Method of providing information to a telephony subscriber

• US 7,181,200 B2
• Filed: 11/09/2004
• Issued: 02/20/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 06/07/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Single Touch Interactive Incorporated (SITO Mobile, Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: William Reber LLC
• Inventors: Malackowski, James E., Stathis, Kristi L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Tran; CongVan
• Application Number:
  US10/984,166
• Publication Number:
  US 20050064851A1
• Time in Patent Office: 833 Days
• Field of Search: 455/414.1, 455/414.2, 455/414.3, 455/422.1, 455/412.1, 455/403, 455/550.1, 455/465
• US Class Current: 455/414.3
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/41 Billing record details, i.e. parameters, identifiers, structure of call data record [CDR]
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/50 for cross-charging network operators
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/8083 involving reduced rates or discounts, e.g. time-of-day reductions or volume discounts
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/00 Metering arrangements; Time controlling arrangements; Time indicating arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/0164 Billing record, e.g. Call Data Record [CDR], Toll Ticket[TT], Automatic Message Accounting [AMA], Call Line Identifier [CLI], details, i.e. parameters, identifiers, structure
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/0184 involving reduced rates or discounts, e.g. time-of-day reductions, volume discounts, cell discounts, group billing, frequent calling destination(s) or user history list
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/0192 Sponsored, subsidised calls via advertising, e.g. calling cards with ads or connecting to special ads, free calling time by purchasing goods
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/2026 Wireless network, e.g. GSM, PCS, TACS
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/32 Involving wireless systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/52 Interconnection, inter-exchange, reseller billing, billing agreements between different operators, e.g. billing identifier added on the CDR in order to cross charge the other operator, inter-operator accounting, reconciliation, bill directly resellers customers
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/382 using authorisation codes or passwords
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/4878 Advertisement messages
• 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: H04Q 11/0435 Details
• 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 2213/13098 Mobile subscriber
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13103 Memory
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1313 Metering, billing
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13141 : Hunting for free outlet, circuit or channel
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13179 : Fax, still picture
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13209 : ISDN
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13333 : Earth satellites
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13374 : Paging
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13405 : Dual frequency signaling, DTMF
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/02 : Services making use of location information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/029 : Location-based management or tracking services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/16 : Communication-related supplementary services, e.g. call-transfer or call-hold
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/24 : Accounting or billing

Abstract

An information fulfillment system and method for providing information to a caller having a wireless communication device. Upon receipt of sensory prompting and manual or automatic input of access codes to the wireless communication device, the caller'"'"'s identity and the input access code are verified. Thereafter, the call is connected through the PWN and along the PSTN to the system messaging or fulfillment center for automatic or live-operator delivery of the requested information. Automatic verification, connection, and billing modification processes are provided for implementation of the system and method.

Claims

1. A method for providing research information via a fulfillment center through a public wireless telecommunications network to a caller having a wireless telecommunications transmitting and receiving device comprising the steps of:

providing the caller with an observable prompt that comprises, at least in part, a specialized access code that corresponds to additional information regarding an advertised item;

initiating a call to the fulfillment center through dialing of the specialized access code into the wireless telecommunications and receiving device;

directing the call from the public wireless telecommunications network to the fulfillment center based upon the specialized access code; and

delivering information as designated by the specialized access code to the caller from the fulfillment center through the wireless telecommunications transmitting and receiving device.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein delivering information further comprises prompting the caller to enter an additional identifier.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein prompting the caller to enter an additional identifier further comprises prompting the caller to enter an additional identifier as corresponds to a specific advertiser.

4. The method of claim 2 wherein prompting the caller to enter an additional identifier further comprises prompting the caller to enter an additional identifier as corresponds to a specific product.

5. The method of claim 2 wherein delivering information further comprises transferring the caller to a retailer.

6. The method of claim 2 wherein prompting the caller to enter an additional identifier further comprises prompting the caller to enter the additional identifier using a verbal entry.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein delivering information further comprises receiving the verbal entry at a voice activated switch.

8. The method of claim 6 wherein delivering information further comprises interpreting the verbal entry using speech recognition software.

9. The method of claim 2 wherein prompting the caller to enter an additional identifier further comprises using a live operator to deliver a request for the additional identifier.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein providing the caller with an observable prompt further comprises providing the caller with an observable prompt via electronic media.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the electronic media comprises electronic promotional media.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein the wireless telecommunications transmitting and receiving device is coupled to a computer.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the wireless telecommunications transmitting and receiving device connects to the computer via a hardware interface.

14. The method of claim 1 and further comprising:

receiving, at a server, information regarding delivery of the information.

15. The method of claim 14 and further comprising:

tracking, at the server, billing data as corresponds to the delivery of the information.

16. The method of claim 1 wherein delivering information as designated by the specialized access code to the caller from the fulfillment center further comprises using a computer to deliver the information.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein using a computer to deliver the information further comprises using the computer to further route the call.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein using the computer to further route the call further comprises using the computer to further route the call to facilitate further processing.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the further processing comprises at least one of:

gathering demographics information;

facilitating a sweepstakes entry;

facilitating an order;

conducting a survey;

scheduling an appointment.

20. The method of claim 18 wherein the further processing comprises gathering billing verification information.