Telephonic-interface game control system

• US 5,218,631 A
• Filed: 06/08/1990
• Issued: 06/08/1993
• Est. Priority Date: 07/10/1985
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Ronald A Katz Technology Licensing LP
• Original Assignee: First Data Resources Incorporated (Fiserv Incorporated)
• Inventors: Katz, Ronald A.
• Primary Examiner(s): BROWN, THOMAS
• Application Number:
  US07/534,907
• Time in Patent Office: 1,096 Days
• Field of Search: 379/88, 379/67, 379/97, 379/189, 379/196, 379/197, 379/198, 379/199, 379/142, 379/201, 379/246, 379/245, 364/411, 364/410
• US Class Current: 463/41
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2003/086 played via telephone, e.g. using a modem
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 11/00 Arrangements, systems or apparatus for checking, e.g. the occurrence of a condition, not provided for elsewhere
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 15/005 with dispensing of lottery tickets
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 15/006 electronically
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 11/00 Telephonic communication systems specially adapted for combination with other electrical systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2201/40 using speech recognition speech recognition per se G10L15/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2203/2016 Call initiation by network rather than by subscriber
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2242/22 Automatic class or number identification arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/36 Statistical metering, e.g. recording occasions when traffic exceeds capacity of trunks
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/38 Graded-service arrangements, i.e. some subscribers prevented from establishing certain connections queuing arrangements H04Q3/64
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42059 Making use of the calling party identifier
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/436 Arrangements for screening incoming calls , i.e. evaluating the characteristics of a call before deciding whether to answer it based on the calling party profile H04M3/42059; based on location H04M3/42348; based on presence H04M3/42365; diversion H04M3/54
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/46 Arrangements for calling a number of substations in a predetermined sequence until an answer is obtained
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/493 Interactive information services, e.g. directory enquiries ; Arrangements therefor, e.g. interactive voice response [IVR] systems or voice portals
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/51 Centralised call answering arrangements requiring operator intervention , e.g. call or contact centers for telemarketing
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13034 A/D conversion, code compression/expansion
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13072 Sequence circuits for call signaling, ACD systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1309 Apparatus individually associated with a subscriber line, line circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13091 CLI, identification of calling line
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13093 Personal computer, PC
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13095 : PIN / Access code, authentication
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13096 : Digital apparatus individually associated with a subscriber line, digital line circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13097 : Numbering, addressing
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13103 : Memory
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13106 : Microprocessor, CPU
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13107 : Control equipment for a part of the connection, distributed control, co-processing
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1316 : Service observation, testing
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13173 : Busy signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13175 : Graphical user interface [GUI], WWW interface, visual indication
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13178 : Control signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13204 : Protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1322 : PBX
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13256 : Call screening
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1328 : Call transfer, e.g. in PBX
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1332 : Logic circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13349 : Network management
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1337 : Operator, emergency services
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13375 : Electronic mail
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13376 : Information service, downloading of information, 0800/0900 services
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13377 : Recorded announcement
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/002 : Details
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/54533 : Configuration data, translation, passwords, databases
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/5455 : Multi-processor, parallelism, distributed systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/54591 : Supervision, e.g. fault localisation, traffic measurements, avoiding errors, failure recovery, monitoring, statistical analysis
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/665 : Circuit arrangements therefor
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/72 : Finding out and indicating number of calling subscriber
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/74 : Identification of subscriber calling from a party-line

Abstract

A control system CS interfaces a multiplicity of individual terminals T1-Tn through a telephone network facility CO to accommodate game formats. At the terminals T1-Tn, callers are prompted by voice-generated instructions to provide digital data that is identified for positive association with a caller and stored, as for processing. Calls are conditionally accepted based on a test of preliminary identification data (ANI or DNIS). Computer generated designations are assigned to callers and stored. Questions for game use are stored in banks, classified by order of difficulty for selection according to various formats. Specific game formats accommodate various time criteria and caller selection of degree of risk. Caller data is stored in cells along with statistical and identification data; also, key contest data is held accessible in a cache memory for reporting. Caller data may be processed individually or in interrelated formats as with reference to random or source data as to establish progressive subsets. A break-off control circuit may terminate the computer interface aborting to a manual terminal for direct communication with an operator. Real-time operation processing is an alternative to subsequently processing stored data.

Claims

1. A process for executing game formats in association with a communication facility including remote terminal apparatus for individual playing callers, wherein said remote terminal apparatus may include a conventional telephone instrument with voice communication means and digital input means in the form of an array of alphabetic, numeric buttons for providing data, said process including the steps of:

interfacing said communication facility to provide voice signals for cueing callers and receiving responsive digital data in accordance with a select game format;

storing data to identify callers and indicate individual caller scores;

storing a plurality of batches of questions for use in said game formats;

selecting a question from a specific batch of questions to cue each individual caller;

cueing each individual caller with said question;

testing the response of each individual caller to a selected question and scoring the response accordingly in each respective one of the individual caller scores; and

processing said individual caller scores to isolate a subset of said individual callers.

2. A process according to claim 1 further including a step of testing a selected question from said specific batch of questions to detect coincidence of said selected question with previously used questions prior to cueing said caller.

3. A process according to claim 2 further including a step of recording questions previously used to cue callers and wherein said step of testing a selected question tests previously used questions to cue callers against a selected question to detect coincidence.

4. A process according to claim 1 further including a step of assigning data cells to callers to record identification and score data.

5. A process according to claim 1 wherein said step of storing data to identify callers comprises testing data represented by number identification signals provided automatically by said communication facility to indicate calling numbers.

6. A process for executing game formats according to claim 1 wherein said select game format is a real-time game.

7. A process for executing game formats according to claim 1 wherein said select game format is in association with a television show.

8. A process for executing game formats in association with a communication facility including remote terminal apparatus for individual playing callers, wherein said remote terminal apparatus may include a conventional telephone instrument with voice communication means and digital input means in the form of an array of alphabetic, numeric buttons for providing data, said process including the steps of:

interfacing said communication facility to provide voice signals for cueing callers and receiving responsive digital data in accordance with a select game format;

storing data to identify callers and indicate caller scores;

cueing a caller and processing the caller'"'"'s response with reference to time to establish a score value based on time and responsive answer data; and

reflecting score values in the data stored to indicate caller scores.

9. A process according to claim 8 further including a step of cueing a caller to determine a value of points at risk, specified by said caller and also establishing said score value on said value of points at risk.

10. A process according to claim 8 further including a step of abstracting and registering said score values.

11. A process according to claim 10 further including the step of reporting score values to a caller as abstracted and registered.

12. A process according to claim 8 further including a step of assigning a data cell to a caller to receive a plurality of caller scores.

13. A process according to claim 12 wherein said step of assigning a data cell further includes receiving data represented by number identification signals provided automatically by said communication facility to indicate called or calling numbers.

14. A process for executing game formats according to claim 8 wherein said select game format is a real-time game.

15. A process for executing game formats according to claim 8 wherein said select game format is in association with a television show.

16. A process for executing game formats in association with a communication facility including remote terminal apparatus for individual playing callers, wherein said remote terminal apparatus may include a conventional telephone instrument with voice communication means and digital input means in the form of an array of alphabetic, numeric buttons for providing data, said process including the steps of:

interfacing said communication facility to provide voice signals for cueing callers and receiving responsive digital data in accordance with a select game format;

storing data to identify callers and indicate individual caller scores;

cueing a caller and processing the caller'"'"'s response to establish a value of points at risk for the caller;

testing the response of each individual caller to a selected question and scoring the response accordingly in each respective one of the individual caller scores reflecting the established value of points at risk; and

processing said individual caller scores to isolate a subset of said individual callers.

17. A process according to claim 16 wherein said step of storing data includes storing data represented by number identification signals provided automatically by said communication facility to indicate called or calling numbers.

18. A process according to claim 16 further including a step of assigning data cells to callers to record identification and score data.

19. A process according to claim 16 further including a step of assigning a data cell to a caller to receive a plurality of caller scores.

20. A process for executing game formats according to claim 16 wherein said select game format is a real-time game.

21. A process for executing game formats according to claim 16 wherein said select game format is in association with a television show.

22. A process for statistical analysis of data for use with a communication facility including remote terminal apparatus for individual callers, wherein said remote terminal apparatus may comprise a conventional telephone instrument including voice communication means and digital input means in the form of an array of alphabetic numeric buttons for providing identification and statistical data, said process including the steps of:

interfacing said communication facility to provide voice signals and receive digital identification of identification data developed by said terminal apparatus under control of said caller;

generating voice signals and supplying said voice signals to actuate said terminal apparatus, as to provide vocal operating instructions to a caller;

providing sequence signals representative of sequence data indicating the sequence of a call with reference to calls from other callers;

designating callers based on a computer generated number;

initiating files and storing data from qualified callers including,

(1) designation data including said computer generated number, and

(2) identification data as indicated by identification signals from said terminal apparatus;

providing external data signals distinct from said designation data; and

comparing said designation data and analyzing said designation data with said external data signals in combination to isolate a select subset of said callers.

23. A process according to claim 22 wherein said external data signals comprise random value signals.

24. A process according to claim 22 wherein said comparing further includes interrelated processing of said designation data with reference to said external data signals.

25. A process according to claim 22 wherein said identification data includes data represented by number identification signals provided automatically by said communication facility to indicate calling numbers.

26. A process according to claim 22, wherein said process is one of several operating process formats, each of said operating process formats being identified by called number digital identification signals automatically provided by said communication facility.

27. A process according to claim 22 wherein said sequence signals include a computer generated number indicating the sequence of a call with reference to calls from other callers.

28. A process for executing game formats in association with a communication facility including remote terminal apparatus for individual playing callers, wherein said remote terminal apparatus may include a conventional telephone instrument with voice communication means and digital input means in the form of an array of alphabetic, numeric buttons for providing data, said process including the steps of:

interfacing said communication facility to provide voice signals for cueing callers and receiving responsive digital data in accordance with a select game format;

storing data to identify callers and indicate caller scores;

cueing a caller and processing the caller'"'"'s response with reference to defining an initial subset of callers; and

further cueing a caller and reflecting score values in the data stored to indicate caller scores.

29. A process according to claim 28 wherein said further cueing and reflecting defines a subsequent subset of callers.

30. A process according to claim 29 wherein called number digital identification signals automatically provided by said communication facility identify said select game format.

31. A process for executing game formats according to claim 28 wherein said select game format is a real-time game.

32. A process for executing game formats according to claim 28 wherein said select game format is in association with a television show.

33. A system for executing game formats in association with a communication facility including remote terminal apparatus for individual playing callers, wherein said remote terminal apparatus may include a conventional telephone instrument with voice communication means and digital input means in the form of an array of alphabetic, numeric buttons for providing data, said system comprising:

means for interfacing said communication facility to provide voice signals for cueing callers and receiving responsive digital data in accordance with a select game format;

means for storing data to identify callers and indicate individual caller scores;

means for storing a plurality of batches of questions for use in said formats;

means for selecting a question from a specific batch of questions to cue each individual caller;

means for cueing each individual caller with said question;

means for testing the response of each individual caller to a selected question and scoring the response accordingly in each respective one of the individual caller scores; and

processing said individual caller scores within said system to isolate a subset of said individual callers.

34. A system according to claim 33 wherein said means for storing data includes means for receiving and storing data represented by number identification signals provided automatically by said communication facility to indicate called or calling numbers.

35. A system for executing game formats in association with a communication facility including remote terminal apparatus for individual playing callers, wherein said remote terminal apparatus may include a conventional telephone instrument with voice communication means and digital input means in the form of an array of alphabetic, numeric buttons for providing data, said system comprising:

means for interfacing said communication facility to provide voice signals for cueing callers and receiving responsive digital data in accordance with a select game format;

means for storing data to identify callers and indicate caller scores;

means for individually cueing a caller and processing the caller'"'"'s response with reference to time to establish a score value based on time and responsive answer data; and

means for reflecting score values in data stored to indicate caller scores.

36. A system according to claim 35 wherein said means for storing data includes means for receiving and storing data represented by number identification signals provided automatically by said communication facility to indicate called or calling numbers.

37. A system for executing game formats according to claim 35 wherein said select game format is a real-time game.

38. A system for executing game formats according to claim 35 wherein said select game format is in accordance with a television show.

39. A system for executing game formats in association with a communication facility including remote terminal apparatus for individual playing callers, wherein said remote terminal apparatus may include a conventional telephone instrument with voice communication means and digital input means in the form of an array of alphabetic, numeric buttons for providing data, said system comprising:

means for interfacing said communication facility to provide voice signals for cueing callers and receiving responsive digital data in accordance with a select format;

means for storing data to identify callers and indicate individual caller scores;

means for cueing each individual caller and processing each individual caller'"'"'s response to store a value of points at risk for the caller;

means for testing the response of each individual caller to a selected question and scoring the response accordingly in each respective one of the individual caller scores reflecting the established value of points at risk; and

processing said individual caller scores within said system to isolate a subset of said individual callers.

40. A process for statistical analysis of data for use with a communication facility including remote terminal apparatus for individual callers, wherein said remote terminal apparatus may comprise a conventional telephone instrument including voice communication means and digital input means in the form of an array of alphabetic numeric buttons for providing identification and statistical data, said process including the step of:

interfacing said communication facility to provide voice signals and receive digital identification data developed by said terminal apparatus under control of said caller;

generating voice signals and supplying said voice signals to actuate said terminal apparatus, as to provide individual vocal operating instructions to a caller;

providing sequence signals representative of sequence data including a unique computer generated number indicating the sequence of a call with reference to calls from other callers;

initiating files and storing data from qualified callers including said sequence data and identification data as indicated by identification signals from said terminal apparatus;

providing external data signals distinct from said unique computer generated number; and

comparing said sequence data for an individual caller and analyzing said sequence data for said individual caller in combination with said external data signals to isolate a select subset of said callers.

41. A process for statistical analysis of data as defined in claim 40 wherein said sequence data further includes signals which indicate the time of day.

42. A process according to claim 41 wherein said external data signals include random value signals.

43. A process according to claim 40 wherein said step of comparing further includes interrelated processing of said unique computer generated number with reference to said external data signals.

44. A process according to claim 40 further including the step of:

providing digital data represented by number identification signals provided automatically by said communication facility to indicate calling numbers (ANI).

45. A process according to claim 40 further including the step of receiving further identification data whereby a caller provides a plurality of distinct data elements for identification purposes.

46. A process according to claim 45 wherein at least one of said distinct data elements comprises the caller'"'"'s telephone number.

47. A process according to claim 40 wherein said identification signals from said terminal apparatus include called number digital identification signals automatically provided by said communication facility.