U.S. patent application number 12/168623 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-30 for system and method for remote assistance.
This patent application is currently assigned to VistaPrint Technologies Limited. Invention is credited to Robert Keane.
Application Number | 20080270266 12/168623 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34194456 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080270266 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Keane; Robert |
October 30, 2008 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOTE ASSISTANCE
Abstract
A number of geographically dispersed automated product design
systems and support systems are connected to a network. A user of a
design system requesting assistance in using the design system is
connected to an operator of one of the support systems. A display
and control connection is established between the user system and
the support system such that the operator of the support system can
monitor and control the user system. A discussion connection is
established between the user of the user system and the operator of
the support system such that the user can submit inquiries to and
receive responses from the operator while the operator is viewing
the information being displayed to the user at the user system.
Inventors: |
Keane; Robert; (Arlington,
MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VISTA PRINT USA, INC.;ATTN: PATENT COUNSEL
95 HAYDEN AVENUE
LEXINGTON
MA
02421
US
|
Assignee: |
VistaPrint Technologies
Limited
|
Family ID: |
34194456 |
Appl. No.: |
12/168623 |
Filed: |
July 7, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10646133 |
Aug 22, 2003 |
7398470 |
|
|
12168623 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
705/26.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/06 20130101;
H04L 69/329 20130101; G06Q 30/0605 20130101; H04L 29/06 20130101;
G06Q 30/0601 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/27 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/00 20060101
G06Q030/00 |
Claims
1. A remote assistance system comprising one or more user systems
for allowing a customer of a remote custom product design services
site to customize graphical content of a design of a product, each
user system being operatively connected to a network and having a
user processor running one or more user tools on the user processor
and configured to allow a customer user of the user system to
customize the design of a product at the user system and to
communicate over the network with the remote custom product design
services site, and a user display displaying the product design to
the customer user of the user system, one or more remote support
systems, each remote support system being operatively connected to
the network and having a support processor, a support display, and
one or more programs running on the support processor configured to
allow an operator of the support system to view a user's product
design substantially as the product design is being displayed to
the user on the user display, means for establishing a
communication connection between a user of a user system and an
operator of a remote support system such that the user of the user
system can submit product design inquiries to and receive responses
from the operator of the remote support system while the product
design is displayed to the user, and means for establishing a
communication connection between the user system and the remote
support system such that the support system can obtain the user's
product design information from the user system over the network
and display the product design to the operator while the operator
is communicating with the user over the first communication
connection.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the one or more programs running
on the support processor allow the operator of the support system
to control the user system such that the operator can edit the
product design at the user system while the product design is being
displayed to the user.
3. The system of claim 1 further comprising means for requesting
remote support for a user of a user system, and a server system
operatively connected to the network, the server system having
means, responsive to the request for remote support, for selecting
an available one of the one or more remote support systems to
provide remote support to the user and for supplying the request
for support to the selected one of the one or more remote support
systems.
4. The system of claim 3 wherein the server system further
comprises a queue for holding requests for remote support if a
support system is not available.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the communication connection
between the user of a user system and the operator of a remote
support system is an audio connection.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein the communication connection
between the user of a user system and the operator of a remote
support system is a video connection.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein the communication connection
between the user of a user system and the operator of a remote
support system is a text messaging connection.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more
user systems comprises a retail system.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the retail system comprises a
kiosk.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein the retail system comprises an
embedded wall installation.
11. The system of claim 8, wherein the retail system is installed
in a booth.
12. The system of claim 8, wherein the retail system comprises a
credit card reader allowing the customer user to submit a
payment.
13. The system of claim 1 wherein the one or more user tools
include at least one design tool for allowing a user of the user
system to edit an electronic document.
14. A networked user system for designing a product, the system
comprising a processor, one or more user tools executing on the
processor and configured to allow a customer user of a remote
custom product design services site to customize graphical content
of a design of a product at the user system and to communicate with
a remote custom product design services site, a user display
displaying the product design to the user, means for providing
product design information to a remote support system to allow the
remote support system to display the product design substantially
as the product design is being displayed to the user on the user
display, and means for allowing the user of the user system to
submit product design inquiries to and receive responses from the
operator of the remote support system while the operator is viewing
the display information.
15. The system of claim 14 further comprising means for allowing
the operator of the remote support system to edit the product
design while the product design is being displayed to the user.
16. The system of 14 wherein the one or more user tools include at
least one design tool for allowing a user of the user system to
edit an electronic document.
17. The system of claim 14 wherein inquiries are submitted and
responses are received by audio.
18. The system of claim 14 wherein inquiries are submitted and
responses are received by text.
19. The system of claim 14 wherein inquiries are submitted and
responses are received by video.
20. The system of claim 14, the networked user system implemented
as a retail system.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein the retail system comprises a
kiosk.
22. The system of claim 20, wherein the retail system comprises an
embedded wall installation.
23. The system of claim 20, wherein the retail system is installed
in a booth.
24. A networked support system comprising at least one processor,
at least one support display operatively connected to the at least
one processor, means for enabling an operator of the support system
to receive product design inquiries from and submit responses to a
customer user of a remote user system designing a customized
product, the remote system having a user display displaying the
design of the product being customized, means for obtaining the
user's product design information from the remote user system, and
means for displaying substantially the same product design on the
support display while the product design is being displayed to the
customer user on the user display and while the operator of the
support system is receiving inquiries from and submitting responses
to the customer user.
25. The system of claim 24 further comprising means running on the
processor for allowing the operator to edit the product design
while the product design is being displayed on the user
display.
26. The system of claim 24 wherein inquiries are submitted and
responses are received by audio.
27. The system of claim 24 wherein inquiries are submitted and
responses are received by text.
28. The system of claim 24 wherein inquiries are submitted and
responses are received by video.
29. A method of providing assistance from an operator of a support
system having a support display to a customer user of a remote
custom product design services site to customize graphical content
of a design of a customized product, the user system having a
processor running one or more tools and configured to allow the
customer user of the user system to customize the design of the
product at the user system and to communicate with a remote custom
product design services site, and a user display, the method
comprising receiving a request for remote assistance from the user
system, and in response to the request, establishing a
communication connection between the user of the user system and
the operator of the support system such that the user can submit
product design inquiries to and receive responses from the
operator, establishing a communication connection between the user
system and the support system such that the support system can
obtain the user's product design information from the user system,
and displaying substantially the same product design on the support
display as is being displayed on the user display while the user
and the operator communicate over the communication connection
between the user and the operator.
30. The method of claim 29 further comprising the operator editing
the product design at the user system while the product design is
being displayed to the user.
31. The method of claim 29 wherein the communication connection
between the user of a user system and the operator of a remote
support system is an audio connection.
32. The method of claim 29 wherein the communication connection
between the user of a user system and the operator of a remote
support system is a video connection.
33. The method of claim 29 wherein the communication connection
between the user of a user system and the operator of a remote
support system is a text messaging connection.
34. A method of providing assistance from an operator of a support
system having a support display to a customer user of a remote
custom product design services site to customize graphical content
of a design of a customized product, the user system having a
processor running one or more tools and configured to allow a user
of the user system to customize the design of the product at the
user system and to communicate with a remote custom product design
services site, and a user display, the method comprising
establishing one or more alert conditions corresponding to one or
more predetermined product design actions by the user at the user
system, using one or more of the tools to monitor the remote user
system for the occurrence of one or more of the alert conditions,
in response to detection of one or more of the alert conditions,
establishing a communication connection between the user of the
user system and the operator of the support system such that the
operator can communicate with the user to offer assistance,
establishing a communication connection between the user system and
the support system such that the support system can obtain the
user's product design information from the user system, and
displaying substantially the same product design on the support
display as is being displayed on the user display while the user
and the operator communicate over the communication connection
between the user and the operator.
35. The method of claim 34 further comprising the operator editing
the product design at the user system while the product design is
being displayed to the user.
36. The method of claim 34 wherein the communication connection
between the user of a user system and the operator of a remote
support system is an audio connection.
37. The method of claim 34 wherein the communication connection
between the user of a user system and the operator of a remote
support system is a video connection.
38. The method of claim 34 wherein the communication connection
between the user of a user system and the operator of a remote
support system is a text messaging connection.
