step of receiving an indicator of the payment amount.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
76 words
A method for call processing, comprising: receiving a call; transmitting an upgrade offer including an option to bid for a queue movement; receiving a response to the upgrade offer; if the response does not indicate an acceptance of the upgrade offer, answering the call within a first time period; and if the response indicates an acceptance of the upgrade offer, answering the call within a second time period that is shorter than the first time period.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
76 words
A method for call processing, comprising: receiving a call; transmitting an upgrade offer including an option to bid for a queue movement; receiving a response to the upgrade offer; if the response does not indicate an acceptance of the upgrade offer, answering the call within a first time period; and if the response indicates an acceptance of the upgrade offer, answering the call within a second time period that is shorter than the first time period.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
91 words
A method for call processing, comprising: receiving a call; transmitting an upgrade offer requiring a payment, and if the upgrade offer is declined: transmitting a second upgrade offer requiring a payment with different terms; receiving a response to the second upgrade offer; if the response does not indicate an acceptance of the second upgrade offer, answering the call within a first time period; and if the response indicates an acceptance of the second upgrade offer, answering the call within a second time period that is shorter than the first time period.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
91 words
A method for call processing, comprising: receiving a call; transmitting an upgrade offer requiring a payment, and if the upgrade offer is declined: transmitting a second upgrade offer requiring a payment with different terms; receiving a response to the second upgrade offer; if the response does not indicate an acceptance of the second upgrade offer, answering the call within a first time period; and if the response indicates an acceptance of the second upgrade offer, answering the call within a second time period that is shorter than the first time period.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
55 words
A method for call processing, comprising: receiving a call; placing the call in a queue; transmitting an upgrade offer including a payment amount; receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer; and moving the call up in the queue in response to the received acceptance, thereby moving the call closer to a top of the queue.
Claim 53
Independent Claim
55 words
A method for call processing, comprising: receiving a call; placing the call in a queue; transmitting an upgrade offer including a payment amount; receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer; and moving the call up in the queue in response to the received acceptance, thereby moving the call closer to a top of the queue.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 43, wherein the transmitting step is in response to a position of the call in the queue.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 43, wherein the transmitting step is in response to an expected time period of the call in the queue.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 43, and further including the step of receiving an indicator of the payment amount from the caller.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
66 words
A method for call processing, comprising: receiving a call; placing the call in a queue; transmitting an upgrade offer including an option to bid for a queue movement; receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer and a bid; and moving the call up in the queue in response to the received acceptance and the bid, thereby moving the call closer to a top of the queue.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
66 words
A method for call processing, comprising: receiving a call; placing the call in a queue; transmitting an upgrade offer including an option to bid for a queue movement; receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer and a bid; and moving the call up in the queue in response to the received acceptance and the bid, thereby moving the call closer to a top of the queue.
Claim 59
Independent Claim
78 words
A method for call processing, comprising: receiving a call; placing the call in a queue; transmitting an upgrade offer including an option to select one of a plurality of available positions in the queue in exchange for a corresponding payment amount; receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer; and moving the call up in the queue in response to the received acceptance and the corresponding payment amount, thereby moving the call closer to a top of the queue.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
78 words
A method for call processing, comprising: receiving a call; placing the call in a queue; transmitting an upgrade offer including an option to select one of a plurality of available positions in the queue in exchange for a corresponding payment amount; receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer; and moving the call up in the queue in response to the received acceptance and the corresponding payment amount, thereby moving the call closer to a top of the queue.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
53 words
A method for call processing, comprising: receiving a call; placing the call in a queue, the call having a position in the queue; transmitting an upgrade offer including a payment amount; receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer; and responsive to the acceptance, repositioning the call in the queue to a higher rank.
Claim 62
Independent Claim
53 words
A method for call processing, comprising: receiving a call; placing the call in a queue, the call having a position in the queue; transmitting an upgrade offer including a payment amount; receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer; and responsive to the acceptance, repositioning the call in the queue to a higher rank.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 49, wherein the transmitting step is in response to a position of the call in the queue.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 49, wherein the transmitting step is in response to an expected time period of the call in the queue.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 49, and further including the step of receiving an indicator of the payment amount.
Claim 66
Independent Claim
54 words
A method for call processing, comprising: receiving a call; placing the call in a queue, the call having a position in the queue; transmitting an upgrade offer including an option to bid for a queue position; receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer; and repositioning the call in the queue to a higher rank.
Claim 67
Independent Claim
54 words
A method for call processing, comprising: receiving a call; placing the call in a queue, the call having a position in the queue; transmitting an upgrade offer including an option to bid for a queue position; receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer; and repositioning the call in the queue to a higher rank.
Claim 68
Independent Claim
79 words
A method for call processing, comprising: receiving a call from a caller; placing the call in a queue, the call having a position in the queue; transmitting an upgrade offer requiring a payment, and if the upgrade offer is not accepted: transmitting periodically a plurality of subsequent upgrade offers, each requiring a payment, to the caller; receiving an acceptance of one of the plurality of subsequent upgrade offers; and repositioning the call in the queue to a higher rank.
Claim 69
Independent Claim
79 words
A method for call processing, comprising: receiving a call from a caller; placing the call in a queue, the call having a position in the queue; transmitting an upgrade offer requiring a payment, and if the upgrade offer is not accepted: transmitting periodically a plurality of subsequent upgrade offers, each requiring a payment, to the caller; receiving an acceptance of one of the plurality of subsequent upgrade offers; and repositioning the call in the queue to a higher rank.
Claim 70
Independent Claim
73 words
A method for call processing, comprising: receiving a call; placing the call in a queue, the call having a position in the queue; transmitting an upgrade offer including a payment amount; receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer; and responsive to the acceptance, altering the position of the call in the queue such that the call may be answered in a shorter period of time than if the position had not been altered.
Claim 71
Independent Claim
73 words
A method for call processing, comprising: receiving a call; placing the call in a queue, the call having a position in the queue; transmitting an upgrade offer including a payment amount; receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer; and responsive to the acceptance, altering the position of the call in the queue such that the call may be answered in a shorter period of time than if the position had not been altered.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 55, wherein the transmitting step is in response to a position of the call in the queue.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 55, wherein the transmitting step is in response to an expected time period of the call in the queue.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 55, and further including the step of receiving an indicator of the payment amount.
Claim 75
Independent Claim
74 words
A method for call processing, comprising: receiving a call; placing the call in a queue, the call having a position in the queue; transmitting an upgrade offer including an option to bid for a queue position; receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer; and altering the position of the call in the queue such that the call may be answered in a shorter period of time than if the position had not been altered.
Claim 76
Independent Claim
74 words
A method for call processing, comprising: receiving a call; placing the call in a queue, the call having a position in the queue; transmitting an upgrade offer including an option to bid for a queue position; receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer; and altering the position of the call in the queue such that the call may be answered in a shorter period of time than if the position had not been altered.
Claim 77
Independent Claim
92 words
A method for call processing, comprising: receiving a call; placing the call in a queue, the call having a position in the queue; transmitting an upgrade offer including an option to select one of multiple available positions in the queue; receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer and a selection of one of the multiple available positions; and altering the position of the call in the queue in accordance with the selection, whereby the call may be answered in a shorter period of time than if the position had not been altered.
Claim 78
Independent Claim
92 words
A method for call processing, comprising: receiving a call; placing the call in a queue, the call having a position in the queue; transmitting an upgrade offer including an option to select one of multiple available positions in the queue; receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer and a selection of one of the multiple available positions; and altering the position of the call in the queue in accordance with the selection, whereby the call may be answered in a shorter period of time than if the position had not been altered.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 60, wherein each of the multiple available positions includes a corresponding fee.
Claim 80
Independent Claim
72 words
A method for call processing, comprising: receiving a call; placing the call in a queue; transmitting an upgrade offer including a payment amount while the call is in the queue; receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer while the call is in the queue; and moving the call from the queue to a priority queue in response to the acceptance, the priority queue having a guarantee of response within a predetermined time.
Claim 81
Independent Claim
72 words
A method for call processing, comprising: receiving a call; placing the call in a queue; transmitting an upgrade offer including a payment amount while the call is in the queue; receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer while the call is in the queue; and moving the call from the queue to a priority queue in response to the acceptance, the priority queue having a guarantee of response within a predetermined time.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 62, wherein the transmitting step is in response to a position of the call in the queue.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 62, wherein the transmitting step is in response to an expected time period of the call in the queue.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 62, and further including the step of receiving an indicator of the payment amount.
