Telephonic-interface statistical analysis system

• US 5,684,863 A
• Filed: 06/07/1995
• Issued: 11/04/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 07/10/1985
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Ronald A Katz Technology Licensing LP
• Original Assignee: Ronald A Katz Technology Licensing LP
• Inventors: Katz, Ronald A.
• Primary Examiner(s): BROWN, THOMAS
• Application Number:
  US08/476,662
• Time in Patent Office: 881 Days
• Field of Search: 379/88, 379/89, 379/67, 379/92, 379/91, 379/127, 379/142, 379/245, 379/246, 379/247, 379/201, 379/265, 379/266, 379/196, 379/197, 379/198, 379/112
• US Class Current: 379/88.18
• 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: G07C 2011/04 related to queuing systems
• 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 3/42042 Notifying the called party of information on the calling party details within substation equipment H04M1/57, signalling details H04Q3/72
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42059 Making use of the calling party identifier
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42102 Making use of the called 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 2213/1313 : Metering, billing
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13136 : Collect call information service H04Q2213/13376
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13141 : Hunting for free outlet, circuit or channel
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1316 : Service observation, testing
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13173 : Busy signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13174 : Data transmission, file transfer
• 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 2213/13213 : Counting, timing circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13214 : Clock signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13216 : Code signals, frame structure
• 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 2213/1333 : Random systems
• 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 2213/13405 : Dual frequency signaling, DTMF
• 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 system D interfaces with a multiplicity of individual terminals T1-Tn of a telephone network facility C, at the terminals callers are prompted by voice-generated instructions to provide digital data that is identified for positive association with a caller and is stored for processing. The caller'"'"'s identification data is confirmed using various techniques and callers may be ranked and accounted for on the basis of entitlement, sequence or demographics. Callers are assigned random designations that are stored along with statistical and identification data. A break-off control circuit may terminate the computer interface aborting to a terminal for direct communication with an operator. Real-time operation processing is an alternative to stored data. The accumulation of stored data (statistical, calling order sequence, etc.) is variously processed and correlated as with developed or established data to isolate a select group or subset of callers who can be readily identified and reliably confirmed. Different program formats variously control the processing of statistical data as for auction sales, contests, lotteries, polls, commercials and so on.

Claims

1. A process for controlling operations of an interface with a communication facility, said process including the steps of:

providing products carrying participation numbers specifying limits on use to entitle individual callers to access said operations of said interface with said communication facility;

coupling remote terminals to said interface for providing voice signals to said individual callers as to provide vocal operating instructions to said individual callers;

receiving digital identification data from said individual callers responsive to said voice signals including said participation numbers for said individual callers and answer data provided from said remote terminals under control of said individual callers;

qualifying said individual callers by testing to determine if said individual callers are entitled to access said operations of the interface based on said limits on use specified by said participation numbers for said individual callers and accordingly providing approval signals for qualified individual callers;

accessing a memory with said participation numbers for said individual callers and storing data relating to calls from said individual callers; and

processing at least certain of said answer data responsive to said approval signals to isolate a subset of said individual callers.

2. A process according to claim 1, wherein a limit on use with respect to each of said individual callers specifies a predetermined number of uses.

3. A process according to claim 1, wherein a limit on use with respect to each of said individual callers specifies a predetermined dollar amount.

4. A process according to claim 1, wherein said communication facility automatically provides called terminal digital data (DNIS) to identify a specific format from a plurality of formats for executing operations of said interface.

5. A process according to claim 4, wherein said communication facility also automatically provides calling terminal digital data to identify said remote terminals.

6. A process according to claim 5, wherein said calling terminal digital data is stored in said memory.

7. A process according to claim 6, wherein said calling terminal digital data is tested to control access to said operations of the interface.

145. A process according to claim 2, wherein entitled individual callers are only allowed access during a predetermined period of time.

146. A process according to claim 3, wherein entitled individual callers are only allowed access during a predetermined period of time.

8. An analysis control system for use with a communication facility including remote terminals for individual callers, wherein said remote terminals 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 data, said analysis control system comprising:

an interface structure coupled to said communication facility to interface said remote terminals for voice and digital communication, and including means to provide caller data signals representative of data relating to said individual callers developed by said remote terminals and means to receive calling terminal digital data automatically provided by said communication facility;

voice generator structure coupled through said interface structure for actuating said remote terminals as to provide vocal operating instructions to said individual callers;

record structure, including memory and control means, said record structure connected to receive said caller data signals from said interface structure for accessing a file and storing digital data relating to said individual callers provided from said digital input means through said interface structure to store designations of said individual callers including representations indicative of a calling order sequence of said individual callers, said record structure also including a database of stored calling terminal digital data; and

qualification structure controlled by said record structure for restricting the extent of access to said system by said individual callers based on a comparison of said calling terminal digital data against said database of stored calling terminal digital data.

9. An analysis control system according to claim 8, wherein said individual callers provide personal identification number data as caller data signals.

10. An analysis control system according to claim 8, wherein said calling order sequence is indicative of caller transaction data.

11. An analysis control system for use with a communication facility including remote terminals for individual callers, wherein each of said remote terminals 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 data, said analysis control system comprising:

an interface structure coupled to said communication facility to interface each of said remote terminals for voice and digital communication, and including means to provide caller data signals representative of data relating to said individual callers developed by said remote terminals and including means to automatically receive calling terminal digital data from said communication facility;

voice generator structure coupled through said interface structure for actuating each of said remote terminals as to provide vocal operating instructions to each of said individual callers;

record structure, including memory and control means, said record structure connected to receive said caller data signals from said interface structure for accessing a file; and

designation structure coupled to said interface structure and said record structure for developing individual designations for at least certain of said individual callers, indicative of caller significance in order to isolate a subset of said individual callers at calling remote terminals.

147. An analysis control system according to claim 11, wherein said caller significance is indicative of a calling order sequence.

12. An analysis system 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 caller data including answer data, said analysis system comprising:

interface means selectively coupled to said communication facility to interface said remote terminal apparatus for voice and digital communication and including means to provide signals values from data developed by said remote terminal apparatus;

voice generator means selectively coupled through said interface means to said remote terminal apparatus for providing vocal operating instructions to said individual callers;

designation means selectively coupled to said interface means for assigning individual designations to said individual callers; and

processing means for processing at least certain of said answer data, and storage means for registering said answer data, said processing means for isolating a subset of said individual callers based on repeated comparisons of said answer data that is registered against said answer data being provided by said individual callers including data associated with said individual callers.

13. An analysis control system according to claim 12, wherein said designation means includes means for storing sequence data indicative of a calling sequence of said individual callers.

14. An analysis control system according to claim 12, wherein said voice generator means is driven to prompt certain select ones of said individual callers to provide telephone number data for storage.

15. An analysis control system according to claim 12, wherein said processing means processes said answer data that is registered in combination with said answer data being provided by said individual callers.

16. An analysis control system according to claim 12, further comprising:

transfer means for transferring certain of calls from said individual callers to a terminal attended by an operator.

17. An analysis control system according to claim 16, wherein said operator enters at least certain of said answer data for said certain of said individual callers.

18. An analysis control system according to claim 12, wherein said storage means stores caller provided digital data and voice data.

19. An analysis control system according to claim 12, wherein said answer data includes caller personal identifying data.

20. An analysis control system according to claim 19, wherein said repeated comparisons include processing of multiple personal identifying data including caller age data.

21. An analysis control system for use with a communication facility including remote terminals for individual callers, wherein each of said remote terminals 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 data, said analysis control system comprising:

interface structure coupled to said communication facility to interface said remote terminals for voice and digital communication and including means to provide signals representative of data developed by said remote terminals and including means to automatically receive called number identification signals (DNIS) to identify one of a plurality of different called numbers;

voice generator structure coupled through said interface structure for actuating said remote terminals as to provide vocal operating instructions to specific ones of said individual callers;

record means, including memory and control means, said record structure connected to said interface structure for accessing a file and storing data relating to said individual callers;

designation means coupled to said interface structure and said record means for assigning individual designations to said individual callers and storing said designations in said record means as part of said data relating to said individual callers; and

encoding means coupled to said record means and said designation means for encoding at least certain of said data relating to said individual callers.

22. An analysis control system according to claim 21, wherein said designation means includes means for storing representations of other data provided by a caller including caller PIN number data.

23. An analysis control system according to claim 22, wherein said other data further includes caller credit card data.

24. An analysis control system according to claim 23, wherein said other data further includes credit card expiration data.

25. An analysis control system according to claim 23, wherein said caller credit card data is verified to approve said caller.

26. An analysis control system according to claim 21, wherein said record means includes means for storing customer number data which is tested to determine if said customer number data indicates negative or canceled status.

141. An analysis control system according to claim 21, wherein said individual designations include sequence data and other caller data.

27. An analysis control system for use with a communication facility including remote terminals for individual callers, wherein said remote terminals 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 data, said analysis control system comprising:

interface structure coupled to said communication facility to interface said remote terminals for voice and digital communication, and including means to provide caller data signals representative of data relating to said individual callers developed by said remote terminals and including means to receive called number identification signals (DNIS) automatically provided by said communication facility to identify a select one of a plurality of different called numbers associated with a select format of a plurality of different formats;

record structure, including memory and control means, said record structure connected to receive said caller data signals from said interface structure for accessing a file and storing certain of said data developed by said remote terminals relating to certain select ones of said individual callers;

qualification structure coupled to said record structure for qualifying access by said individual callers to said select format based on at least two forms of distinct identification including caller customer number data and at least one other distinct identification data element consisting of personal identification data provided by a respective one of said individual callers; and

switching structure coupled to said interface structure for switching certain select ones of said individual callers at said remote terminals to any one of a plurality of live operators wherein said live operators can enter at least a portion of said caller data relating to said select ones of said individual callers through interface terminals, which is stored in said record structure.

28. An analysis control system according to claim 27, wherein said caller data signals include signals indicative of caller credit card number data provided by said individual callers.

29. An analysis control system according to claim 28, wherein said caller data signals further include signals indicative of credit card expiration date data.

30. An analysis control system according to claim 28, wherein said caller credit card number data is verified on-line.

31. An analysis control system according to claim 27, wherein said caller customer number data is tested to determine if caller status is unacceptable or cancelled.

32. An analysis control system according to claim 27, wherein said qualification structure qualifies said individual callers to provide access to at least a portion of said system.

33. An analysis control system according to claim 27, wherein said personal identification data is PIN number data.

34. An analysis control system according to claim 27, wherein at least one distinct identification is provided by said individual callers on-line and is stored in said record structure for subsequent use.

35. An analysis control system according to claim 32, wherein said access to at least a portion of said system is provided based upon a computer generated number identifying a previous transaction, said computer generated number indicative of caller transaction order data.

36. An analysis control system according to claim 27, wherein said caller customer number data is calling number identification data automatically provided by said communication facility.

37. An analysis control system according to claim 27, wherein said qualification structure is further controlled by said record structure for testing at least certain of said caller data signals provided by said respective one of said individual callers to specify a consumable participation key for said respective one of said individual callers.

38. An analysis control system according to claim 37, wherein said consumable participation key is comprised of said at least two forms of distinct identification.

39. An analysis control system according to claim 27, wherein at least one of said at least two forms of distinct identification includes social security number data.

40. An analysis control system according to claim 27, wherein at least one of said at least two forms of distinct identification includes caller PIN number data.

41. An analysis control system according to claim 27, wherein at least one other distinct identification data comprises initials data.

42. An analysis control system according to claim 27, wherein said called number identification signals (DNIS) are received by one of a plurality of call distributors.

43. An analysis control system according to claim 42, wherein said plurality of call distributors are at different geographic locations.

44. An analysis control system according to claim 42, wherein said plurality of call distributors are accessed under control of call allocation routing capability of said communication facility.

45. A system according to claim 27, wherein said select format is one form of an order format.

46. A system according to claim 45, wherein said select order format is one form of a television initiated mail order operation.

47. A system according to claim 46, wherein said one form of said television initiated mail order operation further receives and stores at least a portion of calling number identification signals automatically provided by said communication facility.

48. An analysis control system according to claim 27, wherein an additional form of distinct identification is provided by said individual callers on-line and is stored for subsequent use.

49. An analysis control system according to claim 27, wherein said caller customer number is verified against a record of qualified customer numbers and said personal identification data is provided on-line by said individual callers and stored in said record structure for subsequent use.

50. A system according to claim 27, wherein said qualification structure further executes a test for unacceptable customer numbers based upon data developed by said remote terminals indicative of said caller customer numbers.

51. An analysis control system according to claim 27, further comprising:

means for providing computer generated number data indicative of sequence data to said individual callers.

52. An analysis control system according to claim 51, wherein said sequence data indicates caller transaction order data.

53. An analysis control system according to claim 51, wherein said personal identification data comprises caller social security number data.

54. An analysis control system according to claim 51, wherein said personal identification data comprises a PIN number.

55. An analysis control system according to claim 51, wherein said personal identification data comprises caller telephone number data.

56. An analysis control system according to claim 27, wherein said select format is identified by said one of said plurality of different called numbers and is a distinct operating process merchandising format for processing of a customer'"'"'s interactive order.

57. An analysis control system according to claim 56, wherein said qualification structure tests credit for said individual caller.

58. An analysis control system according to claim 57, wherein said qualification structure testing for credit tests said caller customer number data for unacceptable or cancelled credit status.

59. An analysis control system according to claim 58, wherein said qualification structure testing for credit further test by scoring the instant transaction for credit approval.

60. An analysis control system according to claim 56, whereby said individual callers enter data indicative of the item for order.

61. An analysis control system according to claim 60, further comprising:

means for providing computer generated number data indicative of sequence data to said individual callers wherein said sequence data indicates caller transaction order data.

62. An analysis control system according to claim 61, wherein said personal identification data comprises social security number data.

63. An analysis control system according to claim 61, wherein said personal identification data comprises a PIN number.

64. An analysis control system according to claim 63, wherein said personal identification data element is provided on-line for said individual callers and is stored in said record structure for subsequent use.

142. An analysis control system according to claim 27, wherein said individual callers provide said at least one other distinct identification data element on-line and said distinct identification data element is stored for subsequent use.

148. An analysis control system according to claim 27, wherein said interface structure further receives voice data from said individual callers and stores said voice data for subsequent processing.

149. An analysis control system according to claim 148, further comprising:

analysis structure coupled to said record structure for processing at least certain of said data developed by said remote terminals relating to certain select ones of said individual callers to isolate a subset of said callers.

150. An analysis control system according to claim 149, wherein said qualification structure further comprises test structure coupled to said interface structure for testing data provided by said individual callers specifying a limit on use during a predetermined period of time.

151. An analysis control system according to claim 36, wherein said one other distinct identification data is PIN number data.

65. An analysis control system for use with a communication facility including remote terminals for individual callers, wherein each of said remote terminals 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 data, said analysis control system comprising:

an interface structure coupled to said communication facility to interface said remote terminals for voice and digital communication, and including means to provide caller data signals representative of data relating to said individual callers developed by said remote terminals and including means to automatically receive called number identification signals (DNIS) to identify a select format from a plurality of formats;

voice generator structure coupled through said interface structure for actuating said remote terminals as to provide voice operating instructions to said individual callers;

record structure, including memory and control means, said record structure connected to receive said caller data signals from said interface structure for accessing a file and storing digital caller data relating to said individual callers provided from said digital input means through said interface structure; and

qualification structure for testing caller data signals provided by at least one of said individual callers to specify a consumable participation key, said consumable participation key for use during a single predetermined period of time for restricting the extent of access to at least a portion of said system by said one of said individual callers on the basis of entitlement.

66. An analysis control system according to claim 65, wherein said caller data signals represent a plurality of data elements for identifying a caller or a caller transaction or both.

67. An analysis control system according to claim 66, wherein said consumable participation key is comprised of at least two forms of distinct identification.

68. A process for controlling operations of the interface with a telephonic communication system including remote terminals for individual callers, wherein each of said remote terminals 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 data and wherein said telephonic communication system has a capability to automatically provide call data signals, indicative of calling number identification data or called number identification data (DNIS) or both, said process including the steps of:

providing products carrying concealed participation numbers specifying limits on use to entitle individual callers to access said operations of the interface with said telephonic communication system;

receiving said call data signals indicative of called number identification data including a called number (DNIS) dialed by a respective one of said individual callers to select a specific operating format from a plurality of operating formats of said operations of the interface;

coupling said remote terminals to said interface for providing voice signals to said individual callers and generating said voice signals for actuating said remote terminals as to provide vocal operating instructions to specific ones of said individual callers;

receiving digital identification data from said individual callers responsive to said voice signals including said participation numbers for said individual callers and answer data developed by said remote terminals under control of said individual callers;

qualifying said individual callers by testing to determine if said individual callers are entitled to access said operations of the interface based on said limits on use specified by said participation numbers for said individual callers and accordingly approving qualified individual callers;

conditionally accessing a memory with said participation numbers and storing data relating to calls from said individual callers;

processing at least certain of said answer data responsive to approving said qualified individual callers; and

providing on-going accounting data to said individual callers at intervals during calls from said individual callers.

69. A process according to claim 68, further including the step of:

updating said limits on use on-line.

70. A process according to claim 68, wherein said qualifying step further limits access by said individual callers to a predetermined period of time on the basis of entitlement.

71. A process according to claim 68, wherein said processing step further includes:

processing at least certain of said answer data provided to questions with respect to a poll.

72. A process according to claim 71, wherein said specific operating format is an automated promotional format associated with said specific operating format.

73. A process according to claim 72, wherein said participation numbers are provided in the packaging of said products.

74. A process according to claim 73, wherein said participation numbers are associated with an automated promotion of said products.

75. A process according to claim 74, wherein said participation numbers are concealed within said products.

76. A process according to claim 68, further comprising the step of:

allocating calls from said individual callers through said communication facility to window callers.

77. A process according to claim 68, further comprising the step of:

receiving said call data signals indicative of calling number identification data with respect to all or nearly all of said individual callers.

78. A process according to claim 77, wherein at least a part of said calling number identification data is utilized in said processing step to test for excess use with respect to said specific operating format.

152. A process according to claim 68, further comprising the step of:

receiving and storing voice data signals from said individual callers responsive to voice signals provided to said individual callers.

153. A process according to claim 152, further comprising the step of:

subsequently processing said stored voice data signals.

154. A process according to claim 152, further comprising the step of:

storing said digital identification data and said answer data from said individual callers.

155. A process according to claim 68, wherein said individual callers are further qualified by testing said participation numbers to determine whether said individual callers are calling during a predetermined period of time.

156. A process according to claim 155, wherein a clock is used to qualify said individual callers with respect to said period of time.

157. An analysis control system according to claim 68, wherein said select operating format is accessed by a pay to dial number identified by called number identification signals (DNIS) and said another of said plurality of operating formats is accessed by a number other than said pay to dial called number identified by called number identification signals (DNIS).

79. A process for controlling operations of an interface with a telephonic communication system including remote terminals for individual callers, wherein each of said remote terminals 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 data and wherein said telephonic communication system has a capability to automatically provide call data signals indicative of calling number identification data or called number identification data (DNIS) or both, said process including the steps of:

providing products carrying concealed participation numbers specifying limits on use to entitle said individual callers to access said operations of the interface with said telephonic communication system;

receiving said call data signals indicative of called number identification data including a called number (DNIS) dialed by individual callers to select a specific operating format from a plurality of operating formats of said operations of the interface;

coupling remote terminals to said interface for providing voice signals to said individual callers and generating said voice signals for actuating said remote terminals as to provide vocal operating instructions to specific ones of said individual callers;

receiving digital identification data from said individual callers responsive to said voice signals including said participation numbers and answer data provided from said remote terminals under control of said individual callers;

qualifying said individual callers by testing to determine if said individual callers are entitled to access said operations of the interface based on said limits on use specified by said participation numbers and accordingly approving qualified individual callers;

conditionally aborting interaction during said operations of the interface with an individual caller at an remote terminal and coupling said remote terminal to an interface terminal under predetermined conditions for direct personal communication;

accessing a memory with said participation numbers and storing data relating to calls from said individual callers; and

processing at least certain of said answer data responsive to approving said qualified individual callers.

80. A process according to claim 79, further comprising the step of:

providing on-going accounting data to said individual callers at intervals during calls from said individual callers.

81. A process according to claim 79, further including the step of:

updating said limits on use on-line.

82. A process according to claim 79, wherein said step of receiving said call data signals includes receiving said called number identification data to identify one form of an automated promotional format associated with said products as said specific operating format.

83. A process according to claim 79, wherein said step of qualifying based upon said limits on use takes place on-line.

84. A process according to claim 79, wherein said processing step further includes:

processing at least certain of said answer data provided to questions with respect to a poll.

85. A process according to claim 79, wherein said participation numbers are provided in the packaging of said products.

86. A process according to claim 85, wherein said participation numbers are associated with an automated promotion of said products.

158. A process according to claim 79, further comprising the step of:

receiving and storing voice data signals from said individual callers responsive to voice signals provided to said individual callers.

159. A process according to claim 158, further comprising the step of:

subsequently processing said stored voice data signals.

160. A process according to claim 158, wherein said data relating to calls from said individual callers includes said digital identification data and said answer data from said individual callers.

161. A process according to claim 79, wherein said individual callers are further qualified by testing said participation numbers to determine whether said individual callers are calling during a predetermined period of time.

162. A process according to claim 161, wherein a clock is used to qualify said individual callers with respect to said period of time.

163. A process according to claim 162, wherein said predetermined period of time is determined by a use-rate calculator.

87. A process for controlling operations of the interface with a telephone communication system, said process including the steps of:

providing products carrying participation numbers concealed within the packaging of said products, said participation numbers specifying limits on use to entitle individual callers to access said operations of the interface with said telephone communication system;

coupling remote terminals to said interface for providing voice signals to said individual callers and generating said voice signals for actuating said remote terminals as to provide vocal operating instructions to specific ones of said individual callers;

receiving digital identification data from said individual callers responsive to said voice signals including said participation numbers for said individual callers and answer data provided from said remote terminals under control of said individual callers;

qualifying said individual callers by testing to determine if said individual callers are entitled to access said operations of the interface based on said limits on use specified by said participation numbers for said individual callers and accordingly approving qualified individual callers;

accessing a memory with said participation numbers for said individual callers and storing data relating to calls from said individual callers;

processing at least certain of said answer data responsive to approving said qualified individual callers; and

receiving calling number identification signals from said telephone communication system for said individual callers and utilizing at least part of said calling number identification signals in said processing step.

88. A process according to claim 87, further including the step of:

updating said limits on use on-line.

89. A process according to claim 87, wherein said process is for automating a promotion.

90. A process according to claim 87, wherein said step of qualifying further restricts the extent of access during a predetermined period of time to at least a portion of said system on the basis of entitlement.

91. A process according to claim 87, wherein said processing step further includes:

processing at least certain of said answer data provided to questions with respect to a poll.

92. An process according to claim 87, wherein said participation numbers are associated with an automated promotion of said products.

164. A process according to claim 87, further comprising the step of:

receiving and storing voice data signals from said individual callers responsive to voice signals provided to said individual callers.

165. A process according to claim 164, further comprising the step of:

subsequently processing stored voice data signals.

166. A process according to claim 164, wherein said data relating to calls from said individual callers includes said digital identification data and said answer data from said individual callers.

167. A process according to claim 87, wherein said individual callers are further qualified by testing said participation numbers to determine whether said individual callers are calling during a predetermined period of time.

168. A process according to claim 167, wherein a clock is used to qualify said individual callers with respect to said period of time.

93. An analysis control system for use with a communication facility including remote terminals for individual callers, wherein each of said remote terminals 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 data and wherein said communication facility has a capability to provide call data signals indicative of calling number identification data and called number identification data for at least certain of said individual callers, said analysis control system comprising:

interface structure coupled to said communication facility to interface each of said remote terminals for voice and digital communication, and including means to provide signals representative of data developed by said remote terminals and for receiving said calling number identification data and said called number identification data (DNIS) to identify one from a plurality of called numbers;

voice generator structure coupled through said interface structure for actuating said remote terminals as to provide vocal operating instructions to said individual callers;

record structure, including memory and control means, said record structure connected to said interface structure for accessing a file and storing data relating to certain select ones of said individual callers in accordance with said calling number identification data;

qualification structure controlled by said record structure for controlling access to said system by said individual callers; and

means for processing at least certain of said data developed by said remote terminals relating to certain select ones of said individual callers.

94. An analysis control system according to claim 93, further comprising:

a plurality of call distributors located at different geographic locations wherein called number identification signals (DNIS) to identify said plurality of called numbers are received at said interface structure through said plurality of call distributors and wherein said communication facility further comprises;

call allocation routing capability to window said individual callers.

95. An analysis control system according to claim 94, wherein said one from a plurality of called numbers corresponds to a select one of a plurality of formats.

169. An analysis control system according to claim 93, wherein said data relating to certain select ones of said individual callers includes credit card number data.

170. An analysis control system according to claim 169, wherein said data relating to certain select ones of said individual callers includes credit card expiration date data.

171. An analysis control system according to claim 169, wherein said credit card number data is tested against unacceptable credit card numbers.

172. An analysis control system according to claim 93, wherein said interface structure receives voice data which is stored for subsequent use.

173. An analysis control system according to claim 172, wherein at least certain of said data developed by said remote terminals and at least certain of said voice data is used in subsequent processing.

174. An analysis control system according to claim 173, wherein said subsequent processing includes isolating a subset of said individual callers.

175. An analysis control system according to claim 95, wherein said data relating to certain select ones of said individual callers includes credit card number data, which is tested by said qualification structure for entitlement.

96. An analysis control system for use with a communication facility including remote terminals for individual callers, wherein each of said remote terminals 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 data, said analysis control system comprising:

an interface structure coupled to said communication facility to interface said remote terminals for voice and digital communication, and including means to receive answer data signals provided by said individual callers from said remote terminals wherein said communication facility automatically provides called number identification data signals indicating a called number (DNIS) dialed by an individual caller and said called number is one of a plurality of called numbers;

voice generator structure coupled through said interface structure for actuating said remote terminals as to provide vocal operating instructions to said individual callers;

record structure including memory and control means for storing answer data signals and for receiving identification data signals for specific of said individual callers, said record structure further including means for receiving additional identification data signals on-line for said specific of said individual callers and for storing said additional identification data signals in said record structure for subsequent identification of said individual callers;

means for processing at least certain of said answer data signals relating to select ones of said individual callers; and

qualification structure for verifying said identification data signals for specific of said individual callers against a file of stored identification data.

97. An analysis control system according to claim 96, wherein calling number identification signals automatically provided by said communication facility are received and processed by said system.

98. An analysis control system according to claim 96, wherein said identification data signals comprise caller customer number data.

99. An analysis control system according to claim 98, wherein said additional identification data signals comprise at least one of caller PIN number data, caller initials data, social security number data, or caller telephone number data.

100. An analysis control system according to claim 98, wherein calling number identification data automatically provided by said communication facility is indicative of said caller customer number data.

101. An analysis control system, according to claim 96, wherein said identification data signals include data indicative of caller customer number data and said additional data signals are indicative of caller social security number data.

102. An analysis control system, according to claim 100, wherein said additional identification data signals are indicative of caller PIN number data.

103. An analysis control system according to claim 101, further comprising:

a plurality of call distributors located at different geographic locations wherein called number identification signals (DNIS) to indicate said plurality of said called numbers are received at said interface structure through said plurality of call distributors and wherein said communication facility further comprises;

call allocation routing capability to window said individual callers.

104. An analysis control system according to claim 96, further comprising:

means for providing computer generated number data indicative of caller transaction sequence data and storing said computer generated number data in said record structure.

105. An analysis control system according to claim 104, wherein said computer generated number data is provided in a chronological order to said individual callers during a data acquisition phase.

106. An analysis control system according to claim 96, wherein said one of a plurality of called numbers identifies one of a plurality of distinct operating formats.

107. An analysis control system according to claim 106, further comprising:

qualification structure to test said individual callers on the basis of limits specified on use.

108. An analysis control system according to claim 106, wherein a select one of said plurality of distinct operating formats is an automated ordering format.

176. An analysis control system according to claim 96, wherein said identification data signals are further indicative of caller billing identification data.

109. An analysis control system for use with a communication facility including remote terminals for individual callers, wherein each of said remote terminals 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 data, said analysis control system comprising:

interface structure coupled to said communication facility to interface said remote terminals for voice and digital communication and including means to provide signals representative of data developed by said remote terminals;

voice generator structure selectively coupled through said interface structure to said remote terminals for providing vocal operating instructions to individual ones of said individual callers;

record memory connected to said interface structure for accessing a file and storing data relating to certain select ones of said individual callers including voice data and digital data developed by said remote terminals;

qualification structure for qualifying said individual callers by testing to determine if at least certain of said individual callers are entitled to access a processing format of said analysis control system;

structure selectively coupled to said interface structure and said record memory for providing computer generated numbers to said individual callers and storing said computer generated numbers in said record memory; and

analysis structure connected to said record memory for processing at least certain of said data relating to certain select ones of said individual callers; and

means to control processing formats of said analysis control system in accordance with signals automatically provided by said communication facility indicative of a respective one of a plurality of called numbers (DNIS) for a respective one of said processing formats.

110. An analysis control system according to claim 109, wherein said signals representative of data include credit card or participation number data.

111. An analysis control system according to 110, wherein said credit card or participation number data is verified.

112. An analysis control system according to claim 109, wherein one of said plurality of called numbers (DNIS) is a pay to dial number.

113. An analysis control system according to claim 109, wherein one form of a select processing format polls certain individual callers for personal information data.

114. An analysis control system according to claim 113, wherein said personal information data includes physical characteristic data.

115. An analysis control system according to claim 113, wherein said personal information data includes age data.

143. An analysis control system according to claim 109, wherein said computer generated numbers indicate a sequence in which calls from said individual callers occur.

144. An analysis control system according to claim 109, wherein said analysis structure processes at least certain of said data relating to certain select ones of said individual callers to isolate a subset of said individual callers.

177. An analysis control system according to claim 109, wherein said interface structure receives calling number identification data signals automatically provided by said communication facility, which are tested by said qualification structure with respect to a limit on use to determine if at least certain of said individual callers are entitled to access.

178. An analysis control system according to 109, wherein said individual callers provide caller PIN number data online for subsequent identification of said individual callers.

116. An analysis control system for use with a communication facility including remote terminals for individual callers, wherein each of said remote terminals 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 data and wherein said communication facility has a capability to provide called number identification data (DNIS) and calling number identification data, said analysis control system comprising:

multiple automatic call distributors at geographically distinct locations for receiving calls from said individual callers at said remote terminals;

interface structure coupled to said communication facility to interface said remote terminals for voice and digital communication and including means to receive caller data signals representative of data relating to said individual callers, including caller personal identification data and said called number identification data signals (DNIS) and said calling number identification data provided automatically by said communication facility, said called number identification data signals (DNIS) identifying a select format from a plurality of formats;

voice generator structure coupled through said interface structure for actuating said remote terminals as to provide vocal operating instructions in accordance with said select format to said individual callers and to prompt said individual callers to enter data;

record testing structure connected to receive and test said caller data signals including said calling number identification data and said caller personal identification data against previously stored calling number identification data and caller personal identification data; and

analysis structure for receiving and processing said caller data signals under control of said record testing structure.

117. An analysis control system according to claim 116, wherein said communication facility further comprises:

call allocation routing capability to window said individual callers.

179. An analysis control system according to claim 116, wherein said caller personal identification data is PIN number data.

180. An analysis control system according to claim 117, wherein at least certain of said individual callers are transferred to an operator attended terminal and at least certain of said data entered by said individual callers is displayed at said operator attended terminal.

118. A process for controlling operations of an interface with a telephonic communication system including remote terminals for individual callers, wherein each of said remote terminals 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 data and wherein said telephonic communication system has a capability to automatically provide call data signals indicative of calling number identification data or called number identification data (DNIS) or both, said process including the steps of:

providing products carrying participation numbers concealed within said products specifying limits on use relating to a dollar amount to entitle said individual callers to access said operations of said interface with said telephonic communication system;

receiving said call data signals indicative of called number identification data including a called number (DNIS) dialed by said individual callers to select a specific operating format from a plurality of operating formats of said operations of said interface wherein at least one of said plurality of operating formats includes an automated promotional format for promoting said products;

coupling said remote terminals to said interface for providing voice signals to said individual callers and generating said voice signals for actuating said remote terminals as to provide vocal operating instructions to specific ones of said individual callers;

receiving digital identification data from said individual callers responsive to said voice signals including said participation numbers and answer data provided from said remote terminals under control of said individual callers;

qualifying said individual callers by testing to determine if said individual callers are entitled to access said operations of said interface based on said limits on use specified by said participation numbers and accordingly approving qualified individual callers;

accessing a memory with said participation numbers and storing data relating to calls from said individual callers;

processing at least certain of said answer data responsive to approving said qualified individual callers; and

providing on-going accounting data to said individual callers, said on-going accounting data for at least one of a plurality of intervals being determined at least in part by said answer data provided by an individual caller during a call and during at least one of said intervals includes real time data provided to said individual caller on-line.

119. A process according to claim 118, further including a step of aborting interaction between said telephonic communication system and said individual caller at a remote terminal during the operations of the interface and coupling said remote terminal to an interface terminal for direct personal communication.

120. A process according to claim 119, further comprising the step of:

providing prompts to said interface terminal during direct personal communication with data relating to said calls from said individual callers.

121. A process in accordance with claim 119, wherein said step of aborting interaction is controlled by the success of said individual caller in accessing said memory.

122. A process according to claim 118, wherein said qualifying step limits access by said individual callers to a predetermined period of time based on entitlement.

123. A process according to claim 118, wherein said step for receiving said call data signals further includes:

receiving calling number identification data.

124. A process according to claim 123, wherein said processing step further includes processing of at least certain of said calling number identification data to test said calling number identification data to prevent excessive use.

202. A process according to claim 122, further including a step of limiting access by a caller to said memory under control of a clock.

125. An analysis control system for use with a communication facility including remote terminals for individual callers, wherein each of said remote terminals 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 data, said analysis control system comprising:

an interface structure coupled to said communication facility to interface said remote terminals for voice and digital communication, and including means to provide caller data signals representative of data relating to said individual callers developed by said remote terminals;

voice generator structure coupled through said interface structure for actuating said remote terminals as to provide vocal operating instructions to said individual callers;

record structure, including memory and control means, said record structure connected to receive said caller data signals from said interface structure for accessing a file relating to said individual callers including said individual callers'"'"' credit card numbers provided from said digital input means through said interface structure;

credit verification structure to verify on-line said credit card numbers wherein said credit verification structure at least verifies that said individual callers'"'"' credit card numbers have not been cancelled; and

qualification structure controlled by said record structure for testing caller data signals provided by said individual callers to specify consumable participation keys for restricting the extent of access to at least a part of said system by said individual callers on the basis of entitlement.

126. An analysis control system according to claim 125, wherein said individual callers are prompted to provide certain of said caller data signals to identify said individual callers.

127. An analysis control system according to claim 125, wherein said caller data signals are indicative of initials of name or names.

128. An analysis control system according to claim 125, wherein said caller data signals are indicative of caller social security number data.

129. An analysis control system according to claim 125, wherein said caller data signals are indicative of caller PIN data.

130. An analysis control system according to claim 125, wherein calling number identification signals are automatically provided by said communication facility.

131. An analysis control system according to claim 130, wherein said caller data signals further are indicative of caller social security number data.

132. An analysis control system according to claim 131, wherein said qualification structure restricts said extent of access by each of said individual callers to a single use entitlement.

133. An analysis control system according to claim 125, wherein said qualification structure restricts said extent of access to a limited number of uses.

134. An analysis control system according to claim 125, wherein said interface structure includes means to receive one called number from a plurality of called numbers (DNIS).

135. An analysis control system according to claim 134, wherein said called number identifies one of a plurality of formats.

136. An analysis control system according to claim 125, further comprising:

structure to receive calling number identification data.

137. An analysis control system according to claim 136, wherein said record structure stores said calling number identification data at least in part.

138. An analysis control system according to claim 136, further comprising:

processing structure to process at least certain of said calling number identification data.

139. An analysis control system according to claim 125, wherein certain of said caller data signals provided by said individual callers are stored in said record structure.

140. An analysis control system according to claim 125, wherein said qualification structure restricts said extent of access by each of said individual callers to a single use entitlement.

181. A process for controlling operations of an interface with a telephone communication system, said process including the steps of:

providing key numbers specifying limits on use to entitle individual callers to access said operations of the interface with said telephone communication system;

coupling remote terminals to said interface for providing voice signals to said individual callers and generating said voice signals for actuating said remote terminals as to provide vocal operating instructions to specific ones of said individual callers;

receiving said key numbers as digital identification data from said individual callers responsive to said voice signals and answer data provided from said remote terminals under control of said individual callers;

qualifying said individual callers by testing to determine if said individual callers are entitled to access said operations of the interface by testing said key numbers for said individual callers against stored key numbers to ensure their validity and testing said key numbers based on said limits on use for said individual callers and accordingly providing approval signals for qualified individual callers;

accessing a memory with said key numbers for said individual callers and storing data relating to calls from said individual callers; and

processing at least certain of said answer data responsive to said approval signals.

182. A process for controlling operations of an interface with a telephone communication system according to claim 181, where said key numbers are included in packaging of products.

183. A process for controlling operations of an interface with a telephone communication system according to claim 181, wherein certain of said voice signals provided to said individual callers indicate computer generated number data formed during operations of said interface.

184. A process for controlling operations of an interface with a telephone communication system according to claim 181, where said key numbers are coded.

185. A process for controlling operations of an interface with a telephone communication system according to claim 181, wherein said processing step processes answer data to isolate a subset of said individual callers.

186. A process for controlling operations of an interface with a telephone communication system according to claim 181, wherein said individual callers provide credit card number data as additional digital identification data or said answer data, which is verified and stored in said memory.

187. A process for controlling operations of an interface with a telephone communication system according to claim 181, wherein said operations of the interface are in accordance with a select processing format of a plurality of processing formats identified by called terminal digital data signals (DNIS) provided automatically by said telephone communication system, further comprising the steps of:

providing access to said operations of the interface in accordance with said select processing format with a pay to dial number and providing access to said operations of the interface in accordance with another of said processing formats with a number other than said pay to dial number.

188. A process for controlling operations of an interface with a telephone communications system, said process including the steps of:

providing products carrying key numbers for participation specifying limits on use to entitle individual callers to access said operations of the interface with said telephone communications system;

coupling remote terminals to said interface for providing voice signals to said individual callers and generating said voice signals for actuating said remote terminals as to provide voice operating instructions to specific ones of said individual callers;

receiving digital identification data from said individual callers responsive to said voice signals including said key numbers for said individual callers and answer data provided from said remote terminals under control of said individual callers;

qualifying said individual callers by testing to determine if said individual callers are entitled to access said operations of the interface based on said limits on use specified by said key numbers for said individual callers and accordingly providing approval signals for qualified callers;

accessing a memory with said key numbers for said individual callers and storing data relating to calls from said individual callers; and

providing certain of said voice signals to said individual callers to indicate computer generated number data formed during operations of the interface.

189. A process according to claim 188, wherein said computer generated number data is stored in said memory.

190. A process according to claim 189, wherein said computer generated number data is stored in association with said digital identification data.

191. A process according to claim 188, further comprising the step of:

providing said key numbers in packaging of said products.

192. A process according to claim 188, further comprising the step of:

processing at least certain of said answer data to isolate a subset of callers.

193. A process according to claim 188, wherein caller credit card number data is received from said individual callers as additional digital identification data or said answer data.

194. A process according to claim 188, wherein said computer generated number data is indicative of a calling order sequence of said individual callers.

195. An analysis control system for use with a communication facility including remote terminals for individual callers, wherein each of said remote terminals 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 data, said analysis control system comprising:

interface structure coupled to said communication facility to interface said remote terminals for voice and digital communication and including means to provide signals representative of data developed by said remote terminals and including structure to control processing formats of said analysis control system in accordance with signals automatically provided by said communication facility indicative of one of a plurality of called numbers (DNIS) wherein said one of a plurality of called numbers identifies a select processing format from a plurality of processing formats;

voice generator structure selectively coupled through said interface structure to said remote terminals for providing vocal operating instructions to individual ones of said callers;

record memory connected to said interface structure for accessing a file and storing data relating to certain select ones of said individual callers including voice data and digital data developed by said remote terminals; and

analysis structure connected to said record memory for processing at least certain of said data relating to certain select ones of said individual callers to isolate a subset of said callers, wherein processing of said certain of said data includes accumulating multiple different personal identifying data provided by said select ones of said individual callers and considering said multiple different data by logic comparisons to isolate said subset of said callers.

196. An analysis control system according to claim 195, wherein certain of said caller data signals provided by said individual callers are stored in said record structure.

197. An analysis control system according to claim 195, wherein said analysis structure provides individual designations including sequence data and other caller data.

198. An analysis control system according to claim 195, wherein said select processing format is accessed by a pay to dial called number received over a pay to dial network and identified by called number identification data signals (DNIS).

199. An analysis control system according to claim 198, wherein at least one other of said processing formats is accessed by a number other than said pay to dial called number and identified by called number identification data signals (DNIS).

200. An analysis control system according to claim 199, further comprising:

qualification structure coupled to said interface structure for qualifying at least certain of said individual callers for access to said select processing format by testing key numbers specifying a limit on use provided by said certain of said individual callers as part of said digital data developed by said remote terminals.

201. An analysis control system according to claim 200, wherein said digital data developed by remote terminals includes personal information data on at least said certain of said individual callers including age data.