System and method for consumer engagement and revenue optimization

• US 20060242267A1
• Filed: 04/25/2006
• Published: 10/26/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 04/25/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Sidebar Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Sidebar Incorporated
• Inventors: Grossman, Stephanie L.
• Application Number:
  US11/411,066
• Publication Number:
  US 20060242267A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/218
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0267 Wireless devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72406 by software upgrading or downloading
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72445 for supporting Internet browser applications

Abstract

The invention is an apparatus and method that targets communications devices with content from service providers, third party content providers, sponsors, promotional partners and advertisers. The invention matches the content with communications device users using customer profiles or device usage profiles and transmits the content to communications devices over a wireless network, via the internet, or other means. The communications devices store the content in an internal repository. The content is later displayed as a result of triggers by designated users'"'"' actions. The content is displayed in the unused space of communications devices, between a designated user action and the actuation of an intended event or function. Media or content displayed when a triggering action occurs may be cached and stored in the repository or may be delivered in real time.

Claims

1. A communications device comprising:

a display screen; and

a processor that receives content and displays the content on the display screen in response to a user action that triggers an event unrelated to the content.

2. The communications device of claim 1 wherein the content is selected from a group consisting of an advertisement, media, a promotion, a call to action, and a value proposition.

3. The communications device of claim 1 wherein the event is selected from a group consisting of a launch of a web browser, a placing or receiving of a phone call, a sending of an SMS or MMS, an opening of a clamshell communications device, a turning on or off of the communications device, and an uploading or downloading of the content.

4. The communications device of claim 1 wherein the content is in a visual format, an audio-visual format or an audio format.

5. The communications device of claim 1 further comprising a repository for storing the content for access at a later time.

6. The communications device of claim 1 wherein the content is displayed on the display screen at a time that is between the user action and a completion of the event.

7. The communications device of claim 1 wherein the content is available to the user for a specified period of time or requires a response within a specified period of time.

8. The communications device of claim 1 wherein the user can interact with the content and interrupt the event.

9. The communications device of claim 1 wherein the content can be displayed until the user instructs the processor to remove the content.

10. A system for displaying targeted content comprising:

a display screen;

a repository coupled to the display screen for storing content; and

a processor for receiving the content and displaying the content on the display screen in response to an event initiated by a user.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein the content is selected from a group consisting of an advertisement, media, a promotion, a call to action, and a value proposition.

12. The system of claim 10 wherein the event is selected from a group consisting of a launch of a web browser, a placing or receiving of a phone call, a sending of an SMS or MMS, an opening of a clamshell communications device, a turning on or off of the communications device, and an uploading or downloading of the content.

13. The system of claim 10 wherein the content is available to the user for a specified period of time or requires a response within a specified period of time.

14. The system of claim 10 wherein the user can interact with the content and interrupt the event.

15. A method for revenue optimization comprising:

receiving content from a content provider;

searching a database for a communications device;

sending the content to the communications device;

storing the content in a repository in the communications device; and

displaying the content on the communications device in response to an action by a user.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the content is selected from a group consisting of an advertisement, media, a promotion, a call to action, and a value proposition.

17. The method of claim 15 wherein the action is selected from a group consisting of a launch of a web browser, a placing or receiving of a phone call, a sending of an SMS or MMS, an opening of a clamshell communications device, a turning on or off of the communications device, and an uploading or downloading of the content.

18. The method of claim 15 further comprising storing the content in a repository for access at a later time.

19. The method of claim 15 further comprising interacting with the content and interrupting the action.

20. The method of claim 15 wherein displaying the content on the communications device is for a specified period of time.