U.S. patent application number 11/203666 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-06 for enhanced directory assistance system with download features.
Invention is credited to Michael Bates, Christine Baumeister, Robert Pines.
Application Number | 20060073815 11/203666 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34177939 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060073815 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pines; Robert ; et
al. |
April 6, 2006 |
Enhanced directory assistance system with download features
Abstract
An enhanced directory assistance system has a directory
assistance platform, configured to receive a verbal request from a
requester for a desired downloadable item among a plurality of
downloadable items. A download features module coupled to the
directory assistance platform, where the download features module
is configured to retrieve information corresponding to the
plurality of downloadable items in response to the verbal request,
such that the download features module causes the desired
downloadable item to be delivered to a telephone device of the
requester.
Inventors: |
Pines; Robert; (New York,
NY) ; Baumeister; Christine; (Schwenksville, PA)
; Bates; Michael; (Bethlehem, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SOFER & HAROUN, L.L.P.
Suite 910
317 Madison Avenue
New York
NY
10017
US
|
Family ID: |
34177939 |
Appl. No.: |
11/203666 |
Filed: |
August 12, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/414.1 ;
455/466 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 16/0232 20130101;
B60R 16/0207 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/414.1 ;
455/466 |
International
Class: |
H04Q 7/38 20060101
H04Q007/38 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 25, 2003 |
DE |
103 44 464.5 |
Claims
1. An enhanced directory assistance system comprising: a directory
assistance platform, configured to receive a verbal request from a
requester for a desired downloadable item among a plurality of
downloadable items; and a download features module coupled to said
directory assistance platform, wherein said download features
module is configured to retrieve information corresponding to said
plurality of downloadable items in response to said verbal request,
such that said download features module causes said desired
downloadable item to be delivered to a telephone device of said
requester.
2. The enhanced directory assistance system as claimed in claim 1,
wherein said directory assistance platform handles said verbal
requests from said requester by either one of a CSR (Customer
Service Representative) or a VRU (Voice Response Unit).
3. The enhanced directory assistance system as claimed in claim 1,
wherein said downloadable item is any one of a cellular ringtone,
an audio file, a video file a video game or a map.
4. The enhanced directory assistance system as claimed in claim 1,
further comprises a storage module for storing said plurality of
download items.
5. The enhanced directory assistance system as claimed in claim 4,
wherein said plurality of download items are retrieved by said
storage module from two or more third party databases.
6. The enhanced directory assistance system as claimed in claim 1,
wherein said download features module provides instructions to
third parties storing said downloadable item, to forward said
downloadable item to said telephone device of said requester.
7. The enhanced directory assistance system as claimed in claim 1,
wherein said downloadable item is sent to said requester's
telephone device as an electronic message via any one of e-mail,
SMS, WAP, and HTTP, including a link to said downloadable item.
8. The enhanced directory assistance system as claimed in claim 7,
wherein said electronic message, further includes a link to be
re-connected to said directory assistance platform in the event
that the delivered downloadable item is incorrect.
9. The enhanced directory assistance system as claimed in claim 1,
wherein said download feature module further includes a top
requested listing table configured to include the most requested
download items based on recent requests.
10. The enhanced directory assistance system as claimed in claim 9,
wherein said top requested listing table is displayable and
announcable via said directory assistance platform in order to
shorten the time required to respond to said requester.
11. The enhanced directory assistance system as claimed in claim 9,
wherein said top requested listing table includes a category
identifier, such that when a category is selected, said top
requested listing table provides said most frequently requested
download items for said category.
12. The enhanced directory assistance system as claimed in claim
11, wherein said categories may be selected from any one of most
requested download, most requested ring tone, most requested video
game, most requested movie trailer, most requested music video,
most requested sound (music) clip, most requested by type of music,
most requested artists, most requested albums, most requested by
time frame.
13. The enhanced directory assistance system as claimed in claim 1
1, wherein said top requested listing table may provide multiple
category results simultaneously.
14. An enhanced directory assistance system comprising: a directory
assistance platform, configured to receive a request from a
requester for a desired downloadable item among a plurality of
downloadable items; and a download features module coupled to said
directory assistance platform, wherein said download features
module is configured to interface with a plurality of third party
databases in order to obtain said plurality of downloadable
items.