39. A method of providing assistance from an operator of a support
system having a support display to a customer user of a remote
custom product design services site to customize graphical content
of a design of a customized product, the user system having a
processor running one or more tools and configured to allow a user
of the user system to customize the design of the product at the
user system and to communicate with a remote custom product design
services site, and a user display, the method comprising
establishing one or more alert conditions corresponding to one or
more predetermined product design actions by the user at the user
system, using one or more of the tools to monitor the remote user
system for the occurrence of one or more of the alert conditions,
in response to detection of one or more of the alert conditions,
using one or more tools to generate a message at the user system to
the user of the user system inquiring if the user would like
assistance from the support system, if the user indicates that the
user would like assistance, establishing a communication connection
between the user of the user system and the operator of the support
system such that the operator can communicate with the user to
offer assistance, establishing a communication connection between
the user system and the support system such that the support system
can obtain the user's product design information from the user
system, and displaying substantially the same the information
product design on the support display as is being displayed on the
user display while the user and the operator communicate over the
communication connection between the user and the operator.
40. The method of claim 39 further comprising the operator editing
the product design at the user system while the product design is
being displayed to the user.
41. The method of claim 39 wherein the communication connection
between the user of a user system and the operator of a remote
support system is an audio connection.
42. The method of claim 39 wherein the communication connection
between the user of a user system and the operator of a remote
support system is a video connection.
43. The method of claim 39 wherein the communication connection
between the user of a user system and the operator of a remote
support system is a text messaging connection.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of prior application Ser.
No. 10/646,133, filed Aug. 22, 2003, which is hereby incorporated
by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to systems and methods for
providing remote support and assistance to customers engaged in
designing or ordering goods or services.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Personal computer systems are in widespread use in
workplace, home, and mobile environments and a large number of
software programs are available to allow users to perform numerous
different tasks on their computer systems. As one example, desktop
publishing programs allowing a user to design and print various
documents can be purchased and installed on the user's computer
system. To assist and instruct the user regarding the use and
features of the product, a printed user manual or electronic help
files may be provided. Some telephone advice of a limited and
general nature about the use of the product may be available from
the product vendor. With this type of product, the user is
typically constrained to printing the user's document on the user's
local printing device. The printing devices commonly available in
the home or in a small business are not capable of producing
quantities of high-quality, full-color materials.
[0004] Most personal computers are configured to be capable of
accessing information over the World Wide Web. Commercial
enterprises have recognized the huge potential of the Web for
promoting and selling products and services, and many Web sites
have been developed for these purposes. In addition to offering a
wide range of information about their products and services, many
sites provide tools that allow a user to search the site offerings,
select a specific product or service, place an order, and arrange
for payment. Enterprises engaged in supplying printed products and
printing services are no exception and Web-based printing services
sites are widely used. For example, the VistaPrint.com site allows
a user to access the site and use downloadable user tools and
templates supplied by VistaPrint to select, design, and purchase
personalized products for business use, such as business cards,
postcards, brochures, and letterhead, and for personal use, such as
invitations, announcements, and thank you cards.
[0005] Web sites can be accessed by the user from any personal
computer or other device running a suitable browser program, such
as Internet Explorer from Microsoft Corporation. A printing
services site typically provides online help files and may provide
some telephone, email or "chat" advice about how to use the
service. After the user has completed, reviewed and approved the
design of the custom product, the user can place an order for the
desired quantity of copies to be printed on high-quality printing
systems and delivered to the user's home or business. Some sites
allow a personalized document to be printed on a printing device
local to the user.
[0006] Despite the popularity of the Web and the availability of
powerful and user-friendly Web-based user tools, a great many
people continue to obtain custom printed materials though other
channels, Some of these people may not have access to the Web while
others simply may not be comfortable with their personal ability to
use a Web system properly. These prospective customers typically
obtain their materials by traveling to a local print shop or a
office supply chain store, describing their requirements to a
clerk, reviewing representative samples of similar products, and
placing an order for production of the desired quantity of
product.
[0007] Unattended computer-implemented stations allowing a user to
access information or obtain goods or services are in common use
and familiar to most people. These stations typically take the form
of a kiosk, booth, or wall installation. The station generally
contains a local microprocessor-based system, a display device, and
one or more means of allowing the user to enter commands or
information, such as a keyboard, keypad, or touch screen.
Developers of these types of stations often use standard personal
computer hardware, software and operating systems. Modern stations
are frequently connected to a remote server system by means of a
network, and some stations are equipped with a telephone handset
allowing the user of the station to contact and speak with a
representative of the business associated with the station for the
purpose of asking general questions or reporting problems or
malfunctions.
