Patent ID: 6118860
Filing Date: 2000-09-12
Classification: G06Q,G07F,H04M,Y10S

Abstract:
An apparatus for vending public communications services, the apparatus comprising:a) a telephone;b) a multimedia terminal operable to provide a plurality of multimedia services;c) a user timer including:(i) a first timer enabled in response to a request for access to at least one of said multimedia services at said apparatus;(ii) a data rate measurement device for determining a receive data rate at which data is received at said apparatus;(iii) memory for storing a pre-defined data rate value; and(iv) a comparator for comparing said receive data rate with said pre-defined data rate value and for disabling said first timer when said receive data rate is less than said pre-defined data rate value and for re-enabling said first timer when said receive data rate is equal to or exceeds said pre-defined data rate value,d) a payment receiver for receiving an authorization to accept changes and for enabling simultaneous use of said telephone and said multimedia terminal in response to said authorization.