15. The enhanced directory assistance system as claimed in claim
14, wherein said download features module causes said desired
downloadable item to be delivered to a telephone device of said
requester.
16. The enhanced directory assistance system as claimed in claim
14, wherein 16 wherein when said desired download item is not among
said plurality of stored items, said download features module
delivers to requester information on how to obtain said desired
listing.
17. The enhanced directory assistance system as claimed in claim 1,
wherein said directory assistance platform handles said verbal
requests from said requester by either one of a CSR (Customer
Service Representative) or a VRU (Voice Response Unit).
18. The enhanced directory assistance system as claimed in claim
14, wherein said downloadable item is sent to said requester's
telephone device as an electronic message via any one of e-mail
SMS, WAP, and HTTP, including a link to said downloadable item.
19. The enhanced directory assistance system as claimed in claim
18, wherein said electronic message, further includes a link to be
re-connected to said directory assistance platform in the event
that the delivered downloadable item is incorrect.
20. The enhanced directory assistance system as claimed in claim
14, wherein said downloadable item is any one of a cellular
ringtone, an audio file, a video file a video game or a map.
21. The enhanced directory assistance system as claimed in claim
14, wherein said download feature module further includes a top
requested listing table configured to include the most requested
download listings based on recent requests.
22. The enhanced directory assistance system as claimed in claim
21, wherein said top requested listing table is displayable and
announcable via said directory assistance platform in order to
shorten the time required to respond to said requester.
23. The enhanced directory assistance system as claimed in claim
21, wherein said top requested listing table includes a category
identifier, such that when a category is selected, said top
requested listing table provides said most frequently requested
download listings for said category.
24. The enhanced directory assistance system as claimed in claim
23, wherein said categories may be selected from any one of most
requested download, most requested ring tone, most requested video
game, most requested movie trailer, most requested music video,
most requested sound (music) clip, most requested by type of music,
most requested artists, most requested albums, most requested by
time frame.
25. The enhanced directory assistance system as claimed in claim
23, wherein said top requested listing table may provide multiple
category results simultaneously.
26. A method for providing enhanced directory assistance services
said method comprising the steps of: receiving a verbal request
from a requester at a directory assistance platform for a desired
downloadable item among a plurality of downloadable items;
retrieving information corresponding to said plurality of
downloadable items in response to said verbal request at a download
features module coupled to said directory assistance platform; and
said download features module causing said desired downloadable
item to be delivered to a telephone device of said requester.
27. A method for providing enhanced directory assistance services
said method comprising the steps of: receiving a request from a
requester at a directory assistance platform for a desired
downloadable item among a plurality of downloadable items;
interfacing, by a download features module coupled to said
directory assistance platform, with a plurality of third party
databases in order to obtain said plurality of downloadable items.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an enhanced directory
assistance system. More particularly, the present invention relates
to an enhanced directory assistance system with download
features.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The use of wireless communications, including cell phone
conversations, wireless e-mail, SMS and other similar forms of
communication has been steadily increasing over time. This is
particularly true among the younger population. In fact, in some
instances, many users both young and old have forgone landline
communications, entirely opting to handle all of their
communications in wireless format.
[0003] This significant increase in usage, has given rise to the
need to develop corresponding wireless directory assistance
services. These directory assistance services for the most part
mirror traditional landline directory assistance, allowing a
requester to request contact information, such as a wireless
number, for a party they wish to reach. In addition to the newer
wireless directory assistance services, both landline and wireless
directory assistance systems have added new features including the
ability to request reservations, obtain movie times, and request
driving directions.
[0004] The wireless devices handling these communications generally
have additional functional abilities that are not commonly present
in landline phones. Because wireless devices, such as cell phones
and PDAs, nearly universally have a microprocessor and associated
memory units, these devices can store and play video and audio
clips, they can change ring tones, take store and send pictures,
surf the internet etc . . . Each of these functions is further
facilitated through the wireless capability, allowing the data and
programs to be downloaded directly to the devices.
[0005] For example, cell phones were first created with the ability
to change ring tones within a given set, stored within the phone.
However, recently this has been greatly augmented by the ability to
download new ring tones that mimic or even directly play, popular
music clips or popular sound bytes from a movie. Such additional
ring tones are either downloaded or forwarded to the phone directly
in wireless format. This industry alone is currently estimated at a
value of 3 billion dollars worldwide. Yet another new feature
prevalent in the wireless communication industry is the ability to
download full movie/TV clips or even video games to the user's
wireless device.
[0006] Although there are a significant number of media items to be
downloaded to wireless devices, there is currently no single source
for the items. Ring tones for example, may be made available to
users of a particular cell phone type, a particular service
provider, a subscriber to a particular third party service, or even
to the general public. Furthermore, the storage locations for these
downloads are dispersed throughout the internet and wireless world.
These dispersed locations are not always commonly known to the
wireless communication community. Currently there are no means for
locating and obtaining these various media download items other
than blind searching, being given the download information directly
from the provider, or through word of mouth.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention overcomes the drawbacks associated
with the prior art and provides a wireless directory assistance
system that, in addition to providing wireless contact information,
also provides contact information for downloadable media items,
such as the location for obtaining the media and the requirements
for downloading the media. Additionally, the present invention,
further allows the user to download the requested media directly
from the directory assistance system.
[0008] To this end, the present invention is directed to an
enhanced directory assistance system. The system includes a
download features module configured to store download listings
corresponding to a plurality of downloadable items. A directory
assistance platform, coupled to the download features module
receives a request from a requester for a downloadable item among
the plurality of downloadable items. The directory assistance
platform retrieves from the download features module a download
listing corresponding to the requested download item so as to
enable delivery of said downloadable item to a telephone device of
said requester.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are
shown in the drawings several forms, which are presently preferred,
it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to
the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a communication assistance system of
the present invention in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a download features module of the
system illustrated in FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a download table listing, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a most requested download item table, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a flow chart for the request and delivery of a
download item, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a flow chart for the request and delivery of a
download item from an outside provider, in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0016] FIG. 7 is a flow chart for the request and delivery of a
download item, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] As illustrated in FIG. 1, an enhanced directory assistance
system 10 is shown for use by a requester 20. In the present
description, requester 20 is described as a user having a standard
cell phone in order to demonstrate the salient features of the
present invention. However, it is understood that requester 20 may
include but is not limited to a user employing a VoIP phone,
personal computer, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), landline phone
or any other personal communication device capable of handling a
requested downloaded item.
[0018] A connectivity element 22 is disposed between requester 20
and system 10 in order to facilitate communications between the
two. In the case of the present invention, connectivity element 22
is described as being a cellular service provider for requester 20,
for exemplary purposes. However, it is understood that connectivity
element 22 may refer to any intermediate communication medium
capable of handling communications between system 10 and requester
20, including the traditional Public Switched Telephone Network
(PSTN). For example, in the case where requester 20 is operating a
VoIP phone or other such internet based communication technology,
connectivity element 22 may simply be the Internet.
[0019] Although FIG. 1 illustrates only a single enhanced directory
assistance system 10, it is understood that a number of systems 10
may be interconnected with one another over widely spaced
geographic locations for handling requests at all times of the day,
for handling request overflow, and for backup redundancy.
[0020] As illustrated in FIG. 1, enhanced directory assistance
system 10 maintains a directory assistance platform 30. DA platform
30 is configured to be the primary component for receiving and
processing incoming requests from requester 20. It is understood
that DA platform 30 may be comprised of a single component or more
commonly comprised of a series of interlinked switches, ACD
(Automatic Call Distribution) modules, operator terminals and other
connectivity equipment. Furthermore, it is understood that DA
platform may employ live operators at operator terminals, complete
automated response platforms, or a combination of the two for
handling all of the features disclosed herein.
[0021] In addition to adding automated response options to DA
platform 30, system 10 may also employ voice recognition of
requester 20. In this instance, DA platform 30 offers a series of
automated options to select from, and requester 20 may respond
verbally. Furthermore, employing voice recognition, a particular
requester 20 may be recognized as a frequent caller to which DA
platform 30 may respond by automatically retrieving past download
requests from the same requester 20, as well as developing
suggestions for new downloads.