[0008] Special purpose kiosk-type stations allowing a user to
personalize a greeting card, business card, or other documents are
known in the art. These systems typically incorporate a local
printing device so that the user can immediately receive the
personalized product. User assistance is often limited to on-screen
or printed instructions displayed at or near the kiosk. For kiosks
located in retail establishments, some assistance may also be
available from establishment employees.
[0009] It would be desirable to provide a search, design, and
ordering system where customers interested in obtaining customized
products or services could access electronic search, selection, and
user tools, perform actions, and place an order while
simultaneously having access to the advice and assistance of a
skilled product expert.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention is directed to satisfying the need for
systems and methods that provide a user with the ability to design,
review, approve, and place an order for custom products or services
while simultaneously receiving advice and assistance from an
customer service representative at a remotely located support
system. In accordance with the invention, a user needing assistance
is connected to a remotely located support system. A display and
control communication connection is established such that the
customer service representative operating the remote support system
can observe the status of the user system, monitor the actions of
the user, and, if appropriate, perform operations for the user. A
discussion communication connection is also established such that
the operator of the support station can receive inquiries from the
user and the user can receive responses and advice from the
operator.
[0011] It is an advantage of the invention that a user can obtain
expert answers, advice, and assistance during the product design
process.
[0012] It is another advantage of the invention that both control
and discussion communication connections can be established and
simultaneously maintained between a user and a support system
operator.
[0013] These and other objects, features and advantages of the
invention will be better understood with reference to the
accompanying drawings, description, and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a representation of an embodiment of the
invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a representation of a user display and a
corresponding support display according to one embodiment of the
invention.
[0016] FIG. 3 is an exemplary flow chart of a process according to
the invention.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a representation of another embodiment of the
invention.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a representation of yet another embodiment of the
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT
[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, a schematic representation of an
embodiment of a remote assistance "retail" system according to the
present invention is depicted. The retail system could be
implemented in various physical configurations, such as a
freestanding kiosk, an embedded wall installation, or an enclosed
booth. Retail system 100 is a representative retail system
connected to a network 130, such as the World Wide Web. In a
preferred embodiment, a plurality of such retail systems would all
be similarly connected to network 130 and positioned at numerous
geographically dispersed locations, such as stores, shopping malls,
and airports. Retail system 100 in the discussed embodiment is
adapted to allow a person using the system to select and design a
custom product for subsequent printing. The printing equipment, not
shown, could be in the vicinity of the user system or could be
located remote from the user system.
[0020] User interface 110 represents the various system 100
components that interface directly with the user of the system.
Display 114 is a CRT, LCD, or other device suitable for displaying
product information and designs to the user. Input 116 represents
collectively all devices capable of receiving data or commands from
the user to control the product customization process. In the
retail embodiment of FIG. 1, input 116 includes a keyboard, track
ball, and touch screen display. More, different, or fewer input
devices could be employed. In the disclosed embodiment, credit card
reader and printer system CC 118 is provided to allow the user to
pay for the user's purchase and receive a receipt at the user
system. A credit card reader device is not required. The system
could allow the user to arrange for payment in another fashion,
such as entering the credit card number using a keyboard or other
character input device, speaking the credit card number to a remote
support system operator, sending in payment by check through the
mail, or, if the user system is located in or near a retail
establishment with which the user system provider has an
appropriate arrangement, paying in the retail establishment.
[0021] Comm 120 represents collectively the systems allowing the
user of system 100 to be placed into contact with a live customer
support representative of the provider of system 100 Comm 120 could
be implemented, for example, as a telephone handset connected
through the user system to a dedicated telephone system. When the
user activates the system, such as by lifting the handset, the
phone system connects the user to the internal support
representative phone call routing system of the retail system 100
provider. If a hands free environment for the user is desired, comm
120 could alternatively be implemented as a speakerphone type
installation using a microphone and one or more speakers. As
another alternative embodiment, comm 120 could be implemented using
voice-over-IP or other audio transmission technology such that the
voice conversation with the remote service representative is
conducted through network 130. As yet another implementation, comm
120 could be implemented using text and/or video instant messaging
or chat technology to exchange questions and comments over network
130 between the user and the support representative. For users who
may prefer to use their own telephone equipment, or as a backup
measure in the event of technical difficulties that prevent the use
of the primary comm 120 system, a toll-free telephone number can be
displayed on or adjacent to system 100 such that the user may
establish voice contact with a support representative of the
service provider to request initiation of a support session.
