System and method for telephone directory advertising
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A directory advertising system comprising:
- a user interface module operably configured to display a special telephone number in a directory advertisement;
a database in communication with the user interface module, the database operably configured to store the directory advertisement, the special telephone number, and a maximum amount to be charged; and
a control module in communication with the user interface module and the database, the control module operably configured to decrement the amount stored in the database when the special telephone number is dialed and to deactivate the special telephone number when the amount reaches a predetermined level, wherein a user is provided with a message indicating that the special telephone number is not currently available when the special telephone number is dialed after the special telephone number has been deactivated.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A directory advertising system includes a user interface module, a database, and a control module. The user interface module displays a special telephone number for an advertiser in a directory advertisement. The database stores the directory advertisement, the special telephone number, and a maximum amount to be charged to the advertiser. The control module decrements the amount stored in the database when the special telephone number is dialed and deactivates the special telephone number when the amount reaches a predetermined level.
-
Citations
20 Claims
-
1. A directory advertising system comprising:
-
a user interface module operably configured to display a special telephone number in a directory advertisement; a database in communication with the user interface module, the database operably configured to store the directory advertisement, the special telephone number, and a maximum amount to be charged; and a control module in communication with the user interface module and the database, the control module operably configured to decrement the amount stored in the database when the special telephone number is dialed and to deactivate the special telephone number when the amount reaches a predetermined level, wherein a user is provided with a message indicating that the special telephone number is not currently available when the special telephone number is dialed after the special telephone number has been deactivated. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
-
-
7. A method of advertising, comprising:
-
displaying a special telephone number for an advertiser; setting a maximum amount to be charged to the advertiser; decrementing the amount when the special telephone number is dialed; and deactivating the special telephone number when the amount reaches a predetermined level, wherein a user is provided with a message indicating that the special telephone number is not currently available when the special telephone number is dialed after the special telephone number has been deactivated. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
-
-
14. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising a plurality of instructions to manipulate a processor, the plurality of instructions comprising:
-
instructions to display a special telephone number for an advertiser; instructions to set a maximum amount to be charged to the advertiser; instructions to decrement the amount when the special telephone number is dialed; and instructions to deactivate the special telephone number when the amount reaches a predetermined level, wherein a user is provided with a message indicating that the special telephone number is not currently available when the special telephone number is dialed after the special telephone number has been deactivated. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
-
Specification