System And Method For Managing Interaction Between A User And An Interactive System

• US 20090156179A1
• Filed: 12/16/2008
• Published: 06/18/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 12/17/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Play Megaphone
• Original Assignee: Play Megaphone
• Inventors: Albritton, Daniel, Hahn, Jury
• Granted Patent: US 8,897,737 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/414.100
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/101 Collaborative creation, e.g. joint development of products or services
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0209 Incentive being awarded or redeemed in connection with the playing of a video game
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0241 Advertisements
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0267 Wireless devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0283 Price estimation or determination
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/066 Format adaptation, e.g. format conversion or compression
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/10 Multimedia information
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/18 Commands or executable codes
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/222 using geographical location information, e.g. messages transmitted or received in proximity of a certain spot or area
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/58 Message adaptation for wireless communication
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/025 for remote control or remote monitoring of applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2203/1066 Game playing
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/14 Short messaging services, e.g. short message services [SMS] or unstructured supplementary service data [USSD]

Abstract

A scalable system is provided for managing the interaction of cell phone users and users of other communication devices with public and private digital display systems and other interactive digital devices and systems.

Claims

1. A method, comprising:

receiving input data from a communication device through a first network connection, wherein the input data originates from an interaction of a user with an interactive system;

converting the input data into commands for an application, wherein the application is local to the interactive system and is configured to control the interactive system; and

sending the commands from a command server to the application through a second network connection to a command interface, wherein the command interface is configured to control the application.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the application and the command interface reside on a local controller, wherein the interactive system comprises the local controller and an interactive device.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the communication device comprises one of a mobile phone, a desktop computer and a laptop computer.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first network connection comprises one or more of a cellular network connection, a PSTN switched circuit connection, a VoIP network connection, an IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) network connection, a Bluetooth network connection and a TCP/IP network connection including an Internet connection.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the input data represents one or more of a user'"'"'s audio inputs and key press inputs.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the second network connection comprises one or more of a TCP/IP network connection including an Internet connection, an IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) network connection and a Bluetooth network connection.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising converting the input data into command data packets.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising balancing and routing the input data to a plurality of call servers;

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the input data includes one or more of voice data, DTMF data, SMS data and MMS data.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the interactive system comprises a video display, the method further comprising:

sending identification data to the application to identify the video display to the user; and

displaying an invitation to the user to call a telephone number or an SMS short code to initiate interaction with the interactive system.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the telephone number or SMS short code is selected from a pool of available numbers and codes, the method further comprising testing the telephone number or SMS short code for validity prior to sending the identification data to the video display.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising displaying an avatar on the video display to represent the user.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the avatar comprises one of a portion of the user'"'"'s telephone number, an image of the user and a recording of the user'"'"'s voice.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the avatar represents a plurality of users as a team.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the application comprises an interactive game, the method further comprising controlling the interactive game on the video display by controlling the avatar with commands based on a user'"'"'s key presses and voice commands.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the key presses comprise a 2-4-6-8 key constellation on the communication device to control up, left, right and down movement of the avatar, respectively, and a 5 key comprises an action key.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the key presses comprise a 1-3-7-9 key constellation on the communication device to control diagonal movement of the avatar up and to the left, up and to the right, down and to the left and down and to the right, respectively.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the key presses comprise a “

*”

to page back on the video display and a “

#”

to page forward on the video display.

19. The method of claim 10, further comprising converting a user'"'"'s multi-tap key presses to strings of text within the interactive application.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising displaying the text messages on the video display.

21. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

maintaining a data log associated with a user'"'"'s identification number; and

delivering custom audio or video feedback to the user based on data associated with the user.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the custom audio or video is delivered to the user via the user'"'"'s communication device.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein the custom audio or video is delivered to the user via the interactive system.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein the interactive game comprises a collective drawing game and the custom feedback comprises a collaborative wallpaper delivered to the communication device.

25. The method of claim 21, wherein the interactive game comprises a collective musical composition and the custom feedback comprises a collaborative ringtone delivered to the communication device.

26. The method of claim 1, wherein the interactive system comprises static signage displaying a call-in telephone number or SMS short code.

30. The method of claim 1, wherein the interactive system comprises one of a set top box (STB), personal computer (PC) or gaming console running a game application, and wherein a plurality of users control the one of the STB, PC or gaming console with a plurality of mobile phones.

