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;   sending a responsive corresponding communication from the service provider to the user in response to the corresponding communication; and   sending a voice call to a customer service representative;   wherein the user selectable options menu includes at least one of accessing an account, transmitting data, requesting information, obtaining a service receiving information, or any combination thereof.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the service provider relates to at least one of banking and bill paying. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the user selectable options menu further includes conducting a transaction. 
     
     
         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 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the voice call is made using a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD). 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the service provider relates to at least one of shopping, travel, flowers or gifts information.