[0022] In an alternative arrangement, DA platform 30 may employ an
ANI based recognition ability, such that a particular requester 20
may be recognized as a frequent caller based on the number from
which the dial. Likewise, DA platform 30 may respond by
automatically retrieving past download requests from the same
requester 20, as well as developing suggestions for new downloads
using the ANI recognition. In either arrangement, DA platform may
provide such enhanced services to requester 20 to assist them or
the attending customer service representative in quickly retrieving
a desired download content.
[0023] DA platform 30 is connected first to a listing database 32.
Listing database 32 is configured to store the necessary data to
handle standard requests from requester 20, such as requests for
telephone numbers or other such connectivity information.
[0024] DA platform 30 is further connected to an enhanced services
module 34. Enhanced services module 34 is configured to track
certain advanced directory assistance services such as direction
requests, reservation services, movie listings or other similar
information services not directly related to connectivity.
[0025] Both listing database 32 and enhanced services module 34 are
shown as single units within the confines of system 10. However it
is understood that such databases and modules may both be employed
as a physical array of devices and further may be handled off site
or even by third party vendors.
[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated
in FIG. 1, DA platform 30 of system 10 further maintains a download
features module 36. Download features module 36 is configured to
store data associated with requests for downloadable data
items.
[0027] For the purposes of illustration, the present invention,
when referring to downloadable data items, will describe
downloadable ring tones for cellular telephones. However, it is
understood that downloadable data items may include any number of
downloadable context including but not limited to ring tones, voice
/sound clips, video clips, pictures, websites, video games, or any
other type of downloadable data item that is at least partially
available to the public. Other such downloadable items may include
maps, such as subway maps, bus maps, train maps or road maps.
[0028] Also, illustrated in FIG. 1 system 10 maintains a billing
database 37 for maintaining and storing billing records related to
the search for and delivery of downloadable data items from
download feature module 36. Billing database 37 can store
information related to the use of download feature module 36 on
either a per requester 20 basis, on a service provider basis, or on
any other billing scheme that is used to support the download of
items from system 10.
[0029] In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated
in FIG. 2, download features module 36 contains a download
availability database 38 and a download storage module 40. Download
storage module 40 is for example, a data repository for storing
downloadable items for delivery through system 10 to requester 20.
Although download storage module 40 is shown within download
features module 36 it is understood that this data repository may
be located anywhere within system 10 or even outside of system 10,
maintained by a third party vendor.
[0030] Download availability database 38 of download feature module
36 is configured to store various download table listings 50.
Download listings 50 are configured to each maintain the relevant
identifying and information data for each downloadable data item
that system 10 can service to a requester 20.
[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 3, table listing 50 maintains a first
title field 52 indicating the title, abbreviated title or
recognized title of the downloadable item. A second size field 54
indicates the size of the downloadable item, for example in
megabytes.
[0032] A third system requirements field 56 includes information
related to the system requirements that need to be met by the
device of requester 20 in order to handle the downloadable item.
For example, if the downloadable item is a video game, there may be
system requirements in order to properly play the game. In yet
another example, video clips may be playable on certain cell phones
of a first manufacturer but not on a second manufacturer. Any such
system requirements would be stored in field 56.
[0033] A fourth availability field 58 includes a particular
downloadable item availability status for requester 20. In a first
arrangement, the information contained in availability field 58 is
generic to all requesters. For example, availability field may
simply contain a list of service providers or other third parties
that offer the downloadable item. This information can then be
conveyed to requester 20 through DA platform 30.
[0034] Alternatively, availability field 58 may be dynamically
controlled by system 10 in order to list the availability to the
particular requester 20. For example, using ANI (Automatic Number
Identifier), DA platform 30 is able to recognize the service
provider of requester 20. This information is then used when
download features module 36 is queried such that availability field
simply states "available to this requester" or "not available to
this requester." It is understood that a combination of both
arrangements may be used as well.
[0035] Further illustrated in FIG. 3, a downloadable item location
field 60 is also included in table listing 50 configured to
indicate to download feature module 36 the location of the
particular download item. In the present invention system 10 is
configured to store information for downloadable items that are
stored within system 10 such as in storage module 40, stored within
external databases discussed below, and even for downloadable items
that are no longer available. When the downloadable item is located
directly in storage module 40, DA platform 30 can deliver the
download item directly to requester 20.
[0036] In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated
in FIG. 1, DA platform 30 of the present invention, in addition to
be connected to download features module 36, is also connected to
service provider databases 70 and third party databases 80. For
example, service provider databases 70 may refer to storage
locations of downloadable items directly handled by a particular
service provider. Third party databases 80 refer to any other type
of third party database for downloadable items such as movie
studios, recording studios and advertising firms.
[0037] If upon a query to downloadable features module 36, DA
platform 30 recognizes from location field 60, that a particular
item is located for download from a service provider database 70,
DA platform 30 is configured to retrieve the download item from
service provider database 70 and deliver it to requester 20.
Alternatively, system 10 may not directly retrieve the download
item from service provider database 70, but instead may send
instructions to database 70 to deliver it directly to requester 20.
In yet another alternative, system 10 may simply provide
instructions to requester 20 on how to retrieve the download item
from service provider database 70 in the event that the item can
not be automatically forwarded.
[0038] Likewise, if a query to downloadable features module 36, DA
platform 30 recognizes from item location field 60 that the
download item is stored in a third party database 80, DA platform
30 is configured to retrieve the download item from third party
database 80 and deliver it to requester 20. Again, alternative
arrangements may be made to send instructions to the third party
database 80 to automatically forward the item to requester 20 or
instructions may be given to requester 20 to initiate the retrieval
on their own.
[0039] In the event that a requested download item is listed as
unavailable in the availability field, DA platform 30 may provide
this information to requester 20 along with any of the other
information contained in table listing 50.
[0040] In the case of a download being sent to requester 20 by some
form of electronic means such as SMS, WAP, HTTP, e-mail or other
such electronic deliveries it is possible to include a hyperlink
within the message itself such that if the information retrieved is
not accurate, requester 20 may be able to link back to DA platform
30. In such an instance, DA platform 30 will track the content of
the electronic request with said DA platform so that when requester
20 presses said hyperlink they can be connected to DA platform,
such as with a live operator, such that their operator terminal is
automatically populated with the stored contents of the electronic
message. This allows requester 20 to quickly return to DA platform
30 in the case of an errant or incomplete response to their
request, while simultaneously allowing the operator at DA platform
30 to skip over the portion of the search that has already been
conducted.
[0041] In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated
in FIG. 4, in addition to direct requests for a particular download
item, download availability database 38 of download features module
36 maintains a most requested table download item table 100 to
cater to requesters 20 who are not looking for a specific item, but
rather are simply looking for popular download items.
[0042] Most requested download table 100 maintains a category field
102. Upon request, DA platform 30 sets the field category 102
according to the request. Examples of categories for most requested
table 100, include but are not limited to: most requested download,
most requested ring tone, most requested video game, most requested
movie trailer, most requested music video, most requested sound
(music) clip, etc . . .
[0043] Other manners for settings in category field 102 may include
ranking of downloads by specific type of music (hip hop, rock,
R&B, country etc . . . ), ranking by artists, albums, time
frame (such as last month or last week top downloads), or even
showing rankings of multiple categories simultaneously.
[0044] Once category field 102 is selected, a ranking field 104 and
listing field 106 are auto-populated by download features module
36. Ranking field 104 lists the download items from the top most
requested and so forth down to an arbitrary list size number such
as "top 25." Listing field 106 lists the name of each of these
ranked download item as listed in that item's associated title
field 52 from its down load table listing 50. DA platform 30 can
then either read these listings to requester 20 or otherwise
forward the information directly to the device of requester 20 for
selection.
[0045] For example, if requester 20 knows that a new ring tone has
just been released, but they are unfamiliar with the exact name,
requester 20, may ask DA platform 30 to retrieve most requested
download table 100, using top requested ring tones in the category
field 102. Upon seeing or hearing the top 25 ring tones listed in
listing field 106, requester 20 may recognize the desired download
item and proceed accordingly to retrieve the item.
[0046] It is understood that in all instances of searching whether
directly in availability database 38 or in most requested listing
table 100, any number of criteria may be used for the basis of the
search including the name of the requested download, the artist,
the size the release date or any other searchable attribute.
