METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR BUYING AND SELLING GOODS AND SERVICES USING NETWORK OF LINKED COMPUTER TERMINALS

摘要

Goods and services are purchased by consumers using a network of consumer terminals and representative terminals, and a removable media such as a CD-ROM which includes catalogs of goods and services from multiple sources. The consumer terminal includes a removable media reader such as a CD-ROM reader and a wireless remote control for controlling the media reader in response to consumer commands. When the consumer reaches a decision concerning the goods or services, contact is initiated with a representative terminal. Upon initiating contact, a representative terminal is linked to the consumer terminal for data communications therebetween. The representative terminal seizes control of the consumer terminal so that the representative terminal remotely controls operation of the consumer terminal. The representative at the representative terminal and the consumer at the consumer terminal engage in verbal dialogue concerning the goods or services to be ordered, and an order form is filled out by the representative at the representative terminal, using templates which are stored at the consumer terminal. When complete order information is obtained, the representative controls the transmission of the ordering information from the consumer terminal to the representative terminal, to thereby cause the consumer to purchase the goods or services. The consumer terminal is as easy to use as a television, and the selection and ordering takes place as part of interaction with a human representative at the representative terminal.