31. The method of claim 1, wherein the interactive system comprises an electrical, mechanical or electromechanical system, the method further comprising controlling the interactive system with the communication device.

32. The method of claim 1, wherein the interactive system comprises a remote controlled building, the method further comprising controlling the remote controlled building with the communication device.

33. The method of claim 1, wherein the interactive system comprises a first display at a first location, the method further comprising:

inviting users at the first location to register for an interactive game by telephone, SMS messaging or email;

selecting a first number of users at the first location to play the interactive game from users at the first location who register to play the interactive game; and

providing the first number of users at the first location with a first access telephone number or code to participate in the interactive game.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the interactive system further comprises a second video display at a second location, the method further comprising:

inviting users at the second location to register for the interactive game by telephone, SMS messaging or email;

selecting a second number of users at the second location to play the interactive game from users at the second location who register to play the interactive game;

providing the second number of users at the second location with a second access telephone number or code to participate in the interactive game; and

displaying avatars for the first number of users and the second number of users on both the first display and the second display, wherein the first number of users and the second number of users participate in the interactive game.

35. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

detecting a denial of service attack; and

sending new identification data to be displayed by the interactive system.

36. The method of claim 2, wherein the interactive system further comprises a Bluetooth enabled play device having a Bluetooth connection to the communication device, the method further comprising:

detecting DTMF signals generated by keystrokes on the communication device;

transmitting the DTMF signals via the second network connection to the command server;

converting the DTMF signals to commands; and

sending the commands to the interactive system via the second network connection.

37. The method of claim 1, wherein the interactive system comprises a Bluetooth enabled utility meter configured to transmit DTMF tones corresponding to a meter reading to the communication device, the method further comprising sending the DTMF tones to a billing application via the first network connection.

38. The method of claim 21, wherein the custom audio or video feedback to the user comprises an offer to sell a product related to an interactive game.

39. The method of claim 15, wherein the interactive game comprises one of a song rating game, a trivia game, a rock paper scissors game, a voice controlled horse racing game, a space invaders type game, a voice controlled car race game, a card game, a photo comparison game and a memory match game.

40. The method of claim 12, wherein the avatar comprises a simulated paper airplane, the method further comprising controlling the simulated paper airplane by blowing into the cell phone.

41. The method of claim 10, wherein the application comprises a multi-person karaoke application on the video display, wherein multiple users sing into their cell phones and a combined audio output is played at the video display.

42. The method of claim 10, wherein the application comprises a name that tune game, wherein a user listens to a song on played on the communication device and makes a multiple choice selection from selections displayed on the video display.

43. The method of claim 1, wherein the interactive system comprises a banner add in a web page, the method further comprising:

displaying a telephone number in the banner ad;

receiving a telephone call from a user viewing the banner ad;

establishing a geographic location of the user from one of the user'"'"'s communication device location and a geolocation tag associated with the interactive system; and

directing the telephone call to a vendor located within a specified distance of the user'"'"'s geographic location.

44. The method of claim 10, wherein the video display is located at a conference, the method further comprising:

displaying a first confirmation code when a conference session begins;

displaying a second confirmation code when the conference session ends;

receiving the first confirmation code and the second confirmation code from the user to confirm the user'"'"'s attendance at the conference session.

45. The method of claim 10, wherein the video display is configured to display a presentation, the method further comprising:

displaying a call-in number to rate the presentation;

receiving ratings from viewers of the presentation; and

notifying a presenter of the viewers'"'"' ratings in real time.

121. The method of claim 1, further comprising accessing third party marketing databases containing user identification and demographic data to generate commands for the local application that customize the application to the user.

122. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

queuing users in a call queue when call volume exceeds call capacity;

terminating inactive calls after a predetermined timeout period; and

bridging calls among two or more users.

27. The method of 26, wherein the user calls the call-in telephone number or SMS short code, the method further comprising counting the user'"'"'s calls or SMS messages and rewarding the user for loyalty when a count reaches a predetermined threshold.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein rewarding the user comprises:

calling the user'"'"'s communication device and delivering a reward message and a reward code to the user;

calling a reward fulfillment agent and providing the reward fulfillment agent with the reward code;

transferring the user to the reward fulfillment agent; and

verifying of the reward code.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein verifying the reward code comprises:

querying the user for the reward code;

logging in to a designated website; and

entering the reward code and the user'"'"'s telephone number.