Claim 85
Independent Claim
77 words
A method for call processing, comprising: receiving a call; placing the call in a queue; transmitting an upgrade offer including an option to bid for a queue position while the call is in the queue; receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer while the call is in the queue; and moving the call from the queue to a priority queue in response to the acceptance, the priority queue having a guarantee of response within a predetermined time.
Claim 86
Independent Claim
77 words
A method for call processing, comprising: receiving a call; placing the call in a queue; transmitting an upgrade offer including an option to bid for a queue position while the call is in the queue; receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer while the call is in the queue; and moving the call from the queue to a priority queue in response to the acceptance, the priority queue having a guarantee of response within a predetermined time.
Claim 87
Independent Claim
92 words
A method for call processing, comprising: receiving a call; placing the call in a queue; transmitting an upgrade offer including a payment amount while the call is in the queue, and if the upgrade offer is not accepted: transmitting at least one subsequent offer to the caller; receiving an acceptance of one of the subsequent upgrade offers while the call is in the queue; and moving the call from the queue to a priority queue in response to the acceptance, the priority queue having a guarantee of response within a predetermined time.
Claim 88
Independent Claim
92 words
A method for call processing, comprising: receiving a call; placing the call in a queue; transmitting an upgrade offer including a payment amount while the call is in the queue, and if the upgrade offer is not accepted: transmitting at least one subsequent offer to the caller; receiving an acceptance of one of the subsequent upgrade offers while the call is in the queue; and moving the call from the queue to a priority queue in response to the acceptance, the priority queue having a guarantee of response within a predetermined time.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 67, wherein the at least one subsequent upgrade offer is transmitted to the caller a predetermined period of time following the upgrade offer.
Claim 90
Independent Claim
94 words
A method of processing a telephone call, comprising the steps of: receiving a telephone call from a caller; placing said telephone call on hold; transmitting to said caller while said telephone call is on hold an offer to shorten the time period said telephone call will be on hold in exchange for a monetary payment; responding to said call, if said offer is not accepted, in a first period of time; and responding to said call, if said offer is accepted, in a second period of time shorter than said first period of time.
Claim 91
Independent Claim
94 words
A method of processing a telephone call, comprising the steps of: receiving a telephone call from a caller; placing said telephone call on hold; transmitting to said caller while said telephone call is on hold an offer to shorten the time period said telephone call will be on hold in exchange for a monetary payment; responding to said call, if said offer is not accepted, in a first period of time; and responding to said call, if said offer is accepted, in a second period of time shorter than said first period of time.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 69, wherein said transmitting step is in response to a position of said call in a queue.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 69, wherein said transmitting step is in response to an expected time period of said call on hold.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 69, and further including the step of receiving an indicator of said monetary payment.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 72, wherein said indicator includes an account number.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 69, wherein said offer includes an option to bid for a shortened period of time on hold.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 69, wherein said transmitting step includes the step of, if said offer is not accepted, transmitting at least one subsequent offer having a different monetary payment to said caller.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 75, wherein said step of transmitting at least one subsequent offer is performed a predetermined period of time following said step of transmitting an offer.
Claim 99
Independent Claim
86 words
A method of call processing, comprising the steps of: receiving a telephone call from a caller; placing said telephone call on hold including assigning said telephone call a position in a queue; transmitting to said caller an offer to shorten a time period said telephone call will be on hold in exchange for a payment; receiving an acceptance of said offer, while said call is on hold, including an indication of said payment; and shortening, responsive to said step of receiving an acceptance, said time period.
Claim 100
Independent Claim
86 words
A method of call processing, comprising the steps of: receiving a telephone call from a caller; placing said telephone call on hold including assigning said telephone call a position in a queue; transmitting to said caller an offer to shorten a time period said telephone call will be on hold in exchange for a payment; receiving an acceptance of said offer, while said call is on hold, including an indication of said payment; and shortening, responsive to said step of receiving an acceptance, said time period.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 77, wherein said transmitting step is in response to a position of said telephone call in said queue.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 78, wherein said transmitting step is in response to said telephone call reaching a selected position in said queue.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 78, wherein said transmitting step is in response to the initial placing of said telephone call in said queue.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 77, wherein said transmitting step is in response to an expected time period of said call on hold.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 77, wherein said indication of said payment comprises an account number.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 82, wherein said account number comprises a credit card account number.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 77, wherein said offer includes an option to bid for a shortened period of time on hold.
Claim 108
Independent Claim
75 words
A method of processing a telephone call, comprising the steps of: receiving a telephone call from a caller; placing said telephone call on hold; transmitting to said caller while said telephone call is on hold an offer to bid against other callers to shorten a time period said telephone call will be on hold; receiving a response to said offer; and receiving, if said offer is accepted, an indication of a value of the bid.
Claim 109
Independent Claim
75 words
A method of processing a telephone call, comprising the steps of: receiving a telephone call from a caller; placing said telephone call on hold; transmitting to said caller while said telephone call is on hold an offer to bid against other callers to shorten a time period said telephone call will be on hold; receiving a response to said offer; and receiving, if said offer is accepted, an indication of a value of the bid.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 85, wherein said transmitting step is in response to a position of said call in a queue.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 85, wherein said transmitting step is in response to an expected time period of said call on hold.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 85, wherein said step of receiving an indication of a value includes receiving an account number.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 85, and further including the step of, responsive to an acceptance of said offer, moving a position of said telephone call in a queue.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 85, and further including the step of, responsive to an acceptance of said offer, moving said telephone call to a priority queue.
Claim 115
Independent Claim
84 words
A method of accessing a telephone service provider, comprising the steps of: placing a telephone call to a service provider; receiving a position on hold in a queue with other telephone callers awaiting access to said service provider; receiving an offer while on hold to decrease a time period in said queue in exchange for a payment; responding to said offer; and receiving, if the responding is an acceptance of said offer, a decrease in said time period for access to said service provider.
Claim 116
Independent Claim
84 words
A method of accessing a telephone service provider, comprising the steps of: placing a telephone call to a service provider; receiving a position on hold in a queue with other telephone callers awaiting access to said service provider; receiving an offer while on hold to decrease a time period in said queue in exchange for a payment; responding to said offer; and receiving, if the responding is an acceptance of said offer, a decrease in said time period for access to said service provider.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 91, wherein said step of responding to said offer further includes providing said payment.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 92, wherein said step of providing said payment includes providing an account number.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 91, wherein said offer includes an option to bid against other callers for a decrease in said time period.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 91, wherein said offer includes an option to select one of multiple available positions in a queue.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 91, and further including the step of receiving, if said offer is not accepted, at least one subsequent offer having a corresponding payment amount.
Claim 122
Independent Claim
80 words
A method of accessing a telephone service provider, comprising the steps of: placing a telephone call to a service provider; receiving a position on hold in a queue with other telephone callers awaiting access to said service provider; receiving an offer while on hold to bid against other callers to decrease a time period in said queue; responding to said offer; and providing, if said responding is an acceptance of said offer, an indication of a value of the bid.
Claim 123
Independent Claim
80 words
A method of accessing a telephone service provider, comprising the steps of: placing a telephone call to a service provider; receiving a position on hold in a queue with other telephone callers awaiting access to said service provider; receiving an offer while on hold to bid against other callers to decrease a time period in said queue; responding to said offer; and providing, if said responding is an acceptance of said offer, an indication of a value of the bid.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 97, wherein said indication of a value includes an account number.
Claim 125
Independent Claim
102 words
A system for call processing, comprising: means for receiving a call from a caller; means for placing the call in a queue; means for transmitting a queue movement offer including a payment amount to the caller; means for receiving a response to the queue movement offer; means for answering the call within a first time period, if the response to the queue movement offer for the call is not accepted; and means for answering the call within a second time period that is shorter than the first time period, if the response to the queue movement offer for the call is accepted.
Claim 126
Independent Claim
102 words
A system for call processing, comprising: means for receiving a call from a caller; means for placing the call in a queue; means for transmitting a queue movement offer including a payment amount to the caller; means for receiving a response to the queue movement offer; means for answering the call within a first time period, if the response to the queue movement offer for the call is not accepted; and means for answering the call within a second time period that is shorter than the first time period, if the response to the queue movement offer for the call is accepted.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 99, wherein said means for transmitting further includes means for transmitting the queue movement offer to the caller in response to a position of the call in a queue.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system of claim 99, wherein said means for transmitting includes means for transmitting the queue movement offer to the caller in response to an expected time period of the call in a queue.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 99, wherein the means for answering the call within a second time period includes means for moving the call to a different position in a queue.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 99, wherein the means for answering the call within a second time period includes means for moving the call to a different queue.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 99, and further including means for receiving an indicator of the payment amount.
Claim 132
Independent Claim
107 words
A system for call processing, comprising: means for receiving a call from a caller; means for placing the call in a queue; means for transmitting a queue movement offer including an option to bid for a queue movement to the caller; means for receiving a response to the queue movement offer; means for answering the call within a first time period, if the response to the queue movement offer for the call is not accepted; and means for answering the call within a second time period that is shorter than the first time period, if the response to the queue movement offer for the call is accepted.
Claim 133
Independent Claim
107 words
A system for call processing, comprising: means for receiving a call from a caller; means for placing the call in a queue; means for transmitting a queue movement offer including an option to bid for a queue movement to the caller; means for receiving a response to the queue movement offer; means for answering the call within a first time period, if the response to the queue movement offer for the call is not accepted; and means for answering the call within a second time period that is shorter than the first time period, if the response to the queue movement offer for the call is accepted.
Claim 134
Independent Claim
114 words
A system for call processing, comprising: means for receiving a call from a caller; means for placing the call in a queue; means for transmitting to the caller a queue movement offer including an option to move to a top of the queue in exchange for a payment; means for receiving a response to the queue movement offer; means for answering the call within a first time period, if the response to the queue movement offer for the call is not accepted; and means for answering the call within a second time period that is shorter than the first time period, if the response to the queue movement offer for the call is accepted.
Claim 135
Independent Claim
114 words
A system for call processing, comprising: means for receiving a call from a caller; means for placing the call in a queue; means for transmitting to the caller a queue movement offer including an option to move to a top of the queue in exchange for a payment; means for receiving a response to the queue movement offer; means for answering the call within a first time period, if the response to the queue movement offer for the call is not accepted; and means for answering the call within a second time period that is shorter than the first time period, if the response to the queue movement offer for the call is accepted.
Claim 136
Independent Claim
94 words
A system for call processing, comprising: means for receiving a call from a caller; means for transmitting a queue movement offer including a payment amount to the caller; means for receiving a response to the queue movement offer from the caller; means, if the response does not indicate an acceptance of the queue movement offer, for answering the call within a first time period; and means, if the response indicates an acceptance of the queue movement offer, for answering the call within a second time period that is shorter than the first time period.
Claim 137
Independent Claim
94 words
A system for call processing, comprising: means for receiving a call from a caller; means for transmitting a queue movement offer including a payment amount to the caller; means for receiving a response to the queue movement offer from the caller; means, if the response does not indicate an acceptance of the queue movement offer, for answering the call within a first time period; and means, if the response indicates an acceptance of the queue movement offer, for answering the call within a second time period that is shorter than the first time period.
Claim 138
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 107, wherein the means for transmitting is responsive to a position of the call in a queue.
Claim 139
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 107, wherein the means for transmitting is responsive to an expected time period of the call in a queue.
Claim 140
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 107, wherein the means for answering the call within a second time period includes means for moving the call to a different position in a queue.
Claim 141
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 110, wherein the means for moving the call to a different position in a queue includes means for repositioning other calls in the queue.
Claim 142
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 107, wherein the means for answering the call within a second time period includes means for moving the call to a different queue.
Claim 143
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 107, and further including means for receiving an indicator of the payment amount.
Claim 144
Independent Claim
96 words
A system for call processing, comprising: means for receiving a call from a caller; means for transmitting a queue movement offer including an option to bid for a queue movement; means for receiving a response to the queue movement offer from the caller; means, if the response does not indicate an acceptance of the queue movement offer, for answering the call within a first time period; and means, if the response indicates an acceptance of the queue movement offer, for answering the call within a second time period that is shorter than the first time period.
Claim 145
Independent Claim
96 words
A system for call processing, comprising: means for receiving a call from a caller; means for transmitting a queue movement offer including an option to bid for a queue movement; means for receiving a response to the queue movement offer from the caller; means, if the response does not indicate an acceptance of the queue movement offer, for answering the call within a first time period; and means, if the response indicates an acceptance of the queue movement offer, for answering the call within a second time period that is shorter than the first time period.
Claim 146
Independent Claim
116 words
A system for call processing, comprising: means for receiving a call from a caller; means for transmitting a first queue movement offer requiring a payment; means for transmitting a second queue movement offer requiring a payment with different terms, if the first queue movement offer is declined; means for receiving a response to the second queue movement offer from the caller; means, if the response does not indicate an acceptance of the second queue movement offer, for answering the call within a first time period; and means, if the response indicates an acceptance of the second queue movement offer, for answering the call within a second time period that is shorter than the first time period.
Claim 147
Independent Claim
116 words
A system for call processing, comprising: means for receiving a call from a caller; means for transmitting a first queue movement offer requiring a payment; means for transmitting a second queue movement offer requiring a payment with different terms, if the first queue movement offer is declined; means for receiving a response to the second queue movement offer from the caller; means, if the response does not indicate an acceptance of the second queue movement offer, for answering the call within a first time period; and means, if the response indicates an acceptance of the second queue movement offer, for answering the call within a second time period that is shorter than the first time period.
Claim 148
Independent Claim
71 words
A system for call processing, comprising: means for receiving a call from a caller; means for placing the call in a queue; means for transmitting an upgrade offer including a payment amount to the caller; means for receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer; and means for moving the call up in the queue in response to the received acceptance, thereby moving the call closer to a top of the queue.
Claim 149
Independent Claim
71 words
A system for call processing, comprising: means for receiving a call from a caller; means for placing the call in a queue; means for transmitting an upgrade offer including a payment amount to the caller; means for receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer; and means for moving the call up in the queue in response to the received acceptance, thereby moving the call closer to a top of the queue.
Claim 150
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 116, wherein the means for transmitting is responsive to a position of the call in the queue.
Claim 151
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 116, wherein the means for transmitting is responsive to an expected time period of the call in the queue.
Claim 152
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 116, and further including means for receiving an indicator of the payment amount from the caller.
Claim 153
Independent Claim
76 words
A system for call processing, comprising: means for receiving a call from a caller; means for placing the call in a queue; means for transmitting to the caller an upgrade offer including an option to bid for a queue movement; means for receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer; and means for moving the call up in the queue in response to the received acceptance, thereby moving the call closer to a top of the queue.
Claim 154
Independent Claim
76 words
A system for call processing, comprising: means for receiving a call from a caller; means for placing the call in a queue; means for transmitting to the caller an upgrade offer including an option to bid for a queue movement; means for receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer; and means for moving the call up in the queue in response to the received acceptance, thereby moving the call closer to a top of the queue.
Claim 155
Independent Claim
109 words
A system for call processing, comprising: means for receiving a call from a caller; means for placing the call in a queue; means for transmitting an upgrade offer including an option to select one of a plurality of available positions in the queue in exchange for a corresponding payment amount; means for receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer and a selection of one of the plurality of available positions; and means for moving the call up in the queue to the one of the plurality of available positions in response to the received acceptance and the selection, thereby moving the call closer to a top of the queue.
Claim 156
Independent Claim
109 words
A system for call processing, comprising: means for receiving a call from a caller; means for placing the call in a queue; means for transmitting an upgrade offer including an option to select one of a plurality of available positions in the queue in exchange for a corresponding payment amount; means for receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer and a selection of one of the plurality of available positions; and means for moving the call up in the queue to the one of the plurality of available positions in response to the received acceptance and the selection, thereby moving the call closer to a top of the queue.
Claim 157
Independent Claim
70 words
A system for call processing, comprising: means for receiving a call from a caller; means for placing the call in a queue, the call having a rank in the queue; means for transmitting an upgrade offer including a payment amount to the caller; means for receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer; and means for repositioning, in response to the acceptance, the call in the queue to a higher rank.
Claim 158
Independent Claim
70 words
A system for call processing, comprising: means for receiving a call from a caller; means for placing the call in a queue, the call having a rank in the queue; means for transmitting an upgrade offer including a payment amount to the caller; means for receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer; and means for repositioning, in response to the acceptance, the call in the queue to a higher rank.
