Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

The present invention accomplishes billing and collection of multimedia IP calls with receiver designated fee schemes, enabling advance services such as personal 800 or 900 service in the conventional telephony via a downloadable software plug-in that is compatible with any compatible instant messaging software. Internet users register as members via member sub-system, and acquire a unique member ID across the member pool by downloading and installing client-software, and login to the communication sub-system and enter a 'stand-by for communication' mode. Member chooses a fee flow method among options of 'pay-to-answer (PA)', 'charge-to-answer (CA)', and 'free-to-answer (FA)', and set member's own per-pulse fee rate. Callers find the right receiver by entering keywords in a search box within their IM space or by going through a refined search utilizing such keys as country zip codes, keywords, or fee schemes. Results are returned in a search result page in several variations, preferably: pay-to-answer first, and higher rate on top; free-to-answer, then, lower rate on top; and charge-to-answer, then lower rate on top. The higher advertisers such as pay-to-answer providers are rewarded with more call icons appearing in a higher position. The search engine sells advertisements with its search results pages and receives a portion of the IM fee flows from a successful connection.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim