Mobile originated interactive menus via short messaging services

• US 20090191904A1
• Filed: 03/31/2009
• Published: 07/30/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 02/27/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: TeleCommunication Systems Inc (Comtech Telecommunications Corporation)
• Original Assignee: TeleCommunication Systems Inc (Comtech Telecommunications Corporation)
• Inventors: Titus, Mark, Weichselbaumer, Walter, Hronek, Daniel, Pike, Orville, Wallace, Erik, Geil, Phillip, McCormick, Tom
• Granted Patent: US 7,933,615 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/466
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72436 for text messaging, e.g. short messaging services [SMS] or e-mails
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72469 for operating the device by selecting functions from two or more displayed items, e.g. menus or icons
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/14 Short messaging services, e.g. short message services [SMS] or unstructured supplementary service data [USSD]

Abstract

A method and apparatus for providing 2-way interactive short message system menus to a mobile device using text-based short messaging rather than WAP techniques. This provides the ability to provide WAP like services at a fraction of the cost of CSD. Mobile Originated Interactive Menus are implemented as a feature of a Short Message Service Center (SMSC). Each option guides either to the next menu level, or to a final action to be executed according to the path followed by the subscriber. Importantly, the mobile originated interactive menus use SMS communications instead of circuit switched data (CSD) (e.g., instead of WAP communications), thus leaving traffic channels available for voice calls. Interactive SMS menus allow service providers to offer their subscribers personalized messaging menus with multiple options for quick and easy access to Web-based content. Users may define the content and frequency they want, whether it is a scheduled delivery or on-demand. The interactive SMS menu options offer customers a simple-to-use technique and apparatus for checking, e.g., stock quotes, local weather, and/or other Web-based news and information when they want it. The interactive nature of the service allows the wireless network to poll the user for their next response, with multiple menued options offered, making it highly intuitive. Replacement of messages in TDMA and GSM mobile devices allow for heavy usage without filling up the user'"'"'s phone buffer, i.e., prior messages may be overwritten, to assure that only the latest information is all that is being displayed and read. The flexibility of Interactive SMS Menus can allow service providers to define their own base offering of menus, depending upon their targeted customer segments.

Claims

1. An interactive short messaging system menu selection process, comprising:

receiving a text message from a mobile device including an identification of a main menu;

transmitting a text message to said mobile device including text of said main menu; and

receiving back from said mobile device a choice corresponding to a selected further menu.

2-21. -21. (canceled)