Patent US5956024A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5956024A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Graphical user interface for customer service representatives for subscriber management systems
Assignee: Comcast MO Group Inc
•
Filing: 1996-06-06
•
Granted: 1999-09-21
•
Expires: 2016-06-06
Abstract
Abstract The present invention is a graphical user interface ("GUI") for customer service representatives ("CSRs") for subscriber management systems ("SMS") for telecommunications service providers, including cable television multiple system operators ("MSOs"). A screen is provided with menus of icons for various functions at the customer service workstation ("CSW") for the CSRs. Sections of the screen provide presentation of various data to the CSR from the SMS.
Inventors
- 👤 Marshall Strickland
- 👤 Rob Strickland
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 08:09
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06Q; G06Q30/00; G06Q30/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
338 words
A computer system for a graphical user interface for a subscriber management system comprising: a. means for displaying on a computer monitor, to a plurality of customer service representative workstations, a plurality of point-and-click graphical user interface screens, each screen with a menu of icons for activating a plurality of functions, and each screen presenting data, where: i. the plurality of functions consist of: office information, cable guide, channel descriptions, find account/service availability/bury schedule, sale/change feature, rate calculator, rate comparison, copy, promotions and packages, sell option, collect new account information/edit account, credit check, make payment, billing inquiry/bill copy, make payment arrangements, collections, troubleshoot, report problem, signal monitor, request service order copy, schedule install and schedule/rescheduled service appointment, account on hold, disconnect, CSR performance, calculator, calendar, and EPSS, ii. the presented data is data consisting of: RF data, database data, billing system data, TV data, credit card authorization data, fax data, voice data, and NTSC video feed data, and iii. one display screen contains fields consisting of: icons, activity menus, day and time, help function, window sizing, a range of data windows, further data function, billing information, services and equipment information, view bill, payment, collection arrangement, CATV, PPV/VOD, interactive, disconnect account service, further information about view W/U and schedule, screen roll buttons, advisor information displays, advisor text call up, marketing information, and timely information, b. means for communicating between the means for displaying and a subscriber management system on a computer, where the means of communicating consist of: a LAN, a WAN, an NTSC video link, a digital video link, an Ethernet LAN, and a Fast Ethernet LAN, and a high-speed broadband network, c. means for executing the plurality of functions, d. means for accessing the data, and e. means for communicating between the means for displaying on a monitor and other elements, the elements consisting of: a video server, a fax server, a modem server adapted to TV data and credit card authorization, a database server, an EPSS server, an Arrowsmith server, and a bridge to the Internet.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
338 words
A computer system for a graphical user interface for a subscriber management system comprising: a. means for displaying on a computer monitor, to a plurality of customer service representative workstations, a plurality of point-and-click graphical user interface screens, each screen with a menu of icons for activating a plurality of functions, and each screen presenting data, where: i. the plurality of functions consist of: office information, cable guide, channel descriptions, find account/service availability/bury schedule, sale/change feature, rate calculator, rate comparison, copy, promotions and packages, sell option, collect new account information/edit account, credit check, make payment, billing inquiry/bill copy, make payment arrangements, collections, troubleshoot, report problem, signal monitor, request service order copy, schedule install and schedule/rescheduled service appointment, account on hold, disconnect, CSR performance, calculator, calendar, and EPSS, ii. the presented data is data consisting of: RF data, database data, billing system data, TV data, credit card authorization data, fax data, voice data, and NTSC video feed data, and iii. one display screen contains fields consisting of: icons, activity menus, day and time, help function, window sizing, a range of data windows, further data function, billing information, services and equipment information, view bill, payment, collection arrangement, CATV, PPV/VOD, interactive, disconnect account service, further information about view W/U and schedule, screen roll buttons, advisor information displays, advisor text call up, marketing information, and timely information, b. means for communicating between the means for displaying and a subscriber management system on a computer, where the means of communicating consist of: a LAN, a WAN, an NTSC video link, a digital video link, an Ethernet LAN, and a Fast Ethernet LAN, and a high-speed broadband network, c. means for executing the plurality of functions, d. means for accessing the data, and e. means for communicating between the means for displaying on a monitor and other elements, the elements consisting of: a video server, a fax server, a modem server adapted to TV data and credit card authorization, a database server, an EPSS server, an Arrowsmith server, and a bridge to the Internet.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