Claim 159
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 122, wherein the means for transmitting is responsive to a position of the call in the queue.
Claim 160
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 122, wherein the means for transmitting is responsive to an expected time period of the call in the queue.
Claim 161
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 122, and further including means for receiving an indicator of the payment amount.
Claim 162
Independent Claim
75 words
A system for call processing, comprising: means for receiving a call from a caller; means for placing the call in a queue, the call having a rank in the queue; means for transmitting to the caller an upgrade offer including an option to bid for a queue position; means for receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer; and means for repositioning, in response to the acceptance, the call in the queue to a higher rank.
Claim 163
Independent Claim
75 words
A system for call processing, comprising: means for receiving a call from a caller; means for placing the call in a queue, the call having a rank in the queue; means for transmitting to the caller an upgrade offer including an option to bid for a queue position; means for receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer; and means for repositioning, in response to the acceptance, the call in the queue to a higher rank.
Claim 164
Independent Claim
98 words
A system for call processing, comprising: means for receiving a call from a caller; means for placing the call in a queue, the call having a rank in the queue; means for transmitting an upgrade offer, requiring a payment, to the caller; means for transmitting periodically to the caller a plurality of subsequent upgrade offers, each requiring a payment, if the upgrade offer is not accepted; means for receiving an acceptance of one of the plurality of subsequent upgrade offers; and means for repositioning, in response to the acceptance, the call in the queue to a higher rank.
Claim 165
Independent Claim
98 words
A system for call processing, comprising: means for receiving a call from a caller; means for placing the call in a queue, the call having a rank in the queue; means for transmitting an upgrade offer, requiring a payment, to the caller; means for transmitting periodically to the caller a plurality of subsequent upgrade offers, each requiring a payment, if the upgrade offer is not accepted; means for receiving an acceptance of one of the plurality of subsequent upgrade offers; and means for repositioning, in response to the acceptance, the call in the queue to a higher rank.
Claim 166
Independent Claim
93 words
A system for call processing, comprising: means for receiving a call from a caller; means for placing the call in a queue, the call having a position in the queue; means for transmitting an upgrade offer including a payment amount to the caller; means for receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer from the caller; and means for altering, in response to the acceptance, the position of the call in the queue such that the call may be answered in a shorter period of time that if the position had not been altered.
Claim 167
Independent Claim
93 words
A system for call processing, comprising: means for receiving a call from a caller; means for placing the call in a queue, the call having a position in the queue; means for transmitting an upgrade offer including a payment amount to the caller; means for receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer from the caller; and means for altering, in response to the acceptance, the position of the call in the queue such that the call may be answered in a shorter period of time that if the position had not been altered.
Claim 168
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 128, wherein the means for transmitting is responsive to a position of the call in the queue.
Claim 169
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 128, wherein the means for transmitting is responsive to an expected time period of the call in the queue.
Claim 170
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 128 and further including means for receiving an indicator of the payment amount.
Claim 171
Independent Claim
98 words
A system for call processing, comprising: means for receiving a call from a caller; means for placing the call in a queue, the call having a position in the queue; means for transmitting to the caller an upgrade offer including an option to bid for a queue position; means for receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer from the caller; and means for altering, in response to the acceptance, the position of the call in the queue such that the call may be answered in a shorter period of time that if the position had not been altered.
Claim 172
Independent Claim
98 words
A system for call processing, comprising: means for receiving a call from a caller; means for placing the call in a queue, the call having a position in the queue; means for transmitting to the caller an upgrade offer including an option to bid for a queue position; means for receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer from the caller; and means for altering, in response to the acceptance, the position of the call in the queue such that the call may be answered in a shorter period of time that if the position had not been altered.
Claim 173
Independent Claim
120 words
A system for call processing, comprising: means for receiving a call from a caller; means for placing the call in a queue, the call having a position in the queue; means for transmitting to the caller an upgrade offer including an option to select one of multiple available positions in the queue; means for receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer from the caller and a selection of one of the multiple available positions; and means for altering, in response to the acceptance, the position of the call in the queue to the selected one of the multiple available positions, whereby the call may be answered in a shorter period of time that if the position had not been altered.
Claim 174
Independent Claim
120 words
A system for call processing, comprising: means for receiving a call from a caller; means for placing the call in a queue, the call having a position in the queue; means for transmitting to the caller an upgrade offer including an option to select one of multiple available positions in the queue; means for receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer from the caller and a selection of one of the multiple available positions; and means for altering, in response to the acceptance, the position of the call in the queue to the selected one of the multiple available positions, whereby the call may be answered in a shorter period of time that if the position had not been altered.
Claim 175
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 133, wherein each of the multiple available positions includes a corresponding fee.
Claim 176
Independent Claim
88 words
A system for call processing, comprising: means for receiving a call from a caller; means for placing the call in a queue; means for transmitting an upgrade offer including a payment amount to the caller while the call is in the queue; means for receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer while the call is in the queue; and means for moving the call from the queue to a priority queue in response to the acceptance, the priority queue having a guarantee of response within a predetermined time.
Claim 177
Independent Claim
88 words
A system for call processing, comprising: means for receiving a call from a caller; means for placing the call in a queue; means for transmitting an upgrade offer including a payment amount to the caller while the call is in the queue; means for receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer while the call is in the queue; and means for moving the call from the queue to a priority queue in response to the acceptance, the priority queue having a guarantee of response within a predetermined time.
Claim 178
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 135, wherein the means for transmitting is responsive to a position of the call in the queue.
Claim 179
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 135, wherein the means for transmitting is responsive to an expected time period of the call in the queue.
Claim 180
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 135, and further including means for receiving an indicator of the payment amount.
Claim 181
Independent Claim
93 words
A system for call processing, comprising: means for receiving a call from a caller; means for placing the call in a queue; means for transmitting to the caller an upgrade offer including an option to bid for a queue position while the call is in the queue; means for receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer while the call is in the queue; and means for moving the call from the queue to a priority queue in response to the acceptance, the priority queue having a guarantee of response within a predetermined time.
Claim 182
Independent Claim
93 words
A system for call processing, comprising: means for receiving a call from a caller; means for placing the call in a queue; means for transmitting to the caller an upgrade offer including an option to bid for a queue position while the call is in the queue; means for receiving an acceptance of the upgrade offer while the call is in the queue; and means for moving the call from the queue to a priority queue in response to the acceptance, the priority queue having a guarantee of response within a predetermined time.
Claim 183
Independent Claim
109 words
A system for call processing, comprising: means for receiving a call from a caller; means for placing the call in a queue; means for transmitting an upgrade offer including a payment amount to the caller while the call is in the queue; means for transmitting to the caller at least one subsequent offer, if the upgrade offer is not accepted; means for receiving an acceptance of the at least one upgrade offer while the call is in the queue; and means for moving the call from the queue to a priority queue in response to the acceptance, the priority queue having a guarantee of response within a predetermined time.
Claim 184
Independent Claim
109 words
A system for call processing, comprising: means for receiving a call from a caller; means for placing the call in a queue; means for transmitting an upgrade offer including a payment amount to the caller while the call is in the queue; means for transmitting to the caller at least one subsequent offer, if the upgrade offer is not accepted; means for receiving an acceptance of the at least one upgrade offer while the call is in the queue; and means for moving the call from the queue to a priority queue in response to the acceptance, the priority queue having a guarantee of response within a predetermined time.
Claim 185
Dependent Claim
35 words
The system of claim 140, wherein the means for transmitting at least one subsequent offer includes means for transmitting the one subsequent offer to the caller a predetermined period of time following the upgrade offer.
Claim 186
Independent Claim
101 words
A system for processing a telephone call, comprising: means for receiving a telephone call from a caller; means for placing said telephone call on hold; means for transmitting to said caller while said telephone call is on hold an offer to shorten the time period said telephone call will be on hold in exchange for a monetary payment; means for responding to said call, if said offer is not accepted, in a first period of time; and means for responding to said call, if said offer is accepted, in a second period of time shorter than said first period of time.
Claim 187
Independent Claim
101 words
A system for processing a telephone call, comprising: means for receiving a telephone call from a caller; means for placing said telephone call on hold; means for transmitting to said caller while said telephone call is on hold an offer to shorten the time period said telephone call will be on hold in exchange for a monetary payment; means for responding to said call, if said offer is not accepted, in a first period of time; and means for responding to said call, if said offer is accepted, in a second period of time shorter than said first period of time.
