Method and apparatus for awarding and redeeming prepaid telephone time
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An interactive voice control unit comprising:
- a controller for receiving a user identifier for a user of a service;
a memory connected to the controller and containing a data record associated with the user identifier in which is stored an accumulated earned telephone time allocated by the controller based on an amount of usage of the service;
a first communication port for receiving a telephone call from the user coupled to a telephone switch and the controller;
a second communication port for establishing a telephone connection to a called party coupled to the telephone switch; and
software operative to execute on the controller and to request and receive from the user the user identifier and a telephone number of a party to be called, wherein the controller is adapted to configure the telephone switch to establish the telephone connection between the user and the called party based on the received user identifier and telephone number, and to debit the data record associated with the received user identifier by an amount based on the cost of the telephone call, and wherein the accumulated telephone time is supplemented by an amount based on at least one of;
an amount of currency expended by the user of the service, an amount of currency the user has gained from using the service, an amount of time the user has used the service, and an amount of currency with which the user started using the service.
7 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A slot card issued by a slot club, or a membership card in another incentive award program, that is also capable of being used as phone calling card is provided. Free calling time is credited to the member'"'"'s card account in response to the playing of the slot machine or utilizing the respective service. After incentive points are awarded, the member may use the membership card as a prepaid phone calling card, whereby the member'"'"'s account is debited for the cost of the call.
113 Citations
11 Claims
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1. An interactive voice control unit comprising:
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a controller for receiving a user identifier for a user of a service;
a memory connected to the controller and containing a data record associated with the user identifier in which is stored an accumulated earned telephone time allocated by the controller based on an amount of usage of the service;
a first communication port for receiving a telephone call from the user coupled to a telephone switch and the controller;
a second communication port for establishing a telephone connection to a called party coupled to the telephone switch; and
software operative to execute on the controller and to request and receive from the user the user identifier and a telephone number of a party to be called, wherein the controller is adapted to configure the telephone switch to establish the telephone connection between the user and the called party based on the received user identifier and telephone number, and to debit the data record associated with the received user identifier by an amount based on the cost of the telephone call, and wherein the accumulated telephone time is supplemented by an amount based on at least one of;
an amount of currency expended by the user of the service, an amount of currency the user has gained from using the service, an amount of time the user has used the service, and an amount of currency with which the user started using the service. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification
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Current AssigneeIGT (International Game Technology)
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Original AssigneeWalker Digital LLC (Walker Innovation Inc. (f/k/a Patent Properties, Inc.))
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InventorsJorasch, James A., Walker, Jay S.
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Primary Examiner(s)WEAVER, SCOTT LOUIS
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Application NumberUS09/044,883Time in Patent Office1,145 DaysField of Search379/67.1, 379/88.16, 379/88.17, 379/88.18, 379/88.21, 379/90.01, 379/91.01, 379/93.02, 379/111, 379/112, 379/114, 379/144, 379/201, 273/304US Class Current379/88.01CPC Class CodesG07F 17/32 for games, toys, sports, or...