[0022] System 100 is controlled by a local computer unit 102, such
as the microprocessor-based systems used in modern personal
computers, capable of communicating over network 130. Computer 102
would typically, but would not have to, be located in the same
area, cabinet, or physical enclosure as user interface components
110. In the disclosed embodiment, network 130 is the Web and
computer 102 is running a suitable Web browser program 104, such as
Internet Explorer from Microsoft Corporation. Running in browser
program 104 are user tools 106. User tools 106 includes the various
tools allowing the user to perform the actions that the user may
wish to perform on system 100, such as searching the various
product offerings, creating a desired custom product design from a
plurality of pre-designed product templates provided by the
provider of system 100, and placing an order for production of the
custom product. Software tools designed to execute in the browser
of a personal computer, such as the downloadable tools available
from VistaPrint.com, are known in the art.
[0023] Computer 102 is also configured with the remote
administration client program (RAC) 108 of a remote administration
program, such as Radmin from Famatech LLC. As is known in the art,
remote administration programs allow a computer system in one
location to be accessed and controlled remotely over a network by
another computer system in a different location.
[0024] A number of remote support systems 140 operated by customer
support representatives are connected to network 130. Each remote
support system contains a processor 142, such as a typical personal
computer processor, running the remote administration master (RAM)
program 144. Each remote support system 140 further has a display
device 154, one or more typical input devices 156, such as a
keyboard and a mouse, and a communication system comm 158 that is
compatible with comm 120.
[0025] In the disclosed embodiment, each retail system 100 operates
as an access point for the user into the service provider's Web
site that is also available to home and office users. It is not a
requirement that retail systems 100 be compatible with or connected
to the same Web site provided by the printing service provider for
home and office users, but as discussed below, it is advantageous
to do so. Site 170 represents the Web presence of the printing
services business that supports and maintains user systems 100.
While shown as a single block, it will be understood that site 170
would typically comprises multiple server systems, data storage
devices, and communication systems operating cooperatively.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 2, a representative retail system display
200 and related support system display 212 for the embodiment of
FIG. 1 are depicted. Display 200 represents an exemplary display
being viewed by a user of a retail system 100 during the design of
a personalized product. A retail system 100 may employ one or more
special screen displays for the purpose of attracting and
instructing potential customers, but a user of retail system 100
will see substantially the same product design screens and have
substantially the same product design and ordering experience as a
customer would if accessing site 170 using a home or office
computer. Maintaining substantial similarity between the retail
experience and the home or office experiences allows the retail
system to function not only as a purchase point but also as a
training tool to familiarize the customer with the range of
products and available tools and services offered by the service
provider. Customers who may have initially been hesitant to use the
service provider's Web site can gain confidence and skill and will
be more likely in the future to design additional products directly
on the Web site through a home or office computer. Similarly, Web
site customers who have previously performed a product design using
a home or office computer can, if they so choose, quickly and
easily design a product on a retail system using familiar displays
and tools.
[0027] In the situation shown in FIG. 2, the user of retail system
100 is designing a product 202, which could be a business card,
postcard, brochure, invitation, return address label, or other
product that the user desires to be subsequently printed. The
invention is not limited to paper documents, but could be readily
applied to any type of custom design situation, such as items of
clothing or promotional goods. Also shown are cursor 204, tool bar
206 providing controls and menus for entering and editing content
in the product being designed, and navigation buttons 208 and 210
allowing the user to move ahead or back to a subsequent or
preceding display screen. The design and operation of these types
of elements is well known. Display 200 would typically also include
various other content, not shown, such as user instructions,
promotional messages, or links to other pages.
[0028] Display 212 represents the display viewed on display 154 by
the operator of the support systems 140 that has been assigned to
provide assistance to the user of retail system 100. Data and
commands are transferred between the user system and the support
system by means of messages passed between the systems through
network 130. This is shown more directly in FIG. 2 as display and
control communication connection 226. As mentioned above, during
all or most of the time that the display and control connection is
present, there will also be a discussion communication connection,
such as a voice or text messaging connection, between the user of
the user system and the operator of the support system assigned to
assist that user.