Claim 188
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 142, wherein said means for transmitting is responsive to a position of said call in a queue.
Claim 189
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 142, wherein said means for transmitting is responsive to an expected time period of said call on hold.
Claim 190
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 142, and further including means for receiving an indicator of said monetary payment.
Claim 191
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 145, wherein said indicator includes an account number.
Claim 192
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 142, wherein said offer includes an option to bid for a shortened period of time on hold.
Claim 193
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 142, wherein said means for transmitting includes means for transmitting, if said offer is not accepted, at least one subsequent offer having a different monetary payment to said caller.
Claim 194
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 148, wherein said means for transmitting at least one subsequent offer operates at a predetermined period of time following transmission of the offer.
Claim 195
Independent Claim
93 words
A system for call processing, comprising: means for receiving a telephone call from a caller; means for placing said telephone call on hold including assigning said telephone call a position in a queue; means for transmitting to said caller an offer to shorten a time period said telephone call will be on hold in exchange for a payment; means for receiving an acceptance of said offer, while said call is on hold, including an indication of said payment; and means for shortening, responsive to said step of receiving an acceptance, said time period.
Claim 196
Independent Claim
93 words
A system for call processing, comprising: means for receiving a telephone call from a caller; means for placing said telephone call on hold including assigning said telephone call a position in a queue; means for transmitting to said caller an offer to shorten a time period said telephone call will be on hold in exchange for a payment; means for receiving an acceptance of said offer, while said call is on hold, including an indication of said payment; and means for shortening, responsive to said step of receiving an acceptance, said time period.
Claim 197
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 150, wherein said means for transmitting is responsive to a position of said telephone call in said queue.
Claim 198
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 151, wherein said means for transmitting is responsive to said telephone call reaching a selected position in said queue.
Claim 199
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 151, wherein said means for transmitting is responsive to the initial placing of said telephone call in said queue.
Claim 200
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 150, wherein said means for transmitting is responsive to an expected time period of said call on hold.
Claim 201
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 150, wherein said indication of said payment comprises an account number.
Claim 202
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 155, wherein said account number comprises a credit card account number.
Claim 203
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 150, wherein said offer includes an option to bid for a shortened period of time on hold.
Claim 204
Independent Claim
82 words
A system for processing a telephone call, comprising: means for receiving a telephone call from a caller; means for placing said telephone call on hold; means for transmitting to said caller while said telephone call is on hold an offer to bid against other callers to shorten a time period said telephone call will be on hold; means for receiving a response to said offer; and means for receiving, if said offer is accepted, an indication of a value of the bid.
Claim 205
Independent Claim
82 words
A system for processing a telephone call, comprising: means for receiving a telephone call from a caller; means for placing said telephone call on hold; means for transmitting to said caller while said telephone call is on hold an offer to bid against other callers to shorten a time period said telephone call will be on hold; means for receiving a response to said offer; and means for receiving, if said offer is accepted, an indication of a value of the bid.
Claim 206
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 158, wherein said means for transmitting is responsive to a position of said call in a queue.
Claim 207
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 158, wherein said means for transmitting is responsive to an expected time period of said call on hold.
Claim 208
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 158, wherein said means for receiving an indication of a value includes means for receiving an account number.
Claim 209
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 158, and further including means for, responsive to an acceptance of said offer, moving a position of said telephone call in a queue.
Claim 210
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 158, and further including means for, responsive to an acceptance of said offer, moving said telephone call to a priority queue.
Claim 211
Independent Claim
91 words
A system for accessing a telephone service provider, comprising: means for placing a telephone call to a service provider; means for receiving a position on hold in a queue with other telephone callers awaiting access to said service provider; means for receiving an offer while on hold to decrease a time period in said queue in exchange for a payment; means for responding to said offer; and means for receiving, if the responding is an acceptance of said offer, a decrease in said time period for access to said service provider.
Claim 212
Independent Claim
91 words
A system for accessing a telephone service provider, comprising: means for placing a telephone call to a service provider; means for receiving a position on hold in a queue with other telephone callers awaiting access to said service provider; means for receiving an offer while on hold to decrease a time period in said queue in exchange for a payment; means for responding to said offer; and means for receiving, if the responding is an acceptance of said offer, a decrease in said time period for access to said service provider.
Claim 213
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 164, wherein said means for responding to said offer further includes means for providing said payment.
Claim 214
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 165, wherein said means for providing said payment includes means for providing an account number.
Claim 215
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 164, wherein said offer includes an option to bid against other callers for a decrease in said time period.
Claim 216
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 164, wherein said offer includes an option to select one of multiple available positions in a queue.
Claim 217
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 164, and further including means for receiving, if said offer is not accepted, at least one subsequent offer having a corresponding payment amount.
Claim 218
Independent Claim
87 words
A system for accessing a telephone service provider, comprising: means for placing a telephone call to a service provider; means for receiving a position on hold in a queue with other telephone callers awaiting access to said service provider; means for receiving an offer while on hold to bid against other callers to decrease a time period in said queue; means for responding to said offer; and means for providing, if said responding is an acceptance of said offer, an indication of a value of the bid.
Claim 219
Independent Claim
87 words
A system for accessing a telephone service provider, comprising: means for placing a telephone call to a service provider; means for receiving a position on hold in a queue with other telephone callers awaiting access to said service provider; means for receiving an offer while on hold to bid against other callers to decrease a time period in said queue; means for responding to said offer; and means for providing, if said responding is an acceptance of said offer, an indication of a value of the bid.
Claim 220
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 170, wherein said indication of a value includes an account number.
Claim 221
Independent Claim
107 words
A system for call processing, comprising: a processor; a memory connected to the processor and including instructions for controlling the processor; the processor operative with the instructions in the memory to: receive a call from a caller; place the call in a queue; transmit to the caller a queue movement offer including a payment amount; answer the call within a first time period, if a response to the queue movement offer for the call is not accepted; and answer the call within a second time period that is shorter than the first time period, if a response to the queue movement offer for the call is accepted.
Claim 222
Independent Claim
107 words
A system for call processing, comprising: a processor; a memory connected to the processor and including instructions for controlling the processor; the processor operative with the instructions in the memory to: receive a call from a caller; place the call in a queue; transmit to the caller a queue movement offer including a payment amount; answer the call within a first time period, if a response to the queue movement offer for the call is not accepted; and answer the call within a second time period that is shorter than the first time period, if a response to the queue movement offer for the call is accepted.
Claim 223
Dependent Claim
37 words
The system of claim 172, wherein the processor is further operative with the instructions in the memory to: transmit the queue movement offer to the caller in response to a position of the call in a queue.
Claim 224
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system of claim 172, wherein the processor is further operative with the instructions in the memory to: transmit the queue movement offer to the caller in response to an expected time period of the call in a queue.
Claim 225
Dependent Claim
37 words
The system of claim 172, wherein the processor is further operative with the instructions in the memory to: move, if answering the call within the second time period, the call to a different position in a queue.
Claim 226
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system of claim 172, wherein the processor is further operative with the instructions in the memory to: move, if answering the call within the second time period, the call to a different queue.
Claim 227
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 172, wherein the processor is further operative with the instructions in the memory to: receive an indicator of the payment amount.
Claim 228
Independent Claim
112 words
A system for call processing, comprising: a processor; a memory connected to the processor and including instructions for controlling the processor; the processor operative with the instructions in the memory to: receive a call from a caller; place the call in a queue; transmit to the caller a queue movement offer including an option to bid for a queue movement; answer the call within a first time period, if a response to the queue movement offer for the call is not accepted; and answer the call within a second time period that is shorter than the first time period, if a response to the queue movement offer for the call is accepted.
Claim 229
Independent Claim
112 words
A system for call processing, comprising: a processor; a memory connected to the processor and including instructions for controlling the processor; the processor operative with the instructions in the memory to: receive a call from a caller; place the call in a queue; transmit to the caller a queue movement offer including an option to bid for a queue movement; answer the call within a first time period, if a response to the queue movement offer for the call is not accepted; and answer the call within a second time period that is shorter than the first time period, if a response to the queue movement offer for the call is accepted.
