text:
A traffic control system selectively interfaces members of plural groups, as buyer groups and vendor groups, for video communication through a dial-up telephone system, for analyzing and compiling data, scheduling appointments, implementing conferences, consummating sales and the like. The traffic-control system comprises a telephonic interface apparatus for interfacing remote telephonic terminals of the dial-up telephone system identified with the members of plural groups, a video recording unit for recording and playing video transcriptions, a storage memory for storing data on the members, including telephonic terminal numbers and area-of-interest codes and a control computer to selectively interconnect the video recording unit with the remote telephone terminals through the telephonic interface apparatus to record and receive video communication.
1. A method for directing and exchanging on-line and off-line communications under control of a control system to accomplish transactions that relate to merchandise or a service available for purchase, the method involving selectively interfacing a video storage device storing video data for one or more vendors with buyers located at widely distributed remote locations, the method using video communication structures and a capability to electronically communicate through a communication system that is shared by users including the buyers, comprising the steps of:
interfacing the buyers with the control system comprising one or more processors in communication with one or more vendors, through the video communication structures and the communication system wherein certain buyers electronically communicate with the control system via links of the communication system;
receiving request data for to a transaction with the control system wherein the request data is entered by an interfaced buyer to indicate an area of interest concerning the merchandise or the service available for purchase and including an indication of an amount the interfaced buyer is willing to pay for select merchandise or service, at least certain of the request data also for communication with the video storage device having stored video data relating to the one or more vendors;
receiving identification data at the control system provided by the interfaced buyer;
storing at least a part of the request data from the interfaced buyer at the control system and using at least a part of it to selectively obtain proposed data at least in part from the video storage device having stored video data relating to the one or more vendors and responsive to the interfaced buyer's request data;
as part of said proposed data selectively displaying stored video data from said video storage device as well as graphic data including text at a video communication structure at the remote location used by said interfaced buyer to allow the interfaced buyer to view the video data and the graphic data relating to the request data prior to making a purchase; and
also storing at the control system, a record of transaction communications with the interfaced buyer and facilitating communication with the interfaced buyer regarding transaction communications via electronic mail.
2. A method according to
3. A method according to
downloading additional data relating to the area of interest to the interfaced buyer's video communication structure by subsequent electronic communication, after the interface between the interfaced buyer and the control system is terminated.
4. A method according to
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identifying the video communication structures used by the certain buyers based upon automatically provided incoming data signals.
7. A method according to
8. A method according to
facilitating access by the certain buyers to various different vendors of the one or more vendors under control of the control system wherein each vendor has a video storage device for storing video data.
9. A method according to
utilizing a clock to limit and control the time during which an offering for a particular one of the one or more vendors includes provision of video data to the interfaced buyer under control of the control system.
10. A method according to
monitoring time limitations with the clock.
11. A method according to
12. A method according to
registering the buyers or vendors or both with the control system prior to facilitating at least certain electronic communications.
13. A method according to
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16. A method according to
requiring the certain buyers to provide identification data prior to allowing the certain buyers access to at least certain stored video data associated with any one of the one or more vendors.
17. A method according to
storing one or more video images as part of the stored video data relating to a particular vendor of the one or more vendors, at the video storage device located at a vendor site.
18. A method according to
storing the video data from the one or more vendors at the video storage device that is located at a site associated with the control system.
19. A method according to
20. A method according to
offering the certain buyers various choices as part of the proposed data associated with a vendor, as related to the area of interest indicated by the interfaced buyer.
21. A method according to
including within the area of interest, data on specific merchandise or service that a buyer is interested in purchasing identified by merchandise or service codes.
22. A method according to
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providing an identification number that identifies the transaction to a buyer.
27. A method according to
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31. A method according to
providing a graphical display including text data associated with the interfaced buyer via the control system.
32. A method according to
33. A method according to
maintaining at the control system, a record of prior transactions with buyers and charges associated with the prior transactions.
34. A method according to
registering buyers with the control system and during the registration step, designating identification data for use in subsequent electronic communications.
35. A method according to
providing a check digit as part of the identification data.
36. A method according to
facilitating on-line communication between the buyers and the control system via an on-line service.
37. A method according to
connecting the certain buyers with the control system using an autodialing operation.
38. A method according to
maintaining a record of various buyers accessing the control system.
39. A method according to
also maintaining a record of the amount of time individual buyers spend viewing the stored video data at the video storage device.
40. A method according to
obtaining data through the control system on buyer reactions to an offer associated with select stored video data viewed by the buyers.
41. A method according to
offering to the buyers various selections relating to an area of interest indicated by the buyers.
42. A method according to
associating one or more sites with the buyers; and
requiring the one or more vendors to register with the traffic control system to entitle access to one or more sites associated with the buyers by providing information relating to the one or more vendors.
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This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/371,212, entitled "METHOD FOR BUYER-SELLER ON-LINE COMMERCE" and filed on Aug. 10, 1999 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,848,496, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/189,405, entitled "COMMERCIAL PRODUCT ROUTING SYSTEM WITH VIDEO VENDING CAPABILITY" and filed on Jan. 27, 1994 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,323,894, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 08/154,313, entitled "SCHEDULING AND PROCESSING SYSTEM FOR TELEPHONE VIDEO COMMUNICATION" and filed on Nov. 17, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,495,284, which is a continuation-in-part application of application Ser. No. 08/067,783, entitled "VIDEOPHONE SYSTEM FOR SCRUTINY MONITORING WITH COMPUTER CONTROL" and filed on May 25, 1993, now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part application of application Ser. No. 08/031,235, entitled "VIDEOPHONE SYSTEM FOR SCRUTINY MONITORING WITH COMPUTER CONTROL" and filed on Mar. 12, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,412,708. The subject matter in all the above-identified co-pending and commonly owned applications is incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention relates generally to the field of computerized telephone and video communication, and more particularly, to a communication traffic control system for providing video communication through a dial-up telephone system, for selectively interfacing members of plural groups, for example, wholesale buyer groups and vendor groups. Such a system may be used in a variety of applications, such as for directing and exchanging offers and responses at the wholesale level, between selective members of plural groups, for analyzing and compiling data, scheduling and implementing conferences, consummating sales and the like. It is currently contemplated that the present invention may be used, for example, in merchandising applications, including purchasing, selling, marketing or the like, educational conventions for medical doctors and other professionals, game shows, dating services and so on.
Over the years, integration of computer and telephone technologies has brought many advances in the telecommunication industry. Functionally integrating human operators with telephone network capabilities, voice and data switching capabilities, computer applications and databases, and voice processing technology not only provides human operators with immediate access to information from a wide variety of sources, but allows them to intelligently process each call as well. Telephone switches are linked with computers to coordinate computer information and intelligence with call handling capabilities to automatically add relevant data, as well as facsimile, graphics, video or audio communication capabilities. Select services or equipment such as automatic number identification (ANI) or dialed number identification service (DNIS) enhance calls and human capabilities by forwarding identifying information preceding a telephone call, thereby, eliminating steps otherwise performed by people to capture information regarding the caller. For applications involving large scale processing of calls, switch and host databases automatically link calls with a caller's record, eliminating the need for the caller to enter an identification number when using a voice response system.
More revolutionary applications use ANI to simultaneously pass both the call and the caller's current record to an operator's telephone and terminal. This obviates the need for a person to obtain, enter and receive the caller's record from the database. Such advances have immensely enhanced human capabilities for communication, data manipulation and control functions.
Somewhat concurrently, rapid developments in computer, telephone and video technologies have introduced the concept of visual communications or video conferencing. In particular, efforts at integrating these technologies have gained enormous momentum in recent years, resulting, in part, from a general desire in all industries to conserve time and expenses, and thereby, maximize human efficiency and productivity. The advent of videophones has enabled users to visually communicate from remote locations. Many industries are rapidly embracing the idea of video conferencing or visual communication to eliminate escalating travel expenses. Employees or customers in different places can take part in interactive training sessions or seminars with no loss of time for travel.
However, obstacles remain, particularly in traditional areas of cumbersome communication. Still, with developments, virtually every industry segment can profit from interactive data sharing in real time with the added advantage of face-to-face communication. Innovative technical advances are fast satisfying promises of enhanced capabilities, thereby, allowing users to share and manipulate images from remote locations, such as pictures, graphs, maps or the like.
Technical breakthroughs in audio and video compression technology make desktop video conferencing and visual communication both economical and practical for everyday business communications. To fully participate in video conferencing, the user's equipment must communicate with similar units, albeit, from different equipment vendors. The International Telephone and Telegraph Consultative Committee (CCITT) has defined a standard called H.261 (or "Px64") detailing how video and audio signals are compressed and decompressed for transmission across a common link. At present, no one industry standard and format has been adopted for video conferencing systems. Thus, the systems available on the market are not always compatible. As a consequence, many different types of video codecs (coders/decoders) are currently in use. For example, the AT&T AVP CODEC is a three-chip set that digitally processes high quality, full motion video images and sounds that are compatible with the latest videoconferencing standards.
At any rate, ongoing efforts at achieving compatibility and providing compression schemes that can transmit color images over POTS (plain old telephone system) all over the world are in the offing. Approaches for incorporating live-action, color video with standard voice telephone lines via networks and modems are currently being introduced. By using a suitable video capture board and a modem, live video may be received and displayed on any 386 or 486 personal computer running Microsoft Windows™. The frame rate depends upon the type of display and type of communication hardware. For example, over a normal dial-up telephone line, a computer with a VGA (video graphics array) display set at 32,000 colors, a 486 CPU and a 14.4 kbs (thousand bits per second) modem can achieve a frame rate of 5 frames per second. The link between the personal computers can be established in several ways, for example, by a modem, LAN (local area network), serial port and other high speed digital links.
To consider an example of cumbersome communication in the merchandising industry, wholesale vendors or sellers of goods typically spend many hours attempting to schedule appointments with various buyers for different organizations, travelling to and from the buyers' facilities, and waiting for meetings, which may sometimes last only a short duration. Unfortunately, considerably more time and expense is incurred, in travelling to and from different facilities, than is desirable. Moreover, as a practical matter, specific vendor sales people are typically assigned to merchandise specific goods and interact with specific buyers, resulting in a need for more vendor personnel dedicated to particular buyers.
Moreover, in the event a specific seller wishes to broadcast a special offering of a particular item to plural buyers, for example, to dispose of an inventory of distressed items, the seller must undertake considerable effort, such as place an advertisement or otherwise initiate contact with buyers. An advertisement is likely to be viewed only by random buyers, thus, not always proving to be a reliable method of soliciting offers from all possible buyers. Moreover, initiating individual contact with a series of buyers, until eventually securing a final sale, constitutes an arduous task. Similarly, in situations where a buyer wishes to solicit proposals from vendors for a particular item, the same practice prevails.
Accordingly, the present invention recognizes the need for a system to communicate with remote locations over a widely distributed area, from other places, such as a central location, for the applications discussed above as well as many other diverse applications with similar requirements. In particular, the present system recognizes the need for directing and exchanging communications, such as offers and responses, between select members of plural groups or sub-groups, analyzing and compiling data relating to such members, scheduling appointments, implementing face-to-face conferences (in real-time), and consummating transactions and billing relating to transactions between such groups.
Generally, the system of the present invention involves traffic regulation and control for video communication between a plurality of remote, widely distributed locations, from a central unit, utilizing dial-up telephone facilities in today's computer environment, and with voice quality lines. Specifically, for example the dynamic graphics of telephonic video (on standard analog lines and digital lines over Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)) facilitate videophone, while video still displays and digital lines facilitate high fidelity (hi-fi) video displays along with audio capabilities, all combined with the interactive capability of computers to attain an effective commercial product routing system with video vending capability.
The system of the present invention contemplates applications ranging from merchandising (including purchasing, selling, marketing or the like) to educational conventions for medical doctors and other professionals, game shows, dating services and so on. The present system is configured to direct and exchange communication traffic, for example, in the form of offers and responses, between selective members of plural groups or sub-groups, such as vendors and buyers, for analyzing and compiling data, scheduling appointments and implementing visual conferences, consummating transactions and the like. Selective routing of communication traffic from a central unit or controlled by the central unit effectively prevents information overload.
In one disclosed embodiment of the present invention, personal computers equipped with capabilities for providing either analog video (analog motion and analog high resolution freeze frame) or digital video or both, and speakerphones (or regular telephone instruments), for one-way or two-way communication are placed at each of a plurality of remote locations to communicate with a central unit that may include several communication and control stations also equipped with some or all of the same capabilities. As a part of traffic control operations, a video display (depicting motion and color) may be provided with graphics, audio and data signals, at each communication and control station, as well as, the remote locations. The personal computers may utilize well known image enhancement techniques to facilitate high resolution images for closer observation.
In accordance with one exemplary embodiment related to wholesale merchandising, a telephonic interface appointment scheduling and routing system includes a central traffic control system, independently managed by a third party and located remote from all vendors' and buyers' facilities. The central traffic control system schedules appointments and routes offers and responses to and from select members of plural groups, such as buyers and vendors, to expedite traditionally complex purchasing operations. Routing of offers and responses may also take place between members of sub-groups of plural groups. Calls may be classified into types, for example, a vendor with a special offering, a buyer responding to a special offering, a buyer soliciting proposals, a vendor responding with a proposal and a vendor or a buyer seeking an appointment. Calls of the various types may involve some form of qualification or approval. For example, access to the system may be limited to qualified or registered entities. Also, certain limitations may be imposed, such as calls revealing one vendor's proposal to a competitor are inhibited.
In accordance with an example, a vendor may wish to broadcast a special offering of a particular item to interested buyers. The routing system analyzes buyer data, typically acquired during registration, and compiles a list of buyers to whom the broadcast is transmitted. Special buyers may be specified by the vendors making the special offering. For example, a vendor may designate special buyers from a list of all participating buyers and vendors provided to each registered member. From time to time, periodic updates on new members may be circulated.
To facilitate equitable routing of special offerings to all interested buyers, in situations, where there are only a limited number of communication lines, the routing system may include a random number generator to randomly select subsets of buyers and may transmit the broadcast in sequence to each subset. In some situations, the routing system may have the capability to request and add additional communication lines in the event a caller (vendor or buyer) desires concurrent broadcast to all potential receiving parties. Of course, in such cases the caller would incur the additional charges. A numbering system may also be adopted, whereby broadcasts are transmitted to subsets of a designated number of buyers (for example, equal to the number of communication lines) in rotating sequence. For example, a particular special offering may be broadcast first to subset number one, then subset number two and so on, while the next special offering may be broadcast first to subset number two, then subset number three and so on. A video recording of the offered item may be stored in a video file server at the central location, thus, allowing interested buyers to view the item prior to making a purchase. Likewise, buyers may wish to solicit proposals for a particular item from vendors qualified for designated merchandise. Communication between the routing system and the different buyers and vendors may be accomplished in a variety of ways, as for example, by electronic-mail (transmission of messages across a network between two desktop PCs), electronic bulletin boards, on-line computer services (such as Prodigy� or CompuServe�), facsimile, voice-mail or the like.
Vendors and buyers may directly communicate with the central traffic control system to seek or change appointments and update information with respect to appointments with specific buyers. In accordance with one scenario, vendors may call the central traffic control system and, upon qualification, schedule appointments with specific buyers.
Appointments may be executed, on command, from a buyer location or the central traffic control system. Communication may be initiated conforming to the display capabilities at the vendor site. That is, as disclosed, the central traffic control system or alternatively, plural coordinated such systems (located at one site or plural sites), as well as, the buyer locations, incorporate multiple video format capabilities along with a bridge or switch unit to drive a display unit or monitor in a selected format in accordance with the capabilities of the current vendor. As disclosed, a single monitor may accommodate several formats or plural monitors can operate selectively for concurrent multiple displays.
A sequence of scheduled appointments may be developed, as programmed along with intervals of video communication. A record of the scheduled appointments is maintained by the central traffic control system.
At the appropriate times, identification designations for remote locations are provided in sequence, to address a memory for fetching telephone numbers and/or graphic display data also recorded when the appointments are scheduled. Accordingly, in sequence, vendor locations are dialed up via the public telephone system, either manually or automatically, to obtain audio-video communication providing an image of the vendor and the surrounding area at a specific vendor location.
Additionally, data associated with a vendor (or a buyer) may be graphically displayed for convenient reference. For each scene display with respect to a specific vendor, the graphic display of pertinent data provided may, for example, indicate the telephone number, the PIN number, the video format, vendor rating, current vendor delivery status and so on.
Special controls such as a mouse may be instituted enabling manifestations at the vendor location to initiate action or alter the display. Special operations also may be commanded through the videophone, video still (high quality) or high fidelity (hi-fi) video means either on manual initiative or automatically by automatic apparatus.
A video recorder and/or video printer may be located at a remote vendor location, central traffic control station or buyer location for selectively or continuously obtaining a video recording or video printout of displays.
Multiple coordinated central traffic control stations may be employed to communicate with widely distributed vendor or buyer locations with capabilities to route calls to each other, in the event that all of the communication lines are occupied and there is a considerable backlog of calls. Calls may be routed to the next available operator (buyer), for example, in the event appointments scheduled for a particular buyer last longer than contemplated, or another buyer familiar with that line of products may step in and handle the appointment.
Under some circumstances it may be desirable to prioritize calls. For example, appointments may be queued in sequence, specific appointments may precede other routed appointments in accordance with an override feature.
A record of the number of calls and related charges incurred by the buyers for appointments is maintained, which may be analyzed and ultimately rebilled to the vendors. Of course, charges for scheduling are incurred directly by the vendors. Also, a record of charges incurred for each caller (buyer or vendor), depending upon the transaction initiated, may be maintained and billed to each caller.
