GB2365667A

GB2365667A - Telecommunications apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2365667A
Application number: GB0108499A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mark Paul Healey; Neil Wilkinson; Selwyn Thomas Lloyd
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-04-04
Filing date: 2001-04-04
Publication date: 2002-02-20
Also published as: GB0008084D0; AU4440001A; WO2001076211A1; GB0108499D0

Abstract

In a telephone connection environment, a first user 10 can call a telephone switching apparatus 12 60 for connection to second users who provide services. The exchange apparatus 12 60 determines the position of the first user and selects second users (TAXI) having a characteristic (TAXI) selected by the first user. The switching apparatus 12 60 simultaneously calls a plurality of second users, and connects the first user 10 to that one of the simultaneously called second users who answers first. A further first user, seeking the same services (TAXI), can have the still-being-called second users transferred to him for even more rapid connection. The first user 10 can select the radius or a remote location for seeking second users. A first user 10 can make up his own list of preferred second users, whether local or not.

Description

2365667 Telecommunications System This invention relates to a

telecommunications system for automatically connecting customers to a required service supplier locally, irrespective of their geographical location.

People often want or need to contact a service supplier which is local, e.g. within a particular radius, to their geographical location. Many people, particularly fixed domestic or business telephone users, would either use a familiar number or firm, or they would look up one or more numbers in a telephone directory. Alternatively, a service is provided whereby a telephone user can dial a central number for connection to an operator who, according to the type of service and desired area, can provide the user with one or more telephone numbers which the user must then dial himself. Similarly, the user can obtain a list of numbers by searching the Internet.

However, even when these methods are possible and practical, they are inconvenient and time-consuming. In addition, it may be necessary to try the same number several times or several different numbers, especially during busy periods, because the more popular firms may be engaged or take a long time to answer the telephone.

Some firms, with several branches located around the country, may have a single telephone number for connection to an operator or central exchange, which will connect the caller to their nearest branch. This only applies, however, to very few firms, each of which provide only a single service. If that firm has no local branch or if the user wants to try a competitor firm, for example, they would have to find a telephone number in the conventional manner described above.

We have now devised a system and method which overcomes the problems outlined above.

According to a first aspect, the present invention 2 consists in a telecommunications apparatus operative to provide connection to a plurality of users, said apparatus being operative to receive a call from a first user, simultaneously to forward said call from the first user to a group comprising a plurality of second users, and to connect the first user solely to that one of said plurality of second users who first responds to said forwarded call from said first user.

According to a second aspect, the present invention consists in a method for use in a telecommunications apparatus operative to provide connection to a plurality of users, said method including the steps of: receiving a call from a first user; simultaneously forward the call from the first user to a group comprising a plurality of second users; and connecting the first user solely to that one of said plurality of second users who first responds to the forwarded call from the first user.

The first aspect of the invention also provides an apparatus comprising means to keep a record of second users to whom a first user has been connected within a preset time, the apparatus being operative to exclude, from the group, when the first user again calls, any second user who has been connected to the first user within the preset time.

The first aspect of the invention also provides an apparatus operative to transfer any remaining simultaneously called second users, after an initial first user has been connected to one of the second users, to any other first user who has called the apparatus and has not yet been connected to a second user.

The first aspect of the invention also includes an apparatus, wherein the group is one of a plurality of 3 groups, each group comprising a respective one or more second users, the apparatus comprising means for a first user to select one of the plurality of groups for simultaneous forwarding of the first user's call to the one 5 or more second users therein.

The first aspect of the invention also provides an apparatus comprising means for locating the geographical position of a first user, and for forwarding the call from the first user only to those second users, in the group, which are situated within a predetermined distance from the geographical position of the first user.

The first aspect of the invention also provides an apparatus wherein the predetermined distance is selectable by the first user.

The first aspect of the invention also provides an apparatus operative, in the absence of a first user selecting said predetermined distance, to select, as the predetermined distance, a default distance.

The first aspect of the invention also provides an apparatus comprising means for a first user to provide the identity of one or more second users for use as a first user nominated group.

The first aspect of the invention also provides an apparatus wherein a particular user nominated group is selectable only by that first user who created the particular first user nominated group.

The first aspect of the invention also provides an apparatus comprising means for a first user to select an area wherein to find a second user, the apparatus being operative 4 to select, as the group for forwarding of the first users call, those second users, of the group selected by the first user, located in said selected area.

The first aspect of the invention also provides an 5apparatus operative to connect to a remote, like apparatus in a selected area, operative to transfer the selections of a first user to the like apparatus for the like apparatus to locate and make a connection to a second user in the selected area, and operative to receive the connection from the like 10apparatus and transfer the connection to the first user.

The first aspect of the invention also provides an apparatus operative to receive the selections of a first user from a like apparatus in another area, operative to make a connection to a second user in its own area, and operative to 15transfer the connection to the like apparatus The second aspect of the invention, further, provides a method comprising the steps of: keeping a record of second users to whom a first user has been connected within a preset time; and excluding, from the group, when the first user again 20calls, any second user who has been connected to the first user within the preset time.

The second aspect of the invention, further, provides a method including the step of transferring any remaining simultaneously called second users, after an initial first 25user has been connected to one of the second users, to any other first user who has called the apparatus and has not yet been connected to a second user.

The second aspect of the invention, further, provides method, for use when the group is one of a plurality of 30groups, each group comprising a respective one or more second users, the method including the steps of: responding to a first user to select one of the plurality of groups; and simultaneous forwarding the first user's call to the one or more second users in the selected group.

The second aspect of the invention, further, provides a method including the steps of: locating the geographical position of a first user; and forwarding the call from the first user only to those second users, in the group, which are situated within a predetermined distance from the geographical 10position of the first user.

The second aspect of the invention, further, provides a method wherein the predetermined distance is selectable by the first user.

The second aspect of the invention, further, provides a 15method including the step of, in the absence of a first user selecting the predetermined distance, selecting, as the predetermined distance, a default distance.

The second aspect of the invention, further, provides a method including the step of responding to a first user, 20providing the identity of one or more second users, to receive and store a first user nominated group.

The second aspect of the invention, further, provides a method including the step of allowing only that first user, who created a particular first user nominated group, to select 25the particular first user nominated group created by that first user.

The second aspect of the invention, further, provides a method including the steps of: responding to a first user for the first user to select an area wherein to find a second 6 user; and selecting, as the group for forwarding of the first users call, those second users, of the group selected by the first user, located in the selected area.

The second aspect of the invention, further, provides a 5method including the steps of: connecting to a remote, like apparatus in a selected area; transferring the selections of a first user to said like apparatus for said like apparatus to locate and make a connection to a second user in said selected area; receiving the connection to a second user from said like 10apparatus; and transferring the connection to the first user.

The second aspect of the invention, further, provides a method including the steps of: receiving the selections of a first user from an apparatus, employing a like method, in another area; establishing a connection to a second user in 15the local area; and transferring the connection to the apparatus employing a like method.

In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a telecommunications connection apparatus for connecting a first telephone user (in the form of a customer) 20to a second telephone user (in the form of a supplier of goods or services) being one of a set of telephone users having a particular characteristic or characteristics (such as a taxi firm, or a cinema). The apparatus comprises means (for example, by knowing the geographical location of a fixed 25telephone, or by determining the position of a mobile telephone, for example, by knowledge of the current base station it is using) for determining the geographical origin of a call from the first telephone user. The apparatus also includes means for determining the desired characteristic or 30characteristics of the second telephone user. The apparatus then identifies one or more second telephone users having the desired characteristic or characteristics and located within a 7 predetermined distance of the geographical origin. The apparatus then dials the telephone number of at least one of the second telephone users, and connects the first telephone user to one of the second telephone users when the second 5telephone user answers.

The apparatus beneficially includes one or more databases, each with a separate server, each of the databases storing the telephone numbers of telephone users having a 10different characteristic or characteristics. The second telephone users are likely to be commercial bodies with characteristics defined by the goods or services they provide. For example, there may be a first database on which is stored telephone numbers and locations for taxi firms, a second 15database on which is stored telephone numbers and locations of pizza delivery firms, and so on. An exchange server telecoms switch or the like preferably provides the switching mechanism between an exchange server and the database servers.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is accessed 20by the first telephone user via a single telephone number, and the geographical origin of the call is determined. The user may then be given a list of characteristics or service types available within a predetermined distance of the geographical origin, by means of, for example, a voice recorded list from 25which the user can choose by pressing one of the keys on the keypad of the telephone being used. If the required characteristic or characteristics or service type is not available within the defined predetermined distance, the user is preferably given an opportunity to alter the defined 30distance or characteristics.

