204 results about "Customer interface" patented technology

A integrated customer interface for providing telecommunications management to a customer at a browser involves a web server and a client application. The web server manages a client session supports communication of request messages received from the browser to a network management resource. The client application is integrated for use within the browser, downloadable from the web server in accordance with a predetermined customer entitlement, and programmed to be in interactive communications with the network management resource.

The present invention is an system and method for comprehensively testing a customer connection to a communications network. A customer is identified from information obtained at a customer interface. A test can be performed on the customer connection. A typical test compares two datasets related to the customer connection to determine a state of the customer connection. The first and second dataset can include historical data. A parameter in the first dataset obtained from a network element can be compared to a parameter in a second dataset obtained from a customer database. The comparison can be made in light of changes recorded in a provisioning database. Relevant network data can be obtained from customer premises equipment (CPE). The customer can be notified of a network issue proactively or upon customer inquiry.

A system for presenting customized special offers to customers, the special offers including targeted offers to a customer selected from a plurality of customers, and for collecting purchasing behavior information concerning the customers, the system comprising a computer including a database containing customer account information providing information specific to a particular customer account; the at computer also including a database containing special offers including a targeted offer which is to be made to selected customer accounts on the basis of targeted offer targeting parameters; a plurality of customer cards, each customer card having machine readable card information indicating at least identification of the card with a particular customer account; a customer interface in communication with the computer to transfer data therebetween; the customer interface having a card reader for reading machine readable card information from the customer card; the computer including means for generating a customized customer offer list available to that particular customer account which includes the special offer; an offer communicator for communicating the customer offer list to the customer for which it is generated; a check-out at which the customer presents purchased item information indicating items being purchased by the customer; the check-out including a card reader for reading the customer card; the computer including means for sending information from the customized customer offer list to the check-out; the computer further including means for collecting customer purchase information which is indicative of items being purchased by the customer via the check-out; the computer still further including means for editing the customer account information to reflect items purchased by the customer.

A system and method for enabling a debtor to charge a payment to a credit card when a creditor does not accept credit card payments is provided. The system comprises a customer interface, an approval engine, a scheduling engine, a service fee engine and schedule, a currency engine and schedule, a payment engine, and a reporting engine. The method comprises the steps of receiving customer data, approving the transaction, processing the credit card charge, and paying the creditor.

An inventory control and prescription management and dispensing system including a dispensing vault for storing and dispensing prescriptions, the dispensing vault in communication with a central computer system that, in turn, communicates with prescription providers, insurance companies, and other third parties; the dispensing vault including robotic means for randomly accessing pre-filled prescriptions within the vault, with the vault further including RFID, bar code, and other means for verifying the content and internal location of pre-filled prescriptions; a customer interface that uses customer biometrics to ID a customer to ensure that prescriptions are only dispensed to the correct person; a patient registration system in communication with the central computer system for collecting insurance, doctor, biometric, and other information to facilitate transactions; a labeling system for labeling pre-filled prescriptions with customer specific information upon dispensing; transport container that integrate into the dispensing vault and provide secure transportation from a pharmaceutical manufacturer or repackager to the dispensing vault, security provided through RFID tags which communicate with the central computer to verify that the transport container contains the correct formulary and that the integrity of the container (temperature range, time in transit, tampering) has not been compromised; a payment system integral to the dispensing vault that is in communication with third party banks and pharmacy billing management systems, credit agencies and the central computer; a verification system for ensuring that pre-filled bottles received from the manufacturer (before they are placed into the storage locations inside the vault) have not had their integrity compromised, with this system evaluating each container's weight, size, moisture content, shape, velocity change, color, pattern, and physical integrity (all comparisons made against standards stored in the central computer).

In a multimedia call center (MMCC) operating through an operating system, a client-specific self-help wizard is provided for active clients and updated periodically with information related to client transaction history with the MMCC. A connected client is presented by the wizard with a selective media function through which the client may a select a media type for interaction and help, and the MMCC will then re-contact the client through the selected media. The client, for example, may select IP or COST telephony, and the MMCC will place a call to the client to a number or IP address listed for the client, and interactivity will then be through an interactive voice response unit. Help information specific to a client is updated in the client's wizard periodically according to ongoing transaction history with the MMCC. The wizard may also monitor client activity with the wizard and make reports available to various persons.

A customer interface device for interfacing with a customer at a store may include a touch screen for displaying information and receiving customer instructions, a keypad, a wireless sensor for scanning tags attached to merchandise of the store, and at least one user input component to accept customer payment for items to be purchased, wherein the touch screen, the keypad, the wireless sensor and the at least one user input component are detachable modular components.

Credit underwriting for a financial transaction is automatically commenced and concluded by the initiative of a customer. The customer initiates the financial transaction by interfacing to a merchant application. This interface may include a point of sale terminal, a card reader, a kiosk or the like. Customer-pertinent information and financial transaction pertinent information is obtained as a result of the customer initiating the process. The customer-pertinent and financial transaction pertinent information is then processed and the credit underwriting is approved if the customer associated with the customer-pertinent information is qualified for underwriting of a transaction described by the financial transaction pertinent information. A financial agreement that can be accepted by the customer interfacing to the merchant application is then generated and, if accepted by the customer, the funding for the financial transaction is provided. The processing of the information can include examining a database that includes customer data that correlates to the customer pertinent information and regulatory information required by the state in which the merchant operates, government imposed requirements and merchant imposed requirements.

An electronic purse card value system (10) includes terminal devices (12). Each terminal device includes a processor (26) which is in operative connection with a memory (28) and a modem (36). The processor is further in operative connection with components of the terminal device including a customer interface (14) through which inputs are accepted and outputs are delivered, a card reader (22) and a printing device (30,34). The terminal devices are operative to communicate with host computers (42,44,46) through a communication system (38). The system is operative to carry out transactions in which data representative of value is loaded and unloaded from integrated circuit chips on customer cards (24). Data representative of value is stored in the memories of the cards such that certain value amounts are stored in one memory area while other value amounts are stored in a second memory area. A third amount is calculated which is a function of both the value amounts in the first and second memory areas and the third value is stored in memory on the card.

A system and method are provided for facilitating a remote live vehicle rental transaction between a customer service representative (CSR) and a customer and providing a vehicle key device to the customer without the need for a CSR at the site of the key or vehicle, where the vehicle may be in an unsecured lot. In particular, the system includes a customer interface device (CID), a remotely located CSR apparatus for facilitating live communications between the customer and CSR, and a key safe. The key safe includes a code input device for recognizing a code provided by the CID, the code input device configured to unlock a locker containing the vehicle key device when the code is recognized. Alternatively, the CID dispenses an electronic key card or provides the customer with an electronic signal device or two-dimensional image (such as a bar code) to enter and / or operate a rental vehicle, or a central system automatically remotely unlocks the vehicle when the rental agreement is formed.

A system and method for implementing a customer incentive program that conditionally rewards a customer based upon the customer's movement through a shopping area and / or responses to questions which refer to the shopping area, sections of the shopping area and / or products located in the shopping area. While moving through a shopping area, a customer is monitored using a customer tracking system and / or presented with questions using a customer interface device. The customer is rewarded based upon the nature of the customer's movements and / or the nature of the customer's responses. The customer incentive program is designed to expose a customer to particular sections of a shopping area or specified products in the shopping area in order to motivate customer impulse buying.

A customer interface device is programmed with one or more survey questions and information regarding the customer's satisfaction with a product or service provided at the location of such device. The customer interface device displays the question, the customer inputs his answer, and additional questions may be generated. The data is stored and periodically transmitted to a Base Control Unit such as a processor with modem or wireless components. The data is stored and periodically transmitted to a data analyzer such as a computer or server which analyzes the number of responses indicating customer satisfaction or dissatisfaction. If the number of one type of responses exceeds a specified threshold, then the business owner or service provider is notified immediately. If the number does not exceed the designated threshold, then the data analyzer manipulates the data for presentation, makes the data available to the subscribers and generates periodic user defined reports.

In one aspect, a method for distributing a software patch to a plurality of customers includes downloading the software patch from at least one server to one of a number of kiosks located at public customer-accessible locations. In another aspect, a system for distributing a software patch includes kiosks located in public customer-accessible locations, and one or more servers configured to download the software patch to the kiosks. In another aspect, a method of updating a computer by installing a software patch includes traveling to a location of a kiosk, using a customer interface of the kiosk to create a copy of the software patch on at least one portable computer readable medium, transporting the at least one portable computer readable medium to a location of the computer, and installing the software patch from the at least one portable computer readable medium onto the computer.

A system and method for providing specified electronic commerce services to users, in particular e-Logistics services, services which are available in the marketplace from a variety of service providers whose electronic commerce systems are incompatible. There is provided a user / customer interface to the specified electronic commerce services, called a Common Alliance Interface, and a distinct interface for service providers of the specified electronic commerce services. Between the two interfaces is a business process layer which integrates one or more components of the specified electronic commerce services, these integrated components thereby being transparent to users. The service provider obtains access to users of the Common Alliance Interface by updating entries in a UDDI registry. There is further provided a service template which the service provider can modify to provide an adaptation layer between their legacy application and the business process layer. There is disclosed a business process layer of e-Logistics services comprised of RFQ, shipping and tracking processes.

An automated electronic invoicing and payment consolidation system for providing remote customer review of customer account information from at least two invoicers. In the preferred embodiment, the system includes three primary components: a consolidated invoicer interface; a remote customer interface for accessing the consolidated invoicer interface; and a payment engine. In the preferred embodiment, the consolidated invoicer interface provides at least one access point to each of the invoicers; sets the access point of each of the invoicers for at least one customer; authenticates each of the customers; and automatically requests account information for the customers directly from each of the invoicers. Also, in the preferred embodiment, the payment engine sends the customer payment instructions from the customer directly to each of the invoicers.

Applications of the present invention are particularly useful in providing a system that allows the secure distribution of medical documents through a medical kiosk. The medical kiosk includes a customer interface and a camera that captures an image of the customer and attaches the image to a medical document. In order to receive a medical document through the kiosk, a customer requests a medical examination, enters information into the system by answering questions, and using medical instruments, and then requests the medical document. A picture of the customer is captured for attachment to the medical document. Another embodiment of the invention allows a customer to communicate directly with a medical professional during the examination process through a customer interface with the kiosk.

An international funds transfer system for transferring monetary funds between various countries and currencies. The funds transfer system includes a customer interface system that allows a remitter to create, validate and initiate a remittance transaction A host computer system is in communication with the customer interface system The host computer system is adapted to receive the remittance transaction from the customer interface system and to transmit the remittance transaction to an originating financial institution financial system and a receiving financial institution financial system. The originating financial institution transmits the funds to the receiving financial institution.

The present invention relates to systems and methods for communicating with various people from remote locations, and more particularly to assisting customers through online commercial transactions utilizing a mix of live and pre-recorded video presentations and interactions. Various embodiments of the invention comprise: a) a customer connected to a network by a customer interface; b) an operator connected to a network by an operator interface; c) at least one display window in the customer interface, wherein said display window displays an object selected from a list consisting of: a live video feed of operator and a pre-recorded video clip of an operator; d) at least one interaction between said customer and said operator, wherein the interaction may be selected from a list consisting of: live text chat, live video conference, pre-recorded video messages, third party intervention, and changing the appearance of the customer interface; e) a recording device for recording customer behaviors and customer interactions with operator; f) data storage for retention of said customer behaviors and said customer interactions with operator; and g) recall device for playing at least one prerecorded video clip selected by an operator for said customer, wherein said clip is selected from a list consisting of: a prerecorded video clip of an answer to a frequently asked question, a greeting previously recorded by the operator, an answer previously recorded by said operator and an answer previously recorded by a third party.

A self-checkout system, particularly for retail areas of constrained floor space, has a small to zero footprint while being fully functional. In one form, the self-checkout comprises a unit mountable to a wall, pillar, or other support. In another form, the self-checkout has or is part of a columnar support. The self-checkout system has security in the form of video and weight verification. A visual and / or audio indicator provides indicia of modes of use of the self-checkout. The self-checkout further includes an interactive customer interface terminal, a scanner, and a scale. The self-checkout provides an open visual area that allows easy viewing by store personnel of transactions being performed on the self-checkout system.

A method of selling a health related product or service via the Internet provides a service provider system that includes a web server. The service provider system has members that purchase health related products and services through the service provider system. Applicants are enrolled in the service provider system as members. A product or service request message is received for a desired product or service from a member through a customer interface. The product or service request message includes a product or service identifier. The service provider system transmits a request for the desired product or service request to a supplier of the desired product or service. Points are recorded within a computer memory awarded to a member for purchases made by the member through the service provider system.

A method and apparatus for processing a signal on an intermediate network node at an edge of a provider packet-switched network to support a link-layer virtual private network includes receiving a signal on a particular interface. The particular interface is for a direct communication link to a customer network node outside the provider network. It is determined whether the signal indicates that the particular interface is changing from an inactive state to an active state, whereby the signal is called first sign of life (FSOL). If it is determined that the signal is FSOL, then configuration data is determined for configuring the particular interface for the particular virtual private network. The signal is processed based on the configuration data. These techniques allow a dynamic response to new signals on a customer interface without human intervention by the provider.

A propane tank vending assembly includes a vending machine an enclosure having closed sides and a hollow interior, and a door opening formed in one of the sides. The vending machine includes at least one door member releasably closing the door opening for accessing a propane tank and an actuator operable to allow an article to be vended from the door member. The assembly also includes a payment control unit connected to the vending machine by a connector. The payment control unit includes a customer interface, a controller and a means for receiving payment. The controller is operable to receive a signal from the customer interface and process a signal from the means for receiving payment and to send a signal to the actuator on the vending machine to allow a propane tank to be vended from the door member.

An incentive marketing apparatus and method provides a purchaser of an item at a store or other retail location a chance to win an award. A unique identifier is assigned to the purchase. The purchaser provides the unique identifier to a kiosk or other customer interface device. The kiosk checks the unique identifier and provides the purchaser an opportunity to win an award based on chance if the unique identifier is validated. In one embodiment, the purchaser wins an award if a randomly generated number matches a portion (such as the cents portion) of the purchase amount. The kiosk may also be configured to dispense a short duration coupon to the purchaser that is redeemable within a predetermined period of time.

A method and apparatus for a credit card and debit card transaction terminal including a processor, a display and a memory. A card reader is configured to read data stored on a portable memory medium. An operator interface is produced by an operator interface program and executable by the processor. The operator interface being displayable on the display in an operator language. A customer interface is produced by a customer interface program and executable by the processor. The customer interface being displayable in a customer language. A language identification module is stored in the memory and executable on the processor. The language identification module is configured to select the operator language and to select a customer language in which displayable for the operator and customer, respectively. The operator and customer languages are selected from a plurality of languages stored in the module. The operator and customer languages are different.

Methods and systems related to guided workflows for establishing a web presence include a customer user interface with a guided workflow layer based on a knowledge base about the customer, wherein the customer interface allows a customer to manage a customer's web presence based on operation of a logic engine that accesses information about what a customer has done and who the customer is (e.g. type of business), wherein the user interface presents a guided workflow of tasks associated with a recommended area of improvement for the customer.

First and second components of the present invention, in combination, provide a customer interface for initiating a trade transaction and provides for the secure viewing of the status of the transaction. A third component assists in the automatic generation and verification of the voluminous and detailed documents required to support a trade transaction. The third component additionally tracks and assists in the management of the seller's manufacturing and shipment of the goods that form the basis of the trade transaction. A fourth component automatically generates a Letter of Credit from a Purchase Order and performs a reconciliation function on payments made pursuant to Letters of Credit or open Accounts.

A method, apparatus and program storage device for providing a prepaid metering system an electric utility meter interface. The prepaid metering system includes a meter interface a customer interface unit and a revenue management system.

A Web-based invoice viewing system and method for enabling a customer to generate invoices relating to various network services provided to the customer by an enterprise. A Web enabled invoice viewing system provides billing and invoice information to remote customers having a workstation with a Web browser and an Internet access. A graphical user interface system at the customer workstation presents a list of invoice documents organized into products and date ranges applicable to the customer for the customer to select and view. Various displays presented at the customer workstation may be printed, faxed, or queued for batch printing at the enterprise remotely. The customer is enabled to view dynamically summed results of numerical figures displayed on the invoice documents by highlighting the numbers in the document directly on the display.