Interactive messaging system

• US 20110066502A1
• Filed: 09/18/2010
• Published: 03/17/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 03/21/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Vocel, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Vocel, Inc.
• Inventors: Jensen, Tyler, Washburn, Carl, Allen, Todd
• Application Number:
  US12/885,440
• Publication Number:
  US 20110066502A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/14.64
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/10 Office automation; Time management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0267 Wireless devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/1813 for computer conferences, e.g. chat rooms instant messaging H04L51/04; protocols for multimedia communication H04L65/1101; arrangements for multi-party communication H04L65/403; telephonic conference arrangements H04M3/56; television conference systems H04N7/15
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/1859 adapted to provide push services, e.g. data channels
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/189 in combination with wireless systems selective distribution or broadcast in wireless communication networks H04W4/06
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/04 Real-time or near real-time messaging, e.g. instant messaging [IM]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/063 Content adaptation, e.g. replacement of unsuitable content
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/066 Format adaptation, e.g. format conversion or compression
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/58 Message adaptation for wireless communication
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/04 specially adapted for terminals or networks with limited capabilities; specially adapted for terminal portability
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/53 using third party service providers
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/55 Push-based network services
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72427 for supporting games or graphical animations
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/7243 with interactive means for internal management of messages
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72436 for text messaging, e.g. short messaging services [SMS] or e-mails
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72445 for supporting Internet browser applications

Abstract

The interactive messaging system of the present invention provides for an interactive communication process between users, both senders and recipients. The sender composes a message by filling in a template stored in data services. Once completed, the sender pushes the message to a recipient'"'"'s wireless device if the wireless device contains a WAP browser, which is capable of receiving pushed messages. Typically the message includes a question along with answers for the recipient to choose from. Each answer corresponds with a pre-assigned response key and the recipient answers the question by selecting one of the pre-assigned response keys. The recipient'"'"'s response is available to the sender in the form of an e-mail, WAP Push, on-line access or interactive message that is shown to the sender on an on-line status screen.

Claims

1. A method of sending interactive messages to at least one wireless device, the method comprising the steps of:

sending an interactive message to a wireless device, the interactive message including a first set of pre-assigned instant event keys defining a set of actions for opting into a program for receiving at least one opportunity;

pushing a set up screen to the wireless device in response to an indication to opt-in to the program, the response received upon selection of a first pre-assigned instant event key from the first set of pre-assigned instant event keys by a user, the set up screen including a second set of pre-assigned instant event keys;

inputting information into the set up screen using the second set of pre-assigned instant event keys, the information directed to preferences of the user;

creating a preference profile of the user from the information entered into the set up screen on the wireless device;

determining an opportunity for the user to participate in based on the preference profile;

sending the opportunity to the wireless device, where the opportunity includes a coupon for a discount on an item;

displaying the coupon on the wireless device, where the coupon includes a barcode; and

redeeming the coupon by presenting the barcode on the display to a scanner when purchasing the item.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the preference profile includes the user'"'"'s age range, gender and preference in merchants.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the user can select the frequency at which opportunities are sent.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one opportunity includes receiving offers from merchants on the wireless device.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the merchants are selected from the group consisting of retailers, restaurants, airlines,

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the interactive message is sent to the user using any enabling push technology.

7. The method of claim 4, wherein an alert is sent to the wireless device about the coupon.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the user can save the coupon for later use.

9. The method of claim 4, wherein the user can display available coupons by a specific merchant.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

pushing an additional screen to the wireless device upon selection of a second instant event key from the second set of pre-assigned instant event keys; and

inputting additional information into the additional screen using a third set of pre-assigned instant event keys, the additional information used in the creation of the preference profile.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the set of actions of the first set of pre-assigned instant event keys specify opting into or out of the program.