Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An information supply apparatus is provided which includes an Information Provider and a Service Provider at a remote location. Information, stored in the Information Provider, is supplied via a communication line with caller or user name identification and the Service Provider to a calling terminal located at a user location. A dialing device dials the Service Provider at the remote location. The information supply apparatus includes a control system at the remote location, which is programmed: (a) after a calling terminal dials the Service Provider but before an information-transfer connection is made via the communication line, to make a determination whether or not there is information stored in the Information Provider for the respective calling terminal; (b) if the determination is positive, to complete the information-transfer connection between the calling terminal and the Service Provider; and (c) if the determination is negative, to delay the completion of the information-transfer connection between the calling terminal and the Service Provider for a predetermined time interval sufficient to enable the calling terminal to disconnect the communication line before the information-transfer connection is completed.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim