Electronic classified advertising interface method and instructions with direct ad access for advertisers

• US 20030021396A1
• Filed: 09/20/2002
• Published: 01/30/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 01/09/1995
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Qwest Communications International Incorporated (Lumen Technologies, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Qwest Communications International Incorporated (Lumen Technologies, Inc.)
• Inventors: Bixler, Matthew, Trader, Terry
• Application Number:
  US10/247,959
• Publication Number:
  US 20030021396A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 379/88.16
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/306 User profiles
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/329 in the application layer [OSI layer 7]

Abstract

An interface for an electronic classified advertising system. The interface includes a feature which allows an advertiser to enter the system and input an access number to hear all of the advertisements which the advertiser has on the system. The advertiser is then prompted to indicate satisfaction or dissatisfaction after each ad is played.

Claims

5. A method utilizing interactive television to allow a plurality of user types to access and select options in an electronic classified advertising system comprising the steps of:

accessing said electronic classified advertising system via a single channel;

prompting an electronic classified advertising system user to enter a code on a remote control unit;

determining if the entered code is an advertiser direct access number;

searching for all advertisements in said electronic classified advertising system associated with said advertiser direct access number;

displaying each of said advertisements sequentially;

prompting said advertiser to press a button on said remote control unit in order to indicate satisfaction with a displayed advertisement; and

prompting said advertiser to press a button on said remote control unit to indicate dissatisfaction with a displayed advertisement.

6. A method according to claim 5 wherein said advertiser is connected to a service representative upon indicating dissatisfaction with a displayed advertisement.

7. An interface to enable a plurality of user types to interact with equipment in an electronic classified advertising system said interface comprising:

a television including a screen;

a remote control in electromagnetic communication with said television, said remote control including a plurality of buttons;

said equipment including a computer to provide instructions to said plurality of user types via a single channel, said instructions including;

prompting the user to press one or more predetermined buttons on said remote control to enter an access code;

determining if the entered access code is an advertiser direct access number;

searching for all advertisements in said electronic classified advertising system associated with said advertiser direct access number;

prompting an advertiser to press one or more predetermined buttons on said remote control to control playback of said advertisements;

prompting an advertiser to press a predetermined button on said remote control to indicate satisfaction with said advertisement; and

prompting an advertiser to press a predetermined button on said remote control to indicate dissatisfaction with said advertisement.

8. An interface according to claim 7 wherein said advertiser indicating dissatisfaction includes an automatic connection to a service representative upon said indication.

9. A method for distinguishing among a plurality of electronic classified advertising system users via a single interface comprising the steps of:

having a user call said electronic classified advertising system;

promoting said user to enter a code; and

distinguishing between seller users and buyer users as a function of the code entered.