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Description  |
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention involves a method of providing a message service for
prepaid telecommunications wherein end users are provided a user unit for
utilizing a single phone number for a single use to access a predetermined
message.
2. Information Disclosure Statement
Various systems used for controlling, billing and blocking usage of
telecommunications systems using computerized central switching stations
have been developed. The following is representative of the prior art:
U.S. Pat. No. 5,265,155 to Peter D. Castro describes a method and apparatus
for prepayment of telecommunication connections between two
telecommunications devices which involves storing telecommunication-time
data representative of a prepurchased amount of time available for payment
of telecommunications connections in a switching network. At the
initiation of the first telecommunication device, a connection is
established between the first and second telecommunication devices so that
a telecommunication process can be conducted therebetween. The
telecommunication connection between the first and second devices is
terminated in response to termination of the telecommunication process.
The time duration of the connection is measured. The stored
telecommunication-time data is processed to indicated a decrement in the
available telecommunication-time, which is essentially equal to the
measured time duration of the connection.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,228,075 to Sang T. La et al. describes a telephone set
capable of selectively accepting callers and enabling partial recognitions
of callers. The telephone set includes tip and ring terminals, a first
analogue switch connected to the tip terminal, a first bridge diode
connected to the first analogue switch and the ring terminal, a wave
rectifying circuit connected to the first bridge diode, a microprocessor
connected to the wave rectifying circuit and the first analog switch, an
EEPROM connected to the microprocessor, a hook switch connected to the
microprocessor, and a selecting switch connected to the microprocessor. It
further includes a second bridge diode connected to the tip and ring
terminals, a hybrid IC circuit connected to the second bridge diode, a
DTMF decoder connected to the hybrid IC circuit and the microprocessor, a
power supply means for supplying the required power to the internal
circuits, and a second analogue switch and a microphone.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,109,408 to Steven L. Greenspan describes a call processing
embodiment where customers are offered a special dialing plan where
received numbers are processed such that a query of a database is defined
when a prespecified access code, e.g. *66, is received, for example
followed by a destination, but where call blocking is defined for a
predefined plurality of destination numbers, e.g. all destination numbers
beginning with 976 or 1-900 or all destination numbers beginning with 1,
when such numbers are received without the prespecified access code.
Illustratively, the database query may result in the customer being
prompted for a personal identification number (PIN) and accordingly 976 or
1-900 access is thereby limited to those knowing the PIN. The database may
perform other call screening and call management operations such as time
of day or day of week screening or limiting the number or cost of 976
calls in a given time period.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,068,891 to Marvin Marshall describes an invention wherein
the amount of credit available to a telephone travel card holder is
determined immediately at the completion of a long distance call and the
travel card is invalidated if no credit remains. Capture software captures
call ticket data at the completion of a call and the ticket data is
transmitted to a monitoring computer without delay. The monitoring
computer calculates the amount of credit available to that caller and
invalidates the travel card if no credit remains by transmitting a signal
to all switching equipment stations throughout the telephone system.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,757,186 to Wolfgang Heberle et al. describes a method
allowing the continued use of a credit card which has expired in terms of
time or value units for automatic vendors which are in communication with
a central evaluation location. The method allows a continuation of
telephone calls, even with an expired telephone credit card, by debiting
of the fee units used or made to the account of the card owner at the
central evaluation location in a chronologically limited transition time
after every service performance so that a call is not cut-off in the
middle of a call.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,706,275 to Zvi Kamil describes a telephone system enabling
prepayment for telephone calls, wherein special code and credit
information is stored in memory in special exchanges and debited as the
call progresses.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,162,377 to Allison B. Mearns involves a method for
automatically processing call data from a Traffic Service Position System
over Common Channel Interoffice Signaling facilities to a remotely located
data base system to verify the entitlement of the caller to bill the call
on a credit card, collect and charge-to-a-third number basis. The call
data, dialed by the caller, comprises a credit card or station number
together with a Personal Identification Number used by authorized callers
in placing the special service calls. The data base system includes a
memory table of authorized numbers to which the calls are charged and
billed. The data base transmits Common Channel Interoffice Signaling
direct signaling verification messages through the signal transfer system
to the Traffic Service Position System signifying the entitlement and
nonentitlement of the caller to the call service.
Notwithstanding the above prior art, there are no teachings or suggestions
that would render the present invention anticipated or obvious.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a method of operating a telecommunication system
for providing a limited access message service to a plurality of
end-users. Existing telecommunication lines with a telecommunication
switching network and a computerized central switching station are used to
establish a billing system for sponsors and to form an account for each
sponsor purchasing subsequent usage relating to one third party telephone
number, the usage being based on a predetermined bulk rate for consumption
of user time over a preset time period. It also includes distributing a
user unit to each of a plurality of end users for calling the one third
party telephone number. Each end-user is given the third party telephone
number, and at least one unique personal identification number. In
connection with said billing system, the computerized central switching
station is programmed to permit a call of a preset message limit to be
made by each end user to the third party phone number provided, based on
the distributed user unit, accessed only by the unique personal
identification number provided. In response to an end user calling the
third party telephone number, a predetermined message is provided in
accordance with a preset limit, and the call is terminated and an
appropriate time amount is charged to the account of the sponsor. The
messages record of each consumed user unit is captured by the system and
may be used by the sponsor for data base marketing. At the discretion of
the sponsor, distributed user units may be reactivated through a credit
billing system. The method may be used for many forms of commercial,
religious and personal messages, be tied in with information procurement,
product promotions, concerts, games, movies and other purposes and may be
used to award bonuses, or to aid lost persons.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will be more fully understood when the specification
herein is taken in conjunction with the drawings appended hereto, wherein:
FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 show schematic diagrams of various embodiments of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention is a method of providing message services on a
limited access basis through existing telecommunication systems which
utilize computerized central switching stations. The method involves
modifying the computerized central switching station to establish a
billing system and to build an account for each of a number of sponsors
who purchase subsequent system usage relating to a third party telephone
number. The usage is based upon a predetermined bulk rate for consumption
of user time over a preset time period.
In the present invention method, the sponsor, its agent, or the owner of
the third party telephone number or its agent, distributes a user unit to
a predetermined number of end users. These end users are provided the user
unit along with the third party telephone number and at least one personal
identification number which is unique to each user unit. The computerized
central switching station is programmed to permit a call of a preset
message limit to be made by each end user to a third party phone number
provided, based on the distributed user unit and accessed only by the
unique personal identification number provided. Subsequent attempts by end
users to access the preset message with the same unique personal
identification number are blocked through computerized intercepts of
either the incoming ANI (automatic number identification) or the PIN
(personal identification number) or a combination of both ANI and PIN. At
the discretion of the sponsor, any given user unit may be reactivated
through modification of the central computer system.
A predetermined message is provided to an end user calling the third party
telephone number and the predetermined message is consistent with the
preset message limit, after which the call is automatically terminated,
and an appropriate time amount to the account is charged of the
corresponding sponsor. The aforesaid steps are illustrated in FIG. 1 as
steps 12, 14 and 16.
In preferred embodiments, the user units are distributed to end users by
either a sponsor (or its agent) or a third party who owns the third party
telephone number (or its agent) to end users for a fixed fee. The fixed
fee is not based on the length of time of a given call but is a fee which
is prepaid by the end user to permit a call. End user fees are independent
of both the length of the message and the class of telephone service
provided (e.g., 1+dial, 800, 900, etc.).
In other preferred embodiments, all automatic number identification message
information of the end users is captured by the computerized central
switching station and is provided to the sponsor.
In other preferred embodiments, the computerized central switching station
is programmed to deny access to the predetermined message according to
preset requisites by blocking any caller who has previously used the
personal identification number and/or the automatic number identification
for access to that predetermined message.
The predetermined message may be an entertainment message, an educational
message, a religious message, a safety message to aid a lost person, a
message with music, a message from a celebrity such as a sports figure, a
hero, an author, an actor or other person. The predetermined message may
relate to holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, thank you's,
christenings or other special or notable occasions.
In other preferred embodiments, the present invention may be used to
perform the aforementioned steps and to also randomly select one or more
bonus award winners from actual caller end users and to then notify the
winner(s) and/or the sponsor. This is shown schematically in FIG. 2 as
steps 22, 24 and 26.
In yet other preferred embodiments, the present invention is used to aid
lost persons and to notify an authority who would go to and assist the
lost person. This is shown schematically in FIG. 3 as steps 32, 34 and 36.
The present invention user unit is generally in the form of printed
material and may be a small, flat card, a membership card, a letter, a
greeting card, a holiday occasion card or a special occasion card.
Alternatively, it could be in the form of baseball or other sports cards,
movie cards, cartoon character cards, or other specialty cards. It could
otherwise be in the form of packaging labels, packaging inserts or any
other written or printed format.
The present invention method includes embodiments wherein the user unit is
capable of being reactivated at the discretion of the sponsor, typically
upon a further payment by the end user or some other party via a credit
card or some other payment means. Reactivating may be for any multiple of
additional authorized access opportunities e.g. based upon passage of
time, change of message, receipt of payment of a bill or invoice or
donation, etc. The computerized system tracks the number of additional
access units for a specific PIN or ANI and exhausts the user unit when all
additional access opportunities have been consumed.
The following are examples of the present invention method:
EXAMPLE 1
TELETALKIE.TM. TRAILERS: THE POCKET PREVIEW
The Pocket Preview is a totally unique way to advertise and promote motion
pictures and their related products. For the first time, a consumer can
have direct, immediate audio access to the story line of the motion
picture, its characters or any other message regarding film promotion. In
addition, the Pocket Preview can be used as a souvenir collectible, a user
unit in the form of discount coupon card and a contest entry--all in one
simple package.
The Pocket Preview allows the user to dial a number that accesses a voice
message from any touch tone telephone. The voice message can provide
actual script from the movie, or a "tease" line from one of the
characters, or any other promotion. Making the phone call will not only
give motion picture executives an instant measure of consumer interest, it
can also be coupled with data base collection. The Card will carry the
movie logo and other advertising information. On the reverse, the Card can
carry consumer discounts for use at the theater or with any of the cross
promotional vendors associated with the movie which become valid only when
the call is completed. The perceived value of the coupons on the card will
far exceed the retail price of the card as a stand alone product.
EXAMPLE 2
TELETALKIE.TM. TALES: THE AUDIO COMIC BOOK CARD
The Audio Comic Book Card is a combination entertainment, promotional,
merchandising and marketing device. This Teletalkie.TM. can be sold as a
stand alone product or an insert into existing products. The user unit can
be produced in the form of a credit card, collector's trading card, label,
sticker or any other printed medium. It provides the purchaser with the
ability to make one call to the number on the card. The technology
prevents the user from making more than one call (or a specified number of
calls).
Once the call is made, the caller hears one piece of an on-going story,
coupled with a promotional message, a contest entry, or any other suitable
announcement. All of this is designed to encourage the caller to purchase
additional cards to continue to hear the story. A single story could
involve multiple character cards, interwoven story lines or any other
combination of themes and characters, requiring the purchase of many cards
in a set.
The Teletalkie.TM. Audio Comic Book Card is not simply an audio text
message. Each card becomes a collector item. Cards are sold in sequential
series, character series or by subscription. Cards can also be used to
test market new themes, characters or even new comic books and to act as
live comment cards on existing issues. Once the caller is on line, the
message can request data base information stimulated by a "surprise" offer
when the data is given. The surprise can be anything from additional story
lines to promotional giveaways. The Card can also be packaged within
existing printed comic books, offering tangent plots, new developments,
etc. Used creatively, the Card story can enhance the printed comic story,
providing information not found in the printed material or developing
plots only hinted at in the printed comic. Cards can also be used as the
vehicle to provide coupon offers, discounts to purchasers of additional
comic book materials, action figures, or any number of cross promotionals.
Most importantly, every use of the Card provides the comic book publisher
with a telephone number of a qualified buyer.
EXAMPLE 3
TELETALKIE.TM. TUNES: THE ROCK TALK CARD
The Teletalkie.TM. Rock Talk Card user unit allows the caller to hear the
musical artist or member of the band talk about a new release or some
other personal insight or message of interest. This message is coupled
with a promotion, a contest entry, or a sales offer. The message can also
ask for caller information, such as the caller's interest in purchasing
the new CD, or a comment section on a song, etc. Once the caller is on
line, the message can request data base information stimulated by a
"surprise" offer when the data is given. The Card can also be packaged
within existing media including Compact Discs, rock magazines, posters,
music scores, etc. Cards can also be used as the media to provide coupon
offers, discounts to purchasers of additional artist licensed products
such as clothing, musical instruments, music videos, etc.
EXAMPLE 4
TELETALKIE.TM. TEAMS: THE SPORTS HERO CARD
Perhaps the largest market for Teletalkies is the existing sports card
collectible market. With the Teletalkie.TM., any sports collectible card
will be the user unit and will allow the user to "talk" to a sports
celebrity. The Teletalkie allows every fan to "talk" to his or her hero.
The Teletalkie can be used as a chase card in existing sports trading card
products. It can be used as a premium at games in order to increase ticket
sales. It can be used in cross promotionals with other products sold at
the sports event. Because the Teletalkie message can be changed as
required, listening to your hero can be as fresh and relevant as last
night's game. The Teletalkie opens the door to an entirely new way to
market sports. It can allow the interested consumer to listen to one of
the contestants before the big event via a computerized message. Combined
with co-sponsor offers, the Teletalkie can also deliver advanced ticket
sales billed to the telephone and delivered to the caller's address--all
with the touch of a button.
EXAMPLE 5
THE TELETALKIE SANTA CARD
The Teletalkie Santa Card user unit allows the child to speak his or her
Christmas wish to Santa. In this application, the information spoken by
the child is captured and digitally recorded. It is then matched to the
personal identification code from the card in order that a hard copy
transcription of the child's wish can be sent to the parent, grandparent
or relative who purchased the card. The entire package is designed to
allow merchandisers a way to target specific potential purchasers with
exact requests from children.
EXAMPLE 6
Application of the Wish Card to the Premium/Incentive Market
By allowing the relatives of participants in incentive programs to express
their wishes in this unique format, the Premium/Incentive (herein "P/I")
firm can capture merchandise data directly from the potential buyer. If
the user unit card is provided by the P/I firm for each participant, the
PIN identifies the participant. Cards can be given in quantities for use
by relatives, friends, etc. but in every case, the PIN identifies the
incentive program participant.
When the information is captured, the recording and the PIN are stored so
that the P/I firm knows which participant potentially wants what
merchandise. The P/I firm uses this information to notify participants of
the individual's desires.
EXAMPLE 7
THE GREETING CALL
Used in a variety of applications, this Teletalkie.TM. user unit is priced
so that the focus of the buyer's attention is placed on the desirability
of the voice to be heard, not on the actual cost of the call. The card can
be coupled with other promotional or bonus items, but its appeal is in the
message received. In the greeting card market, the Teletalkie can provide
a message from a famous person to anyone who purchases or receives the
card, for example, Marilyn Monroe wishing you a happy birthday, or Bing
Crosby singing "White Christmas" to you, or Axl Rose telling you to take
it easy today. The Teletalkie is also capable of complete customization,
allowing the consumer to put his or her own picture on the card and have
the Teletalkie deliver a personal message from the buyer to the card
recipient.
EXAMPLE 8
THE SPECIALTY CARD
Using the existing technology, this user unit card variation simply
requires printing to specific customer orders in pre-sold quantities. In
the hotel and travel market, specialty cards can be issued in small
quantities that carry a specific customer logo and message. There are
literally dozens of applications of such a product, including specialty
events, tourist and travel applications, gift giving, etc. This card could
be used with major metropolitan governments and other organizations for a
variety of promotional and charitable projects.
EXAMPLE 9
THE BUSINESS CARD
The user unit card could be printed with any company logo, employee name,
etc. so that the card itself would become a business card. In this
application, the Teletalkie number is designed to connect the caller with
the person on the business card from any location anywhere in the U.S.A.
without cost to the caller and without the expense of the usual 800 number
service. This Teletalkie.TM. becomes the personal "Easy Reach" access of
every business call. The technology is available to provide a message from
the sponsoring business every time the client uses the card.
EXAMPLE 10
THE BOOK TALK CARD
The Teletalkie.TM. can be used to advertise and promote new books. When a
book is in the promotional stage, the message can be a part of the text, a
statement of the author or any number of marketing messages. The
Teletalkie.TM. user unit can be sent to bookstores in advance of the book
release, with the option at the end of the message to order the book by
simply pressing a key on the telephone pad. Publishers can capture two
important data bases: buyers who demonstrated interest and buyers who
requested a sale. Both type of consumers can also be offered discounts on
other publications, catalogues, etc.
EXAMPLE 11
THE CONCERT CARD
Exactly like the Sports Event Teletalkie.TM. described above, applied to
Rock Concerts.
EXAMPLE 12
THE CALL TO GIVING
This Teletalkie.TM. user unit provides the caller with a message concerning
a charitable cause, allowing the caller to give directly to the
organization by completing the response through the touch tone pad.
Donations can be billed to the telephone bill or taken by transferring to
a live operator.
EXAMPLE 13
THE HELP CARD
A sponsor or third party phone number owner could produce an entire
parents' package user unit including child registration, name, address,
telephone contacts and emergency contact. The package includes a business
reply return form. All of this is entered into the data base in
conjunction with the PIN assigned to that unique child. The child retains
the telephone number and the PIN in a printed form, contained in either a
wrist band, locket or child's wallet.
The central data base library stores a recognizable voice such as ET or
Kermit saying the child's name, attached to the identifying PIN, in a
message record stored in the computer data base.
When the child calls the help line:
The voice answers, speaking the child's name (using digital storage
technology, recalling the name from the PIN identification).
The computerized central switching station looks in a separate data base to
find the closest police station, determined by the ANI identification of
the incoming call. The system dials the police number, identifies the call
as a child in trouble and connects the child's call directly to the police
on the line. The system then dials the parent's number, playing a message
that the child has called for help and is being referred to the police at
the police telephone number.
The program notifies parents by mail that the help card has been used and
offers a re-issue. The card can only be used once and must then be
resubscribed. This prevents abuse.
Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention
are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore understood
that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be
practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.
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