Patent ID: 7200210
Filing Date: 2007-04-03
Classification: G06Q,H04M

Abstract:
1. A method of automating business scheduling via the Internet using a natural language voice user interface through which a user directly accesses a scheduling database, to search availability and reserve a time slot based on preferences of said user, said method comprising: (a) through said natural language voice user interface providing by way of a first VoiceXML page, to said user at least one available search range for said user selection thereof; (b) through said natural language voice user interface providing, by way of a second VoiceXML page, to said user a plurality of search options for said user selection thereof, said plurality of search options including search on preferred date, preferred time of day, and earliest available time slots; (c) through said natural language voice user interface, obtaining said user's preferences as required by a selected one of said plurality of search options selected in step (b); (d) searching, by way of a third VoiceXML page, said scheduling database for available time slots by applying said selected one of said plurality of search options within a selected one of said at least one available search range selected in step (a) in order to produce a search result; (e) selecting a plurality of available time slots from said search result, said plurality of available time slots being closest in time to said user's preference, a total number of said plurality of available time slots not exceeding a predetermined value; (f) through said natural language voice user interface providing, by way of a fourth VoiceXML page, to said user said plurality of available time slots for said user selection of a chosen time slot; (g) reserving said chosen time slot in said scheduling database for said user; and (h) repeating steps (a) through (h), whereby said user can reserve said preferred time slot by self service.