123. The method of claim 29, wherein the reward fulfillment agent calls into a designated reward fulfillment phone application that is configured to accept the user'"'"'s telephone number and reward code to determine validity and allow the agent to issue the reward.

46. A system, comprising:

a plurality of call servers configured to receive call data from a communication device through a first network, wherein the call data represents user interactions with an interactive system and wherein the plurality of call servers is scalable to manage a dynamic call load;

a data converter coupled to the plurality of call servers, the data converter configured to convert the call data into commands for an application, wherein the application is local to an interactive system and is configured to control the interactive system; and

a command server coupled to the data converter, the command server configured to send the commands through a second network connection to a command interface, wherein the command interface is configured to control the application.

47. The system of claim 46, further comprising a load balancer coupled with the plurality of call servers, the load balancer configured to receive the call data from the first network and to distribute the call data to the plurality of call servers.

48. The system of claim 46, further comprising the interactive system, the interactive system comprising a local controller and an interactive device, wherein the local controller comprises the application and the command interface.

49. The system of claim 46, further comprising the communication device, wherein the communication device comprises one or more of a mobile phone, a desktop computer and a laptop computer.

50. The system of claim 46, wherein the first network connection comprises one or more of a cellular network connection, a PSTN switched circuit connection, a VoIP network connection, an IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) network connection, a Bluetooth network connection and a TCP/IP network connection including an Internet connection.

51. The system of claim 46, wherein the call data includes one or more of voice data, DTMF data, SMS data and MMS data.

52. The system of claim 46, wherein the second network connection comprises one or more of a TCP/IP network connection including an Internet connection, an IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) network connection and a Bluetooth network connection.

53. The system of claim 46, further comprising:

a data logger coupled to the data converter, the data logger configured to store user interactions and metadata associated with the user interactions; and

a response and reporting (R&

R) module coupled to the command server and the data logger, the R&

R module configured to generate custom responses to users based on the user interactions and the metadata associated with the user interactions and to generate billing data for the user interactions.

54. The system of claim 46, wherein the interactive system comprises a video display, wherein the command server is configured to send identification data to the application to identify the video display, and wherein the video display displays an invitation to the users to call a telephone number or an SMS short code to initiate interaction with the interactive system.

55. The system of claim 46, wherein the telephone number or SMS short code is selected from a pool of available numbers and codes, the method further comprising testing the telephone number or SMS short code for validity prior to sending the identification data to the video display.

56. The system of claim 54, wherein the application is configured to create an avatar for a user in response to commands from the command server and to display the avatar on the video display for use in an interactive game.

57. The system of claim 56, wherein the avatar comprises one of a portion of a user'"'"'s telephone number, an image of the user and a recording of the user'"'"'s voice.

58. The system of claim 56, wherein the application is configured to display an avatar on the video display to represent a number of users as a team.

59. The system of claim 54, wherein the application is configured to display the avatar in an interactive game on the video display and to control the avatar in response to key presses and voice commands from the user.

60. The system of claim 59, wherein the key presses comprise a 2-4-6-8 key constellation on the communication device to control up, left, right and down movements of the avatars, respectively, and a 5 key comprises an action key.

61. The system of claim 59, wherein the key presses comprise a 1-3-7-9 key constellation on the communication device to control diagonal movement of the avatars up and to the left, up and to the right, down and to the left and down and to the right, respectively.

62. The system of claim 59, wherein the key presses comprise a “

*”

to page back on the video display and a “

#”

to page forward on the video display.

63. The system of claim 54, wherein the application is configured to convert a user'"'"'s multi-tap key presses to text messages on the video display.

64. The system of claim 53, wherein the data logger is further configured to maintain a data log associated with a user'"'"'s identification number;

and the R&

R module is further configured to generate custom audio or video feedback to the user based on data associated with the user.

65. The system of claim 64, wherein one of the plurality of call servers is configured to deliver the custom audio or video feedback to the user via the user'"'"'s communication device.

66. The system of claim 64, wherein the command server is configured to send custom audio or video commands to the interactive system.

67. The system of claim 64, wherein the application comprises a collective drawing game and wherein the custom video feedback comprises a collaborative wallpaper delivered to the communication device.

68. The system of claim 64, wherein the application comprises a collective musical composition and wherein the custom audio feedback comprises a collaborative ringtone delivered to the communication device.

69. The system of claim 46, wherein the interactive device comprises static signage displaying a call-in telephone number or SMS short code.

73. The system of claim 48, wherein the interactive system comprises one of a set top box (STB), personal computer (PC) or gaming console running a game application, and wherein a plurality of users control the one of the STB, PC or gaming console with a plurality of mobile phones.

74. The system of claim 48, wherein the interactive system comprises an electrical, mechanical or electromechanical system, and wherein the application is configured to control the interactive system in response to commands from the communication device.

75. The system of claim 48, wherein the interactive system comprises a remote controlled building, and wherein the application is configured to control the remote controlled building with the communication device.

76. The system of claim 48, wherein the interactive system comprises a first display at a first location, wherein:

a first application is configure to invite users at the first location to register for an interactive game by telephone, SMS messaging or email; and

the R&

R module is configured to select a first number of users at the first location to play the interactive game from users at the first location who register to play the interactive game, and to provide the first number of users at the first location with a first access telephone number or code to participate in the interactive game.

77. The system of claim 76, wherein the interactive system further comprises a second display at a second location, wherein

a second application is configured to invite users at the second location to register for the interactive game by telephone, SMS messaging or email;

the R&

R module is configured to select a second number of users at the second location to play the interactive game from users at the second location who register to play the interactive game, and to provide the second number of users at the second location with a second access telephone number or code to participate in the interactive game; and

wherein

the first and second applications are configured to display avatars for the first number of users and the second number of users on both the first display and the second display, wherein the first number of users and the second number of users are enabled to participate in the interactive game.

78. The system of claim 48, wherein the interactive system further comprises a Bluetooth enabled play device having a Bluetooth connection to the communication device, wherein the play device is configured to:

detect DTMF signals generated by keystrokes on the communication device;

transmit the DTMF signals via the second network connection to the command server;

convert the DTMF signals to commands; and

send the commands to the interactive system via the second network connection.

79. The system of claim 48, wherein the interactive device comprises a Bluetooth enabled utility meter configured to transmit DTMF tones corresponding to a meter reading to the communication device, wherein the communication device is configured to send the DTMF tones through the first network connection to the data converter, wherein the data converter is configured to translate the DTMF tones into the meter reading, and wherein the R&

R module is configured to transmit the meter reading to a billing application.

80. The system of claim 64, wherein the custom audio or video feedback to the user comprises an offer to sell a product related to the interactive game.

81. The system of claim 46, wherein the application comprises an interactive game comprising one of a song rating game, a trivia game, a rock paper scissors game, a voice controlled horse racing game, a space invaders type game, a voice controlled car race game, a card game, a photo comparison game, a memory match game.

82. The system of claim 46, wherein the application comprises a multi-person karaoke application on the interactive system, the application configured to play a combined audio output on the interactive system from multiple users.

83. The system of claim 46, wherein the application comprises a name that tune game, wherein a user listens to a song on the communication device and makes a multiple choice selection from selections displayed on the video display.

84. The system of claim 48, wherein the interactive system comprises a banner ad in a web page, wherein the application is configured to display a telephone number in the banner ad, a call server is configured to receive a telephone call from a user viewing the banner ad, the R&

R module is configured to establish a geographic location of the user from one of the user'"'"'s communication device location and a geolocation tag associated with the interactive system and to direct the telephone call to a vendor located within a specified distance of the user'"'"'s geographic location.

85. The system of claim 54, wherein the video display is located at a conference, wherein the application is configured to display a first confirmation code when a conference session begins, display a second confirmation code when the conference session ends, the call server is configured to receive the first confirmation code and the second confirmation code from the user, and the R&

R module is configured to confirm the user'"'"'s attendance at the conference session.

86. The system of claim 54, wherein the application is configured to display a presentation on the video display and to display a call-in number to rate the presentation, and wherein the R&

R module is configured to receive ratings from viewers of the presentation and to notify a presenter of the viewers'"'"' ratings in real time.

87. The system of claim 48, wherein the interactive system comprises a theater screen and wherein users have been reminded by a message on the theater screen to turn off their cell phones before a movie begins, wherein the R&

R module is configured to place a call to users to determine if their cell phones have been turned off and, if their cell phones have not been turned off, to remind them again via the call.

88. The system of claim 46, wherein the R&

R module includes a player assistance function, wherein users who have successfully completed a game or other interactive challenge are solicited to call or message other users who have not successfully completed the game in order to assist the other players.

89. The system of claim 46, wherein the R&

R module is configured to place a call to users who have completed an interaction to provide the users with coupon codes that may be used to claim prizes or promotional gifts.

70. The system of 69, wherein in the R&

R module is configured to count a user'"'"'s calls to the call-in telephone number or SMS short code, and to reward the user for loyalty when a count reaches a predetermined threshold.

71. The system of claim 70, wherein to reward the user the R&

R module is configured to;

direct a call to the user'"'"'s communication device;

deliver a reward message and a reward code to the user;

direct a call to a reward fulfillment agent;

provide the reward fulfillment agent with the reward code;

transfer the user to the reward fulfillment agent; and

verify the reward code.

72. The method of claim 71, wherein to verify the reward code, the R&

R module is configured to;

query the user for the reward code;

log in to a designated website; and

enter the reward code and the user'"'"'s telephone number.

90. A computer readable medium having instructions thereon that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform operations comprising:

receiving input data from a communication device through a first network connection, wherein the input data originates from an interaction of a user with an interactive system;

converting the input data into commands for an application, wherein the application is local to the interactive system and is configured to control the interactive system; and

sending the commands from a command server to the application through a second network connection to a command interface, wherein the command interface is configured to control the application.

91. The computer readable medium of claim 90, wherein the interactive system comprises a video display, further including instructions that cause the computer to perform operations comprising:

sending identification data to the application to identify the video display to the user; and

displaying an invitation to the user to call a telephone number or an SMS short code to initiate interaction with the interactive system.

92. The computer readable medium of claim 91, wherein the telephone number or SMS short code is selected from a pool of available numbers and codes, further including instructions that cause the computer to perform operations comprising testing the telephone number or SMS short code for validity prior to sending the identification data to the video display.

93. The computer readable medium of claim 91, further including instructions that cause the computer to perform operations comprising displaying an avatar on the video display to represent the user.

94. The computer readable medium of claim 93, wherein the avatar comprises one of a portion of the user'"'"'s telephone number, an image of the user and a recording of the user'"'"'s voice.

95. The computer readable medium of claim 91, further including instructions that cause the computer to perform operations comprising displaying an avatar on the video display to represent a plurality of users as a team.

96. The computer readable medium of claim 93, further including instructions that cause the computer to perform operations comprising playing an interactive game on the video display by controlling the avatar with commands based on a user'"'"'s key presses and voice commands.

97. The computer readable medium of claim 96, wherein the key presses comprise a 2-4-6-8 key constellation on the communication device to control up, left, right and down movement of the avatar, respectively, and a 5 key comprises an action key.

98. The computer readable medium of claim 96, wherein the key presses comprise a 1-3-7-9 key constellation on the communication device to control diagonal movement of the avatar up and to the left, up and to the right, down and to the left and down and to the right, respectively.

99. The computer readable medium of claim 96, wherein the key presses comprise an “

*”

to page back on the video display and a “

#”

to page forward on the video display.

100. The computer readable medium of claim 91, further including instructions that cause the computer to perform operations comprising converting a user'"'"'s multi-tap key presses to strings of text within the interactive application.

101. The computer readable medium of claim 100, further including instructions that cause the computer to perform operations comprising displaying the strings of text on the video display.

102. The computer readable medium of claim 91, further including instructions that cause the computer to perform operations comprising:

maintaining a data log associated with a user'"'"'s identification number; and

delivering custom audio or video feedback to the user based on data associated with the user.

103. The computer readable medium of claim 102, wherein the custom audio or video is delivered to the user via the user'"'"'s communication device.

104. The computer readable medium of claim 102, wherein the custom audio or video is delivered to the user via the interactive system.

105. The computer readable medium of claim 96, wherein the interactive game comprises a collective drawing game and the custom feedback comprises a collaborative wallpaper delivered to the communication device.

106. The computer readable medium of claim 96, wherein the interactive game comprises a collective musical composition and the custom feedback comprises a collaborative ringtone delivered to the communication device.

107. The computer readable medium of claim 90, wherein the interactive system comprises static signage displaying a call-in telephone number or SMS short code.

108. The computer readable medium of claim 107, wherein the user calls the call-in telephone number or SMS short code, further including instructions that cause the computer to perform operations comprising counting the user'"'"'s telephone calls or SMS messages and rewarding the user for loyalty when a count reaches a predetermined threshold.

109. The computer readable medium of claim 108, wherein rewarding the user comprises:

calling the user'"'"'s communication device and delivering a reward message and a reward code to the user;

calling a reward fulfillment agent and providing the reward fulfillment agent with the reward code;

transferring the user to the reward fulfillment agent; and

verifying of the reward code.

110. The computer readable medium of claim 109, wherein verifying the reward code comprises:

querying the user for the reward code;

logging in to a designated website; and

entering the reward code and the user'"'"'s telephone number.

111. The computer readable medium of claim 90, wherein the interactive system comprises one of a set top box (STB), personal computer (PC) or gaming console running a game application, and wherein a plurality of users controls the one of the STB, PC or gaming console with a plurality of mobile phones.

112. The computer readable medium of claim 90, wherein the interactive system comprises an electrical, mechanical or electromechanical system, the method further comprising controlling the interactive system with the communication device.

113. The computer readable medium of claim 90, wherein the interactive system comprises a remote controlled building, the method further comprising controlling the remote controlled building with the communication device.

114. The computer readable medium of claim 90, wherein the video display comprises a first display at a first location, further including instructions that cause the computer to perform operations comprising:

inviting users at the first location to register for an interactive game by telephone, SMS messaging or email;

selecting a first number of users at the first location to play the interactive game from users at the first location who register to play the interactive game; and

providing the first number of users at the first location with a first access telephone number or code to participate in the interactive game.

115. The computer readable medium of claim 114, wherein the interactive system further comprises a second display at a second location, further including instructions that cause the computer to perform operations comprising:

inviting users at the second location to register for the interactive game by telephone, SMS messaging or email;

selecting a second number of users at the second location to play the interactive game from users at the second location who register to play the interactive game;

providing the second number of users at the second location with a second access telephone number or code to participate in the interactive game; and

displaying avatars for the first number of users and the second number of users on both the first display and the second display, wherein the first number of users and the second number of users participate in the interactive game.

116. The computer readable medium of claim 91, wherein the interactive system further comprises a Bluetooth enabled play device having a Bluetooth connection to the communication device, further including instructions that cause the computer to perform operations comprising:

detecting DTMF signals generated by keystrokes on the communication device;

transmitting the DTMF signals via the second network connection to the command server;

converting the DTMF signals to commands; and

sending the commands to the interactive system via the second network connection.

117. The computer readable medium of claim 90, wherein the interactive device comprises a Bluetooth enabled utility meter configured to transmit DTMF tones corresponding to a meter reading to the communication device, further including instructions that cause the computer to perform operations comprising sending the DTMF tones to a billing application via the first network connection.

118. The computer readable medium of claim 90, wherein the interactive device comprises a banner add in a web page, further including instructions that cause the computer to perform operations comprising:

displaying a telephone number in the banner ad;

receiving a telephone call from a user viewing the banner ad;

establishing a geographic location of the user from one of the user'"'"'s communication device location and a geolocation tag associated with the interactive system; and

directing the telephone call to a vendor located within a specified distance of the user'"'"'s geographic location.

119. The computer readable medium of claim 91, wherein the video display is located at a conference, further including instructions that cause the computer to perform operations comprising:

displaying a first confirmation code when a conference session begins;

displaying a second confirmation code when the conference session ends;

receiving the first confirmation code and the second confirmation code from the user to confirm the user'"'"'s attendance at the conference session.

120. The computer readable medium of claim 91, wherein the video display is configured to display a presentation, further including instructions that cause the computer to perform operations comprising:

displaying a call-in number to rate the presentation;

receiving ratings from viewers of the presentation; and

notifying a presenter of the viewers'"'"' ratings in real time.