Method, system and kiosk for connecting a customer to an expert at a remote location
AssigneeFastrak Isp Inc.
InventorsNolan Anelevitz, Lowell Wintrup
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An interactive kiosk is provided and an interactive customer information system that uses same is provided. The kiosk may have at least one an output module to provide a document controlled by a person at a remote location and the ability to display two video images simultaneously.
Claims34
An interactive customer information system comprising:
- a) a plurality of expert stations, each station operable by a person having at least one area of expertise;
- and,
- b) at least one kiosk located at a location remote from the plurality of expert stations and comprising a two-way audio and video interface selectively connectable by a customer with an expert station having an area of expertise selected by the customer, the kiosk comprising a visual output module that simultaneously provides two different video images that are viewable by the customer.
An interactive customer information system for providing a document to a customer using a kiosk which enables the customer to obtain at least one of products and services, the system comprising:
- a) a plurality of expert stations, each station operable by a person having at least one area of expertise;
- and,
- b) at least one kiosk located at a location remote from the plurality of expert stations and comprising a two-way audio and video system interface selectively connectable by a customer with an expert station have an area of expertise selected by the customer, and an output device controllable by the selected expert station to output the document based on inquiries made by the customer.
A kiosk for establishing a two-way audio and video session between a customer using the kiosk and person at a remote location, the kiosk comprising:
- a) a customer input module operable by the customer to select a person with a specified expertise at a remote location;
- b) a communication module configured to establish a communication link between the customer and the person with the specified expertise;
- and
- c) the communication module comprising a two-way audio and video system, and including a visual output module adapted to simultaneously provide two different video images.
A kiosk for establishing a two-way audio and video session between a customer using the kiosk and person at a remote location, the kiosk comprising:
- a) a customer input module operable by the customer to select a person with a specified expertise at a remote location;
- b) a communication module configured to establish a communication link between the customer and the person with the specified expertise;
- and,
- c) output device adapted to provide a document controllable by the person with the specified expertise wherein the document enables the customer to obtain at least one of products and services.
A method of establishing a two-way audio and video session between a customer using a kiosk and a person at a remote location providing product information, the method comprising the steps:
- a) receiving a request from a customer input module of the kiosk for a communication session with a person with a specified expertise type;
- b) associating the kiosk with one station of a plurality of remote stations based on the request;
- c) establishing a two-way audio and video session between the customer using the kiosk and a person at a station with the specified expertise type;
- and,
- d) simultaneously providing at least two distinct visual images to a visual output of the kiosk.
A method of providing a customer using a kiosk with a document enabling the customer to obtain at least one of products and services, the method comprising the steps:
- a) receiving a request from a user input module of the kiosk for a communication session with a person with a specified expertise type;
- b) associating the kiosk with one station of a plurality of remote stations based on the request;
- c) establishing a two way audio and video session between the customer using the kiosk and a person with the specified expertise type;
- and
- d) providing at least one document based on inquiries made by the customer during the two way audio and video session wherein the at least one document enables the customer to obtain at least one of products and services.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.