These as well as other features of the present system will become apparent from the detailed description which follows, considered together with the appended drawings.
A complete understanding of the invention and its advantages may be gained from consideration of the following description of some disclosed embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
As indicated above, a significant aspect of the scheduling and routing system of the present invention is based on recognizing that a dial-up public telephone system may be effectively utilized for visual communication and conferences between a plurality of remote locations regulated and controlled by a central traffic control station. More specifically, it has been recognized that for an effective communication traffic control system, dial-up voice quality lines, such as standard analog or digital lines, may be employed variously in conjunction with videophone equipment, computer facilities (personal computers (PCs) with video capabilities) and various forms of telephonic equipment as voice generators, auto dialers and D-channel or in-band signalling apparatus.
To that end, a dial-up public telephone system TS is illustrated in
As a buyer example, XYZ Drug Company (a large chain) may employ individual merchandise buyers responsible for purchasing specific categories or sub-categories of items. For example, one buyer (person) may be responsible for purchasing body treatment products, such as skin and hair products, another buyer may be responsible for purchasing vitamins and over the counter medications, and yet another for purchasing magazines and toys, and so on. The present system facilitates selective transmission of communications between individual buyers of plural buyer groups or sub-groups and qualified members of plural vendor groups or sub-groups. For example, special offerings by vendors for particular merchandise may be transmitted only to buyers designated for purchase of the merchandise. Likewise, buyer requests for proposals on select merchandise are transmitted only to vendors designated to sell the merchandise. Similarly, appointments for conferences may be scheduled by vendors or buyers, although in keeping with present merchandising practices, it is generally contemplated that vendors would pursue scheduled appointments. However, appointments are generally verified by buyers and appointment execution calls are generally initiated by buyers, either directly or automatically using autodialers.
A fully automated interactive voice response system including ARUs (audio response units) may schedule appointments for specific buyers and subsequently, load schedules for all the buyers into a memory at the central traffic control station. Alternatively, each specific buyer's schedule may be transmitted to and loaded into a memory at each buyer terminal. In some instances, vendors may communicate with the traffic control station in any of a variety of ways (touch-tone, electronic-mail, voice-mail, facsimile or the like) to make and/or verify appointments and/or initiate the conferences, if necessary. In addition, buyers may also communicate with the traffic control system to approve appointments, or otherwise update information in any of a variety of ways (touch-tone, electronic-mail, voice-mail, facsimile or the like). During visual conferences (in real-time), vendors may display their goods, packaging or promotional displays and otherwise effectively communicate with the buyers.
Along with a video signal display (real-time, color, motion, freeze frame), under manual or computer control, audio and data signals are employed to supplement and enhance conferencing operations. In an exemplary system, each of the vendor locations may incorporate several video speakerphones (with one-way and two-way communication and echo canceling), a camera (separate cameras also may be used to concurrently provide images for a videophone and high quality still images), switches, automatic dialing devices and computer memory capability for initiating and responding to commands from the central traffic control system, as well as, for initiating various actions to accomplish change or to accommodate special circumstances.
Conventionally, in merchandising applications, it is appropriate for the vendors to incur communication expenses. To facilitate this, a reduced rate service for long distance outbound calling, for example MEGACOM, may be installed at each of the buyers' facilities. Data on calls made by the buyers may be obtained from the telephone company (e.g., AT&T telephone company) and analyzed to isolate calls made to each specific vendor and thus, the cumulative charges incurred may be computed. For example, outgoing call activity may be monitored at each of the buyers' facilities or the independently managed, central traffic control site and rebilled to specific vendors.
Alternatively, toll free or "800" services at each of the vendor locations may be installed, and "800" number calls initiated by the buyers may be billed to each of the vendor locations. Further, the central traffic control system may include a central detail service to contract for and install telephone services at both the buyer and vendor locations, in order to obtain and report on calls to and from the buyers, as well as, centrally bill both buyers and vendors for all video telephone communications.
Considerable other data may be developed and stored. For example, the central traffic control station for each buyer facility may maintain a record of outbound calls made by all the buyers located at that facility including data, such as the date and time of the call, the name of the buyer initiating the call and the duration of the call. Accordingly, information for each buyer may be subsequently compiled. Likewise, the central traffic control station may maintain a record of all the calls made by each vendor. For example, a specific organization may wish to ascertain the number of vendor calls to a particular buyer. Accordingly, the central traffic control station may compile such data by comparing vendor outbound calls with a database of buyers (including information, such as telephone numbers, names etc.).
Furthermore, in some cases, a summary of each buyer's efficiency may be recorded and provided to interested parties. For example, a buyer's efficiency may be ascertained by the number of video calls made by a specific buyer every week, the average length of the video call, and other data displayed from the database, namely, name of the vendor, names of the persons participating in the call, and so on. For example, for a particular buyer a summary could indicate that during the week of Mar. 20, 1993, forty calls were made for an average length of twenty minutes. Detailed information may further indicate that specifically at 10:00 a.m., on Mar. 20, 1993, a first appointment with Mr. John Blow, of ABC Fruit Company was initiated, which lasted for 1 hour and 12 minutes, and at 11:12 a.m., a second appointment with Ms. Mary Smith of XYZ Cutlery Company lasted 11 minutes and so on.
The central traffic control station TIS may automatically place a call (for example, to broadcast a proposal request from a buyer) to the appropriate vendor locations, determined by a database of vendor locations qualified (for example, as by specific category or sub-category) for the particular merchandise for which the buyer requests proposals. Likewise, when executing appointments, the buyer may place a call to the appropriate vendor location, determined also by a database associated with the particular one of the vendor locations L1-Ln, with which the specific buyer has an appointment scheduled. Alternatively, the buyer may actuate an autodialer, such that the autodialer code number (obtained from the central traffic control station database) displayed on the buyer's video terminal connects him or her to the appropriate vendor. In the event there are complications or otherwise, the buyer may use a regular telephone or a cellular telephone and manually dial the telephone number displayed on the video terminal. It is currently recognized that cellular transmission will ultimately provide dynamic motion and high resolutions freeze frame displays.
The illustrated embodiment of
Preliminarily, considering an exemplary sequence of operations with reference to
Each buyer system BS1-BSn may be equipped with a platform to accommodate select communications with various vendors. Assume that a person at vendor location L1 wishes to schedule an appointment with a buyer at buyer terminal V1. As a result, telephone equipment at the location L is actuated, either manually or automatically, prompting dial-up operations to accomplish a connection from the vendor location L1 through the telephone system TS to the traffic control system TIS. Standard information, as the specific buyer with which the vendor may be entitled to schedule an appointment may be indicated by dialed number identification signals (DNIS) using a capability readily available from the telephone system TS, as for example on the so-called D-channel. It is to be noted that while the D-channel apparatus provides one operational configuration, some DNIS and/or ANI (Automatic Number Identification) data signals can be received in-band without D-channel apparatus. In any event, such signals may direct or qualify communication under control of the system TIS. It should be noted that DNIS and ANI signals can be used for identification, whereby the control computer CC may fetch identification data for graphic displays.
As another feature, an incoming line can be designated at the central traffic control system, such as an "800" line to receive calls from any telephone (pay-phone, vendor location or the like) to prompt scheduling. For example, a call on the "800" line may be answered by an interface or an operator to schedule an appointment with a specific buyer or vendor. The vendor might be specified by ANI signals when calling from a specific vendor location. Accordingly, a vendor can simply call the designated number from any telephone to enter the scheduling program.
For scheduling purposes, PIN numbers (personal identification numbers) are assigned to vendors. The PIN number may be coded to indicate the specific organization that a vendor is associated with. Alternatively, a database of PIN numbers correlating to specific organizations may provide that information. Entry of a PIN number by a vendor may qualify a vendor for contact with a select buyer. Initiating contact also may be controlled by a clock, for example, some communications might be limited to the hours between 7 a.m. and 12 p.m. Additionally, other specifications may be designated for specific groups of vendors. Thus, the system may be configured such that DNIS and ANI communication features cross reference with the clock, prior to answering. For example, if the present time is between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., only select vendor calls are accepted. Some vendors may be accorded priority status allowing them to schedule appointments for select priority days, for example, Thursdays. Similarly, priority status may be accorded to vendors offering distressed merchandise at discount rates.
As described in detail below, a priority field stored in the vendor's cell VC (
Furthermore, to indicate an established relationship, a designation indicating priority may also be stored to isolate a particular vendor from a plurality of vendors selling similar goods. Of course, the vendor cell VC may also indicate the vendor's name, any relevant personal information, the company's name, other persons participating in a conference and so on. Similarly, data relating to the last purchase may also be of importance to some buyers.
