WO2001076211A1

WO2001076211A1 - Telecommunications system

Info

Publication number: WO2001076211A1
Application number: PCT/GB2001/001550
Authority: WO
Inventors: Neil Wilkinson; Selwyn Thomas Lloyd; Mark Paul Healey
Original assignee: Neil Wilkinson; Selwyn Thomas Lloyd; Mark Paul Healey
Priority date: 2000-04-04
Filing date: 2001-04-04
Publication date: 2001-10-11
Also published as: GB2365667A; GB0008084D0; GB0108499D0; AU4440001A

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 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 answer 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

Telecommunications System

This invention relates to a telecommunications sy for automatically connecting customers to a required sen 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, their geographical location. Many people, particularly fixed domestic or business telephone users, would either a familiar number or firm, or they would look up one or π numbers in a telephone directory. Alternatively, a servi is provided whereby a telephone user can dial a central number for connection to an operator who, according to tt type of service and desired area, can provide the user wi one or more telephone numbers which the user must then di himself. Similarly, the user can obtain a list of numbei 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 seve times or several different numbers, especially during bus periods, because the more popular firms may be engaged oi take a long time to answer the telephone.

Some firms, with several branches located around country, may have a single telephone number for connectic to an operator or central exchange, which will connect tl caller to their nearest branch. This only applies,

to very few firms, each of which provide only a single service. If that firm has no local branch or if the usei wants to try a competitor firm, for example, they would 1 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 consists in a telecommunications apparatus operative to provide connection to a plurality of users, said apparati being operative to receive a call from a first user, simultaneously to forward said call from the first user 1 group comprising a plurality of second users, and to com the first user solely to that one of said plurality of second users who first responds to said forwarded call f. said first user.

According to a second aspect, the present inventioi consists in a method for use in a telecommunications apparatus operative to provide connection to a plurality users, said method including the steps of: receiving a c< from a first user; simultaneously forward the call from 1 first user to a group comprising a plurality of second users; and connecting the first user solely to that one 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 us< 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 i has been connected to the first user within the preset t

The first aspect of the invention also provides an apparatus operative to transfer any remaining simultaneously called second users, after an initial fir user has been connected to one of the second users, to a: other first user who has called the apparatus and has no 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 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 < 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 fr< the first user only to those second users, in the group, which are situated within a predetermined distance from geographical position of the first user.

The first aspect of the invention also provides an apparatus wherein the predetermined distance is selectab 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 identity of one or more second users for use as a first i 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 e wherein to find a second user, the apparatus being operati to select, as the group for forwarding of the first users call, those second users, of the group selected by the fir user, located in said selected area.

The first aspect of the invention also provides an apparatus operative to connect to a remote, like apparatus 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 selec area, and operative to receive the connection from the lik apparatus 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 u from a like apparatus in another area, operative to make a connection to a second user in its own area, and operative transfer the connection to the like apparatus

The second aspect of the invention, further, provide method comprising the steps of: keeping a record of second users to whom a first user has been connected within a pre time; and excluding, from the group, when the first user a calls, any second user who has been connected to the first user within the preset time.

The second aspect of the invention, further, provide method including the step of transferring 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 been connected to a second user.

The second aspect of the invention, further, provide method, for use when the group is one of a plurality of groups, each group comprising a respective one or more sec 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 c more second users in the selected group.

5 The second aspect of the invention, further, provide 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 situated within a predetermined distance from the geograpl lOposition of the first user.

The second aspect of the invention, further, provic method wherein the predetermined distance is selectable b^ first user.

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

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

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

The second aspect of the invention, further, provide method including the steps of: connecting to a remote, li3 apparatus in a selected area; transferring the selection a first user to said like apparatus for said like apparatυ locate and make a connection to a second user in said sele area; receiving the connection to a second user from said apparatus; and transferring the connection to the first υ

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

In one embodiment of the present invention, there . provided a telecommunications connection apparatus for connecting a first telephone user (in the form of a custoir to a second telephone user (in the form of a supplier of g or services) being one of a set of telephone users having particular characteristic or characteristics (such as a ta firm, or a cinema) . The apparatus' comprises means (for example, by knowing the geographical location of a fixed telephone, 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 orig of a call from the first telephone user. The apparatus als includes means for determining the desired characteristic characteristics of the second telephone user. The apparatu then identifies one or more second telephone users having desired characteristic or characteristics and located with predetermined distance of the geographical origin. The apparatus then dials the telephone number of at least one the second telephone users, and connects the first telepho 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 databa storing the telephone numbers of telephone users having a lOdifferent characteristic or characteristics. The second telephone users are likely to be commercial bodies with characteristics defined by the goods or services they prov For example, there may be a first database on which is sto telephone numbers and locations for taxi firms, a second

15database on which is stored telephone numbers and location pizza delivery firms, and so on. An exchange server telec switch or the like preferably provides the switching mecha between an exchange server and the database servers.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is access*

20by the first telephone user via a single telephone number, the geographical origin of the call is determined. The us may then be given a list of characteristics or service typ available within a predetermined distance of the geographi origin, by means of, for example, a voice recorded list fr

25which the user can choose by pressing one of the keys on t keypad of the telephone being used. If the required characteristic or characteristics or service type is not available within the defined predetermined distance, the u is preferably given an opportunity to alter the defined

30distance or characteristics.

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

35 In an alternative embodiment, there may be providec separate telephone or identification numbers corresponding each of the databases. The first telephone user dials the number corresponding to the characteristic or characterist or service type required. The apparatus then includes mea for identifying the number dialled routing the call direct to one of a plurality of database servers accordingly.

In one embodiment of the present invention, if onl} one telephone number having the desired characteristic or characteristics and location is identified, the apparatus either informs the user, by way of, for example a voice recorded message, and asks for confirmation to proceed, be dialling the number , awaiting an answer and then connecti the two users, or simply dials the number without asking f confirmation. If several telephone numbers are identified these may be provided to the user as options (again by way 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 numbe 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 lis connecting the user to the one that answers first. In thi case, 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 anot user of the same geographical location and requiring connection to a supplier having the same characteristic or characteristics, so that only one additional telephone num from the list needs to be dialled to create the second use required complement of numbers. In the case where the oth user is at a different geographical location but where the area defined by the predetermined (or user-selected) dista overlaps with the area defined for the first user, the apparatus preferably includes means, after the first user been connected, for identifying out of the rest of the telephone numbers being called, which numbers have a locat falling within the area defined for the second user, and transferring these numbers to that user call, again allowi for a reduced amount of numbers to be generated to create second user's required complement of numbers.

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention w: now be described with reference to the accompanying drawin in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a telecommunications method according to an embodiment of th present invention;

Figures 2a to 2f are schematic representations sho^ a 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 th invention in the case of two users in the same geographica location requiring connection to the same type of service; Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a telecommunications method according to an embodiment of th invention in the case of two users in different but overlapping geographical locations requiring connection tc same type of service.

Figures 5a and 5b are schematic representations of method of Figure 1 in the case where the number of users i 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 required complement for each user.

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the present embodiment using a telephone exchange switch with data baε Figure 7 is a chart of the activities of the user, exchange apparatus and the supplier when a user wishes to return call quotes.

Figure 8 is a chart of the activity of the user, t] exchange apparatus and the supplier when a user wishes to a local service in the shortest time. Figure 9 is a chart of the activity of the user am the exchange apparatus when the user sets up a list of suppliers which need not necessarily be in the user's loca area.

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

Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the manner in which two exchange switches, in different areas, can conne user in one area to suppliers in the other area. Referring to Figures 1 and 2a-2f of the drawings, telephone user, depicted at 10, dials the telephone numbei connection to a telephone exchange apparatus 12. The apparatus 12 comprises a plurality of service databases ar database servers and an exchange server and telecoms switc (not shown) . The telephone subscriber 10 may hear a recoi 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 cause the call to be immediately routed to the taxi database sei by the exchange server telecoms switch.