294 words
A computer system for a graphical user interface for a subscriber management system (SMS) operating on one or more SMS computers, the system comprising: (a) a plurality of customer service representative workstations (CSWs), each CSW having at least one CSW computer monitor, each CSW adapted and constructed to communicate with the SMS computers; (b) means for displaying on a CSW computer monitor of a particular CSW of the plurality of CSWs, a plurality of point-and-click graphical user interface screens, each screen having a menu of icons for activating a plurality of functions executable on the CSW or on the SMS computer, and each screen presenting data on the respective CSW computer monitor; (c) means for communicating between the means for displaying and the SMS on the SMS computer, (d) means for executing the plurality of functions on the CSW and on said SMS computer, and (e) means for accessing the data in said SMS and for providing the data to the CSW, where a. the plurality of functions consisting of: office information, cable guide, channel descriptions, find account/service availability/bury schedule, sale/change feature, rate calculator, rate comparison, copy, promotions and packages, sell option, collect new account information/edit account, credit check, make payment, billing inquiry/bill copy, make payment arrangements, collections, troubleshoot, report problem, signal monitor, request service order copy, schedule install and schedule/rescheduled service appointment, account on hold, disconnect, CSR performance, calculator, calendar, and EPSS, b. the means of communicating consisting of: a LAN, a WAN, an NTSC video link, a digital video link, an Ethernet LAN, and a Fast Ethernet LAN, and a high-speed broadband network, and c. the presented data consisting of RF data, database data, billing system data, TV data, credit card authorization data, fax data, voice data, and NTSC video feed data.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
294 words
A computer system for a graphical user interface for a subscriber management system (SMS) operating on one or more SMS computers, the system comprising: (a) a plurality of customer service representative workstations (CSWs), each CSW having at least one CSW computer monitor, each CSW adapted and constructed to communicate with the SMS computers; (b) means for displaying on a CSW computer monitor of a particular CSW of the plurality of CSWs, a plurality of point-and-click graphical user interface screens, each screen having a menu of icons for activating a plurality of functions executable on the CSW or on the SMS computer, and each screen presenting data on the respective CSW computer monitor; (c) means for communicating between the means for displaying and the SMS on the SMS computer, (d) means for executing the plurality of functions on the CSW and on said SMS computer, and (e) means for accessing the data in said SMS and for providing the data to the CSW, where a. the plurality of functions consisting of: office information, cable guide, channel descriptions, find account/service availability/bury schedule, sale/change feature, rate calculator, rate comparison, copy, promotions and packages, sell option, collect new account information/edit account, credit check, make payment, billing inquiry/bill copy, make payment arrangements, collections, troubleshoot, report problem, signal monitor, request service order copy, schedule install and schedule/rescheduled service appointment, account on hold, disconnect, CSR performance, calculator, calendar, and EPSS, b. the means of communicating consisting of: a LAN, a WAN, an NTSC video link, a digital video link, an Ethernet LAN, and a Fast Ethernet LAN, and a high-speed broadband network, and c. the presented data consisting of RF data, database data, billing system data, TV data, credit card authorization data, fax data, voice data, and NTSC video feed data.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
55 words
The invention in claim 2, further comprising: a. means for communicating between the means for displaying and other elements, the elements consisting of: a video server, a fax server, a modem server adapted to TV data and credit card authorization, a database server, an EPSS server, an Arrowsmith server, and a bridge to the Internet.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
70 words
The invention in claim 2, where one display screen contains fields consisting of: icons, activity menus, day and time, help function, window sizing, a range of data windows, further data function, billing information, services and equipment information, view bill, payment, collection arrangement, CATV, PPV/VOD, interactive, disconnect account service, further information about view W/U and schedule, screen roll buttons, advisor information displays, advisor text call up, marketing information, and timely information.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
331 words
A method implemented by a programmable apparatus, for providing a graphical user interface for a subscriber management system, comprising: a. displaying on a computer monitor, to a plurality of customer service representative representatives, a plurality of point-and-click graphical user interface screens, each screen with a menu of icons for activating a plurality of functions, and each screen presenting data, where: i. the plurality of functions consist of: office information, cable guide, channel descriptions, find account/service availability/bury schedule, sale/change feature, rate calculator, rate comparison, copy, promotions and packages, sell option, collect new account information/edit account, credit check, make payment, billing inquiry/bill copy, make payment arrangements, collections, troubleshoot, report problem, signal monitor, request service order copy, schedule install and schedule/rescheduled service appointment, account on hold, disconnect, CSR performance, calculator, calendar, and EPSS, ii. the presented data consists of: RF data, database data, billing system data, TV data, credit card authorization data, fax data, voice data, and NTSC video feed data, and iii. one display screen contains fields consisting of: icons, activity menus, day and time, help function, window sizing, a range of data windows, further data function, billing information, services and equipment information, view bill, payment, collection arrangement, CATV, PPV/VOD, interactive, disconnect account service, further information about view W/U and schedule, screen roll buttons, advisor information displays, advisor text call up, marketing information, and timely information, b. communicating between the means for displaying and a subscriber management system on a computer, where the means of communicating consists of: a LAN, a WAN, an NTSC video link, a digital video link, an Ethernet LAN, and a Fast Ethernet LAN, and a high-speed broadband network, c. executing the plurality of functions, d. accessing the data, and e. communicating between the means for displaying on a monitor and other elements, the elements consisting of: a video server, a fax server, a modem server adapted to TV data and credit card authorization, a database server, an EPSS server, an Arrowsmith server, and a bridge to the Internet.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
331 words
A method implemented by a programmable apparatus, for providing a graphical user interface for a subscriber management system, comprising: a. displaying on a computer monitor, to a plurality of customer service representative representatives, a plurality of point-and-click graphical user interface screens, each screen with a menu of icons for activating a plurality of functions, and each screen presenting data, where: i. the plurality of functions consist of: office information, cable guide, channel descriptions, find account/service availability/bury schedule, sale/change feature, rate calculator, rate comparison, copy, promotions and packages, sell option, collect new account information/edit account, credit check, make payment, billing inquiry/bill copy, make payment arrangements, collections, troubleshoot, report problem, signal monitor, request service order copy, schedule install and schedule/rescheduled service appointment, account on hold, disconnect, CSR performance, calculator, calendar, and EPSS, ii. the presented data consists of: RF data, database data, billing system data, TV data, credit card authorization data, fax data, voice data, and NTSC video feed data, and iii. one display screen contains fields consisting of: icons, activity menus, day and time, help function, window sizing, a range of data windows, further data function, billing information, services and equipment information, view bill, payment, collection arrangement, CATV, PPV/VOD, interactive, disconnect account service, further information about view W/U and schedule, screen roll buttons, advisor information displays, advisor text call up, marketing information, and timely information, b. communicating between the means for displaying and a subscriber management system on a computer, where the means of communicating consists of: a LAN, a WAN, an NTSC video link, a digital video link, an Ethernet LAN, and a Fast Ethernet LAN, and a high-speed broadband network, c. executing the plurality of functions, d. accessing the data, and e. communicating between the means for displaying on a monitor and other elements, the elements consisting of: a video server, a fax server, a modem server adapted to TV data and credit card authorization, a database server, an EPSS server, an Arrowsmith server, and a bridge to the Internet.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
279 words