Claim 230
Independent Claim
119 words
A system for call processing, comprising: a processor; a memory connected to the processor and including instructions for controlling the processor; the processor operative with the instructions in the memory to: receive a call from a caller; place the call in a queue; transmit to the caller a queue movement offer including an option to move to a top of a queue in exchange for a payment; answer the call within a first time period, if a response to the queue movement offer for the call is not accepted; and answer the call within a second time period that is shorter than the first time period, if a response to the queue movement offer for the call is accepted.
Claim 231
Independent Claim
119 words
A system for call processing, comprising: a processor; a memory connected to the processor and including instructions for controlling the processor; the processor operative with the instructions in the memory to: receive a call from a caller; place the call in a queue; transmit to the caller a queue movement offer including an option to move to a top of a queue in exchange for a payment; answer the call within a first time period, if a response to the queue movement offer for the call is not accepted; and answer the call within a second time period that is shorter than the first time period, if a response to the queue movement offer for the call is accepted.
Claim 232
Independent Claim
109 words
A system for call processing, comprising: a processor; a memory connected to the processor and including instructions for controlling the processor; the processor operative with the instructions in the memory to: receive a call from a caller; transmit a queue movement offer including a payment amount to the caller; receive a response to the queue movement offer from the caller; answer, if the response does not indicate an acceptance of the queue movement offer, the call within a first time period; and answer, if the response indicates an acceptance of the queue movement offer, the call within a second time period that is shorter than the first time period.
Claim 233
Independent Claim
109 words
A system for call processing, comprising: a processor; a memory connected to the processor and including instructions for controlling the processor; the processor operative with the instructions in the memory to: receive a call from a caller; transmit a queue movement offer including a payment amount to the caller; receive a response to the queue movement offer from the caller; answer, if the response does not indicate an acceptance of the queue movement offer, the call within a first time period; and answer, if the response indicates an acceptance of the queue movement offer, the call within a second time period that is shorter than the first time period.
Claim 234
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 180, wherein the processor operation of transmitting is in response to a position of the call in a queue.
Claim 235
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 180, wherein the processor operation of transmitting is in response to an expected time period of the call in a queue.
Claim 236
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 180, wherein the processor operation of answering the call within a second time period includes moving the call to a different position in a queue.
Claim 237
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 183, wherein the processor operation of moving the call to a different position in a queue includes repositioning other calls in the queue.
Claim 238
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 180, wherein the processor operation of answering the call within a second time period includes moving the call to a different queue.
Claim 239
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 180, wherein the processor is further operative with the instructions in the memory to: receive an indicator of the payment amount.
Claim 240
Independent Claim
114 words
A system for call processing, comprising: a processor; a memory connected to the processor and including instructions for controlling the processor; the processor operative with the instructions in the memory to: receive a call from a caller; transmit to the caller a queue movement offer including an option to bid for a queue movement; receive a response to the queue movement offer from the caller; answer, if the response does not indicate an acceptance of the queue movement offer, the call within a first time period; and answer, if the response indicates an acceptance of the queue movement offer, the call within a second time period that is shorter than the first time period.
Claim 241
Independent Claim
114 words
A system for call processing, comprising: a processor; a memory connected to the processor and including instructions for controlling the processor; the processor operative with the instructions in the memory to: receive a call from a caller; transmit to the caller a queue movement offer including an option to bid for a queue movement; receive a response to the queue movement offer from the caller; answer, if the response does not indicate an acceptance of the queue movement offer, the call within a first time period; and answer, if the response indicates an acceptance of the queue movement offer, the call within a second time period that is shorter than the first time period.
Claim 242
Independent Claim
129 words
A system for call processing, comprising: a processor; a memory connected to the processor and including instructions for controlling the processor; the processor operative with the instructions in the memory to: receive a call from a caller; transmit a queue movement offer including a payment amount to the caller, and if the queue movement offer is declined: transmit a second queue movement offer with different terms; receive a response to the second queue movement offer from the caller; answer the call within a first time period, if the response does not indicate an acceptance of the second queue movement offer; and answer the call within a second time period that is shorter than the first time period, if the response indicates an acceptance of the second queue movement offer.
Claim 243
Independent Claim
129 words
A system for call processing, comprising: a processor; a memory connected to the processor and including instructions for controlling the processor; the processor operative with the instructions in the memory to: receive a call from a caller; transmit a queue movement offer including a payment amount to the caller, and if the queue movement offer is declined: transmit a second queue movement offer with different terms; receive a response to the second queue movement offer from the caller; answer the call within a first time period, if the response does not indicate an acceptance of the second queue movement offer; and answer the call within a second time period that is shorter than the first time period, if the response indicates an acceptance of the second queue movement offer.
Claim 244
Independent Claim
86 words
A system for call processing, comprising: a processor; a memory connected to the processor and including instructions for controlling the processor; the processor operative with the instructions in the memory to: receive a call from a caller; place the call in a queue; transmit an upgrade offer including a payment amount to the caller; receive an acceptance of the upgrade offer; and move the call up in the queue in response to the received acceptance, thereby moving the call closer to a top of the queue.
Claim 245
Independent Claim
86 words
A system for call processing, comprising: a processor; a memory connected to the processor and including instructions for controlling the processor; the processor operative with the instructions in the memory to: receive a call from a caller; place the call in a queue; transmit an upgrade offer including a payment amount to the caller; receive an acceptance of the upgrade offer; and move the call up in the queue in response to the received acceptance, thereby moving the call closer to a top of the queue.
Claim 246
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 189, wherein the processor operation of transmitting is in response to a position of the call in the queue.
Claim 247
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 189, wherein the processor operation of transmitting is in response to an expected time period of the call in the queue.
Claim 248
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 189, wherein the processor is further operative with the instructions in the memory to: receive an indicator of the payment amount from the caller.
Claim 249
Independent Claim
91 words
A system for call processing comprising: a processor; a memory connected to the processor and including instructions for controlling the processor; the processor operative with the instructions in the memory to: receive a call from a caller; place the call in a queue; transmit to the caller an upgrade offer including an option to bid for a queue movement; receive an acceptance of the upgrade offer; and move the call up in the queue in response to the received acceptance, thereby moving the call closer to a top of the queue.
Claim 250
Independent Claim
91 words
A system for call processing comprising: a processor; a memory connected to the processor and including instructions for controlling the processor; the processor operative with the instructions in the memory to: receive a call from a caller; place the call in a queue; transmit to the caller an upgrade offer including an option to bid for a queue movement; receive an acceptance of the upgrade offer; and move the call up in the queue in response to the received acceptance, thereby moving the call closer to a top of the queue.
Claim 251
Independent Claim
127 words
A system for call processing, comprising: a processor; a memory connected to the processor and including instructions for controlling the processor; the processor operative with the instructions in the memory to: receive a call from a caller; place the call in a queue; transmit to the caller an upgrade offer including an option to select one of a plurality of available positions in the queue in exchange for a corresponding payment amount; receive an acceptance of the upgrade offer and a selection of one of the plurality of available positions; and move the call up in the queue to the one of the plurality of available positions in response to the received acceptance and the selection, thereby moving the call closer to a top of the queue.
Claim 252
Independent Claim
127 words
A system for call processing, comprising: a processor; a memory connected to the processor and including instructions for controlling the processor; the processor operative with the instructions in the memory to: receive a call from a caller; place the call in a queue; transmit to the caller an upgrade offer including an option to select one of a plurality of available positions in the queue in exchange for a corresponding payment amount; receive an acceptance of the upgrade offer and a selection of one of the plurality of available positions; and move the call up in the queue to the one of the plurality of available positions in response to the received acceptance and the selection, thereby moving the call closer to a top of the queue.
Claim 253
Independent Claim
85 words
A system for call processing, comprising: a processor; a memory connected to the processor and including instructions for controlling the processor; the processor operative with the instructions in the memory to: receive a call from a caller; place the call in a queue, the call having a rank in the queue; transmit an upgrade offer including a payment amount to the caller; receive an acceptance of the upgrade offer; and reposition, in response to the acceptance, the call in the queue to a higher rank.
Claim 254
Independent Claim
85 words
A system for call processing, comprising: a processor; a memory connected to the processor and including instructions for controlling the processor; the processor operative with the instructions in the memory to: receive a call from a caller; place the call in a queue, the call having a rank in the queue; transmit an upgrade offer including a payment amount to the caller; receive an acceptance of the upgrade offer; and reposition, in response to the acceptance, the call in the queue to a higher rank.
