초록 ▼

In a method of ordering services, like booking hotel rooms, the ordering is performed via a user terminal connected to a central data processing device. A service request is specified and information of a service is retrieved from a data base in the central data processing device. When a given servi

In a method of ordering services, like booking hotel rooms, the ordering is performed via a user terminal connected to a central data processing device. A service request is specified and information of a service is retrieved from a data base in the central data processing device. When a given service offer is selected, a connection is automatically established between the user terminal and a service location terminal via the central data processing device, whereupon the desired service can be ordered and the order confirmed. Further orders can be placed before the connection is broken. When an order has been made, the data base is automatically updated from the service location. A system is also specified for implementing the method. In a telemarketing system, a suitable user terminal may be a touch-tone telephone. The user terminal may also be a dedicated terminal with software for specifying the order.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for ordering services, wherein the ordering is performed via a user terminal connected to at least one central data processing device, wherein the central data processing device comprises a data storage device containing a database of available services and is also connected to a service

1. A method for ordering services, wherein the ordering is performed via a user terminal connected to at least one central data processing device, wherein the central data processing device comprises a data storage device containing a database of available services and is also connected to a service location terminal, and wherein the method comprises steps of:a) calling up the central data processing device from the user terminal, b) specifying a service request to the central data processing device, c) retrieving from said database in the central data processing device information about current available services corresponding to the service request specified in step b), d) selecting a service offer from the available services retrieved in step c), e) in response to the selection of a service offer, effecting automatic establishment of a connection between the user terminal and the service location terminal via the central data processing device, f) ordering the desired service from the service location terminal, g) transferring an order confirmation from the service location terminal to the user terminal, h) disconnecting the established connection between the user terminal and the service location terminal when an order confirmation has been transferred to the user terminal, i) returning the user terminal to the central data processing device in order either to specify a further service request or to terminate the call, j) recording the order of step f) in real time by a local data processing system associated with the service location terminal upon the order being recorded therein, and k) effecting a real time updating of a database in the local data processing system associated with the service location terminal upon the order being recorded therein, and l) updating service information in said database in the central data processing device from the local data processing system associated with the service location terminal on the basis of those transactions undertaken between the user terminal and the service location terminal in connection with the steps a)-g), this update immediately following or being simultaneous with updating of the database in the local data processing system in step k).