[0029] A representation of the information displayed on the user's
screen is substantially simultaneously displayed in a window 214 on
the operator's screen. The relative size of window 214 can be
chosen based on the size and resolution of the operator's display
154, the operator's viewing preferences, the number of retail
systems being monitored by the operator, or other factors. Remote
administration programs RAC 108 and RAM 144 cooperate to
repetitively capture the current user system display image multiple
times per second and forward the image information to the support
system for displaying in window 214. The operator of the support
system can therefore observe any information entered or changes
made by the user and provide substantially real-time feedback and
advice. While display 212 is shown with a single window 214, a
skilled operator with a suitable display 212 could be
simultaneously viewing multiple different windows 214 and
interacting with multiple different user systems.
[0030] Remote administration master and client programs RAM 144 and
RAC 108 function in a manner that allows the operator of the
support system to take over active control of the user system. If a
user is confused or uncertain about what action is appropriate or
how an action is to be performed, the operator can take control of
the user system and perform the action from the support system 140
by moving the operator's cursor 218 into window 214 and performing
the desired action. The commands entered by the operator are
transmitted to the user system over network 130 where processor 102
executes the commands and updates display 200 appropriately. The
display 200 image is, as mentioned, repetitively captured and sent
back to the support system so that the operator can observe the
changes on the user system.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 3, the overall flow of representative
embodiments of the remote support process will now be discussed.
The user support process may be initiated either by the user of
retail system 100, by the retail system 100 based on user actions,
or by a support system 140. Looking first at user-Initiated
requests, at step 302 the user of system 100 can indicate a desire
for remote assistance by, for example, lifting the telephone
handset positioned in proximity to display 114 and input 116.
[0032] At step 304, the lifting of the handset initiates the
connection of the user through commercial switching systems with
the service provider's automated internal telephone call center
system. The user is connected with a support system operator who is
available at that time to work with the user. If no operator is
immediately available, the user will enter a phone system wait
queue and be provided with one or more appropriate prerecorded
messages. The discussion connection is established when a support
system operator is successfully connected with the user.
[0033] In addition to the discussion connection between the user
and the operator, at step 306 a data and control connection is
established between retail system 100 and the operator's support
system 140. This requires determining the network address of the
retail system 100. If the comm 120 system is capable of uniquely
identifying the user system associated with each comm 120
communication line, the network address can be automatically
determined. For situations where comm 120 is not capable of
reliably and uniquely identifying the user system, each system 100
can have a label with identifying indicia ID 122, such as a
relatively simple number or name, affixed to the system structure
and visible to users. After the discussion connection has been
established, the operator can request the user to read the contents
of ID 122 to the operator, allowing the operator to determine the
network address from a master user system address list available to
the support system. Having the retail system 100 network address
allows the operator at step 308 to remotely activate the
administration program 108 at the appropriate user system and open
a window, such as window 214, at the operator's support system
displaying the current user system display to the operator.
[0034] As an alternative method of user support request, user
interface 110 could include a means for allowing the user to
simultaneously generate a request for remote assistance and
identify the user's particular user system. For example, comm 120
could include support request system SR 121. SR 121 could be
implemented as a physical pushbutton or other manually operable
device bearing an instructive legend such as "Request Remote System
Support" or could be implemented as a similarly labeled area on the
touch screen display that is visible to the user. Alternatively, SR
121 could be implemented as an instructive label on or adjacent to
display 114 instructing the user to enter a specific set of
keystrokes to initiate a remote support request. When activation of
SR 121 is detected by processor 102, processor 102 is programmed to
send a support request message to remote support master program RSM
172 running on the service provider's web site 170. The message is
structured to contain the network address of the user system
generating the message.
[0035] RSM 172 monitors for SR 121 triggered messages from user
systems 100 and also for availability messages from support systems
140. Each support system 140 sends an availability status message
to RSM 172 each time it concludes a user support session and is
again free to handle a different user support request. If one or
more support systems 140 are currently free, RSM 172 maintains a
support system availability list SSA 174, containing the
identifiers of all support systems 140 currently available to
respond to a new user support request. If SSA 174 contains one or
more entries when RSM 172 receives a support request message from
retail system 100, RSM 172 selects an available support system from
SSA 174 and generates an assignment message to the identified
remote support system 140 containing the network address of the
user system to be supported. If no support system 140 is
immediately available when RSM 172 receives a support request
message) RSM 172 adds the request message to wait queue 176
containing pending support request messages. If wait queue 176
contains one or more pending requests when an availability status
message is received from a support system 140, RSM 172 will respond
by retrieved a waiting support request from wait queue 176 and
transmitting an assignment message to the support system.
[0036] When the selected support system 140 receives the assignment
message from RSM 172, it extracts the user system network address
and establishes the display and control connection with the user
system using remote administration programs 144 and 108. The
support system can then notify the user that support is active by
opening a discussion connection such as by using text and/or video
messaging, voice-over-IP or, if supported by the user and support
systems, initiating a connection by telephone.
[0037] Alternatively, support sessions can also be initiated
without specific user request or action. User tools 106 monitors
for certain predetermined situations considered by the service
provider as indicating a likelihood that the user will benefit from
assistance, such as design sessions involving larger or more
complex products, users demonstrating excessive or repetitive
hesitation, or users making incomplete or incorrect inputs. In
response to detecting these conditions, user tools 106 can either
prompt the use to request support by displaying a message such as
"Would you like assistance from a support representative?" or
proactively cause a support session to be initiated by
automatically generating a support request message to RSM 172.
[0038] As yet another alternative method of initiating support,
operators of support systems 140 who are not otherwise fully
occupied in supporting other users, can be monitoring active retail
system 100 design sessions to identify users who appear to be
having difficulty or who might benefit from some assistance with a
complex or large design project. For such users, the operator could
proactively contact the user and offer assistance or advice.
[0039] Support sessions will not all begin at the same place or
under the same conditions. Some users may not know how to begin the
product design process and may initiate the connection with a
support system prior to having made any product design decisions
while other users may have made substantial progress or even
completed the design entirely before requesting assistance. At step
310, the user and the operator can discuss the user's requirements,
questions, or concerns and decide on the next action to be taken.
At step 312, either the user or the operator can make a selection,
enter or modify text, or take an other appropriate action as was
discussed or agreed between the user and the operator at step
310.
[0040] Typically, once having been connected to a user, the
operator will maintain the connection with and continue to assist
the user, either indirectly by giving instructions or advice so the
user can perform an operation or directly by taking control of the
user system and performing actions while the user observes on the
user system display, until the user has completed the product
design session. During this period the operator may, as mentioned
above, also be engaged in monitoring and assistance of one or more
other retail system users.
[0041] At step 314, if the design and purchase process is not
completed, steps 310 and 312 will be repeated as many times as
necessary until the session is concluded. At step 314, when the
session is concluded, the connections between the user system and
the support system will be terminated. A session can be concluded
either by the user's actions, such as indicating a desire to end
the session prior to completing the purchase of the product, or
when all final post-design steps have been completed, such as
providing delivery address information and arranging payment. If
the user has placed an order for production of the product, the
electronic description of the user's product design is transferred
from retail system 100 over network 130 to the service provider's
Web site 170 for storage and subsequent production of the desired
quantity of the printed product. Printing of the product could
occur remotely with the finished product being delivered to the
user by mail or another third party delivery system or, if suitable
printing systems are available near the retail system, printing
could be arranged such that the user can obtain the printed
products directly.
[0042] The invention is not limited to use only in a kiosk or other
retail application. The invention can also be applied in a more
generalized Web environment involving users accessing the service
provider's Web site from a home or office computer. Referring to
FIG. 4, an alternate embodiment is depicted. User system 400 is a
typical home or office personal computer or other device having a
processor and capable of running a browser program such as Internet
Explorer and having a CRT, LCD, or other display device 414 and
input devices 416, such as a mouse and a keyboard. User processor
402 is running browser program 404. Running in browser 404 are user
tools 506. User tools are downloaded to a user system automatically
from site 170. All user tools can be downloaded at one time or,
alternatively, one or more individual user tools for supporting
specific user activities can be downloaded to the user system on an
as-needed basis.
[0043] Comm 420 represents all available discussion communication
channels, such as voice-over-IP, text and/or video messaging or
chat, or the user's personal or work telephone system. While a
user's home or work computer system would not have a dedicated
support request tool similar to SR 121, a similar service request
function would be provided by means of information displayed to the
user by user tools 406 during the design process, such as a dynamic
link displayed on display 200 that, when clicked by the user,
generates a support request message through network 130 to the
service provider's Web site 170.
