WO2001004761A1

WO2001004761A1 - A telecommunications system

Info

Publication number: WO2001004761A1
Application number: PCT/SE2000/001448
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mats Jakobsson; Carl-Johan Grund
Original assignee: Surfbuy Ab
Priority date: 1999-07-09
Filing date: 2000-07-06
Publication date: 2001-01-18
Also published as: AU6043800A; SE515921C2; EP1203298A1; SE9902646L; SE9902646D0

Abstract

The invention relates to a telecommunication system (1) utilising a combination of a telecommunication-network-related system (T) and a computer-network-related system (D) in which callable (2) and calling (3) apparatus are connected to the telecommunication-network-related system and in which at least one computer unit (4) is connected to the computer-network-related system and which at least one computer unit (4) is connected to the computer-network-related system: An apparatus (2) pertaining to the telecommunication-network-related system and a computer unit (4) pertaining to a computer-network-related system are coordinated so as to be at the disposal of an operator (K). The operator (K) marks one or more significant features via the computer unit (4) and the computer-network-related system, for a sought product and/or service. Said marked features (A1, A2, A3) can be transferred to a control system (S) together with a subscriber's call number (1, 2, 3) valid for apparatus pertaining to the operator's telecommunication-network-related system. A subscriber's call number (3 5 0) corresponding to said significant features (A1) is evaluated in the control system and the control system (S) initiates a call to the evaluated call number (3 5 0). When an answer or equivalent is initiated from the evaluated call number (3 5 0), the control system (S) transfers the call number (1 2 3) for the operator's apparatus. The party (3) (3 5 0) thus called by the control system in turn initiates a call to the operator's apparatus (2) (1 2 3 ).

Description

A TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEM

Technical field

The present invention relates generally to a telecommunication system and more particularly to a telecommunication system that will utilise a combination of a telecommunication-network-related system and a computer-network-related system.

The telecommunication-network-related system is illustrated in the following as the public telephone network whereas the computer-network-related sys- tern is illustrated in the following as an Internet system.

The invention is based on the known fact that callable and calling apparatus and also exchange functions must be connected to the telecommunication- network-related system so that when a calling party initiates a call to a called party means are activated to generate a digit combination corresponding to the called apparatus that, by way of the exchange functions included, will create a connection route through the telecommunication network to establish a connection route and speech channel between the calling and the called apparatus.

The invention is also based on the use of a computer network such as the Internet, where computer units are connected to said computer network via mo- dems.

The invention, however, requires that at least one, usually a plurality of computer units, shall be connected to a computer-network-related system.

An apparatus pertaining to the telecommunication-network-related system and a computer unit pertaining to the computer-network-related system are so spatially co-ordinated as to be at the disposal of an operator.

The operator mentioned here could be termed customer in the following since, in the telecommunication system according to the invention, the operator could use a part of the system solely to obtain information concerning the properties and peculiarities of a product or service, its price, terms of delivery or the like, without having to be in telephone contact with a sales person.

The operator mentioned could be termed purchaser in the following since, in the telecommunication system according to the invention, the operator could use the system in order, for the purpose of more actively purchasing, to obtain information from a sales person concerning the properties and peculiarities of a product or service, its price, terms of delivery or the like, via a speech connection or speech channel through the telecommunication-network-related system between the purchaser and the sales person or vice versa.

By way of simplification the operator will be termed only purchaser in the following although both the applications described above are possible. Computer units connected to the computer network, such as the Internet, shall have a mouse function or the like to allow selection and activation of a function selected for the relevant service, in known manner.

The invention is also based on said purchaser being able to mark and select said service on his/her computer unit and via the computer-network-related system, and thereafter mark one or more significant features relating to a sought product and/or sought service.

Background art Various embodiments of telecommunication systems of the type described in the introduction, requiring co-operation between a telecommunication- network-related system and a computer-network-related system are already known.

Systems of this type are generally based on electronic trade over the Internet system and include various identification routines and the like for reliable identification.

It has been considered unreliable to send sensitive information such as identification, credit card numbers, etc. through the computer network, whereas the telecommunication network system has been deemed to be considerably more reliable in this respect.

Taking into account the fact that the present invention can also be deemed to cover a system for electronic trading, it may be mentioned that such systems are well known.

As an example of the background art, reference is made to patent publi- cation US-A-5 727 163 showing and describing a method and a system for offering an electronic transaction and allowing a purchaser to place an order with a seller, and where the financial transaction shall apply to a credit card, over a computer network which is in many safety respects insecure.

It is stated here that when a purchaser and a seller intend to complete a financial transaction, an order is written out stating the relevant products and/or services and other information required for said order, such as shipping, payment address, and an identification of the goods, and thereafter only a part of the full number of the credit card from which funds shall be deducted for the entire financial transaction is entered. This order is now transferred via the Internet or some other network to a seller located far from the local position of the purchaser.

A computer unit (38) at the local position of the seller now processes the order by extracting and registering the information sent from the purchaser for storing in a database (40). During a subsequent telephone call from purchaser to seller via the telecommunication-network-related system, the purchaser can now enter the full credit card number, preferably using a key set (28) on the telephone.

Tones generated from the key set are processed in a system (44) to en- able the complete credit card number to be entered in the computer unit (38). By using a part of the full credit card number, corresponding to the part subsequently entered on the order by the purchaser, the computer unit can identify the order submitted previously and can enter the complete credit card number in the order stored in the database, thus enabling completion of the financial transaction. Various embodiments of systems designed to be able to provide secure electronic trading of goods and services on-line are already known.

Patent publications US-A-5 729 594, US-A-5 826 241 , US-A-5 891 837 and US-A-5 737 414 may be mentioned by way of example.

Description of the invention

Technical problems

Taking into account the fact that the technical deliberations one skilled in the art must make in order to offer a solution to one or more of the technical problems posed are initially an insight into the measures and/or the sequence of measures to be taken, as well as a choice of the means necessary, and on the basis thereof, the following technical problems are no doubt relevant to developing the present invention.

Taking into account the background art as described above, and using a telecommunication network system of the type described in the introduction, it should be deemed a technical problem to allow a purchaser to be able in a simple manner to create such criteria that, via the computer network system, he can perform a simple search amongst the available products and/or services he is currently interested in.

It is then a technical problem to be able, using simple measures, to create such criteria that, when the purchaser has selected an available product and/or service, he shall then be able to achieve speech contact over the telecommunication network system with a person, or one of several people, who are well qualified to answer questions and/or to supply the purchaser with a specified product or service. A technical problem is entailed in being able to create such criteria that when the purchaser, in a computer-network-related system, enters one or more specified and significant features for a product and/or service sought, he shall immediately, within a brief period of time or at a specified time, via the telecommunication-network-related system, obtain telephone contact over an established connection route with a caller, i.e. the person chosen by a system to be well qualified to answer questions and/or supply a desired product and/or service.

A technical problem is entailed in being able to perceive the significance of and advantages associated with allowing said marked features in a telecom- munication system of the type described in the introduction be transferable to a control system and to which control system a call number for the purchaser's telecommunication-network-related apparatus is also transferred.

A technical problem is entailed in being able to perceive the significance of and advantages associated with having the control system evaluate one or more callable numbers, each of which corresponds, or at least substantially corresponds to, each of said significant features.

A technical problem is also entailed in being able to perceive the significance of and advantages associated with having the control system initiate a call via the telecommunication-network-related system, to one of the evaluatable call numbers, i.e. the call number that is first in line in an established queue.

A technical problem is also entailed in being able to perceive the significance of and advantages associated with, when a response is initiated from the call number evaluated and called by the control system, having the call number for the purchaser's apparatus of the telecommunication-network-related system transferred from the control system, and that the party called from the control system now initiates a call to the purchaser's apparatus.

A technical problem is also entailed in being able to perceive the significance of and advantages associated with having a list of features drawn up in the control system, with call numbers corresponding to one or more of the features and/or combination of features.