Once a characteristic or characteristics is selected, the call is beneficially routed directly to the server of the database holding telephone numbers and locations corresponding to that characteristic or characteristics.

In an alternative embodiment, there may be provided 8 separate telephone or identification numbers corresponding to each of the databases. The first telephone user dials the number corresponding to the characteristic or characteristics or service type required. The apparatus then includes means 5for identifying the number dialled routing the call directly to one of a plurality of database servers accordingly.

In one embodiment of the present invention, if only one telephone number having the desired characteristic or characteristics and location is identified, the apparatus 1Oeither informs the user, by way of, for example a voice recorded message, and asks for confirmation to proceed, before dialling the number, awaiting an answer and then connecting the two users, or simply dials the number without asking for confirmation. If several telephone numbers are identified, 15these may be provided to the user as options (again by way of, for example, a voice recorded message, whereby the user selects a number by pressing a key on the keypad of the telephone being used). The apparatus then dials the number, awaits an answer and connects the two users.

In the preferred mode of operation, the apparatus identifies the telephone numbers having the desired characteristic or characteristics and location and then simultaneously dials some or all of the numbers on the list, connecting the user to the one that answers first. In this 25case, the apparatus preferably includes means, after the first telephone user or customer has been connected, for transferring the rest of the numbers being called to another user of the same geographical location and requiring connection to a supplier having the same characteristic or 30characteristics, so that only one additional telephone number from the list needs to be dialled to create the second user's required complement of numbers. In the case where the other user is at a different geographical location but where the area defined by the predetermined (or user-selected) distance 35overlaps with the area defined for the first user, the 9 apparatus preferably includes means, after the first user has been connected, for identifying out of the rest of the telephone numbers being called, which numbers have a location falling within the area defined for the second user, and 5transferring these numbers to that user call, again allowing for a reduced amount of numbers to be generated to create the second user's required complement of numbers.

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention will now be described with referen ce to the accompanying drawings, 10in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a telecommunications method according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 2a to 2f are schematic representations showing 15a step-by-step breakdown of the method of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a telecommunications method according to an embodiment of the invention in the case of two users in the same geographical location requiring connection to the same type of service; Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a telecommunications method according to an embodiment of the invention in the case of two users in different but overlapping geographical locations requiring connection to the same type of service.

Figures 5a and 5b are schematic representations of the method of Figure 1 in the case where the number of users in the same geographical location requiring the same type of service exceeds the number of suppliers of that service defined for that geographical location, with regard to the 30required complement for each user.

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the present embodiment using a telephone exchange switch with data bases.

Figure 7 is a chart of the activities of the user, the exchange apparatus and the supplier when a user wishes to have return call quotes.

Figure 8 is a chart of the activity of the user, the exchange apparatus and the supplier when a user wishes to find a local service in the shortest time.

Figure 9 is a chart of the activity of the user and the exchange apparatus when the user sets up a list of suppliers which need not necessarily be in the user's local area.

Figure 10 is a chart of the activity of the user, the 10exchange apparatus and the suppliers when a user wishes to contact suppliers in a different area.

Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the manner in which two exchange switches, in different areas, can connect a user in one area to suppliers in the other area.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2a-2f of the drawings, a telephone user, depicted at 10, dials the telephone number for connection to a telephone exchange apparatus 12. The apparatus 12 comprises a plurality of service databases and database servers and an exchange server and telecoms switch 20(not shown). The telephone subscriber 10 may hear a recorded list of service types available and selects a service type, e.g. taxis, by pressing a key on the telephone keypad, as instructed, alternatively the service is pre-selected according to the number which the user called. This causes 25the call to be immediately routed to the taxi database server by the exchange server telecoms switch.

The geographical location of the telephone user 10 is determined by the exchange apparatus 12. The manner in which this is achieved depends on, among other things, the type of 30telephone being used. If a fixed home or office telephone is used, the geographical location of the user could be extracted, for example, from the telephone number of that telephone. If, however, a cellular telephone is used, the geographical location could be determined by which local 35telephone network server the telephone is using.

11 Once the geographical location of the user and the type of service required (i.e. in this case taxi firms) is established, the exchange apparatus 12 selects a predetermined number, say ten, local taxi firms held in the taxi database 5within say a 4km radius of that location (see Figure 2c) and calls all of them simultaneously on behalf of the user (Figure 2d) by way of a batch process. As soon as one of the taxi firms answers their telephone, the user is automatically connected to that firm (Figure 2e), and the user/taxi firm 10transaction proceeds as normal (Figure 2f).

Alternatively, once the geographical location of the user and the type of service required have been established, the exchange apparatus 12 may identify all of the desired service suppliers within, say, a 4km radius of the user's 15geographical location, and provide these as options to the user in the form of, for example, a voice recorded list. The user selects a service supplier from the list of options by pressing one of the keys on the telephone keypad, as instructed, and the apparatus 12 dials that service supplier's 20number on the user' s behalf. When the service supplier answers, the user is immediately connected, and the transaction then proceeds as normal. If the selected service supplier does not answer within a predetermined period of time or the line is engaged, the user may be informed and given 25options, such a "wait and try again", try another service supplier from the list, etc.

Returning to the embodiment of the invention whereby ten service suppliers within a 4km radius are called on behalf of the user, and the user is connected to the service supplier 30answering the telephone first, and referring to Figure 3 of the drawings, in the case where the user A and user B are at substantially the same geographical location and user B requires the same type of service as user A, only one additional service supplier needs to be called because, once 35user A has been connected to the service supplier answering 12 their telephone first, the other nine can be transferred to user B to give their full complement of ten. Once again, user B would be connected to the service supplier of the ten which answers first.

Referring to Figure 4 of the drawings, in the case where users A and B are at different geographical locations but the area of interest is defined by the maximum distance from the service suppliers to be selected, e.g. 4km, only the service suppliers which fall into the partial intersection 40 10between the two areas shared between the users are available to both user A and user B. In the example shown, in response to user A's request, Taxis 1-10 are dialled. Taxi 4 answers first, so user A is connected to Taxi 4, leaving only Taxis 1 and 10 in the partial intersection 40. Therefore, additional 15Taxis 11 to 18 needed to be dialled for user B to ensure his complement of ten taxis being called. If, however, a taxi, not in the intersection 40 had been connected to user A, dependently upon a "'look ahead" strategy for user B being employed, user B can find himself in the position of having 20one extra simultaneously called taxi above his normal compliment (of ten, in this example).

Referring to Figures 5a and 5b of the drawings, during peak periods, the service suppliers for a particular geographical location can only be used to provide the 25connection service described above to a finite number of callers. Referring to the particular example described above whereby 10 service suppliers within 4km of the user's geographical location are called, if the taxi database contains only 15 numbers for taxi firms for a particular 30geographical location, only 6 users at that location can be served at any one time (Figure 5a). Any additional users calling from the same geographical location and requiring the same type of service are held in a queue 50 and moved in turn to the list 52 of "calling" users as spaces become available.

35This might occur when, for example, a nightclub or similar 13 establishment closes for the night, so that several people at the same geographical location require taxis at the same time. The apparatus of the present invention retains the telecommunications line open after termination of a user call Sto be able to quickly and efficiently connect the next customer.

Attention is drawn to Figure 6. Here, the operation of the telephone exchange apparatus 12 is advantageously concentrated into the exchange switch 60 which is shown as 10having a number of databases 62. Although the databases 62 are shown in schematic form as disc files, it is to be understood that they may be inclusive of a server (not shown) to supply data to the switch 60, or may be incorporated within the switch 60 in the form of random access memory (RAM) 15programmable read-only memory (PROM) or any other form of memory device which has the properties of being periodically updatable and available to control the action of the switch 60. The switch 60 connects not only to the user 10 but second 10A and third 10B users who, simultaneously, may be serviced 20by the switch 60, as a user, or simply to make ordinary telephone calls. As earlier described, not only can local service providers 64 be called, but a user 10B may specify his own local or non-local selected service providers 66.

Attention is drawn to Figure 7 which shows the various 25activities undertaken by the user 10, the exchange apparatus 12, 60 and the suppliers when a request is made in a specific mode "time quote" where the supplier needs to spend a little time to get back to the user to indicate price and/or availability.

The whole thing starts off with a first operation 70 where the user 10 calls the common central number. In a second operation 72 the exchange apparatus 12, 60 enquires, either by a voice message, or by the display on a screen if the user 10 is employing a mobile phone, or is using a 35computer, what kind of service the user 10 requires. This could be a plumber, a furniture supplier, a builder or whatever. In a third operation 74 the user 10 specifies which service he requires. This can be done by a key stroke, insertion of a code number, or, by voice recognition.

5Thereafter, in a fourth operation 76 the exchange apparatus 12, 60 enquires of the user 10, either by voice message or by display, what mode of operation the user 10 requires. In a fifth operation 78 the user 10, in this instance, specifies the "time quote"' mode. In a sixth operation 80 the exchange 10apparatus 12, 60, either by voice message or by display, requests that the user 10 makes a voice recording of what the user 10 requires. In a seventh operation 82 the user 10 makes a voice record which is passed to the exchange apparatus 12,60. In an eighth operation 84 the user 10 hangs up and 15awaits the response. In a ninth operation 86 the exchange apparatus 12, 60 selects the list of possible suppliers and phones around the suppliers, one by one, or simultaneously, where this is possible, leaving a copy of the voice message generated in the seventh operation 82. Those suppliers who 20receive the voice message, in a tenth operation 88, research the availability of the goods or services recorded in the voice message of the seventh operation 82, or provide research for an appropriate quote. If there is interest on the part of the supplier, in an eleventh operation 90 the supplier calls 25the user 10 on the user's 10 return number which was also provided by the exchange apparatus 12, 60 in the ninth operation 86. The return number can be provided by voice message, or by display on the screen of a cellular telephone or a computer terminal. The user 10 is then able, in a 30twelfth operation 92, to respond to each supplier who calls back.

The automatic element in Figure 7 is the operation of the exchange apparatus 12, 60, shown in the central column.

Attention is drawn to Figure 8 showing the activities 35of the user 10, the exchange apparatus 12,60, and the suppliers when a user 10 requires to be connected, as soon as possible, to a supplier. This is the "find a supplier" mode. The activity commences with a thirteenth operation 94 where the user 10 calls the common central number for a service, or, 5if the availability of service is determined by the number called, calls the specific number for a particular service. In a fourteenth operation 96 the exchange apparatus 12, 60 responds by answering the call, and identifying the user 10 by telephone number. In the fourteenth operation 96 the exchange 10apparatus 12, 60 also checks to see if this particular call from the user 10 has been made within a set period of his last call. The exchange apparatus 12, 60 also geographically locates the user 10 either by knowledge of the position of a fixed land line telephone or from any other position fixing 15method available for mobile phones including inter-base station signal strength triangulation or knowledge of which base station is currently allocated to a particular cellular telephone. The exchange apparatus 12, 60, having established the user's 10 profile, then asks the user 10 which service he 20requires.

In a fifteenth operation 98 the user 10 specifies which service he requires. This may be anything from a taxi, a home delivered pizza, or an international holiday. The user 10 specifies the service by key strokes, or by voice 25recognition, or any other means whereby his particular apparatus and the exchange apparatus 12, 60 are able to communicate with each other. The exchange apparatus 12,60, in a sixteenth operation 100, then requests the user 10 to indicate what mode he requires and, if appropriate, what 30distance or radius the user finds appropriate. In a seventeenth operation 102 in this example, the user specifies "find a supplier" mode. The user also has the option to specify a distance or radius wherein the supplier is to be found.

The exchange apparatus 12, 60, in an eighteenth 16 operation 104 then calls all suppliers (within the limits of how many suppliers the exchange apparatus can call simultaneously)simultaneously. If no radius or distance has been specified by the user 10, the exchange apparatus 12, 60 5uses a default distance, typically a radius of 4 kms. If the user 10 has specified a distance or radius, the exchange apparatus 12, 60 uses the user 10 selected radius or distance. The exchange apparatus 12, 60 does not use any suppliers which have already been called by the user 10 within the set period. 10In this way the user 10 is guaranteed a fresh supplier and is not

limited to going through a list where he may already have failed to find a supplier.

In a nineteenth operation 106 the suppliers, should they be available or so disposed, answer the calls from the 15exchange apparatus 12, 60. When a supplier answers a call, the exchange apparatus 12, 60, in a twentieth operation 108, connects the first supplier that answers to the user 10 who, in a twenty-first operation 110, talks to the supplier. It is understood that the user 10, should he not come to an 20accommodation with the supplier, will return to the thirteenth operation 94, preferably within the set period, to seek another supplier.

Having connected the first to answer supplier to the user 10, the exchange apparatus 12, 60, in the twenty-second 25operation 112, transfers all the remaining simultaneously called suppliers to any other users 10 which the exchange apparatus 12, 60 happens to be servicing, so that they may get the advantage of a rapid service because the suppliers are already being called. It may well be, that in the eighteenth 30operation 104, the user 10, in this example, was supplied with such a "live" list of suppliers, some or all of which were already being called.

Attention is drawn to Figure 9. Here, a user 10, makes his own list of suppliers which need not be in the 35user's 10 geographical area. Items 94, 96 and 102 correspond 17 to the same items shown in Figure 8. However, in the seventeenth operation 102, the user 10 specifies a "make own list" service where he can either create a list or amend an existing list. In a twenty-third operation 114 the exchange 5apparatus requests the user 10 to supply the name of the list and the user 10, in a twenty-fourth operation 116 supplies the.,'name" for the list. The "name"' can be a simple number, a combination of key strokes, or, an actual word or name. In a twenty-fifth operation 118 the exchange apparatus 12, 60 10examines the name, and if it has never encountered that name before from that user 10 (as identified by his telephone number), creates a new database. A twenty-sixth operation 120 then has the exchange apparatus 12, 60 ask the user 10 to add or delete phone numbers in the database. This the user 10 15does in a twenty-seventh operation 122 where the user 10 indicates that he has "done" when he has made all the additions or changes he wishes to the database. The twentysixth operation 120 of the exchange apparatus 12, 60 then ends the call. The user 10 has thereby set up his own database of 20telephone numbers which need not be within a geographical area close to the user 10. These can be specialist suppliers at any other telephone number which can be reached by the exchange apparatus.

When using the service, the user 10 simply specifies 25the "name" of his own database list. The exchange apparatus then behaves as described with reference to Figure 8. An alternative embodiment has password protection/user identification, so that the exchange apparatus can identify a user 10 no matter what telephone number he is using.

Attention is drawn to Figure 10 showing another manner in which the present invention can function. It very much resembles Figure 8, with the exception that the user 10 attempts to find a service supplier but not in his local area, nor within a particular radius, nor from a group of pre35selected suppliers (as described with reference to Figure 9) 18 Instead, the user 10 seeks to find a supplier in another area completely. This may happen, for example, if a user wishes to find a hotel in a particular town or a car hire firm at a particular airport and so on. Corresponding numbers in 5Figures 10 and 8 refer to the same actions. In a modified fifteenth operation 98', the user specifies a "find a supplier in a different area" service. In a modified sixteenth operation 1001, the exchange apparatus 12, 60 asks what mode and, differently, what area. In a modified seventeenth 10operation 1021, the user specifies "find a supplier to talk to" and then specifies the location (area). Significantly, in a modified eighteenth operation 104', the exchange apparatus 12, 60 acquires, or gains access to the use of, a database of appropriate suppliers in the specified area or location. One 15manner of achieving this is shown in Figure 11. It then behaves completely as in the unmodified eighteenth operation 104 and the whole process proceeds, from that point as otherwise shown in Figure 8.

Attention is drawn to Figure 11. Figure 11 shows one 20way that the modified eighteenth operation 104' of Figure 10 can be implemented, where a call for connection to a supplier is put through in a different-area or location. The switch 60, connected to all of its various lines and subscribers 64, 10, 66 is connected through the telephone network 124 to a 25similar switch 60A at a remote location, also having its subscribers 64A, 66A, 10A. The switch 60, in the local area, called by a user 10 seeking services in the area of the remote location switch 60A, transfers the request details, from the user to the switch 60A in the remote location. The switch 60A 30in the remote location consults its database 62A and makes simultaneous calls to every supplier of the type required by the user. When one of the suppliers answers, the switch 60A at the remote location connects the call to the local switch 60 which connects the call to the user 10. In turn, when 35required, the switch 60A at the remote location can 19 reciprocate the arrangement with the local switch. Figure 11 shows just two of a possible large plurality of switches 60, 60A which can be employed in the telephone network 124. The set-up, shown in Figure 11, is economical in the use of 5trunking in that only one call is transferred between the local switch 60 and the switch in the area of interest 60A. A less efficient alternative, but still within the concept of the present invention, would be for the switch in the area of interest 60A to download the relevant database 62A to the 101ocal switch 60 and for the local switch 60 simultaneously to make calls to every listed supplier. Alternatively, the local switch 60 could hold a database 62 for all other areas. Still alternatively, the local switch 60 could employ the remote switch 60A, but send its own local selection from its database 1562 to be used by the remote switch 60A.

It will be apparent that many different local service suppliers, e.g. accommodation, entertainment, restaurants, etc., can be batch processed in a manner substantially the same as that described above with reference to taxi firms.

Some of the specific advantages associated with the present invention are as follows:

1. The user can be certain that they will be connected to a local service supplier in the shortest possible time; 2. The user can dial a single telephone number from any 251ocation in the country to contact a local service supplier. In one embodiment, the user dials a single number and selects the service type. In another embodiment, the user dials a number which is dependent on the type of service required. In this case, the exchange server telecoms switch 60 recognises 30the call type and immediately routes the call to the appropriate service database server.

3. If the same user calls again from the same geographical location within a predetermined short space of time, the exchange apparatus 12, 60 identifies this and, on the 35assumption that the user's needs were not previously met, replaces one of the service suppliers in the batch process, thereby ensuring that the user maintains the greatest possible chance of fulfilling their requirements.

During busy periods, numbers dialled are passed to or 5shared with other users, when a user has been connected to a service supplier. This means that, in effect, these numbers were dialled before the user dialled into the exchange apparatus, thereby saving the user time and ensuring fast and efficient service.

This invention has been described above by way of example only, and many modifications within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims are envisaged and will be apparent to a person skilled in the art.

Users of the present invention are many. If a customer 15needs a price quote, or needs to learn the availability for a particular service, such as a car repair or a spare part by multiple ringing of the common number, the user will be connected, in turn, to suppliers of the part or service and will be given a number of quotes in the shortest possible 20time.

The present invention also provides rapid connection to a service supplier during periods when their services are at a premium. For example, to find a builder to perform repair work after a night of storms, by ringing the relevant central 25number, the user is able to try multiple builders simultaneously with the idea that those who are able to answer the phone are more likely to be free to do the work.

When searching for a particular item, which may be difficult to find, such as children's toys at Christmas, by 30ringing the common number the user can ring around the local toy shops until they are able to reserve the required items or find a retailer with stock available.

The user can specify or alter the service provider type when they set up an account. If they have requirements 35for services which fall outside the basic default services 21 offered, in this instance, the user specifies the numbers to use as those of the preferred suppliers, rather than the nearest geographically. For example, a business which often needs a price for specific items from component suppliers with 5whom they have accounts to complete a time-dependent project may specify a list of suppliers who, although not nearby, are most likely to have the required parts.

Where the user is given options from which a selection must be made, the options may be given by a variety of 10methods. Although the specific example described above refers to a voice recorded list, etc. this is dependent upon the hardware being used and/or the manner in which the exchange apparatus is accessed, e.g. Internet, wap (wireless application protocol), digital mobile, etc.

It is envisaged to provide the userwith the option to call for several different types of service, either at the same time or in a staggered batch process, by using shopping cart style technology. This would complement another enhancement whereby service suppliers could request access to 20queues of users awaiting connection to a particular type of service, they could then dial in for selection of and connection to a user or users requiring the service they provide.

Certain select services, for example, limousines, may 25be given a further round of choice before the batch connection is made. Any given area having a 4km radius is unlikely to have more than one, if any, limousine company. If there is a number available, the user could be given the choice of either extending the radius of the area to be considered, or dialling 30the single available number. If no number is available within the defined area, the user could either be given the option to extend the radius of the area or the system could be arranged to do so automatically.

obviously, there will be some limitations to the 35services available in some areas, especially in remote or 22 rural areas. In this case, the options given to the user upon connection with the exchange server would beneficially exclude any service types not available. In the case where a required service type is not given as an option, the user could once 5again be given the option to extend the area in question.

23

Claims

Claims

1. A telecommunications apparatus operative to provide connection to a plurality of users, said apparatus being operative to receive a call from a first user, simultaneously 5to forward said call from the first user to a group comprising a plurality of second users, and to connect the first user solely to that one of said plurality of second users who first responds to said forwarded call from said first user.

2. An apparatus, according to claim 1, comprising means to 10keep a record of second users to whom a first user has been connected within a preset time, said apparatus being operative to exclude, from the group, when the first user again calls, any second user who has been connected to the first user within the preset time.

153. An apparatus, according to claim 1 or claim 2, operative to transfer any remaining simultaneously called second users, after an initial first user has been connected to one of the second users, to any other first user who has called said apparatus and has not yet been connected to a 20second user.

4. An apparatus, according to claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3, wherein said group is one of a plurality of groups, each group comprising a respective one or more second users, said apparatus comprising means for a first user to select one of 25said plurality of groups for simultaneous forwarding of the first user's call to the one or more second users therein.

5. An apparatus, according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3 or claim 4, comprising means for locating the geographical position of a first user, and for forwarding the call from the 30first user only to those second users, in the group, which are situated within a predetermined distance from the geographical 24 position of the first user.

6. An apparatus, according to claim 5, wherein said predetermined distance is selectable by the first user.

7. An apparatus, according to claim 6, operative in the Sabsence of a first user selecting said predetermined distance, to select, as said predetermined distance, a default distance.

8. An apparatus, according to claim 4, 5, 6 or 7, comprising means for a first user to provide the identity of one or more second users for use as a first user nominated 1Ogroup.

9. An apparatus, according to claim 8, comprising an apparatus wherein a particular user nominated group is selectable only by that first user who created the particular first user nominated group.

1510. Anapparatus, according to any of the preceding claims, comprising means for a first user to select an area wherein to find a second user, said apparatus being operative to select, as the group for forwarding of the first users call, those second users, of the group selected by the first 20user, located in said selected area.

11. An apparatus, according to claim 10, operative to connect to a remote, like apparatus in a selected area, operative to transfer the selections of a first user to said like apparatus for said like apparatus to locate and make a 25connection to a second user in said selected area, and operative to receive the connection from said like apparatus and transfer the connection to the first user.

12. An apparatus, according to claim 11, operative to receive the selections of a first user from a like apparatus in another area, operative to make a connection to a second user in its own area, and operative to transfer the connection to the like apparatus 513. A method for use in a telecommunications apparatus operative to provide connection to a plurality of users, said method including the steps of: receiving a call from a first user; simultaneously forward the call from the first user to a group comprising a plurality of second users; and connecting 10the first user solely to that one of said plurality of second users who first responds to the forwarded call from the first user.

14. A method, according to claim 13, comprising the steps of: keeping a record of second users to whom a first user has 15been connected within a preset time; and excluding, from the group, when the first user again calls, any second user who has been connected to the first user within the preset time.

15. A method, according to claim 13 or claim 14, including the step of transferring any remaining simultaneously called 20second users, after an intial first user has been connected to one of the second users, to any other first user who has called said apparatus and has not yet been connected to a second user.

16. A method, according to claim 13, claim 14 or claim 15, 25for use when said group is one of a plurality of groups, each group comprising a respective one or more second users, said method including the steps of: responding to a first user to select one of said plurality of groups; and simultaneous forwarding the first user's call to the one or more second 30users in the selected group.

26 17. A method, according to claim 13, claim 14, claim 15 or claim 16, including the steps of: locating the geographical position of a first user; and forwarding the call from the first user only to those second users, in the group, which are 5situated within a predetermined distance from the geographical position of the first user.

18. A method, according to claim 17, wherein said predetermined distance is selectable by the first user.

19. A method, according to claim 18, including the step 100f, in the absence of a first user selecting said predetermined distance, selecting, as said predetermined distance, a default distance.

20. A method, according to claim 16, 17, 18 or 19, including the step of responding to a first user, providing 15the identity of one or more second users, to receive and store a first user nominated group.

21. A method, according to claim 20, including the step of allowing only that first user, who created a particular first user nominated group, to select the particular first user 20nominated group created by that first user.

22. A method, according to any of claims 13 to 21, including the steps of: responding to a first user for the first user to select an area wherein to find a second user; and selecting, as the group for forwarding of the first users 25call, those second users, of the group selected by the first user, located in said selected area.

23. A method, according to claim 22, including the steps of: connecting to a remote, like apparatus in a selected area; transferring the selections of a first user to said like 27 apparatus for said like apparatus to locate and make a connection to a second user in said selected area; receiving the connection to a second user from said like apparatus; and transferring the connection to the first user.

524. A method, according to claim 23, including the steps of: receiving the selections of a first user from an apparatus, employing like method, in another area; establishing a connection to a second user in the local area; and transferring the connection to the apparatus employing a 10like method.

25. An apparatus, substantially as described with reference to the appended drawings.

26. A method, substantially as described with reference to the appended drawing.