Furthermore, an added feature of playing a brief version of an
audio track to requester 20 by DA platform 30 may also be used to
confirm that the requester is receiving the correct information and
download item.
[0047] Turning to the operation of system 10, in one embodiment of
the present invention as illustrated in flow chart FIG. 5, in the
situation where the requested download item is stored within system
10, at first step 200, requester 20 initiates contact with system
10. As noted previously, this request may be handled verbally
between requester 20 and a live operator at DA platform 30 or it
may be handled by an automated platform and voice recognition of
requester 20.
[0048] Upon making contact, at step 202, DA platform 30 accepts a
query from requester 20 and initiates a look up sequence with
download features module 36. It is understood that the
functionality performing the search within availability database 38
may be handed by DA platform 30 or directly by download features
module 36 or some combination thereof. Likewise, for this and the
following examples of the operation of system 10, it is understood
that communications between requester 20 and DA platform 30,
whether automated or manned by a live operator, may be conducted as
two-way back and forth communications.
[0049] At step 204, DA platform searches availability database 38
of download features module 36 for a listing which meets the query.
Assuming database 38 has such a listing, at step 206, download
features module 36 retrieves download table listing 50 and submits
the information to DA platform 30.
[0050] If requester 20 desires simply to know information about the
down load item, then at a nest step 208, DA platform recites or
delivers the requested information to requester 20 and then either
terminates the call or holds requester 20 should they wish to
obtain other information from system 10 such as standard directory
assistance.
[0051] Alternatively, if requester 20 wishes to have the download
item delivered to them, DA platform 30, obtaining the location from
location field 60, at step 210 retrieves the download item from
download storage module 40. At step 212, the download item is
delivered to requester 20 in a desired format.
[0052] In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated
in FIG. 6, an alternative sequence is shown where the stored
download item is located outside of system 10. Thus, at first step
300, requester 20 initiates contact with system 10. Upon making
contact, at step 302, DA platform 30 accepts a query from requester
20 and initiates a look up sequence with download features module
36.
[0053] At step 304, DA platform searches availability database 38
of download features module 36 for a listing which meets the query.
Assuming database 38 has such a listing, at step 306, download
features module 36 retrieves download table listing 50 and submits
the information to DA platform 30.
[0054] If requester 20 desires simply to know information about the
down load item, then at a nest step 308, DA platform recites or
delivers the requested information to requester 20 and then either
terminates the call or holds requester 20 should they wish to
obtain other information from system 10 such as standard directory
assistance.
[0055] Alternatively, if requester 20 wishes to have the download
item delivered to them, DA platform 30, after obtaining the
location from location field 60, at step 310 instructs download
features module 36 to retrieve the download item from either
service provider databases 70 or third party service provider
databases 80. At step 312, the download item, after being retrieved
from an outside party, is delivered to requester 20 in a desired
format.
[0056] In another embodiment of the present invention, illustrated
in FIG. 7, a requester 20 may request a download item from a source
outside system 10, where system 10 rather than obtaining the item
for requester 20, instead sends a message to the outside location
prompting it to deliver the item to requester 20 automatically.
[0057] For example in an exemplary step 400, requester 20 initiates
contact with system 10. Upon making contact, at step 402, DA
platform 30 accepts a query from requester 20 and initiates a look
up sequence with download features module 36.
[0058] At step 404, DA platform searches availability database 38
of download features module 36 for a listing which meets the query.
Assuming database 38 has such a listing, at step 406, download
features module 36 retrieves download table listing 50 and submits
the information to DA platform 30.
[0059] If requester 20 wishes to have the download item delivered
to them, DA platform 30, after obtaining the location from location
field 60, at step 408 instructs download features module 36 deliver
a notification to service provider databases 70 or third party
service provider databases 80 to directly deliver the item to
requester 20 in a desired format. Such a feature may be
supplemented by DA platform 30 by providing the third party with
the necessary information for the delivery such as the e-mail
address, ANI or other location and delivery information for
requester 20.
[0060] Although the present invention has been described in
relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations
and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those
skilled in the art. It is preferred, therefore, that the present
invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein, but
only by the appended claims.
* * * * *