The geographical location of the telephone user 10 determined by the exchange apparatus 12. The manner in wh this is achieved depends on, among other things, the type telephone being used. If a fixed home or office telephone 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 telephone network server the telephone is using. 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 predeterm number, say ten, local taxi firms held in the taxi databas 5within say a 4km radius of that location (see Figure 2c) a calls all of them simultaneously on behalf of the user (Fi 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 lOtransaction proceeds as normal (Figure 2f) .

Alternatively, once the geographical location of tl user and the type of service required have been establishe 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, user selects a service supplier from the list of options b pressing one of the keys on the telephone keypad, as instructed, and the apparatus 12 dials that service suppli

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 serv supplier does not answer within a predetermined period of 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 wherel ten service suppliers within a 4km radius are called on be of the user, and the user is connected to the service supp

30 answering the telephone first, and referring to Figure 3 o the drawings, in the case where the user A and user B are 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, on

35user A has been connected to the service supplier answerin their telephone first, the other nine can be transferred t user B to give their full complement of ten. Once again, B would be connected to the service supplier of the ten wh answers first. 5 Referring to Figure 4 of the drawings, in the case where users A and B are at different geographical locatior but the area of interest is defined by the maximum distanc from the service suppliers to be selected, e.g. 4km, only service suppliers which fall into the partial intersectior lObetween the two areas shared between the users are availah to both user A and user B. In the example shown, in respc to user A' s request, Taxis 1-10 are dialled. Taxi 4 answe first, so user A is connected to Taxi 4, leaving only Taxi and 10 in the partial intersection 40. Therefore, additic

15Taxis 11 to 18 needed to be dialled for user B to ensure I complement of ten taxis being called. If, however, a taxi, 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 havir

20one extra simultaneously called taxi above his normal compliment (of ten, in this example) .

Referring to Figures 5a and 5b of the drawings, du 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 ah 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

30 geographical location, only 6 users at that location can h served at any one time (Figure 5a) . Any additional users calling from the same geographical location and requiring same type of service are held in a queue 50 and moved in t to the list 52 of "calling" users as spaces become availah

35 his might occur when, for example, a nightclub or similai establishment closes for the night, so that several people the same geographical location require taxis at the same t The apparatus of the present invention retains the telecommunications line open after termination of a user c 5to be able to quickly and efficiently connect the next customer.

Attention is drawn to Figure 6. Here, the operatic of the telephone exchange apparatus 12 is advantageously concentrated into the exchange switch 60 which is shown as lOhaving a number of databases 62. Although the databases 6 are shown in schematic form as disc files, it is to be understood that they may be inclusive of a server (not sho to supply data to the switch 60, or may be incorporated wi 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 periodical updatable and available to control the action of the switc 60. The switch 60 connects not only to the user 10 but se 10A and third 10B users who, simultaneously, may be servic

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 own local or non-local selected service providers 66.

Attention is drawn to Figure 7 which shows the var:

25activities undertaken by the user 10, the exchange apparat 12, 60 and the suppliers when a request is made in a speci mode "time quote" where the supplier needs to spend a litt time to get back to the user to indicate price and/or availability.

30 The whole thing starts off with a first operation 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 i 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 w 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 apparatu 12, 60 enquires of the user 10, either by voice message or display, what mode of operation the user 10 requires. In fifth operation 78 the user 10, in this instance, specifie the "time quote" mode. In a sixth operation 80 the exchan lOapparatus 12, 60, either by voice message or by display, requests that the user 10 makes a voice recording of what user 10 requires. In a seventh operation 82 the user 10 m 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 an phones around the suppliers, one by one, or simultaneously where this is possible, leaving a copy of the voice messag generated in the seventh operation 82. Those suppliers wh

20 receive the voice message, in a tenth operation 88, resear the availability of the goods or services recorded in the voice message of the seventh operation 82, or provide rese for an appropriate quote. If there is interest on the par the supplier, in an eleventh operation 90 the supplier cal

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 telephoi or a computer terminal. The user 10 is then able, in a

30 welfth operation 92, to respond to each supplier who call, back.

The automatic element in Figure 7 is the operation the exchange apparatus 12, 60, shown in the central column Attention is drawn to Figure 8 showing the activiti

35of the user 10, the exchange apparatus 12,60, and the suppliers when a user 10 requires to be connected, as soon possible, to a supplier. This is the "find a supplier" mo The activity commences with a thirteenth operation 94 wher the user 10 calls the common central number for a service, if 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 1 telephone number. In the fourteenth operation 96 the exch apparatus 12, 60 also checks to see if this particular cal from the user 10 has been made within a set period of his call. The exchange apparatus 12, 60 also geographically locates the user 10 either by knowledge of the position of fixed land line telephone or from any other position fixin method available for mobile phones including inter-base station signal strength triangulation or knowledge of whic base station is currently allocated to a particular cellul telephone. The exchange apparatus 12,60, having establish the user's 10 profile, then asks the user 10 which service requires .

In a fifteenth operation 98 the user 10 specifies which service he requires. This may be anything from a ta a home delivered pizza, or an international holiday. The 10 specifies the service by key strokes, or by voice recognition, 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 a sixteenth operation 100, then requests the user 10 to indicate what mode he requires and, if appropriate, what distance or. radius the user finds appropriate. In a seventeenth operation 102 in this example, the user specif "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 operation 104 then calls all suppliers (within the limits how many suppliers the exchange apparatus can call simultaneously) simultaneously. If no radius or distance h been specified by the user 10, the exchange apparatus 12, uses a default distance, typically a radius of 4 kms . If user 10 has specified a distance or radius, the exchange apparatus 12, 60 uses the user 10 selected radius or dista The exchange apparatus 12, 60 does not use any suppliers v*. have already been called by the user 10 within the set per In this way the user 10 is guaranteed a fresh supplier and not limited to going through a list where he may already h failed to find a supplier.

In a nineteenth operation 106 the suppliers, shouli they be available or so disposed, answer the calls from th exchange apparatus 12, 60. When a supplier answers a call the exchange apparatus 12, 60, in a twentieth operation 1C connects the first supplier that answers to the user 10 wh in a twenty-first operation 110, talks to the supplier. 1 understood that the user 10, should he not come to an accommodation with the supplier, will return to the thirte operation 94, preferably within the set period, to seek another supplier.

Having connected the first to answer supplier to t user 10, the exchange apparatus 12, 60, in the twenty-secc operation 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 a^ the advantage of a rapid service because the suppliers are already being called. It may well be, that in the eightee operation 104, the user 10, in this example, was supplied 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 user's 10 geographical area. Items 94, 96 and 102 corresj to the same items shown in Figure 8. However, in the seventeenth operation 102, the user 10 specifies a "make c list" service where he can either create a list or amend ε existing list. In a twenty-third operation 114 the exchar apparatus requests the user 10 to supply the name of the and the user 10, in a twenty-fourth operation 116 supplier "name" for the list. The "name" can be a simple number, E combination of key strokes, or, an actual word or name. ] twenty-fifth operation 118 the exchange apparatus 12, 60 examines the name, and if it has never encountered that na before from that user 10 (as identified by his telephone number), creates a new database. A twenty-sixth operatioi then has the exchange apparatus 12, 60 ask the user 10 to or delete phone numbers in the database. This the user 1( does 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 twei sixth operation 120 of the exchange apparatus 12, 60 then the call. The user 10 has thereby set up his own databa; telephone numbers which need not be within a geographical close to the user 10. These can be specialist suppliers * any other telephone number which can be reached by the exchange apparatus .

When using the service, the user 10 simply specifi the "name" of his own database list. The exchange appara then behaves as described with reference to Figure 8. An alternative embodiment has password protection/user identification, so that the exchange apparatus can identi user 10 no matter what telephone number he is using. Attention is drawn to Figure 10 showing another mz in which the present invention can function. It very muc resembles Figure 8, with the exception that the user 10 attempts to find a service supplier but not in his local nor within a particular radius, nor from a group of pre- selected suppliers (as described with reference to Figure Instead, the user 10 seeks to find a supplier in another a completely. This may happen, for example, if a user wishe 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 supp in a different area" service. In a modified sixteenth operation 100', the exchange apparatus 12, 60 asks what mo and, differently, what area. In a modified seventeenth lOoperation 102', the user specifies "find a supplier to tal to" and then specifies the location (area) . Significantly a modified eighteenth operation 104', the exchange apparat 12, 60 acquires, or gains access to the use of, a database appropriate suppliers in the specified area or location.

15manner of achieving this is shown in Figure 11. It then behaves completely as in the unmodified eighteenth operati 104 and the whole process proceeds, from that point as otherwise shown in Figure 8.

Attention is drawn to Figure 11. Figure 11 shows c

20way that the modified eighteenth operation 104' of Figure can be implemented, where a call for connection to a suppl is put through in a different area or location. The switc 60, connected to all of its various lines and subscribers 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 ar called by a user 10 seeking services in the area of the re location switch 60A, transfers the request details, from t user to the switch 60A in the remote location. The switch

30in the remote location consults its database 62A and makes simultaneous calls to every supplier of the type required the user. When one of the suppliers answers, the switch 6 at the remote location connects the call to the local swit 60 which connects the call to the user 10. In turn, when

35required, the switch 60A at the remote location can reciprocate the arrangement with the local switch. Figure shows just two of a possible large plurality of switches 6 60A which can be employed in the telephone network 124. T 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 60_ less efficient alternative, but still within the concept o the present invention, would be for the switch in the area interest 60A to download the relevant database 62A to the

10 local switch 60 and for the local switch 60 simultaneously make calls to every listed supplier. Alternatively, the 1 switch 60 could hold a database 62 for all other areas. S alternatively, the local switch 60 could employ the remote switch 60A, but send its own local selection from its data

1562 to be used by the remote switch 60A.

It will be apparent that many different local serv. 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

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

1. The user can be certain that they will be connected local service supplier in the shortest possible time;

2. The user can dial a single telephone number from an 25 location in the country to contact a local service supplie

In one embodiment, the user dials a single number and sele the service type. In another embodiment, the user dials a number which is dependent on the type of service required, this case, the exchange server telecoms switch 60 recognis 30 the call type and immediately routes the call to the appropriate service database server.

3. If the same user calls again from the same geograph 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 poss chance of fulfilling their requirements.

4. During busy periods, numbers dialled are passed to shared with other users, when a user has been connected to service supplier. This means that, in effect, these numbe were dialled before the user dialled into the exchange apparatus, thereby saving the user time and ensuring fast efficient service. This invention has been described above by way of example only, and many modifications within the scope of t invention as defined by the claims are envisaged and will apparent to a person skilled in the art.

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

The present invention also provides rapid connection a service supplier during periods when their services are premium. For example, to find a builder to perform repair work after a night of storms, by ringing the relevant cent number, the user is able to try multiple builders simultaneously with the idea that those who are able to an 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, b ringing the common number the user can ring around the loc toy shops until they are able to reserve the required item 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 requiremen for services which fall outside the basic default services offered, in this instance, the user specifies the numbers use as those of the preferred suppliers, rather than the nearest geographically. For example, a business which oft needs a price for specific items from component suppliers 5whom they have accounts to complete a time-dependent proje may specify a list of suppliers who, although not nearby, most likely to have the required parts.

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

15 It is envisaged to provide the userwith the option call for several different types of service, either at the same time or in a staggered batch process, by using shoppi cart style technology. This would complement another enhancement whereby service suppliers could request access

20 queues of users awaiting connection to a particular type c 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, .

25be given a further round of choice before the batch connec is made. Any given area having a 4km radius is unlikely t have more than one, if any, limousine company. If there i number available, the user could be given the choice of ei extending the radius of the area to be considered, or dial

30 the single available number. If no number is available wi the defined area, the user could either be given the optic extend the radius of the area or the system could be arrar to do so automatically.

Obviously, there will be some limitations to the

35services available in some areas, especially in remote or rural areas. In this case, the options given to the user i connection with the exchange server would beneficially exc. any service types not available. In the case where a requ. service type is not given as an option, the user could on again be given the option to extend the area in question.

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, simultaneou

5to forward said call from the first user to a group compri a plurality of second users, and to connect the first user solely to that one of said plurality of second users who f responds to said forwarded call from said first user.

2. An apparatus, according to claim 1, comprising means 10 keep a record of second users to whom a first user has bee connected within a preset time, said apparatus being opera to exclude, from the group, when the first user again call 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 connect to one of the second users, to any other first user who ha called said apparatus and has not yet been connected to a

20second user.

4. An apparatus, according to claim 1, claim 2 or clai wherein said group is one of a plurality of groups, each g comprising a respective one or more second users, said apparatus comprising means for a first user to select one

25 said plurality of groups for simultaneous forwarding of th first user's call to the one or more second users therein.

5. An apparatus, according to claim 1, claim 2, claim claim 4, comprising means for locating the geographical position of a first user, and for forwarding the call from

30 first user only to those second users, in the group, which situated within a predetermined distance from the geograph 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 th 5absence of a first user selecting said predetermined dista to select, as said predetermined distance, a default dista

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

10 group .

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 parties first user nominated group.

1510. An apparatus, according to any of the preceding claims, comprising means for a first user to select an are wherein to find a second user, said apparatus being operat to select, as the group for forwarding of the first users call, those second users, of the group selected by the fir

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 sa like apparatus for said like apparatus to locate and make

25connection to a second user in said selected area, and operative to receive the connection from said like apparat 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 apparat in another area, operative to make a connection to a secon user in its own area, and operative to transfer the connec to the like apparatus

513. A method for use in a telecommunications apparatus operative to provide connection to a plurality of users, s method including the steps of: receiving a call from a fir user; simultaneously forward the call from the first user group comprising a plurality of second users; and connect lOthe first user solely to that one of said plurality of sec users who first responds to the forwarded call from the fi user.

14. A method, according to claim 13, comprising the step of: keeping a record of second users to whom a first user

15been connected within a preset time; and excluding, from t group, when the first user again calls, any second user wh has been connected to the first user within the preset tim

15. A method, according to claim 13 or claim 14, inclu the step of transferring any remaining simultaneously call

20 second users, after an intial first user has been connecte 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 25 for use when said group is one of a plurality of groups, e group comprising a respective one or more second users, sa method including the steps of: responding to a first user 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.

17. A method, according to claim 13, claim 14, claim 1 claim 16, including the steps of: locating the geographica position of a first user; and forwarding the call from the first user only to those second users, in the group, which

5 situated within a predetermined distance from the geograph 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 ste; lOof, 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 s a first user nominated group.

21. A method, according to claim 20, including the ste] allowing only that first user, who created a particular fi 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 usi

25call, those second users, of the group selected by the fir, user, located in said selected area.

23. A method, according to claim 22, including the ste] of: connecting to a remote, like apparatus in a selected a. 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; receivi the connection to a second user from said like apparatus; transferring the connection to the first user.

524. A method, according to claim 23, including the ste 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 a and transferring the connection to the apparatus employing 0 like method.

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

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