A method implemented by a programmable apparatus, for providing a graphical user interface for a subscriber management system (SMS) operating on one or more SMS computers, the method comprising: a. displaying on a computer monitor, to a plurality of customer service representative workstations (CSWs), each CSW adapted and constructed to communicate with the SMS computers, a plurality of point-and-click graphical user interface screens, each screen having a menu of icons for activating a plurality of functions executable on the CSW or on the SMS computer, and each screen presenting data on the respective CSW computer monitor, b. communicating between a means for displaying on a monitor and a subscriber management system on the SMS computer, c. executing the plurality of functions on the CSW and on the SMS computer, and d. accessing the data in the SMS and providing the data to the CSW, where A. the plurality of functions consisting of office information, cable guide, channel descriptions, find account/service availability/bury schedule, sale/change feature, rate calculator, rate comparison, copy, promotions and packages, sell option, collect new account information/edit account, credit check, make payment, billing inquiry/bill copy, make payment arrangements, collections, troubleshoot, report problem, signal monitor, request service order copy, schedule install and schedule/rescheduled service appointment, account on hold, disconnect, CSR performance, calculator, calendar, and EPSS, B. the means of communicating consisting of: a LAN, a WAN, an NTSC video link, a digital video link, an Ethernet LAN, and a Fast Ethernet LAN, and a high-speed broadband network, and C. the presented data comprises data types consisting of: RF data, database data, billing system data, TV data, credit card authorization data, fax data, voice data, and NTSC video feed data.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
279 words
A method implemented by a programmable apparatus, for providing a graphical user interface for a subscriber management system (SMS) operating on one or more SMS computers, the method comprising: a. displaying on a computer monitor, to a plurality of customer service representative workstations (CSWs), each CSW adapted and constructed to communicate with the SMS computers, a plurality of point-and-click graphical user interface screens, each screen having a menu of icons for activating a plurality of functions executable on the CSW or on the SMS computer, and each screen presenting data on the respective CSW computer monitor, b. communicating between a means for displaying on a monitor and a subscriber management system on the SMS computer, c. executing the plurality of functions on the CSW and on the SMS computer, and d. accessing the data in the SMS and providing the data to the CSW, where A. the plurality of functions consisting of office information, cable guide, channel descriptions, find account/service availability/bury schedule, sale/change feature, rate calculator, rate comparison, copy, promotions and packages, sell option, collect new account information/edit account, credit check, make payment, billing inquiry/bill copy, make payment arrangements, collections, troubleshoot, report problem, signal monitor, request service order copy, schedule install and schedule/rescheduled service appointment, account on hold, disconnect, CSR performance, calculator, calendar, and EPSS, B. the means of communicating consisting of: a LAN, a WAN, an NTSC video link, a digital video link, an Ethernet LAN, and a Fast Ethernet LAN, and a high-speed broadband network, and C. the presented data comprises data types consisting of: RF data, database data, billing system data, TV data, credit card authorization data, fax data, voice data, and NTSC video feed data.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
57 words
The invention in claim 6, further comprising: a. communicating between the means for displaying on a computer monitor and other elements, the elements consisting of: a video server, a fax server, a modem server adapted to TV data and credit card authorization, a database server, an EPSS server, an Arrowsmith server, and a bridge to the Internet.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
70 words
The invention in claim 6, where one display screen contains fields consisting of: icons, activity menus, day and time, help function, window sizing, a range of data windows, further data function, billing information, services and equipment information, view bill, payment, collection arrangement, CATV, PPV/VOD, interactive, disconnect account service, further information about view W/U and schedule, screen roll buttons, advisor information displays, advisor text call up, marketing information, and timely information.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
362 words
A computer readable memory medium for causing a programmable apparatus to execute a method, comprising: a. a computer readable memory medium, b. a computer program stored on said memory medium, c. said computer program causing a programmable apparatus to generate a graphical user interface using a method, the method comprising: 1. displaying on a computer monitor, to a plurality of customer service representative workstations, a plurality of point-and-click graphical user interface screens, each screen with a menu of icons for activating a plurality of functions, and each screen presenting data, where: i. the plurality of functions consist of: office information, cable guide, channel descriptions, find account/service availability/bury schedule, sale/change feature, rate calculator, rate comparison, copy, promotions and packages, sell option, collect new account information/edit account, credit check, make payment, billing inquiry/bill copy, make payment arrangements, collections, troubleshoot, report problem, signal monitor, request service order copy, schedule install and schedule/rescheduled service appointment, account on hold, disconnect, CSR performance, calculator, calendar, and EPSS, ii. the presented data consists of: RF data, database data, billing system data, TV data, credit card authorization data, fax data, voice data, and NTSC video feed data, and iii. one display screen contains fields consisting of: icons, activity menus, day and time, help function, window sizing, a range of data windows, further data function, billing information, services and equipment information, view bill, payment, collection arrangement, CATV, PPV/VOD, interactive, disconnect account service, further information about view W/U and schedule, screen roll buttons, advisor information displays, advisor text call up, marketing information, and timely information, 2. communicating between the means for displaying and a subscriber management system on a computer, where the means of communicating consist of: a LAN, a WAN, an NTSC video link, a digital video link, an Ethernet LAN, and a Fast Ethernet LAN, and a high-speed broadband network, 3. executing the plurality of functions, 4. accessing the data, and 5. communicating between the means for displaying on a monitor and other elements, the elements consisting of: a video server, a fax server, a modem server adapted to TV data and credit card authorization, a database server, an EPSS server, an Arrowsmith server, and a bridge to the Internet.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
362 words
A computer readable memory medium for causing a programmable apparatus to execute a method, comprising: a. a computer readable memory medium, b. a computer program stored on said memory medium, c. said computer program causing a programmable apparatus to generate a graphical user interface using a method, the method comprising: 1. displaying on a computer monitor, to a plurality of customer service representative workstations, a plurality of point-and-click graphical user interface screens, each screen with a menu of icons for activating a plurality of functions, and each screen presenting data, where: i. the plurality of functions consist of: office information, cable guide, channel descriptions, find account/service availability/bury schedule, sale/change feature, rate calculator, rate comparison, copy, promotions and packages, sell option, collect new account information/edit account, credit check, make payment, billing inquiry/bill copy, make payment arrangements, collections, troubleshoot, report problem, signal monitor, request service order copy, schedule install and schedule/rescheduled service appointment, account on hold, disconnect, CSR performance, calculator, calendar, and EPSS, ii. the presented data consists of: RF data, database data, billing system data, TV data, credit card authorization data, fax data, voice data, and NTSC video feed data, and iii. one display screen contains fields consisting of: icons, activity menus, day and time, help function, window sizing, a range of data windows, further data function, billing information, services and equipment information, view bill, payment, collection arrangement, CATV, PPV/VOD, interactive, disconnect account service, further information about view W/U and schedule, screen roll buttons, advisor information displays, advisor text call up, marketing information, and timely information, 2. communicating between the means for displaying and a subscriber management system on a computer, where the means of communicating consist of: a LAN, a WAN, an NTSC video link, a digital video link, an Ethernet LAN, and a Fast Ethernet LAN, and a high-speed broadband network, 3. executing the plurality of functions, 4. accessing the data, and 5. communicating between the means for displaying on a monitor and other elements, the elements consisting of: a video server, a fax server, a modem server adapted to TV data and credit card authorization, a database server, an EPSS server, an Arrowsmith server, and a bridge to the Internet.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
329 words
A computer readable memory medium for causing a programmable apparatus to execute a method, comprising: a. a computer readable memory medium, b. a computer program stored on said memory medium, c. said computer program causing a programmable apparatus to generate a graphical user interface using a method, the graphical user interface being from one or more customer service representative workstations (CSWs) to a subscriber management system (SMS) operating on one or more SMS computers, each CSW having at least one CSW computer monitor, each CSW adapted and constructed to communicate with the one or more SMS computers, the method comprising: 1. displaying on a CSW computer monitor, a plurality of point-and-click graphical user interface screens, each screen having a menu of icons for activating a plurality of functions executable on the CSW or on the SMS computer, and each screen presenting data on the respective CSW computer monitor, 2. communicating between a means for displaying on a CSW monitor and the SMS on the SMS computer, 3. executing the plurality of functions on the CSW and on the SMS computer, and 4. accessing the data in the SMS and providing the data to the CSW, where a. the plurality of functions consist of: office information, cable guide, channel descriptions, find account/service availability/bury schedule, sale/change feature, rate calculator, rate comparison, copy, promotions and packages, sell option, collect new account information/edit account, credit check, make payment, billing inquiry/bill copy, make payment arrangements, collections, troubleshoot, report problem, signal monitor, request service order copy, schedule install and schedule/rescheduled service appointment, account on hold, disconnect, CSR performance, calculator, calendar, and EPSS, b. the means of communicating consist of: a LAN, a WAN, an NTSC video link, a digital video link, an Ethernet LAN, and a Fast Ethernet LAN, and a high-speed broadband network, and c. the presented data is data consist of: RF data, database data, billing system data, TV data, credit card authorization data, fax data, voice data, and NTSC video feed data.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
329 words
A computer readable memory medium for causing a programmable apparatus to execute a method, comprising: a. a computer readable memory medium, b. a computer program stored on said memory medium, c. said computer program causing a programmable apparatus to generate a graphical user interface using a method, the graphical user interface being from one or more customer service representative workstations (CSWs) to a subscriber management system (SMS) operating on one or more SMS computers, each CSW having at least one CSW computer monitor, each CSW adapted and constructed to communicate with the one or more SMS computers, the method comprising: 1. displaying on a CSW computer monitor, a plurality of point-and-click graphical user interface screens, each screen having a menu of icons for activating a plurality of functions executable on the CSW or on the SMS computer, and each screen presenting data on the respective CSW computer monitor, 2. communicating between a means for displaying on a CSW monitor and the SMS on the SMS computer, 3. executing the plurality of functions on the CSW and on the SMS computer, and 4. accessing the data in the SMS and providing the data to the CSW, where a. the plurality of functions consist of: office information, cable guide, channel descriptions, find account/service availability/bury schedule, sale/change feature, rate calculator, rate comparison, copy, promotions and packages, sell option, collect new account information/edit account, credit check, make payment, billing inquiry/bill copy, make payment arrangements, collections, troubleshoot, report problem, signal monitor, request service order copy, schedule install and schedule/rescheduled service appointment, account on hold, disconnect, CSR performance, calculator, calendar, and EPSS, b. the means of communicating consist of: a LAN, a WAN, an NTSC video link, a digital video link, an Ethernet LAN, and a Fast Ethernet LAN, and a high-speed broadband network, and c. the presented data is data consist of: RF data, database data, billing system data, TV data, credit card authorization data, fax data, voice data, and NTSC video feed data.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
56 words
The invention in claim 10, further comprising: a. communicating between the means for displaying on a monitor and other elements, the elements consisting of: a video server, a fax server, a modem server adapted to TV data and credit card authorization, a database server, an EPSS server, an Arrowsmith server, and a bridge to the Internet.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
70 words
The invention in claim 10, where one display screen contains fields consisting of: icons, activity menus, day and time, help function, window sizing, a range of data windows, further data function, billing information, services and equipment information, view bill, payment, collection arrangement, CATV, PPV/VOD, interactive, disconnect account service, further information about view W/U and schedule, screen roll buttons, advisor information displays, advisor text call up, marketing information, and timely information.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US32632A
Cited
USRE32632E
Cited
US4698624A
Cited
US4772882A
Cited
US5262761A
Cited
US5115504A
Cited
US5424140A
Cited
US5185857A
Cited
US5220675A
Cited
US5388202A
Cited
US5335320A
Cited
US5204947A
Cited
US5297249A
Cited
US5430836A
Cited
US5374924A
Cited
US5307086A
Cited
US5416508A
Cited
US5317687A
Cited
US5349658A
Cited
US5416890A
Cited
US5371844A
Cited
US5347627A
Cited
US5347629A
Cited
US5404441A
Cited
US5309509A
Cited
US5414806A
Cited
US5384910A
Cited
US5436637A
Cited
US5592212A
Cited
US5524195A
Cited
US5414836A
Cited
US5539822A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-09-20 | 2003-03-22 | 2003-09-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-09-20 | 2007-03-22 | 2007-09-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-09-20 | 2011-03-22 | 2011-09-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |