Patent attributes
An efficient computer-implemented method that allows an owner of a website to initiate voice and/or video calls with clients that are visiting the website of the owner in a manner that is simple for the visitor and can use fewer network resources than in prior approaches. The visit of the client to the website causes creating a socket connection between the client and the server. The server executes an application program to maintain a list of connected clients, and various metadata about the clients, which is presented to the website owner in an interface display. The owner can select any particular client among all the clients in the list, to initiate a peer-to-peer connection with that particular client and begin a call with them. The process executes without the client explicitly requesting a call. Consequently, a visitor to a website, and a representative of the website, can establish an audiovisual call rapidly and efficiently, then immediately begin addressing questions, requests, or requirements of the visitor.