With the central traffic control system TIS interacting with a plurality of widely distributed vendors and buyers, a cross reference number identifying transactions with other buyers may be of importance. Moreover, a record of the buyers available and the time limit for each buyer is also recorded. Similarly, the priority designation or status accorded to a vendor for any of a myriad of reasons may indicate, for example, that a particular vendor has distressed merchandise for sale at discount rates. Also, vendors that are not registered may be able to obtain appointments with buyers or buyers' assistants for predefined short periods of time, for example, five minutes.
To ensure effective and proper directing and exchange of traffic, for example, special offers by vendors and responses thereto by buyers, requests for proposals from buyers and responses thereto by vendors, or the like, merchandise codes that apply to each wholesale vendor and wholesale buyer are recorded. The merchandise codes, discussed in more detail below, regulate communication and avoid information overload, as by providing an indication of the type of products that each particular vendor or buyer is authorized to sell or buy.
It should be recognized that appointment schedules also stored in vendor and buyer cells VC and BC (
To recap, under control of the traffic control system TIS, the dial-up public telephone system TS affords effective communication between the remote locations L1-Ln and the buyer systems BS1-BSn. Each buyer system located at a buyer's facility includes a telephone switch SW, through which incoming calls are received and outgoing calls are placed. Incoming data signals (DNIS and ANI) are passed to the internal control computer CC to select an appropriate one of the terminals V1-Vn to handle the call. For example, a station V1 might be assigned to buyer Tom Jones at XYZ Drug company, responsible for purchasing vitamins and over the counter medications. In addition, the computer CC also provides computer graphic signals to monitor station V1 supplementing the coupled television display, for example, to provide a composite display of a scene at location L1 along with appropriate graphic data. To consider the operation of the total-system embodiment in somewhat greater detail, reference will now be made to
In the illustrated embodiment, the central traffic control system TIS directs and exchanges on-line and off-line traffic between the vendor and buyer sites, in the form of special offerings, proposals etc., as well as accepting appointment requests from either the vendor or the buyer sites. Appointment requests are generally initiated from the vendor locations L1-Ln. Subsequently, buyers initiate communication with specific vendors in accordance with scheduled appointments at the appropriate times.
The central traffic control system TIS may initiate contact with the vendor locations L1-Ln or the buyer locations V1-Vn (in predetermined sequence or randomly) to afford communication with the designated vendor or buyer. For visual conferences, buyers may initiate contact with the appropriate vendor locations L1-Ln also in sequence, such as when scheduled, or in some instances randomly.
As illustrated in
The videophone terminal VP1 may be a unit available from AT&T, such as the Videophone 2500, or one available from MCI. A form of the digital video system VD1, for example, the NCR PVS-70 system also is available from AT&T/NCR and is recognized to provide high quality images. A static video system VS1 may be AT&T's PICASSO™ still image phone, which transmits "picture perfect" still color images and voice simultaneously in just a matter of seconds. By pushing a button on the PICASSO™ phone, a still image for a camcorder or electronic camera may be captured and, by pushing another button, that picture may be transmitted to another PICASSO™ phone. Such a video static system connects to standard analog telephone lines and is compatible with a wide range of video technology used in daily communication and industry standard camcorders, electronic cameras, mouse devices, document scanners and photo CD players. Accordingly, full-color images, virtually of any type, size or dimension may be transmitted for display on a TV, LCD panel, PC monitor or video monitor. Images may be stored or printed using a PC interface.
The central traffic control system TIS includes a computer control and interface system 28 coupled to several operating devices including an auto dialer 30, a memory 32, a "D" channel signal processor 34, an audio response unit (ARU) 36 and a caller test unit 38. These structures and their interconnections are disclosed in greater detail below.
The computer control and interface system 28 also is connected to a clock 40 and an operator station 42. The clock 40 may control scheduling operations as explained above. For example, updates or changes to appointments, such as cancellations, may be remotely implemented (for example, via the central traffic control system) and forwarded to the appropriate buyer in a variety of ways, such as facsimile, electronic-mail, voice-mail or the like. The clock 40 may likewise monitor time limitations, as when special offerings and proposals are only valid for defined intervals of time.
With the live operator station 42, calls from vendors seeking appointments, making special offerings, or alternatively, calls from buyers seeking appointments or proposals, may be transferred to a human operator, in the event there are complications with the automatic response units or message recording equipment or in the event callers are calling from a rotary telephone. Some vendors or buyers may always prefer telephone communication with a human operator at some level.
As indicated above, flexibility to accommodate various vendor equipment configurations is an important aspect of the central traffic control system TIS and the operator terminals V1-Vn. In that regard, it should be recognized that even though only the buyer operator terminals V1-Vn are shown coupled to a format switch 41 (lower center), the central traffic control system TIS also has some form of a format switch, shown as part of the video file server. The format switch 41 selects a compatible one of analog video circuits and static video circuits (on analog communication lines) and digital video circuits (on digital communication lines) for driving one or more monitors incorporating such specific circuits. Each of the video monitors V1-Vn carry a camera C1-Cn which may variously facilitate dynamic motion images and still images. The format switch unit 41 can switch a single analog line 39 (from analog lines AL1-ALn) to couple to either videophone circuits or static video circuits or a digital line (or lines from digital lines DL1-DLn) indicated at 39 a to couple to digital video circuits. Note that two lines are typically required for digital video, one for audio and one for digital data. Alternatively, the audio line may also serve as the analog line.
A video recorder (VCR) also may be provided, indicated generally at 51 a, which may be set to record continuously or intermittently, to provide historical data for subsequent reference when conferring with a supervisor or refreshing the memory with respect to specific features. Alternatively, a video printer, also indicated at 51 a, may be used. On receiving a request command, for example from the traffic control station TIS, the video recorder may record compressed video signals of the display images. Of course, continuous recording by the video recorder may be suspended when desired.
At locations where more than one camera is positioned, a single video recorder may be connected to the multiple cameras via a switching device to control and sequence the recordings from the cameras. A switching device such as the intelligent sequential switcher manufactured by SONY, as Model No. YS-S100, may be used to control and sequence multiple recordings. In addition, plural video recorders, such as separate video recorders for recording images transmitted on digital or analog lines may be connected.
In some situations, select frozen frames of viewings of vendor products or a specific time period of each viewing of a vendor product may be recorded on a VCR or printed using a video printer, for example two seconds (specific time period) of a twenty minute appointment for each vendor location. Such video printing may be obtained both by buyers and vendors.
Likewise, the operator terminal V1 (or the vendor location or the central traffic control system), for example, may incorporate a standard line printer for providing a printed record of predetermined vendor communications, e.g., indicating the date, time, location, period of appointment etc. Thus, a detailed hard-copy record is available when desired.
The traffic control system TIS also includes within a memory 32 or separate therefrom, a video EDI 35 for storing EDI software (Electronic Data Interchange facilitating direct computer-to-computer exchange of forms) or the like. It should be recognized that the buyer terminals V1-Vn may also have EDI software or the like stored in memory, by virtue of which, easy access to and exchange of forms is facilitated. The traffic control system TIS also includes a video file server 37, where vendors and buyers may deposit a video recording of a product being offered by a vendor or alternatively, desired by a buyer. A block indicated at 45 and labeled "data storage" stores standard system and network software. Selectivity logic, indicated at 47, to prevent information overload selectively directs communications between members of plural groups or sub-groups, such as wholesale buyer and vendor groups. Operations relating to the selectivity logic 47 are discussed below.
At this stage, consider an initial phase of a vendor scheduling an appointment. In that regard, select vendors are given advance notice of calling numbers and operating instructions. Accordingly, consider an exemplary operation sequence from the vendor telephone AT1 (
The dial-up telephone system TS also provides Automatic Number Identification (ANI) signals indicating the calling number on the so-called D-channel apparatus 34. In various operational phases of the present disclosed embodiment, such signals identify the remote vendor location L1 to the central traffic control system TIS. Using such information, the memory 32 may provide alternate forms of calling signals, commanding a specific outgoing line from the telephone interface and control unit 28 to afford additional communication. Specifically, for example, ANI signals might command various related data from the memory 32. Thus, an appointment may be scheduled for execution at a later time as explained in detail below.
As an alternative to simply scheduling an appointment, assume that the caller is located at the buyer terminal VP1 and wishes to initiate video contact with a specific buyer. Upon attaining communication, the call may be processed, for example, directly to the buyer terminal V1, at which appropriate videophone communication is provided with the vendor. In that regard, video monitors at the terminals V1-Vn may be compatible to receive videophone signals through the dial-up telephone system TS and the interface system 28 of the traffic control system TIS.
Whether a conference is implemented as a result of a direct call from a vendor, or as a result of a scheduled appointment, in accordance with the present development, the selected operator terminal V1-Vn (buyer terminal) is formatted to a configuration compatible with the connected vendor terminal. In that regard, the terminal AT1 (vendor) simply accommodates audio and digital signals and is representative of such terminals for use to schedule appointments, as in an ARU interface. Alternatively, person-to-person communication is available through the operator station 42.