Claim 255
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 195, wherein the processor operation of transmitting is in response to a position of the call in the queue.
Claim 256
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 195, wherein the processor operation of transmitting is in response to an expected time period of the call in the queue.
Claim 257
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 195, wherein the processor is further operative with the instructions in the memory to: receive an indicator of the payment amount.
Claim 258
Independent Claim
90 words
A system for call processing, comprising: a processor; a memory connected to the processor and including instructions for controlling the processor; the processor operative with the instructions in the memory to: receive a call from a caller; place the call in a queue, the call having a rank in the queue; transmit to the caller an upgrade offer including an option to bid for a queue position; receive an acceptance of the upgrade offer; and reposition, in response to the acceptance, the call in the queue to a higher rank.
Claim 259
Independent Claim
90 words
A system for call processing, comprising: a processor; a memory connected to the processor and including instructions for controlling the processor; the processor operative with the instructions in the memory to: receive a call from a caller; place the call in a queue, the call having a rank in the queue; transmit to the caller an upgrade offer including an option to bid for a queue position; receive an acceptance of the upgrade offer; and reposition, in response to the acceptance, the call in the queue to a higher rank.
Claim 260
Independent Claim
112 words
A system for call processing, comprising: a processor; a memory connected to the processor and including instructions for controlling the processor; the processor operative with the instructions in the memory to: receive a call from a caller; place the call in a queue, the call having a rank in the queue; transmit an upgrade offer, requiring a payment, to the caller, and if the upgrade offer is not accepted: transmit periodically, a plurality of subsequent upgrade offers, each requiring a payment, to the caller; receive an acceptance of one of the plurality of subsequent upgrade offers; and reposition, in response to the acceptance, the call in the queue to a higher rank.
Claim 261
Independent Claim
112 words
A system for call processing, comprising: a processor; a memory connected to the processor and including instructions for controlling the processor; the processor operative with the instructions in the memory to: receive a call from a caller; place the call in a queue, the call having a rank in the queue; transmit an upgrade offer, requiring a payment, to the caller, and if the upgrade offer is not accepted: transmit periodically, a plurality of subsequent upgrade offers, each requiring a payment, to the caller; receive an acceptance of one of the plurality of subsequent upgrade offers; and reposition, in response to the acceptance, the call in the queue to a higher rank.
Claim 262
Independent Claim
108 words
A system for call processing, comprising: a processor; a memory connected to the processor and including instructions for controlling the processor; the processor operative with the instructions in the memory to: receive a call from a caller; place the call in a queue, the call having a position in the queue; transmit an upgrade offer including a payment amount to the caller; receive an acceptance of the upgrade offer from the caller; and alter, in response to the acceptance, the position of the call in the queue such that the call may be answered in a shorter period of time that if the position had not been altered.
Claim 263
Independent Claim
108 words
A system for call processing, comprising: a processor; a memory connected to the processor and including instructions for controlling the processor; the processor operative with the instructions in the memory to: receive a call from a caller; place the call in a queue, the call having a position in the queue; transmit an upgrade offer including a payment amount to the caller; receive an acceptance of the upgrade offer from the caller; and alter, in response to the acceptance, the position of the call in the queue such that the call may be answered in a shorter period of time that if the position had not been altered.
Claim 264
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 201, wherein the processor operation of transmitting is in response to a position of the call in the queue.
Claim 265
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 201, wherein the processor operation of transmitting is in response to an expected time period of the call in the queue.
Claim 266
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 201, wherein the processor is further operative with the instructions in the memory to: receive an indicator of the payment amount.
Claim 267
Independent Claim
113 words
A system for call processing, comprising: a processor; a memory connected to the processor and including instructions for controlling the processor; the processor operative with the instructions in the memory to: receive a call from a caller; place the call in a queue, the call having a position in the queue; transmit to the caller an upgrade offer including an option to bid for a queue position; receive an acceptance of the upgrade offer from the caller; and alter, in response to the acceptance, the position of the call in the queue such that the call may be answered in a shorter period of time that if the position had not been altered.
Claim 268
Independent Claim
113 words
A system for call processing, comprising: a processor; a memory connected to the processor and including instructions for controlling the processor; the processor operative with the instructions in the memory to: receive a call from a caller; place the call in a queue, the call having a position in the queue; transmit to the caller an upgrade offer including an option to bid for a queue position; receive an acceptance of the upgrade offer from the caller; and alter, in response to the acceptance, the position of the call in the queue such that the call may be answered in a shorter period of time that if the position had not been altered.
Claim 269
Independent Claim
134 words
A system for call processing, comprising: a processor; a memory connected to the processor and including instructions for controlling the processor; the processor operative with the instructions in the memory to: receive a call from a caller; place the call in a queue, the call having a position in the queue; transmit to the caller an upgrade offer including an option to select one of multiple available positions in the queue; receive an acceptance of the upgrade offer and a selection of one of the multiple available positions from the caller; and alter, in response to the acceptance, the position of the call in the queue to the one of the multiple available positions, whereby the call may be answered in a shorter period of time that if the position had not been altered.
Claim 270
Independent Claim
134 words
A system for call processing, comprising: a processor; a memory connected to the processor and including instructions for controlling the processor; the processor operative with the instructions in the memory to: receive a call from a caller; place the call in a queue, the call having a position in the queue; transmit to the caller an upgrade offer including an option to select one of multiple available positions in the queue; receive an acceptance of the upgrade offer and a selection of one of the multiple available positions from the caller; and alter, in response to the acceptance, the position of the call in the queue to the one of the multiple available positions, whereby the call may be answered in a shorter period of time that if the position had not been altered.
Claim 271
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 206, wherein each of the multiple available positions includes a corresponding fee.
Claim 272
Independent Claim
116 words
A system for processing a telephone call, comprising: a processor; a memory connected to said processor and including instructions for controlling said processor; said processor operative with said instructions in said memory to: receive a telephone call from a caller; place said telephone call on hold; transmit to said caller while said telephone call is on hold an offer to shorten the time period said telephone call will be on hold in exchange for a monetary payment; respond to said call, if said offer is not accepted, in a first period of time; and respond to said call, if said offer is accepted, in a second period of time shorter than said first period of time.
Claim 273
Independent Claim
116 words
A system for processing a telephone call, comprising: a processor; a memory connected to said processor and including instructions for controlling said processor; said processor operative with said instructions in said memory to: receive a telephone call from a caller; place said telephone call on hold; transmit to said caller while said telephone call is on hold an offer to shorten the time period said telephone call will be on hold in exchange for a monetary payment; respond to said call, if said offer is not accepted, in a first period of time; and respond to said call, if said offer is accepted, in a second period of time shorter than said first period of time.
Claim 274
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 208, wherein said processor operation of transmitting is in response to a position of said call in a queue.
Claim 275
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 208, wherein said processor operation of transmitting is in response to an expected time period of said call on hold.
Claim 276
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 208, wherein said processor is further operative with said instructions in said memory to: receive an indicator of said monetary payment.
Claim 277
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 211, wherein said indicator includes an account number.
Claim 278
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 208, wherein said offer includes an option to bid for a shortened period of time on hold.
Claim 279
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 208, wherein said processor operation of transmitting includes transmitting, if said offer is not accepted, at least one subsequent offer having a different monetary payment to said caller.
Claim 280
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 214, wherein said processor operation of transmitting at least one subsequent offer is performed a predetermined period of time following said processor operation of transmitting an offer.
Claim 281
Independent Claim
108 words
A system for call processing, comprising: a processor; a memory connected to said processor and including instructions for controlling said processor; said processor operative with said instructions in said memory to: receive a telephone call from a caller; place said telephone call on hold including assigning said telephone call a position in a queue; transmit to said caller an offer to shorten a time period said telephone call will be on hold in exchange for a payment; receive an acceptance of said offer, while said call is on hold, including an indication of said payment; and shorten, responsive to said step of receiving an acceptance, said time period.
Claim 282
Independent Claim
108 words
A system for call processing, comprising: a processor; a memory connected to said processor and including instructions for controlling said processor; said processor operative with said instructions in said memory to: receive a telephone call from a caller; place said telephone call on hold including assigning said telephone call a position in a queue; transmit to said caller an offer to shorten a time period said telephone call will be on hold in exchange for a payment; receive an acceptance of said offer, while said call is on hold, including an indication of said payment; and shorten, responsive to said step of receiving an acceptance, said time period.
Claim 283
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 216, wherein said processor operation of transmitting is in response to a position of said telephone call in said queue.
Claim 284
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 217, wherein said processor operation of transmitting is in response to said telephone call reaching a selected position in said queue.
Claim 285
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 217, wherein said processor operation of transmitting is in response to the initial placing of said telephone call in said queue.
Claim 286
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 216, wherein said processor operation of transmitting is in response to an expected time period of said call on hold.
Claim 287
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 216, wherein said indication of said payment comprises an account number.
Claim 288
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 221, wherein said account number comprises a credit card account number.
Claim 289
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 216, wherein said offer includes an option to bid for a shortened period of time on hold.
Claim 290
Independent Claim
97 words
A system for processing a telephone call, comprising: a processor; a memory connected to said processor and including instructions for controlling said processor; said processor operative with said instructions in said memory to: receive a telephone call from a caller; place said telephone call on hold; transmit to said caller while said telephone call is on hold an offer to bid against other callers to shorten a time period said telephone call will be on hold; receive a response to said offer; and receive, if said offer is accepted, an indication of a value of the bid.
Claim 291
Independent Claim
97 words
A system for processing a telephone call, comprising: a processor; a memory connected to said processor and including instructions for controlling said processor; said processor operative with said instructions in said memory to: receive a telephone call from a caller; place said telephone call on hold; transmit to said caller while said telephone call is on hold an offer to bid against other callers to shorten a time period said telephone call will be on hold; receive a response to said offer; and receive, if said offer is accepted, an indication of a value of the bid.
Claim 292
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 224, wherein said processor operation of transmitting is in response to a position of said call in a queue.
Claim 293
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 224, wherein said processor operation of transmitting is in response to an expected time period of said call on hold.
Claim 294
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 224, wherein said processor operation of receiving an indication of a value includes receiving an account number.
Claim 295
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system of claim 224, wherein said processor is further operative with said instructions in said memory to: move, in response to an acceptance of said offer, a position of said telephone call in a queue.
Claim 296
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system of claim 224, wherein said processor is further operative with said instructions in said memory to: move, in response to an acceptance of said offer, said telephone call to a priority queue.
Claim 297
Dependent Claim
146 words
An article of manufacture, comprising: a computer usable medium having computer readable program code means embodied in the medium for causing a computer to process calls, the computer readable program code means comprising: computer readable program code means for receiving a telephone call from a caller; computer readable program code means for placing said telephone call on hold; computer readable program code means for transmitting to said caller while said telephone call is on hold an offer to shorten the time period said telephone call will be on hold in exchange for a monetary payment; computer readable program code means for responding to said call, if said offer is not accepted, in a first period of time; and computer readable program code means for responding to said call, if said offer is accepted, in a second period of time shorter than said first period of time.
Claim 298
Dependent Claim
146 words
An article of manufacture, comprising: a computer usable medium having computer readable program code means embodied in the medium for causing a computer to process calls, the computer readable program code means comprising: computer readable program code means for receiving a telephone call from a caller; computer readable program code means for placing said telephone call on hold; computer readable program code means for transmitting to said caller while said telephone call is on hold an offer to shorten the time period said telephone call will be on hold in exchange for a monetary payment; computer readable program code means for responding to said call, if said offer is not accepted, in a first period of time; and computer readable program code means for responding to said call, if said offer is accepted, in a second period of time shorter than said first period of time.
Claim 299
Dependent Claim
27 words
The article of manufacture of claim 230, wherein the computer readable program code means for transmitting is responsive to a position of the call in a queue.
Claim 300
Dependent Claim
28 words
The article of manufacture of claim 230, wherein the computer readable program code means for transmitting is responsive to an expected time period of the call on hold.
Claim 301
Dependent Claim
23 words
The article of manufacture of claim 230, wherein the offer includes an option to bid for a shortened period of time on hold.
Claim 302
Dependent Claim
43 words
The article of manufacture of claim 230, wherein the computer readable program code means for transmitting includes computer readable program code means for transmitting, if the offer is not accepted, at least one subsequent offer having a different monetary payment to the caller.
Claim 303
Dependent Claim
34 words
The article of manufacture of claim 234, wherein the computer readable program code means for transmitting at least one subsequent offer is performed a predetermined period of time following the transmission of an offer.
Claim 304
Dependent Claim
140 words
An article of manufacture, comprising: a computer usable medium having computer readable program code means embodied in the medium for causing a computer to process calls, the computer readable program code means comprising: computer readable program code means for receiving a telephone call from a caller; computer readable program code means for placing said telephone call on hold including assigning said telephone call a position in a queue; computer readable program code means for transmitting to said caller an offer to shorten a time period said telephone call will be on hold in exchange for a payment; computer readable program code means for receiving an acceptance of said offer, while said call is on hold, including an indication of said payment; and computer readable program code means for shortening, responsive to said step of receiving an acceptance, said time period.
Claim 305
Dependent Claim
140 words
An article of manufacture, comprising: a computer usable medium having computer readable program code means embodied in the medium for causing a computer to process calls, the computer readable program code means comprising: computer readable program code means for receiving a telephone call from a caller; computer readable program code means for placing said telephone call on hold including assigning said telephone call a position in a queue; computer readable program code means for transmitting to said caller an offer to shorten a time period said telephone call will be on hold in exchange for a payment; computer readable program code means for receiving an acceptance of said offer, while said call is on hold, including an indication of said payment; and computer readable program code means for shortening, responsive to said step of receiving an acceptance, said time period.
Claim 306
Dependent Claim
28 words
The article of manufacture of claim 236, wherein the computer readable program code means for transmitting is responsive to a position of the telephone call in the queue.
Claim 307
Dependent Claim
29 words
The article of manufacture of claim 237, wherein the computer readable program code means for transmitting is responsive to the telephone call reaching a selected position in the queue.
Claim 308
Dependent Claim
29 words
The article of manufacture of claim 237, wherein the computer readable program code means for transmitting is responsive to the initial placing of the telephone call in the queue.
Claim 309
Dependent Claim
28 words
The article of manufacture of claim 236, wherein the computer readable program code means for transmitting is responsive to an expected time period of the call on hold.
Claim 310
Dependent Claim
23 words
The article of manufacture of claim 236, wherein the offer includes an option to bid for a shortened period of time on hold.
Claim 311
Dependent Claim
127 words
An article of manufacture, comprising: a computer usable medium having computer readable program code means embodied in the medium for causing a computer to process calls, the computer readable program code means comprising: computer readable program code means for receiving a telephone call from a caller; computer readable program code means for placing said telephone call on hold; computer readable program code means for transmitting to said caller while said telephone call is on hold an offer to bid against other callers to shorten a time period said telephone call will be on hold; computer readable program code means for receiving a response to said offer; and computer readable program code means for receiving, if said offer is accepted, an indication of a value of the bid.
Claim 312
Dependent Claim
127 words
An article of manufacture, comprising: a computer usable medium having computer readable program code means embodied in the medium for causing a computer to process calls, the computer readable program code means comprising: computer readable program code means for receiving a telephone call from a caller; computer readable program code means for placing said telephone call on hold; computer readable program code means for transmitting to said caller while said telephone call is on hold an offer to bid against other callers to shorten a time period said telephone call will be on hold; computer readable program code means for receiving a response to said offer; and computer readable program code means for receiving, if said offer is accepted, an indication of a value of the bid.
Claim 313
Dependent Claim
27 words
The article of manufacture of claim 242, wherein the computer readable program code means for transmitting is responsive to a position of the call in a queue.
Claim 314
Dependent Claim
28 words
The article of manufacture of claim 242 wherein the computer readable program code means for transmitting is responsive to an expected time period of the call on hold.
Claim 315
Dependent Claim
39 words
The article of manufacture of claim 244, wherein the computer readable program code means further comprises: computer readable program means for moving, in response to an acceptance of the offer, a position of the telephone call in a queue.
Claim 316
Dependent Claim
37 words
The article of manufacture of claim 244, wherein the computer readable program code means further comprises: computer readable program means for moving, in response to an acceptance of the offer, the telephone call to a priority queue.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-08-30 | 2003-03-01 | 2003-08-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-08-30 | 2007-03-01 | 2007-08-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-08-30 | 2011-03-01 | 2011-08-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |