Communications network interface for user friendly interactive access to online services

Abstract

A method and a system for connecting a service provider and a user at a remote location relative to the service provider, via a network based telecommunications device, are provided. The method includes utilizing a network operable terminal for transmitting communications between the service provider and the user, employing a display screen depicting a user selectable options menu, corresponding with service functions offered by the service provider, and enabling the user to choose an option from the user selectable options menu to initiate a corresponding communication to the service provider. The system includes a user operable terminal including a user interface display screen with user selectable menu options that are changeable in accordance with differing modes of operation, an internal processing unit configured for providing at least one selectable menu option; and a gateway service platform configured for transmitting an option selected from the at least one selectable menu option to and from one of the user or the provider.

1 . A method for connecting a service provider and a user at a remote location relative to the service provider, via a network based telecommunications device, said method comprising:
 utilizing a network operable terminal for transmitting communications between the service provider and the user;   employing a display screen depicting a user selectable options menu, corresponding with service functions offered by the service provider;   enabling the user to choose an option from the user selectable options menu to initiate a corresponding communication to the service provider; and   sending a responsive corresponding communication from the service provider to the user in response to the corresponding communication.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the service provider relates to at least one of banking, bill paying, shopping, travel, flowers or gifts information. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the user selectable options menu comprises at least one of accessing an account, conducting a transaction, transmitting data, requesting information, obtaining a service, receiving information, or any combination thereof. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the transaction is identified by at least one of (1) a user identification number; (2) a secret code; (3) a serial number encoded in a transmission protocol from a user interface; or any combination thereof. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the communications are protected from unauthorized users of the network operable terminal by at least one layer of security. 
   
   
       6 . A system for a user to communicate with at least one service provider over a network, said system comprising:
 a user operable terminal including a user interface display screen with user selectable menu options that are changeable in accordance with differing modes of operation;   an internal processing unit configured for providing at least one selectable menu option; and   a gateway service platform configured for transmitting an option selected from the at least one selectable menu option to and from one of the user or the provider,   wherein the at least one service provider is accessible by the gateway service platform.   
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the user interface display screen comprises touch screen images that allow for the user to select the option by touching an image to initiate a communication to the at least one service provider. 
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the selection of the option prompts a message including at least one of transaction confirmation, error explanation, transaction repetition, user/provider voice communication in response to the selection, or any combination thereof. 
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the user operable terminal is configured to receive and send electronic data communications, the user operable terminal including a combined telephone and modem device. 
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the gateway service platform includes an application processor for user selection of a category of services from a predetermined menu. 
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the at least selectable menu option comprises at least one of account information, stop payment, information, personalized account, or any combination thereof. 
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the user operable terminal comprises at least one of audible read-out, voice-recognition, optical remote control technologies, or any combination thereof. 
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the at least one service provider has customized a particular selectable option provided to the user. 
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the user operable terminal includes a telephone handset for voice communications. 
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the user operable terminal includes an internally programmable microprocessor configured for providing the user interface display screen. 
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the microprocessor is configured for interacting with the gateway service platform through modem communications according to protocol determined by a network provider for the gateway service platform. 
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the user operable terminal includes a permanent and active memory configured for storage of operating programs and displays configured for recording user input data comprising at least one of names, account identification, security codes or any combination thereof. 
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the at least one selectable menu comprises an option for connecting the user with a service provider representative. 
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 6 , further including a user interface configured for automated voice response applications. 
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the automated voice response applications are accessed using conventional telephone networks. 
   
   
       21 . The system of  claim 6 , further comprising a bill paying system configured for the user at least one of: (1) to establish a personalized subtitle for each payee; (2) to establish a new participating payee and immediately authorize payment; (3) to view a master list of participating payees in pre-defined service/industry categories; (4) to access present and future scheduled payments through either a terminal display or voice response listening system; (5) to debit any of the user's accounts, even at different financial institutions to fund payments; or (6) any combination thereof. 
   
   
       22 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the user operable terminal comprises a customized application development software package. 
   
   
       23 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein the software package is configured for the user at least one of (1) to access particular services; (2) to optimally match financial institution's banking service features and functionalities; or (3) any combination thereof. 
   
   
       24 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the gateway service platform is configured to provide a back-up customer service, when the at least one service provider cannot directly resolve a customer inquiry.