[0044] To determine whether remote administration client program
RAC 408 is already available in user system 400 when the design
session begins, the assigned support system 140 will attempt to
establish a control communication connection with the user system
when a user of user system 400 requests support. If RAC 408 is not
present on user system 400, the support system 140 will notify site
170, which will offer to download RAC 408 to user system 400 from
site 170 or another computer system controlled by site 170. Other
alternate techniques of providing RAC 408 to a user could also be
employed, if desired. Support system 140 could have a copy of RAC
408 and be configured to offer to download RAC 408 directly to user
system 400 or the service supplier could arrange for RAC 408 to be
delivered to a user on a CD or other removable media. RAC 408 could
then be installed by the user of user system 400 using a typical
installation wizard. Once RAC 408 is installed and running in
processor 402 of user system 400, the support system 140 can
establish a display and control connection and initiate active
support.
[0045] FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of the invention taking
advantage of the capabilities of downloadable programs executing in
the user's browser. User system 500 is again a typical home or
office computer system, but could also be a retail system. User
processor 502 is running browser program 504. Running in browser
504 is user tools 506. As mentioned above, user tools can be
downloaded at one time or, alternatively, one or more individual
user tools for supporting specific user activities can be
downloaded to the user system on an as needed basis. In this
embodiment support system 140 is running browser program 544.
[0046] Multiple browser programs are in general use by the public.
There are variations between the browser products of different
browser vendors, and typically there are variations between
different versions of browsers from the same vendor. Therefore,
while a single browser program 544 is shown in FIG. 5, each support
system 140 will preferably be supplied with multiple different
browser versions allowing the support system to be able to recreate
the same browser environment as is running in multiple different
user system 500 configurations.
[0047] A user of system 500 can request support, for example by
clicking on a "Request Remote Support" link displayed to the user
on some or all Web pages from site 170. Alternatively, user tools
506 can proactively initiate a support session based on the
particular user situation and actions, as discussed above. A
support request will be received by RSM 172 and processed as
discussed above. When RSM 172 assigns a support system 140 to the
user, the assigned support system 140 identifies the browser
version in use on system 500 and activates a session with that
specific browser version, ensuring that the support operator has
the same display and experience as the user.
[0048] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, user tools 506 and user
tools 546 operate cooperatively to repetitively exchange
information input by the user of system 500 and by the operator of
system 140 for the purpose of maintaining substantially
synchronized displays at user system 500 and support system 140.
User tools 506 frequently, preferably several times per second,
transmits a message to support system 140 identifying the Web page
currently being displayed on display 200 and any keystrokes or
actions entered by the user of system 500 since the previous
message. Similarly, user tools 546 repetitively transmits a message
to user system 500 identifying the Web page currently being
displayed in window 214 and any keystrokes or actions entered by
the support operator of system 140 since the previous message.
Alternatively, to reduce the volume of messages transferred between
the systems, user tools 506 and 546 can be adapted to send messages
only in the event of detection of a keystroke or other action by
the local user or the operator.
[0049] User tools 506 and user tools 546 have access to the same
Web pages from site 170; therefore, only a page identifier need be
exchanged between the systems, not the entire page. When a new page
is accessed by one system, the other system can obtain the new page
directly from site 170. Each operation by either user will be
quickly replicated at the other system, allowing either party to
make a modification or enter a command locally and have the same
modification or command transferred to and implemented at the other
system. As described with other embodiments, a discussion
connection using voice-over-IP, text and/or video messaging or
chat, or the user's personal or work telephone system would also be
established such that the user and operator can exchange questions
and advice.
[0050] It will be understood that the use of client and master
remote administration programs, as described in connection with the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1, is not required in the retail
environment. The use of user tools executing on both the user
system and the support system, as described above in connection
with FIG. 5, is applicable to and could be readily employed in the
retail environment.
[0051] While the invention has been described in various exemplary
embodiments, the described embodiments are to be considered as
illustrative rather than restrictive. For example, the invention is
not limited to product design applications, but could be applied to
any situation where remote support and remote shared control of a
user system by a support representative could be advantageously
employed to assist a remote user, such as online purchasing of
airline or other tickets, online completion of applications or
other forms, and online catalog order shopping and order placement.
The scope of the invention, therefore, is as indicated in the
following claims and all equivalent methods and systems.
* * * * *