A technical problem is also entailed in being able to perceive the significance of and advantages associated with having the control system include lists with different combinations of two or more features with one or more stored call numbers corresponding to respective combinations of features. A technical problem is also entailed in being able to perceive the significance of, when the control system initiates a call to one of the evaluated call numbers and this call number is engaged, having a call initiated to another, subsequent call number within a listed group of call numbers that can be initiated. A technical problem is also entailed in being able to perceive the signifi- cance of allowing a call number for the purchaser's apparatus to be stored in order to mark that the evaluated call number is engaged.

A technical problem is also entailed in being able to create criteria for unbroken speech contact between a purchaser and a calling seller where the cost of the call is charged to the calling party or the seller. A technical problem is also entailed in being able to supplement the telecommunication system described in the introduction so that, when speech contact has been established between the called purchaser and the calling seller, and if both desire to conclude a financial transaction, the control system or systems can again be connected which shall require and obtain identifying particulars and credit card number from the called purchaser and require and obtain identifying particulars and information as to the product and/or service in question, etc. from the calling seller.

A technical problem is entailed in being able to perceive the significance of and advantages associated with having an artificial speech device associated with the control system, which can transfer data relating to the financial transaction in question to the called and the calling parties, and where the transaction is only fully concluded when confirmation has been initiated from both parties, where such confirmation may be by means of depressing a selected key on the appara- tus pertaining to the telecommunication network.

A technical problem is entailed in being able, by simple means, to create such criteria that the operator can indicate, via a key set and/or computer unit, a suitable time for receiving and answering calls from the call number evaluated by the control system or that the operator can indicate, via a key set and/or computer unit, a suitable period during which calls are expected.

A technical problem is entailed in being able, by simple means, to create such criteria that the operator can, via a key set and/or computer unit, indicate and select a time for receiving a call when the calling party intends to provide general and/or specific information to a plurality of called parties simultaneously or that the operator can, via a key set and/or computer unit, indicate and select a time to receive a call simultaneously with another operator.

It should also be evident that a technical problem is entailed in, using simple means, being able to create such criteria as to allow a PC-unit pertaining to an operator to be connectable to units in the telecommunication network sys- tern, which units are in communication with or are covered by said computer- network-related system and/or said control system.

It should also be evident that a technical problem is entailed in, using simple means, being able to create such criteria as to allow calls initiated by the control system to a selected and called apparatus to be stored in a memory and to supply calls initiated by the control system from the memory one by one to the apparatus and for the apparatus, when answering such calls, to active a circuit which, via a direct choice for the apparatus, establishes a connection to a relevant operator and the formation of a speech channel through the telecommunication network system. Solution

The present invention is thus based on a telecommunication system utilising a combination of a telecommunication-network-related system and a com- puter-network-related system in which callable and calling apparatus are connected to the telecommunication-network-related system and in which at least one computer unit is connected to the computer-network-related system, wherein an apparatus pertaining to the telecommunication-network-related system and a computer unit pertaining to a computer-network-related system are spatially co- ordinated so as to be at the disposal of an operator, the operator marking one or more significant features via the computer unit and the computer-network-related system, for a sought product and/or service.

In order to solve one or more of the technical problems listed above, the present invention proposes that said marked features should be transferable to a control system together with a subscriber's call number valid for apparatus pertaining to the operator's telecommunication-network-related system, that one or more stored call numbers corresponding to said significant features are evaluated in the control system, that the control system initiates a call to the evaluated call number and that, when an answer has been initiated from the evaluated call number, the control system transfers the call number for the operator's apparatus and that a party thus called by the control system in turn initiates a call to the operator's apparatus with the aid of the call number received from the control system.

Proposed embodiments falling within the scope of the present invention are the provision of lists of features with one or more call numbers corresponding to respective features in the control system.

Also proposed is for the control system to include lists with combinations of two or more features with one or more call numbers corresponding to respective combinations of features. Also proposed is, when the control system initiates a call to one of the evaluated call numbers, and when this is marked as engaged, for a new call to be initiated to another call number in a group of call numbers that can be initiated. It is also proposed that the call number or equivalent for the operator's apparatus can be stored for engaged-marking of a call number evaluated by the control system.

Also falling within the scope of the invention is the possibility that, when speech contact has been established between a called operator and the calling subscriber and upon conclusion of a mutually agreed financial transaction, the control system is connected which requires and receives identifying particulars from the operator together with credit card number, and requires and receives identifying particulars together with information concerning the relevant product and/or service from the calling party.

The control system is provided with an artificial speech device which transfers data relating to the relevant financial transaction to the called party and to the calling party, and the transaction is completed after confirmation has been received from both parties.

Confirmation may be effected by pressing a selected key on each apparatus pertaining to the telecommunication network. It is also proposed that, via a key set and/or computer unit, the operator can indicate a suitable time for calling from the call number evaluated by the control system or via a key set and/or a computer unit the operator can indicate a suitable period of time during which calls are expected.

It is also proposed that, via a key set and/or computer unit, the operator can state and select a time for receiving a call when the called party intends to provide general and/or specific information to several called parties simultaneously, such as stating and selecting via a key set and/or computer unit a time for receiving a call simultaneously with another operator.

A PC-unit pertaining to an operator is furthermore proposed for connec- tion to units in the telecommunication network system, which units are in communication with or are included in said computer-network-related system and/or said control system.

Particularly proposed is that calls initiated by the control system to a selected and called apparatus are stored in a memory and that calls initiated by the control system are fed to the apparatus one by one and that, when answering each call, the apparatus activates a circuit that, via a direct choice for the apparatus, establishes a connection to a relevant operator and the formation of a speech channel through the telecommunication network system.

Advantages

The advantages that can be considered as primarily significant to a telecommunication system in accordance with the present invention are that criteria are created for a purchaser (or an operator) to select on his own computer unit and insert one or more significant features applicable to a product or service sought. When these features are supplied to a control system a call number is selected that is particularly suitable for the product and/or service. The control system then calls the selected call number to a seller and provides him with a call number valid for the apparatus pertaining to the purchaser's communication network system so that the seller selected and called by the control system immedi- ately or as desired can call the purchaser and discuss the relevant product and/or service via an established speech channel.

The cost pertaining to the telecommunication network system is thus charged to the seller. The telecommunication system according to the invention also offers the possibility of concluding a financial transaction by utilising means pertaining to the control system.

The principal characteristics of a telecommunication system in accordance with the present are defined in the characterizing part of the appended claim 1.

Brief description of the drawings

A telecommunication system in accordance with the invention, having the services and possibilities associated with the telecommunication system will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which;

Figure 1 shows schematically the structure of a telecommunication system in accordance with the principles of the invention, Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of a list arranged in the control system, Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of a list arranged in the control system, and

Figure 4 shows in block diagram form a control system falling within the scope of the invention

Description of preferred embodiment Figure 1 illustrates schematically and in block diagram form a telecommunication system 1 according to the invention, this telecommunication system utilising a combination of a telecommunication-network-related system T and a computer-network-related system D.

The telecommunication-network-related system comprises the public tele- communication system and the computer-network-related system may comprise an Internet system.

Callable and calling apparatus 2, 3 are connected to the telecommunication-network-related system T in known manner and the system T also includes exchange functions Te of known type. A calling apparatus 3 can be connected with a called apparatus 2 via coding (1 2 3), a speech channel being connected or formed between them.

A number of computer units 4, 5 are connected to the computer-network- related system, one of which is significant to the invention and has been designated 4. An apparatus 2 pertaining to the telecommunication-network-related system and a computer unit pertaining to a computer-network-related system are spatially co-ordinated so as to be easily at the disposal of an operator K

The operator is in the following designated purchaser The computer unit 4 communicates with the computer network D via a modem 4a and a cable 4', and a computer unit 5 also communicates with the computer network D via a modem 5a and a cable 5'

The apparatus 3 and computer unit 5 are co-ordinated to be at the disposal of a seller L The computer unit 4 is shown here with a mouse 4b, a display 4c, a central unit 4d and a keyboard 4e

A cursor discernible on the display 4c can be moved in known manner by a movement of the mouse 4b and various functions are activated by clicking on

For the sake of simplicity it will now be assumed that a purchaser K wishes to purchase a lawnmower, without limiting his search to a specific make

The purchaser K shall in known manner mark a significant feature (activate the icon for lawnmowers) for a sought product and/or service, via his computer unit 4 and the computer-network-related system D The present invention now dictates that said marked features be transferred to a control system S, the nature of which will be described in further detail with reference to Figure 4

At the same time as said marked feature is transferred, a subscriber's call number (1 2 3) valid for the apparatus 2 pertaining to the purchaser's telecommu- nication-network-related system is also transferred via coding (1 2 3)

It is assumed that a call number (1 2 3) valid for the apparatus 2, followed by a single chosen significant feature (A1) applicable to lawnmowers is transferred via cable 4'

When this string of information arrives at the control system S a number of lists of marked features are present in the control system S

The control system S now seeks the list corresponding to the feature (A1), lawnmowers

Figure 2 illustrates such a list for only one feature A1

The control system S stipulates that several appropriate call numbers ex- ist for the feature (A1 ), namely (3 4 5), (3 4 6), (3 4 7) and (3 4 8)

Each of these call numbers represents a sales representative for lawn- mowers of various makes

The control system S is designed to initiate a call to the first number call number (3 4 5) on the list If this call number (3 4 5) is engaged-marked, the next call number (3 4 6) is selected, and so on.

As soon as a call number has been initiated and the control system S has obtained an answer, this call number is moved to the lowermost position in Figure 2 upon conclusion of the conversation, indicated in Figure 2 as /(3 4 5)/.

If it is assumed that the purchaser K is more specific as regards the selected product he may have marked several, perhaps three, significant features (A1 , A2, A3) specifying lawnmower (A1), trademark (A2) and powered lawnmower (A3). The control system S then looks for a list in which these three significant features are stored and the control system shall then initiate a call to a single call number (3 5 0).

It is evident that several call numbers may be available for one or only a few significant features.

For more or a great number of significant features a fewer number of call numbers, perhaps only one, will be available.

The following description is intended to exemplify the invention in the first place with three criteria, in accordance with Figure 3.

Figure 3 also indicates that a single call number (3 5 1) is applicable for the significant features (A1 , B2, C3) and another single call number (3 5 2) is ap- plicable for the significant features (A2, B4, C8).

To a person familiar with this technical area it is obvious that combinations of features can be made extensive and apply to more general products and/or services or for more specific products and/or services.

The computer system D (or the control system S) may have a plurality of technical features and a plurality of services stored within it.

These features, such as an enquiry or consultation, need not be the subject of a financial transaction. Others, if circumstances dictate, may involve a financial transaction.

It is now assumed that the control system S has identified the significant features (A1 , A2, A3) in the list in Figure 3, and that the control system S has identified the call number (3 5 0).

It is also assumed that the purchaser's call number (1 2 3) has been placed temporarily in the list in order to mark the features (A1 , A2, A3) and the call number (3 5 0) as engaged. The system S thus initiates a call to a telecommunication-network-related apparatus, such as apparatus 3 with call number (3 5 0) and when a response or equivalent is initiated from the evaluated call number (3 5 0) the control system S transfers the call number (1 2 3) for the purchaser's apparatus. The apparatus 3 (3 5 0) thus called by the control system S now initiates a call, via the telecommunication network T, to the purchaser's apparatus 2 with the apparatus number (1 2 3).

Also falling within the scope of the invention is that when the control sys- tem S initiates a call to one (3 5 0) of the evaluatable call numbers and this is engaged-marked, a new call is initiated to another call number within a group of ini- tiatable numbers (see Figure 2), or else the number (1 2 3) is placed in a memory 3a in the apparatus 3.

The number (1 2 3) stored in the memory 3a can be shown on a display 3b.

There is nothing to prevent the call number (1 2 3) from being entered in an automatic call-back circuit for the call number (3 5 0).

The control system S is in communication with the system D and the system T via a two-way exchange of information via connections S1 and S2. Although the present embodiment illustrates an interest in lawnmowers it is obvious that the inventive concept is equally applicable to other products and/or services.

The invention aims at providing such criteria that an initiated interest from a purchaser will automatically select in the control system S and call up a very suitable person for the chosen interest and this person can then call the purchaser on the basis of the call number (1 2 3) received.

When speech contact has been established over the system T between a called apparatus 2 and a calling apparatus 3 and in the event of a mutual desire for completion of a financial transaction the control system S is connected which, via means for the purchaser and his apparatus 2 requires and obtains identifying particulars and full credit card number and requires and receives identifying particulars and information on the relevant product and/or service from the seller and his apparatus 3, and then stores the information thus obtained.

The control system S includes an artificial speech device which transfers data relating to the relevant financial transaction to the called party 2 and to the calling party 3, where the transaction is completed only after confirmation has been received from both apparatus 2, 3.

Confirmation may be effected by a selected key 2a, 3a on each apparatus pertaining to the telecommunication network being depressed and the confirma- tion is transferred via cable 2', 3' and S2 to the control system 3.

Figure 4 shows in block diagram form certain blocks and parts of the control system S that are of significance to the invention.

An information string (1 2 3, A1 , A2, A3) comes in on cable 4' and is received in block 41. The combination (A1 , A2, A3) is controlled in a set of several lists 42 and when a relevant list with relevant combination is found it is transferred to said list and the combination call number (1 2 3) in order to engaged-mark the apparatus number (3 5 0). The call number (3 5 0) evaluated from the list is now transferred to a block 43.

An initiation of a connection to apparatus 3 with call number (3 5 0) takes place via block 44 and when the apparatus 3 answers, the number (1 2 3) is transmitted to apparatus 3. If completion of a financial transaction is desired, the control system S is initiated from apparatus 2, 3 via cables 2' and 3'.

A block 45 receives the indication and starts an artificial speech generator 46.

The speech generator 46 demands certain particulars from the purchaser - identification, credit card number, etc. - which are sent by means of the key set (2a) and stored in the block 47.

The speech generator 46 demands certain particulars from the seller - identification, type of product, article number, price, etc. - which are sent by means of the key set (3a) and stored in the block 48. The speech generator 46 repeats all conditions for the financial transaction to both parties who must then generate an acceptance signal via the key set, after which the transaction is concluded and stored in a block 49.

Although the control system S in Figure 1 is illustrated as a separate block, it is perfectly possible to incorporate the control system S in the computer system D.

A number of modifications and additions now fall within the scope of the invention.

The telecommunication system 1 may advantageously be supplemented so that, via the key set 2a and/or computer unit 4, the operator K is able to specify a suitable time for the desired call (3 5 0) from the call number evaluated by the control system S.

Alternatively the operator K can specify a suitable time period via the key set and/or computer unit, during which the call is expected.

This can be effected by adding a time specification code (not shown) to the information string on cable 4'.

Such a time specification code, requiring activation after a certain period of time, is indicated and the rest of the information string is stored in a temporary memory 41 a. The telecommunication system 1 can advantageously be supplemented so that, via his key set 2a and/or computer unit 4, the operator K can state and select a time for receiving a call when the called party L intends to provide general and/or specific information to several called parties simultaneously and/or, via a key set and/or computer unit the operator can state and select a time for receiving a call simultaneously with another operator.

This can be achieved by supplementing the information string on cable 4' with a time specification code (not shown), but separate from the time specification code mentioned above. Such a time specification code, requiring activation after a certain period of time, is indicated and the rest of the information string is stored in a temporary memory 41 b.

Also falling within the scope of the invention is the possibility that a PC- unit 4 pertaining to an operator can be connected to units such as exchange units in the telecommunication network system T, which units are in communication with or are included in said computer-network-related system D and/or said control system S.

The spatial separation of systems T, D and S according to Figure 1 shall thus not be interpreted literally. In practice parts of one system can be integrated with parts of another system.

Calls initiated by the control system to a selected and called apparatus (3 5 0) can also be stored in a memory 44a and, from the memory 44a, calls initiated by the control system are fed to the apparatus (3 5 0) one by one. When answering each call, circuit 44b is activated which, via a direct choice from the appa- ratus 3, establishes a connection to a relevant operator K and the formation of a speech channel through the telecommunication network system T. This direct choice could be "press hash" or "press star". The invention is naturally not restricted to the embodiments described above by way of example but may undergo modifications within the scope of the inventive concept illustrated in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A telecommunication system (1) utilising a combination of a telecommunication-network-related system (T) and a computer-network-related system (D) in which callable and calling apparatus (2, 3) are connected to the telecommunication-network-related system and in which at least one computer unit (4, 5) is connected to the computer-network-related system, wherein an apparatus (2) pertaining to the telecommunication-network-related system and a computer unit pertaining to the computer-network-related system are co-ordinated so as to be at the disposal of an operator (K), the operator (K) marking one or more significant features (A1) via the computer unit (4) and the computer-network-related system, for a sought product and/or service, characterized in a) that said marked features can be transferred to a control system (S) together with a subscriber's call number (123) valid for apparatus pertaining to the op- erator's telecommunication-network-related system; b) that a subscriber's call number (345) corresponding to said significant feature (A1 ) is evaluated in the control system; c) that the control system (S) initiates a call to the evaluated call number (345); d) that when an answer or equivalent is initiated from the evaluated call number, the control system transfers the call number for the operator's (K) apparatus and e) that the party thus called by the control system in turn initiates a call to the operator's apparatus.

2. A telecommunication system as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that the control system comprises a list of features with one or more call numbers corresponding to each feature.

3. A telecommunication system as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that the control system comprises a list with combinations of two or more features with one or more call numbers corresponding to each combination of features.

4. A telecommunication system as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that when the control system initiates a call to an evaluated call number and this is en- gaged, a call is initiated to another call number included in a group of call numbers that can be initiated.

5. A telecommunication system as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that the call number for the operator's apparatus can be stored for engaged-marking of the evaluated call number.

6. A telecommunication system as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that when speech contact has been established between a called operator and the calling subscriber and, upon conclusion of a financial transaction, the control system is connected which receives identifying particulars from the operator together with credit card number and receives identifying particulars together with informa- tion concerning the relevant product and/or service from the calling party.

7. A telecommunication system as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the control system comprises an artificial speech device which transfers data relating to the relevant financial transaction to the called party and to the calling party, and where the transaction is completed only after confirmation has been received from both parties.

8. A telecommunication system as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that confirmation is effected by pressing a selected key on each apparatus pertaining to the telecommunication network.

9. A telecommunication system as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that via a key set and/or a computer unit the operator can indicate a suitable time for calling from the call number evaluated by the control system.

10. A telecommunication system as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that via a key set and/or a computer unit the operator can indicate a suitable period of time during which calls are expected.

11. A telecommunication system as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that via a key set and/or a computer unit the operator can state and select a time for receiving a call when the called party intends to provide general and/or specific information to several called parties simultaneously.

12. A telecommunication system as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that via a key set and/or a computer unit the operator can state and select a time for receiving a call simultaneously with another operator.

13. A telecommunication system as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that a PC-unit pertaining to an operator can be connected to units in the telecommunication network system, which units are in communication with or are included in said computer-network-related system and/or said control system.

14. A telecommunication system as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that calls initiated by the control system to a selected and called apparatus can be stored in a memory and that calls initiated by the control system are fed to the apparatus one by one and that, when answering each call, the apparatus activates a circuit that, via a direct choice for the apparatus, establishes a connection to a relevant operator and the formation of a speech channel through the telecommunication network system.