The videophone terminal VP1 is representative of such units to provide one form of audio/video communication with one of the terminals V1-Vn. During such communication, the switch 41 is actuated to activate the videophone circuits to function in cooperation with one of the monitors V1 or Vn. Thus, compatible communication is implemented for each outgoing call, utilizing data from the memory 32.
For communication with static video systems (PICASSO™ units) as represented by the terminal VS1, the switch 41 actuates the static video circuits for compatible operation of a monitor V1 or Vn. Note that particularly effective operations may involve combination formats, for example, a videophone and a static video system (likely using a single analog line). Specifically, with both of the appropriate circuits operative, the camera and the monitor V1 may function in a videophone format to accommodate effective personal communication between a buyer and a seller. Concurrently, the camera and the monitor V1 may operate in a static video format to effectively exhibit a vendor's product. Additionally, a mouse 51 at the terminal VS1, controls a cursor in the display of the monitor V1 further enhancing interactive communication. A mouse, such as the one indicated at 51 may also be provided at the buyer terminals V1-Vn. Again, the switch 41 controls the operations to attain the compatible format.
To further illustrate the possibilities, the terminal VD1 is representative of high fidelity (hi-fi) telephonic video systems using digital lines for higher resolution dynamic displays. As with respect to the other formats, the switch 41 selectively actuates the compatible circuits, the digital video circuits, to drive a selected combination of camera and monitor.
It may be seen that the video platforms of terminals V1-Vn offer considerable flexibility in accommodating multiple audio-video formats. Convenience is served by the multiple format capability of the camera along with the video monitor V1-Vn.
Recapitulating, the terminal V1 has been described for communication with the various equipments at locations to include a video location for display. In addition to the display, each of the terminals V1-Vn incorporates a handpiece or equivalent, and a substantial control panel that may be in the form of a telephone pad or embodied as part of a personal computer keyboard. In any event, the control panel for each terminal V1-Vn includes the current controls for an operative video format, plus dedicated controls relating to the disclosed system. In that regard, in the interest of avoiding undue complications, only a fragment of the representative panel 80 for the terminal V1 is shown in
Generally the panel 80 affords considerable control, including the use of keypad tone signals (DTMF) to perform control operations at both ends of a communication. Specifically, the fragment of the panel 80 of
Various other specific controls are provided on the panel 80. An on-off button 84 controls outgoing audio. A toggle 86 controls the volume of incoming audio. An on-off switch 88 controls video at the terminal. A pair of toggle switches 90 and 91, respectively, control zooming and panning camera operations. A push button switch 93 serves as an interrupt for locking onto the current display (high quality freeze frame) for closer observation or to record data and in some cases higher resolution images for closer observation at a later time, for example, by use of a video printer. In addition, another toggle switch 95 controls tilting camera operations and a push button 97 advances the freeze frame for subsequent observation or reverses it back to a dynamic display. A push button switch 99 serves to manually terminate the call. A control switch 101 regulates resolution of the display. Finally a signal lamp 103 illuminates to indicate the next appointment. Generally, by using the telephone keypad 82 on the panel 80, various control functions can be accomplished as detailed in the parent patent applications identified herein under the caption "CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS" and incorporated herein by reference.
One form of control involves video coordination. For example, in accordance with a program, a conference might be initiated in a videophone format with the terminal V1 (
As an alternative to actuating the static video format, the conferees may elect to go digital. A command "53" from the panel 46 sets the requisite steps in motion. The autodialer 30 dials up a digital connection, then using that connection, the switch 41 actuates the digital video circuits to drive one of the monitors V1-Vn. Note that with enhanced hi-fi video communication, the assumed videophone communication might best be terminated.
In view of these examples, it will be apparent that the operator at the terminal V1 has substantial control, including the ability to go from one video format to another. Of course, such operations presume that the vendor has the requisite capacity, which may be indicated in the graphic display as treated in greater detail below.
From the above descriptions, it is apparent that the disclosed system utilizes videophone technology in combination with other telephone system technology along with computer control and graphics technology to accomplish effective scheduling and processing of traffic for visual conferences.
As explained above, the exemplary central traffic control system TIS functions to initiate outgoing calls as well as receive and process incoming calls. To resume with the explanation of an incoming call from a vendor to schedule an appointment, when the telephone interface 28 (
Initially, as described above, inbound calls for a buyer, initiated by vendors, may be received through the interface system 28 (
In the operation of the system embracing the exemplary formats as treated above and below, a record is made for billing purposes. That is, a billing memory unit BL (
Considering the dial-up telephone system TS (
Essentially, coordinated with the control computer 28 in the system TIS, reapportioning and rebilling options are executed by the billing data unit utilizing storage capacity of the memory 32 or a separate billing data memory.
To this point, detailed consideration has been primarily directed to the treatment of incoming calls to the system TIS. However, as explained, certain modes involve the placement of outgoing calls under either manual control or automatic operation. Such operations next are treated in detail.
As a result of control operations, to implement a sequence of scheduled conferences, the computer control and interface system 28 (
As an alternative to manual calls, the system may operate under computer control to enable a sequence of appointments. During the operation, the control computer CC (
Different selling and buying companies may be registered with the central traffic control system TIS. At registration, central traffic control system TIS may issue an identification card with a check digit for qualification to each representative of the selling or buying company (
To make an appointment, a special offering or a proposal in response to a buyer request, the vendor may initiate dial-up operations with the central traffic control system TIS. For such calls, the ARU 36 may provide voice cues to the vendor and prompt touch tone input of responses as described above. A single ARU may be used for different organizations, alternatively, different ARU's may be used for different large organizations. The ARU's may include voice-mail capabilities for individual buyers. After recording all the information pertaining to a special offering or proposal, the central traffic control system provides reservation or identification numbers. For example, callers may be queried via the ARU if calling to cancel an appointment or supplement a special offering or proposal. If a call is merely to cancel an appointment, the vendor would only need to enter the appointment number. Likewise, if the call is simply to report that a sale for a special offering has been consummated, the vendor may only need to enter an identification number.
Note that live operators also may take information from vendors and access the traffic control computer TIS to enter appropriate request data processed similar to the automatic features of the system in the event vendors are calling from a rotary telephone or for other reasons. Additionally, the live operators may transfer calls to an ARU to enable vendors to leave voice-mail messages.
The traffic control system TIS may provide schedule or other data to individual buyers via facsimile, either automatically or upon request. Alternatively, schedule or other data may be provided to individual buyers by downloading data onto a computer at the buyer's location typically in batch mode overnight. Recent changes to appointments or special offerings and proposals may be displayed on the buyer's terminal (real-time) or forwarded by electronic-mail.
At the central traffic control site, which may service numerous business entities, several audio response units (ARU) may be used in conjunction with several groups of live operators. To accommodate large numbers of calls, automatic call distributors (ACD) may be utilized to route calls where the different business entities are identified by DNIS.
It should be recognized that video recordings on specific merchandise may be stored at the video file server 37 for viewing by buyers and sales may be consummated without any visual conferences between vendors and buyers.
Also, it should be recognized that the buyer terminals disclosed herein may be used by retailers to sell products directly to the persons having units similar to the vendor units described herein in their homes. In such a scenario, ANI may be used to identify a particular household calling, and DNIS may be used to identify a particular product of interest.
As indicated above, the traffic control system TIS incorporates structure for a wide variety of communications through the dial-up telephone system TS.
The interface structure T12 (
The control computer T16 also is connected to an audio response unit T18 for vocally cuing and otherwise interfacing remote stations through the telephone interface structure T12. Again, various forms of audio response units are well known in the telephonic arts for verbalizing cues, receiving digital signals and performing some processing. In that regard, the audio response unit T18 may incorporate some dictionary capability or may rely on the control computer T16 for an extended dictionary of words to be vocalized.
The control computer T16 also is connected to receive signals from the telephone interface structure T12 through a "D" channel circuit T20. For example, the "D" channel circuit receives ANI and DNIS signals indicative of calling and called station numbers as explained above. Essentially, the "D" channel circuit T20 provides call related information to the control computer T16 in accordance with well known techniques of the telephonic arts.
Recapitulating to some extent, it may be seen that the control computer T16, along with the above-mentioned structures, has substantial capability to interface with remote terminals. However, under certain conditions, manual communication also may be desired. Accordingly, as explained above, an operator station T21 is coupled to the computer T16 to accommodate a human interface. The operator station T21 may take the form of a CRT terminal with graphics display capability and various controls (
As indicated above, to accomplish the traffic control function, the computer T16 has substantial computing capability, specifically, for purposes of control, storage management, delivery, scheduling and interconnecting remote stations. For convenience of explanation, in
As suggested above, communication between the various vendors and buyers involves substantial control and regulation along with limitations, thus, the term traffic control is deemed appropriate. In that regard, a qualification unit T28 is coupled both to the control computer T16 and the storage units T24 and T26. Essentially, the qualification unit T28 receives identification and limitation data to qualify buyers and vendors for select individual communications. The storage unit T26 is coupled directly to the computer T16, along with a billing data memory T30 and a printer T32 for operation as mentioned above.
Summarizing the extensive treatment above, the present system variously implements both online and offline communication as between vendors and buyers. The communication is considerably enhanced by video displays. Accordingly, a video file server T34 is coupled directly to the telephone interface structure T12 and to the control computer T16. A monitor station T36 is similarly coupled, as for select time or call monitoring.
In view of the preliminary description of the structure (
In accordance with the exemplary classification, "body-treatment" merchandise carries the code "470000". More explicit classifications of such merchandise carry additional decimal indicators. For example, as indicated above, water-resistant, sun protection treatment would be identified by the code "471234". Accordingly, entire ranges of merchandise are classified and coded to control and regulate communication traffic in accordance herewith.
Generally, preliminary inquiries, offers for sale and requests for proposals all carry merchandise codes for selectively identifying potentially interested vendors or buyers. As a further element of classification, buyers or vendors also may be assigned specific codes, for example, designating a business primarily as, supermarkets, department stores, drug stores and so on.
As detailed below, the operation of the system will be treated as it regulates and controls video communication, for example, selectively between vendors and buyers, to expedite traditionally complex purchasing operations. In that regard, the embodiment treats six types of telephone calls. Specifically, primary calls are classified in accordance with the following chart.
Typically, calls of the various types involve some form of qualification or approval. For example, access to the system typically will be limited to qualified or registered entities. Also, certain limitations will be imposed on such entities. For example, calls that would reveal one vendor's proposal to another vendor are inhibited. Also, it may be desirable to limit calls from buyers accessing information related to another buyer. Of course, specific forms of limitations and qualifications may be implemented depending upon specific applications. However, in accordance with the disclosed embodiment, the types of calls set out above, all involve some form of qualification. The qualifications are generally performed by the qualification unit T28 (
In the disclosed embodiment, the qualifications for buyers and vendors are somewhat similar. Specifically, the tests for a calling vendor are:
Is the calling station registered as a vendor (or buyer)?
Can the caller give a proper PIN number (Identification Number)?
Is the vendor qualified for the designated merchandise?
Is the vendor approved for an identified buyer or buyers?
The tests for calling a buyer are quite similar. To consider the logic embodied in the qualification unit T28 (
If the calling terminal number is not located, indicating an unregistered caller, the qualification unit T28 (
For calls originating from a registered terminal, the qualification unit T28 (
With the determination of a properly registered calling terminal, the computer T16 actuates the audio response unit T18 providing a verbal cue for an identification number (PIN). The operation is illustrated in
The qualification unit T28 (
The final test of the call involves operation of the qualification unit T28 (
Returning to the routine situation, as indicated above, each buyer and vendor is associated with specific merchandise codes. In that regard, merchandise codes not only facilitate and expedite communication but additionally, charges and billing data (for storage in the memory T30) may be based on active merchandise codes for a subscriber.
Pursuing a specific example, assume a caller, identified as a vendor and otherwise qualified is pursuing the presentation of a special offering. Further assume that the calling vendor is associated only with hair products (Chart A, code 472000). However, assume that the caller identifies the "merchandise of interest" to be a water resistant sun skin product, code 471234. Thus, the identified merchandise code does not coincide with the caller's registered merchandise code. In such a case, the processing is halted with the consequence that the call is either terminated or transferred to an operator. At this stage, likely operation would involve referring the call to an operator. Thus, the qualification unit T28 concludes the test by assuring that the entity being represented by a call is authorized for access with respect to the identified codes.
Once a caller has been identified, the control computer T16 (
To consider the specific operations, assume that the exemplary caller is a vendor with a special offering, i.e., call type "A". As a specific example, the caller may represent a vendor entity dealing in distressed merchandise holding a considerable volume of hair shampoo packaged for women, i.e., merchandise code "472147". With the merchandise codes stored, the control computer T16 actuates the video file server T34 along with the audio response unit T18 to receive a video presentation of the merchandise, that is, the hair shampoo. Typically, the vendor will have organized the presentation prior to making the telephone call so that the merchandise can be variously demonstrated and various information including pricing etc. expressed in the video presentation. Thus, an effective record of the video presentation is stored in the file server T34 essentially in the form of a sales presentation for the hair shampoo, that is, product code "472147".
With the completion of the video record, the control computer T16 actuates the storage unit T26 to isolate all buyers associated with the product code "472147" identifying hair shampoo. With the list of buyers identified and a video presentation recorded, the subsequent operations involve communicating the video presentation to the select group of buyers. In accordance with the disclosed embodiment, the identified buyer group is notified of the availability of the demonstration. Thereafter, qualified buyers may establish communication (call "B") through the telephone interface structure T12 (
In some situations, it may be particularly advantageous for buyers to receive early notice of a special offering by a vendor. Accordingly, it may be desirable to implement a rotational order scheme or a random operation for determining the sequence in notifying buyers. Specifically, a random number generator may be incorporated in the control computer T16 for ordering the list of buyers for notification.
Notices to buyers or vendors also may vary considerably, depending upon individual programming considerations. In some situations, vendors may provide a special list of buyers or alternatively, exclude specific buyers. All buyers and vendors are provided with a list of participating members of the network, at registration. Periodic updates of new members may be circulated from time to time.
In accordance with the disclosed embodiment, the control computer T16 simply actuates the auto dialer T14 to establish telephonic communication with buyers after which the audio response unit T18 notifies the buyer. Alternatives involve the utilization of facsimile or the like capability or various forms of electronic mail may be incorporated for utilization. In any event, the select group of buyers is notified that the presentation on a hair shampoo packaged for women is accessible by interfacing through the telephone structure T12. Responding buyers (call type "B") are qualified as described above, then coupled to the video file server T34 to receive the video presentation. Thereafter, interested buyers may directly contact the vendor, typically for further video communication. Thus, the foundation for a transaction is completed rapidly and effectively with substantial communication of the goods involved and related considerations.
Another possibility involves type "C" calls, whereby a buyer distributes a request for proposal. Again, various communications may be accomplished to a select group or sub-group of vendors based on merchandise codes. To consider a specific form of communication in accordance herewith, after qualification, a buyer might use video communication to notify vendors with a graphic such as one illustrated in
Following receipt of a request for proposal, interested vendors may submit a video presentation as described above. Alternatively, vendors may be invited to call for an appointment or otherwise communicate their proposals to buyers. Thus, the system affords considerable flexibility in selectively communicating product information between buyers and sellers using video formats.
In view of the above description, it will be apparent that numerous operating formats, programs and layouts may be accomplished using a wide variety of videophone equipment in cooperation with computing and telephone apparatus. As indicated above, the disclosed embodiments afford some arrangements; however, the scope hereof should not so confined, rather the scope hereof should be in accordance with the claims as set forth below.
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|46 posts found
Novice Member
Joined: 6/11/12
Apparently the AI isn't working because it would require work to fix it. And because it's bugged. Genius!
"Q: OMG Why AI run away then come back LOL:
"Q: ZOMG Why u no make troll and add? U had all dem grafix!
You don't say, Sebastian Persson..
"Q: Why you LIE and say you fix it when U did not NOOBSEB!
Reminds me of something:
When Sebastian Persson is asked why the product he's being paid for isn't working, he doesn't appologize and gets back to work, he explains why it isn't working - and sucks at that. If he knew what's wrong, he'd be able to fix it. XD Doesn't that say it all?
I bet his excuses are longer than the code for the AI.
Login or Register to never see this panel
Novice Member
Joined: 10/06/11
It's disturbing how he thinks he's in a position to mock the playerbase by mimicking some imaginary "ZOMG U SUX ROFL" speech. He treats his paying customers like spoiled children who don't understand anything and just keep asking stupid questions, which is bizarre given the circumstances.
SV should be on their fucking knees begging people to keep playing their broken game, instead of talking down to the few people who still support them.
But it's the way it has always been - before a major patch there's a lot of hype-talk and dev activity on the forums, outlining all the awesomeness to come. Then when the patch finally arrives, underwhelming everyone and breaking everything, there is silence and censorship, threads being removed and people banned for asking legitimate questions, etc.
Then, when the complaints reach an uncontrollable level, one of the SV guys may stoop to post some "explanation" as to why X and Y is not working as intended, usually ridden with some fake-ass technical jargon to make it look more professional. The fanbois rave and applaud because the glorious leaders deemed them worthy of a reply, while everybody else just frown and wonder how an arrogant-styled "explanation" will actually fix everything that is missing and/or broken.Still, people who buy all the bs hype have themselves to blame. Most sensible people were very skeptical about SV's ability to deliver a patch of this magnitude - and as usual, the skeptics were right. Given SV's track record you have to be either extremely stupid, extremely naïve, or extremely brainwashed to expect anything less than a disaster when they attempt to "revolutionize" something.
Edit: Just read the whole thread. I can't believe people actually go out of their way to "help" these guys, putting videos together, posting detailed accounts of AI bugs, etc, as if that would somehow make Sebastian capable of fixing stuff once and for all.
Isn't it very obvious by now that this guy has no damn clue what he's doing? A professional dev team test their stuff before release, they don't just throw some new code out there and see what happens, letting paying customers do detailed bug reports and quailty testing for them (which still doesn't help ofc). I mean, he coded the damned thing and he still don't know what the problems are?
Fucking pathetic.
I still see the same mob behaviour, I still see the same problems with the navigational mesh and pathing, and I still see problems with movement. - and that's probably being overly generous. The AI is in a marginally worse state than it was pre-Awakening, given that it had at least been patched a little up to that point.
I think they took the attitude that their design was sound, but the code wasn't. I believe it was Seb who wrote the old AI code (correct me if I am wrong), so... I don't know *sigh*
The scary thing is that Henrik believes the AI to be revolutionary. Give every actor type a brain of inter-connected neurons, feed them whatever sensor input or messages an actor currently gets, use the state of a few of these neurons to drive any behaviour and evolve for a few hundred generations. That's revolutionary AI. Mortal Online's AI (if it worked) is not only substandard, it's piss-poor (even worse than The Elder Scrolls).
I'll just stop there, I think.
Originally posted by FastSloth
That "mock" question and answer post is totally disrespectful- That asshole is making it sound as if its foolish "kids" who keep pestering the Dev team for ridiculous reasons-
Again, SV should really be ashamed. The way he worded that shows (once again) why this game is a sham and will never , ever work properly (nor did it ever have a chance)
What an egotistical asshole- And he cant code for shit. Its amature hour and when MO fails Seb will be lucky to have a job flipping burgers.
Novice Member
Joined: 9/08/11
Its too ambitious of a game for Starvault.
Novice Member
Joined: 12/29/04
Originally posted by Biskop
Well we all know those don't exist in mmo's...
Originally posted by xDayx
Yes, but the condescending tone of the main dev (who, consequently cannot code for shit) towards his customers - The way he takes valid concerns (like the AI still not working after YEARS, mobs falling through the world, flying around, etc, etc,) and turns it into a joke that essentially paints anyone asking these questions as a kid who cannot formulate a sentence (and again, he is the MAIN DEV who cannot code...) rather than taking a serious stance, perhaps appoogize and stop making excuses.
-Anyhow... Games on its last legs and with SVs attitude towards its playerbase NOT IMPROVING as the game does NOT IMPROVE after YEARS of broken everything- its just...pathetic.
Novice Member
Joined: 9/08/11
Originally posted by SaintPhilip
(Shrug) I guess its a defense mechanism he is utilizing.
At this point with me personally I dont really care. I was hoping StarVault added a little more fluff by now and punished reds more but it never happened.
Novice Member
Joined: 9/20/12
I have been in a Banned.
Originally posted by Linsesh
No, it was an intern who coded this for extra credits. This was made public years back but many have forgotten this no thanks to the MO Fanboy Army in the least. If you are determined enough you can manually dig it up on MO forumspace here, since the search feature on this site is BS, but not like it matters especially at this point of time.
And ofcourse the thread + post was deleted on the MOFO in short notice, even though it was Henrik or one of the former Lead community mod who posted it. I dont think a cached copy even exists on google since the MO forums have been changed so many times till now, but you can try searching, again if you are determined enough.
Moral of the story: Interns are better at make half assed games than Starvault can ever be. They should be searching for more interns to play the role of lead programmer and CEO.
Proud Member of the A.F-D-A. [Anti Fanboy-Defense-Army]Association for a Better Tomorrow or [A.F-D-A.]AfaBT, in short.
Apprentice Member
Joined: 9/02/10
Originally posted by Wendetta
So an intern wrote it and it was bad, then Seb scrapped it and rewrote it and it was bad
Novice Member
Joined: 10/06/11
Originally posted by Boldyn
Your point being...?
Of course there are plenty of idiots asking stupid questions on every game forum, but if you think that's is the case here you need to do your homework. Commited fans (some of them long-term players who have supported the game for years and paid these amateur's salaries) posting legitimate concerns should not be treated like idiots by a lead dev just because he failed to deliver yet again.
Apprentice Member
Joined: 8/31/12
Originally posted by xDayx
RealmCrafter would confuse and overwhelm these idiots.
EA CEO John Riccitiello's on future microtransactions: "When you are six hours into playing Battlefield and you run out of ammo in your clip, and we ask you for a dollar to reload, you're really not very price sensitive at that point in time...We're not gouging, but we're charging."
Novice Member
Joined: 10/09/12
Originally posted by Biskop
Wow you hit the nail on the head!
Apprentice Member
Joined: 2/06/11
/end thread
Novice Member
Joined: 6/05/09
After all this time around SV on and off in MO i m convinced that bugs will driven out of the game obly if theres a possibility for them to die from natural causes, old age or accidents. No one is expecting anymore from SV to fix the game.
So....Some folks on the thread linked have also felt the attitude of Seb (making fun of the supporters of the game who are seeking the answer as to why basic systems still do not work after 2+ years and untold amounts of money) and Seb said he was essentially "making a joke..."
-If it was a joke it was in VERY BAD taste...
To look at it a different way- Imagine a Chef who has worked in an establishment for over 2 years. The Buisness looked very promising and for the first few Months the lines of people waiting to get a table stretched around the Block. Yes the food was burned or undercooked, yes the portions were small, yes the service kind of sucked, yes it was very expensive- BUT the type of food they were serving was something we were promised could be found nowhere else... So we ate there, and continued to eat there in hopes that the chef and the service would improve with time (After all- This food was supposed to really be something special and unique and we wanted to give the Chef the time needed to Master the culinary skill of this cuisine...)
A few Months later (with no impovements to the food and service) the complaints start rolling in. The Critics have given this eatery bad reviews. The lines of folks waiting for a table are gone. The entire place is now half empty... The Chef and the Customers who are left begin making fun of the people and critics by saying "They have no refined taste like WE do...They should just eat at Mcdonalds since..."
A couple YEARS later (...now) the entire place is mostly empty. Rats and Roaches scurry across the floor. The paint is peeling, the bathroom filthy, the carpet hasnt been vaccumed in months, the Kitchen is a mess, the waitstaff are rude and unkempt and the food has gotten worse...Yes worse.
The Chef still cannot make a Hamburger properly, still burn steaks, undercooks noodles , burns water and generally makes unedible food in tiny portions for TOP DOLLAR...
His remaining few customers want answers.
"We supported you for years" they say.... "Why is our food still coming out so horrible? Why is the waitstaff so rude? Why ? We have politly been telling you for years what is wrong- We have given you time to fix these things...We WANT to love the food you cook. We WANT to believe your promises...What is going on here???"
The Chef then makes fun of them by replying " Blah, blah, crying about why I burn food and wait people is rude, blah blah... I tell you why. It because good food takes time..."
-Then he says he was joking...
The joke wasnt funny since he has ran this place into the ground and ripped his customers off at every turn with sub par and undercooked shit thrown on a plate.
-EDIT- The Buisness needs a complete restructure from managment on down the line. It will never happen (should have happened long ago) and with SV's stellar customer support and the way they handle complaints- Its just a matter of time and they will be Unemployed- Thank God.
Advanced Member
Joined: 2/14/10
we have always known what is wrong with the AI: it doesn't work because of crappy code.
wake up dudes. SV does not have good coders. never had, never will. it was a incredibly ambitious project even if they had had professionals. what the heck do you think happens if you try and build a race car from scratch? it most likely wont work, and if it does it wont work worth a damn.
RIP Mortal Online.
Advanced Member
Joined: 11/01/11
i remember i saw a guy here posting that codding is like building, "if the foundations are fked up u have to start all over again".
MO foundations are screwed and its clear that the game is beyond repair, even worse, beyond repair in SV hands.
Apprentice Member
Joined: 1/15/07
I tried MO in the beginning, for about 5 minutes.
The thing that gets me about this is that SV would release something that is obviously broken. As a software developer, I know there are three main stages of design:
1) alpha -- each independent piece of code works, at least to some extent. None of it has been tested in the full context, but unit tests pass.
2) beta -- the whole game is put together, and each unit is then tested in the full context. Since each unit passed alpha, the only real problems should be coming from integration problems, not individual unit problems.
3) release -- the whole game is together, and has passed beta tests. Everything is supposed to work.
It seems SV releases right after alpha (or even possibly before). They apparently are counting on their paying customers to do beta testing, since it appears obvious that SV doesn't test the game themselves.
Hard to believe someone could stay in business for years doing that ....
Apprentice Member
Joined: 2/17/09
Just because you are unique does not mean you are special
Hmm let me get this straight...
1) Dev of failing game holding on by a thread makes a response mocking customers.
2) Thread goes nearly two pages of fanboys thanking dev for response.
3) Two customers who finally call out dev for his attitude are promptly attacked by fanboys.
My God...this is hilarious.

subset: commoncrawl


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IN THE MORNING, we depart a realm of hazelnuts, bound for a land of grapes. We're riding from Cortemilia to a lunch in Barbaresco, the source of one of Italy's greatest wines. Like its noble brother Barolo, Barbaresco is made from the nebbiolo grape, which has proven successful only here in Piedmont, southeast of the Alps.
Piedmont, or Piemonte, means "foot of the mountains," and as that implies, we have some hills to tackle before gustation can commence. First is a climb of 800 feet to the town of Castino, followed by a switchback descent to the rushing Belbo River. Next, a tiny road that could pass for a driveway takes us 1,000 feet skyward in fewer than 3 miles.
Panting uphill past precipitous vineyards, barking dogs, and tractors piloted by octogenerians in undershirts, I wonder how Heather and Larry manage to find roads like this. Is it an instinct for untrammelled bucolia, or is it simply sadism?
The grade levels out as we pass the chapels of San Donato and Madonna d'Annunziata (S. and Mad. on the map), and we find ourselves in Mango, a hilltop village with a wine shop in a castle. Unlike most of the previous week, with weather that had been hot and hazy, today is spectacularly clear and crisp, with views that extend to the snowcapped Alps. Ignoring the stares of men massing for their Sunday get-together in the piazza, we click-clack in our cycling shoes into the enoteca; in addition to hundreds of local wines, the place contains a selection of grappe, nuts, oils, books, and maps. After we make a few purchases, the shop owner insists that we repair to his patio, following us with a plate of antipasti and a complimentary bottle of Moscato d'Asti, the famous sparkling dessert wine from this area.
I'm beginning to wonder what happened to the idea of lunch.
Photo: Jered Gruber
Nothing, as it turns out: After an hour at the enoteca, we pedal about 20 minutes to Barbaresco and pull into Ristorante Rabaya, where we're soon surrounded by prosciutto-and-liver pâté, roasted duck with balsamic dressing, ricotta cheese wrapped in shaved asparagus, risotto made with Barbaresco, agnolotti del plin ("pinched" ravioli) with butter and sage sauce, tajarin (Piedmontese for tagliarini, or thin, light pasta made with a million egg yolks), a Grasso Langhe chardonnay and a deep-purple dolcetto made just down the street. By the time we leave the restaurant, it's after three o'clock—and we still have 43 miles to ride, with dinner scheduled for eight p.m.
As I embark for Guarene—next in the seemingly endless series of beautiful hilltop villages—it's clear that I'm being indoctrinated with CycleItalia's official motto: Pedale forte, mangia bene—"Ride hard, eat well." Some of my friends at home consider this my personal credo, but they have no idea. Compared to a trip with Larry and Heather, my normal riding-and-eating regimen feels like a spin around the block combined with spartan fasting.
I FIRST MET Heather Reid and Larry Theobald in 1992, when they were working as a translator and a driver/mechanic for a tour company that follows pro bike races. I'd hooked up with them as a journalist for the second half of the Giro d'Italia—a memorable tour of northern Italy, including the Alps, Dolomites, Piedmontese wine country, and Lake Garda. Tailored for serious American cyclists, that trip had, unfortunately, lacked a thing or two in the cultural and culinary departments; after one meal, I'd remarked that, "An enophile doesn't know the meaning of depression until he asks a tableful of people, 'Who wants wine?' and nobody raises a hand."
As it turned out, my frustrations were shared by Larry and Heather. In 1998 they founded their own company: CycleItalia, which aims to combine serious cycling with serious food and wine appreciation. Their online newsletter, La Gazzetta dello CycleItalia, and their daily ride notes, contain information on local cuisine, history, and architecture. They fine-tune their trips to take advantage of changing seasons, local fare, weather and other factors, so trips might change slightly from year to year, but all of them are true to the founding ethos. The enterprise consists solely of Larry and Heather—the latter a one-time collegiate track-cycling champion and author of several books on the philosophy of sport.
Photo: Jered Gruber
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Wednesday, November 20, 2013
In October, Pinewood Prep inducted 46 middle school students into the National Junior Beta Club.
These students were selected for induction due to their commitment to high academic achievement and community service.
Eighth-grade inductees include: Dina Al Quzah, Mason Bazzle, Connor Campbell, Justin Carter, Cameron Horne, Regan Knight, Jack Kolpacke, Austin Muscott, Eliza Parvey, Lexie Pooser and Spencer Warner.
Seventh-grade inductees include: Colin Baker, Haley Baker, Walker Bowers, Hannah Bulick, Ben DeLillo, Emily Dial, Ben Diffley, Jack Gadol, Noah Garcia, Lauren Evan Gilmer, Megan Godwin, Ethan Hirsch, Sarah Hudock-Jeffrey, Stokes King, Stella Lallement, Sallie Limehouse, Julia Maguire, Abbey Martichenko, Gavin McRoy, Lizzie Pelcher, Devin Ramsey, Jack Rauton, Mary Grace Roberston, Mikey Robinson-McVeigh, Connor Ruddy, Lauren Russell, Ben Siegel, Kirkland Smith, Jared Snell, Ashton Steele, Meaghan Veale, Preston Walthall, Cole Warner, Haley Welch and Lauren Whipple.
The mission of the National Beta Club is to promote the ideals of academic achievement, character, service and leadership among elementary and secondary school students.
The Journal Scene is pleased to offer readers the enhanced ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. We do not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not The Journal Scene.
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Ron Guth: The 1925 Peace Dollar is one of the more common dates in the series, though it is not nearly as plentiful as 1922 and 1923. In Mint State condition, the 1925 Peace Dollar can be found with ease, including in Gem conditions up to MS-66. Like most Peace Dollar dates, the 1925 becomes rare in MS-67 condition. PCGS has graded a single example in MS-68, one of only two such coins in the series (the other is an MS-68 1924). In terms of strike, the 1925 usually comes with nice, if not full, details. Luster is usually good and sometimes very reflective, with a crisp metallic sheen and booming luster. Bagmarks can be expected, but they are usually light and fewer in number than on most other dates. Most Mint State examples come with good eye appeal and, at the top end of the condition ladder, the visual appeal can be stunning. For type purposes, the 1925 Peace Dollar is a good candidate.
Jack Lee Collection - Heritage 8/2011:8/12/2011, $89,125
© 1999 - 2015 Collectors Universe NASDAQ: CLCT


text:
- Willamette
- Atkinson Graduate School of Management
- Recent News
- Library
- 2012
- Professor Henry Bi Receives Teaching Award
Professor Henry Bi Receives Teaching Award
Henry Bi, Associate Professor of Operations Management and Information Systems, received the Jerry E. Hudson Award for Teaching at Willamette University's annual faculty recognition program on September 12. The award is named after a past Willamette University president and honors faculty members who have gone above and beyond in leadership, service and teaching. Bi was recognized by Debra Ringold, Dean and JELD-WEN Professor of Free Enterprise, during the program.
Bi joined the Willamette University faculty in 2009 and brings a wealth of professional and academic experience to his teaching and research. He teaches courses in operations management and information technology in both the Early Career and Career Change MBA and the MBA for Professionals programs. He also utilizes SAP software in his experiential elective course with his full-time MBA students.
Read more about Professor Henry Bi on his faculty page.


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Posted 2 years ago in Accounting/Finance
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We look forward to assisting you in your job search today.
Please visit Simply Hired.com for more details and other Innovative positions. Indeed is no longer carrying ours... and many other companies job postings so please check out Simply hired for a more thorough listing of jobs in the area.
WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER and our employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, handicap, disability or marital status. We reasonably accommodate individuals with handicaps, disabilities and bona fide religious beliefs.
Browse accounts payable jobs in Rochester, New York:
CPS Recruitment - Rochester, NY
Posted 13 days ago on ZipRecruiter - ZipApply
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Posted 1 month ago on the web
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Posted 16 days ago on StartWire


text:
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
The construction of the new Pizza Hut in Georgetown is expected to begin soon now that the owner of the franchise has crossed the legal hurdles that were required.
The popular Church Street restaurant was destroyed by fire in December.
The plans for the new building were approved by the City Planning Commission earlier this year.
Last week, the plans were submitted to the city's Board of Zoning Appeals, according to City Planner Rick Martin.
"Since they took the walls down, they wanted to take it to the BZA so they can rebuild on the same footprint," Martin said.
He said building permits are expected to be issued this week which clears the way for the construction to begin.
No timetable was given for when the work may be complete.
South Strand News is pleased to offer readers the enhanced ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. We do not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not South Strand News.
If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "report abuse" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website. Read our full terms and conditions.
© 2015 South Strand News an Evening Post Industries company. All Rights Reserved.
Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy and Parental Consent Form.