Abstract A high-speed information service system is provided which uses a unique identifier received during call setup to retrieve automatically a personalized profile for an information service subscriber. The identifier uniquely identifies the subscriber, thereby allowing the information retrieval process to begin immediately after the call is setup. The system utilizes Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDN) signaling and temporary, "out-of-band" signaling to improve information retrieval capability. ISDN signaling permits electronic addressing of information requested by the subscriber, thereby eliminating the delays which accompany DTMF signal processing. Communications between an information service provider and an individual information source are conducted using out-of-band signaling. That is, call setup and information request are processed using a channel other than the channel which carries data between the information service provider, the information source and the subscriber.
A method for use in an information services system which provides information to a subscriber in response to an information services request telephone call, the method comprising the steps of: storing a record which identifies preselected information to be provided to the subscriber; and responding to a subscriber identifier which uniquely identifies the subscriber to automatically retrieve the record corresponding to the subscriber, said subscriber identifier being received during call setup of said information services request telephone call.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
19 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein the subscriber identifier comprises a special services telephone number unique to the subscriber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein the record comprises a personalized subscriber profile.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The invention of claim 1 further comprising the step of automatically retrieving from an information source selected information specified in the retrieved record.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
78 words
Apparatus for use in an information services system which provides information to a subscriber in response to an information services request telephone call, the apparatus comprising: means for storing a record which identifies preselected information to be provided to the subscriber; and means for responding to a subscriber identifier which uniquely identifies the subscriber to automatically retrieve the record corresponding to the subscriber, said subscriber identifier being received during call setup of an information services request telephone call.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The invention of claim 5 wherein the subscriber identifier comprises a special services telephone number unique to the subscriber.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The invention of claim 5 wherein the record comprises a personalized subscriber profile.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The invention of claim 5 further comprising means for automatically retrieving from an information source selected information specified in the retrieved record.
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