Importance

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Abstract

A multimedia communication system which allows a user at a terminal to efficiently place an order for merchandise with a merchandise provider includes terminals and a multimedia server connected thereto via a public network. The multimedia server includes an information storage unit for storing multimedia information on each merchandise item, a communication control unit for controlling information transmission between terminals and the server via the public network, and a bulletin board service unit for transmitting merchandise items from the information storage unit to the communication control unit in response to a merchandise information look-up request from any of terminals. The multimedia server further has an ordering service unit and a main service unit. The ordering service unit enters the quantities and delivery times of merchandise ordered from a terminal into a received order master file, transcribes what is input in the master file onto a slip, and enters the slip into a received order file after adding to the slip the address, name and user code number of the user who placed the order. The mail service unit transmits slips held in the ordering service unit to the terminal of a merchandise delivery center via the communication control unit.

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First Claim