Abstract:
A system for managing and processing of a user message as initiated by a sender messaging device of a sending user to an addressed receiver messaging device of a receiving user and transmitted through a telecommunication network to a multimedia messaging system (MMS) implemented therein for transmitting the received user message from the sender messaging device to the receiver messaging device based on an receiver message device address, a first server receives and manages brand-related data and configuration data for processing the messages and a second server creates a modified user message having the brand-related data (BRD) message inserted with the user message and within the messaging format of the user message and responsive to a BRD message insertion rule defined by the BRD configuration data associated with the BRD message, and then transmitting the modified user message to the addressed receiver messaging device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/254,877, filed Apr. 16, 2014, which was a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/345,027, filed on Jan. 6, 2012, now abandoned, which claimed priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/577,118, filed on Dec. 19, 2011. 
         [0002]    This application is also a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/536,586, filed on Nov. 7, 2014, which was a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/254,877, filed on Apr. 16, 2014. 
         [0003]    This application claims priority to each of the above U.S. applications, the disclosures of each application being incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0004]    The present disclosure relates, generally, to the field of messaging and to, more particularly, the field of advertising via messaging. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0005]    The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art. 
         [0006]    For many years, sellers of products or services have used advertising to increase sales of their products or services by initially creating brand awareness amongst consumers and subsequently expanding on such brand awareness. The advertising has taken on many forms, with sellers constantly attempting to capitalize on new media. For example, when newspapers, magazines, and other forms of print media became widely distributed and read by consumers, sellers placed advertisements in newspapers and magazines that included the sellers&#39; brands, logos, and/or slogans coupled with images and information about the sellers&#39; products or services. When television sets were invented and became prevalent in consumers&#39; homes, sellers created and continue to create, television commercials that were/are played frequently during breaks in programming. The commercials generally feature the sellers&#39; brands, logos, and/or slogans as found in complementary print advertisements and video concerning the sellers&#39; products or services, but also typically include music or jingles specifically produced for the commercials. Through the commercials&#39; use of sight and sound, sellers have taken advantage of the audiovisual capabilities provided by television. 
         [0007]    When Internet access became possible for consumers, sellers continued in their attempt to capitalize on new media via Internet advertisements that “pop up” or are otherwise displayed on the screens of consumers&#39; computers, tablet devices, or smartphones. Such advertisements, similar to commercials, take advantage of the audiovisual capabilities provided by digital media through use of stationary or moving images coupled with music, jingles, or other sound. However, unlike commercials, such advertisements are adaptable at runtime, may collect inputs from consumers, and may link to the sellers&#39; Internet websites so that sellers may present more thorough information about their products or services to consumers. Thus, by interacting with consumers and adapting to consumers&#39; inputs, sellers have taken advantage of the additional capabilities provided by the Internet. 
         [0008]    Despite sellers&#39; attempts to continually capitalize on new media, sellers have seemingly been unable to capitalize, so far, on the tremendous growth of messaging services being offered by communications carriers and used by consumers to communicate textual and other messages with one another. Such messaging services are generally accessible via cell phones, smartphones, tablet devices, and other messaging-enabled devices and include, utilize or are based on, without limitation: Short Message Service (SMS) text messaging; Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS); iMessage®; Blackberry® Message; Samsung™ ChatOn; Instant Message; Twitter®; and Facebook®. Generally, messages communicated via such messaging services include only characters, numbers, or symbols of an alphanumeric character set that may be input to a messaging-enabled device through use of a physical or virtual keypad or keyboard. 
         [0009]    There is, therefore, a need in the industry for systems, apparatuses and methods for inserting brands, logos, images, video, audio, hypertext links and other non-alphanumeric content into messages communicated via messaging services and that resolves these and other shortcomings, difficulties, or problems with present systems. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    Briefly described, the present invention comprises a system, including apparatuses and methods, for inserting brand-related data into messages communicated via messaging services. According to example embodiments and without limitation, the brand-related data comprises or is representative of brands, logos, images, icons, graphic elements, symbols and links to Internet-accessible content, websites or webpages. The brand-related data is generally received from, or specified by, a system user including a seller or advertiser of products or services, but may be provided by another entity such as a communication carrier or an entity providing the functionality described herein. The brand-related data may be, based on received configuration input, inserted at random intervals/counts or pre-determined intervals/counts of messages or message bubbles. Also, the appearance and location of the brand-related data in messages displayed on a message receiving device of a message receiver may be configured. Additionally, the brand-related data may be configured to cause, upon selection (or clicking or tapping thereon) by a message receiver, various actions to be taken by the message receiving device, including, but not limited to: re-direction of the message receiving device to random, pre-determined or automated material, content, or an Internet webpage or website destination; initiating the execution of application software, and sharing or transferring images, video, and audio between a message sending device and the message receiving device. In addition, the display of brand-related data and taking of actions upon the selection thereof may be enabled or disabled based on the passage of a period of time or calendar date. 
         [0011]    Advantageously, the system enables sellers and others to advertise and provide information about products and/or services by inserting brand-related data (including, but not limited to, logos, images, icons, graphic elements, symbols and/or hypertext links) into messages communicated via messaging systems. The system also enables sellers and others to conduct promotional campaigns through the insertion of brand-related data in messages associated with such campaigns that may be disabled after the passage of a period of time or a calendar date. 
         [0012]    Other uses and benefits of the present invention may become apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification when taken in conjunction with the appended drawings. 
         [0013]    Further aspects of the present disclosure will be in part apparent and in part pointed out below. It should be understood that various aspects of the disclosure may be implemented individually or in combination with one another. It should also be understood that the detailed description and drawings, while indicating certain exemplary embodiments, are intended for purposes of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  displays a block diagram representation of a brand-related data insertion and response system in accordance with a first example embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  displays a block diagram representation of the data configuration sub-system and system database of the brand-related data insertion and response system of  FIG. 1  and an environment therefor via which brand-related data and associated configuration data are received from and managed by system users. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  displays a schematic representation of system data stored in the system database of the brand-related data insertion and response system of  FIG. 1  for each system user. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  displays a block diagram representation of the data insertion sub-system, system database, and receiving device software of the brand-related data insertion and response system of  FIG. 1  and an environment therefor via which brand-related data is inserted into messages communicated from a sending message device to a receiving device and via which the receiving device accesses resources linked to by hypertext links present in the brand-related data. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  displays a schematic representation of a message before insertion of brand-related data therein. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  displays a schematic representation of a message after insertion of brand-related data therein by the data insertion sub-system of the brand-related data insertion and response system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0020]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  display a flowchart representation of a method of the brand-related data insertion and response system of  FIG. 1  for receiving and storing brand-related data and associated configuration data. 
           [0021]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  display a flowchart representation of a method of the brand-related data insertion and response system of  FIG. 1  for inserting brand-related data into messages. 
           [0022]      FIGS. 9A-9C  display a flowchart representation of a method of the brand-related data ion and response system of  FIG. 1  for receiving and displaying messages including brand-related data and for taking further action based on selection of the brand-related data. 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  displays a pictorial representation of a message receiving device displaying messages into which brand-related data has been inserted by the data insertion sub-system of the brand-related data insertion and response system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  displays a block diagram representation of a brand-related data insertion and response system in accordance with a second example embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  displays a block diagram representation of the request generation software, message generation sub-system, and receiving device software of the brand-related data insertion and response system of  FIG. 11  and an environment therefor via which message generation including brand-related data therein is initiated by a message initiation and management system of a system user. according to            
       
    
    
       [0026]    It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure or the disclosure&#39;s applications or uses. 
         [0028]    Referring now to the drawings in which like numerals represent like elements or steps throughout the several views and in accordance with a first example embodiment,  FIG. 1  displays a brand-related data insertion and response system  100  (also sometimes referred to herein as the “system  100 ”) for inserting and responding to the subsequent selection of brand-related data  138  (see  FIG. 3 ) in messages generated by message sending devices  150  (see  FIG. 4 ) of message senders and communicated to message receiving devices  176  used by message receivers. The system  100  receives messages during their communication between the message sending devices  150  and the message receiving devices  176  and inserts previously received brand-related data  138  in accordance with previously received configuration data  140  associated with the brand-related data  138 . As used herein, the term “message” comprises, without limitation, a brief electronic message communicated via the Short Message Service (SMS) text messaging; Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS); iMessage®; Blackberry® Message; Samsung™ ChatOn; Instant Message; Twitter®; and Facebook®, or other similar messaging service or technology existing now or in the future. The term “brand-related data  138 ” comprises, without limitation, data representative of or corresponding to an image, picture, symbol, icon or graphic element used as a brand, trademark, or service mark associated with a company, business, organization, product, or service. The term “brand-related data  138 ” may further optionally comprise, but not be limited to, a hypertext link, Worldwide Web link, or other link to an image, video, audio, document, material, program, webpage, website, or other resource accessible via the Worldwide Web and Internet, that is inserted into a message by the system  100  for subsequent selection by a message receiver. 
         [0029]    Upon receiving a message including brand-related data  138 , the message receiving device  176  of the message receiver displays the inserted image, picture or graphic element of the brand-related data  138  together with the accompanying text of the message, thereby enabling the owner or licensee of the brand, trademark or service mark to get the brand, trademark, or service mark before the message receiver and increasing the message receiver&#39;s brand awareness. If a hypertext link or other link has been inserted with and accompanies the image, picture or graphic element of the brand-related data  138 , the system  100  detects selection of the image, picture or graphic and uses the embedded hypertext link or other link to redirect the message receiving device  176  to access and display or playback images, videos, audios, information, documents, materials, programs, webpages, websites, or other resources, as appropriate. By linking to a Worldwide Web resource when the image, picture or graphic is selected by the message receiver from his/her message receiving device  176 , the system  100  allows the owner or licensee to provide the message receiver with further information about the owner or licensee&#39;s products or services via other images, videos, audios, documents, materials, programs, webpages, websites or other resources, and thereby further increase the message receiver&#39;s brand awareness. The system  100  may be employed directly by the owners or licensees of brands, trademarks or service marks, or may be employed indirectly on behalf of the owners or licensees of brands, trademarks or service marks by advertising agencies and other similar parties, to readily create a large number of brand impressions in a short period of time for the owners or licensees of brands, trademarks, or service marks. 
         [0030]    The brand-related data insertion and response system  100  includes a data configuration sub-system for managing brand-related data  102 , data insertion sub-system  104 , receiving device software  106 , and a system database  108 . The data configuration sub-system for managing embedded message data  102  (also sometimes referred to herein as “data configuration sub-system  102 ”) includes computer and telecommunications hardware/software adapted for receiving and managing brand-related data  138  (see  FIG. 3 ) that is to be subsequently inserted by the system  100  into messages being communicated between message sending devices  150  and message receiving devices  176 . The data configuration sub-system  102  is adapted to store in and retrieve from the system database  108  via communication link  110 , brand-related data  138  and configuration data  140  uniquely associated with such brand-related data  138 . In accordance with the example embodiment, the data configuration sub-system  102  may be implemented via and include a combination of a web server, applications server, database management software, and other software residing on and executed by one or more server computer systems that may be physically located in the same or different facilities. 
         [0031]    The system database  108  stores brand-related data  138  and associated configuration data  140  that may, without limitation, define when, how often, and/or the circumstances under which the corresponding brand-related data  138  is inserted into messages, identify the location within the messages at which the corresponding brand-related data  138  is inserted, provide a hypertext link or other link to and enabling the access of a resource (such as, but not limited to, an image, video, audio, document, material, program, webpage, or website) accessible via the Worldwide Web or Internet, include timer data indicating how long brand-related data  138  is to be displayed or usable or indicating when brand-related data  138  is to become displayed or usable, and define one or more action(s) to be taken in response to selection of the corresponding brand-related data  138  by a message receiver at a message receiving device  176 . For example and not limitation, the configuration data  140  may require that its associated brand-related data  138  be inserted by the data insertion sub-system  104  into every message received by the system  100  or that a certain number of received messages be skipped before inserting the brand-related data  138  into a received message. In another example and absent limitation, the configuration data  140  may require that the data insertion sub-system  104  insert the associated brand-related data  138  at the beginning or end of a received message. In still another example and without limitation, the configuration data  140  may include a hypertext link or other link to a resource accessible via the Worldwide Web or Internet that is to be inserted by the data insertion sub-system  104  into a received message in addition to the brand-related data  138 . The system database  108  may be physically located at the same location as the data configuration sub-system  102  or data insertion sub-system  104 , or at another location, and be communicatively connected to the data configuration sub-system  102  and data insertion sub-system  104  for the bi-directional communication of data therewith. The system database  108  may comprise one or more storage devices, database management software, and one or more server computers and appropriate telecommunications hardware/software to provide the functionality described herein. 
         [0032]    The data insertion sub-system  104  is configured to retrieve brand-related data  138  and associated configuration data  140  from the system database  108  via communication link  112 , to receive messages being communicated from a message sending device  150  to a message receiving device  176 , and to insert the brand-related data  138  and timer data, if any, into received messages in accordance with the configuration data  140  associated with the brand-related data  138 . According to the first example embodiment, the data insertion sub-system  104  comprises one or more server computer systems configured with insertion software executed by the server computer systems and configured with telecommunications interface hardware/software for receiving and sending messages, all of which being appropriate to provide the functionality described herein. The data insertion sub-system  104  is communicatively connected to a carrier messaging service center system  156  for the message sender&#39;s telecommunications carrier (see  FIG. 4 ). The data insertion sub-system  104  may physically reside in the same facility as the carrier&#39;s messaging service center system  156  or in another facility with the data insertion sub-system  104  being communicatively connected to the carrier messaging service center system  156 . 
         [0033]    The receiving device software  106  resides on a message receiving device  176  and is executed by a processing unit thereof. The receiving device software  106  is adapted to receive a message including brand-related data  138  and, possibly, timer data, to decipher the brand-related data  138  and timer data, and to take action based on the particular brand-related data  138  and timer data present. For example, if the brand-related data  138  comprises an image, the receiving device software  106  causes the message receiving device  176  to display the image (which may comprise a system user&#39;s logo) together with the text of the message on the display of the message receiving device  176 . In another example, if the brand-related data  138  comprises a hypertext link to a resource accessible via the Worldwide Web and Internet, the receiving device software  106  uses the hypertext link to access the resource. If, for instance, the resource is a video or audio, the receiving device software  106  uses the link to cause the message receiving device  176  to download the video or audio to the message receiving device  176  and play it back to the message receiver. If, in another instance, the resource is a website or a webpage, the receiving device software  106  causes the message receiving device  176  to initiate operation of a web browser thereon and uses the link to cause connection to and display of the website or webpage. If, in still another instance, the resource is a document, the receiving device software  106  causes the message receiving device  176  to initiate operation of a document viewer thereon and uses the link to cause the message receiving device  176  to download and display the document via the document viewer. The actions taken by the receiving device software  106  are also based, in part, on the presence of timer data, which as described in more detail below, may allow actions to be taken for a pre-determined period of time or until a pre-identified calendar data, or actions not to be taken until after the passage of a pre-determined period of time or a pre-identified calendar date. According to the first example embodiment, the receiving device software  106  comprises an application programming interface (“API”) that is operable with the message receiving device&#39;s messaging software. However, in other example embodiments, the receiving device software  106  may comprise another form of programming executable by the message receiving device  176  or be included in the message receiving device&#39;s messaging software to provide the functionality described herein. 
         [0034]      FIG. 2  displays a block diagram representation of the data configuration sub-system  102  and system database  108  of the brand-related data insertion and response system  100  and an environment therefor via which brand-related data  138  and associated configuration data  140  are received from and managed by system users. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the data configuration sub-system  102  is communicatively connected to one or more system user access devices  120  via one or more data communication network(s)  122  and bi-directional communication links  124 . The term “system user” comprises a business, company, entity, organization, group, or person that desires to have brand-related data  138  inserted into communicated messages. System users often include, without limitation, manufacturers and sellers of products or services, advertisers, advertising agencies, and telecommunication carriers. The system user access devices  120  include, but are not limited to, computer, tablet, smartphone, and other similar devices of system users that are configured for: bi-directionally communicating data with the data configuration sub-system  102 ; displaying a data configuration/management graphical user interface of the data configuration sub-system  102 , brand-related data  138 , and associated configuration data  140 ; receiving input from a system user comprising identifying, uploading, downloading, editing, or deleting brand-related data  138  and associated configuration data  140 ; and, directing the data configuration sub-system  102  to retrieve or store brand-related data  138  and associated configuration data  140 . The data communication network(s)  122  and bi-directional communication links  124  comprise wired and wireless communications infrastructure adapted for communicating data via wired and wireless methods and include, without limitation, the communications infrastructure commonly referred to as the Internet. 
         [0035]      FIG. 3  displays a schematic representation of system data  130  stored in the system database  108  for each system user in accordance with the first example embodiment. The system data  130  comprises a system user identifier  132  that uniquely identifies each system user from every other system user of the brand-related data insertion and response system  100 , and serves to distinguish the brand-related data  138  and associated configuration data  140  for the corresponding system user from that stored for other system users. The system user identifier  132  is automatically assigned by the system  100  to the system user or is manually assigned by a system administrator to the system user, when the system user becomes a user of the system  100 . 
         [0036]    The system data  130  further comprises one or more instances  134  of brand-related data  138  and associated configuration data  140  that have been received from, or on behalf of, the system user via the operation of and interaction with the data configuration sub-system  102 . Each instance  134  of brand-related data  138  and associated configuration data  140  is available to the data insertion sub-system  104  for use in inserting the brand-related data  138  thereof into messages received by the system  100 , and is assigned a unique instance ID  136  by the data configuration sub-system  102  when received from a system user. During operation of the system  100 , the data configuration sub-system  102  receives input from the system user or a system administrator selecting and identifying a particular instance  134  that is to be used by the data insertion sub-system  104  for inserting brand-related data  138  thereof into messages. The instance ID  136  of the selected and identified instance  134  is stored by the data configuration sub-system  102  in the system data  130  as the instance ID in use  142 . By enabling a system user to select and identify different instances  134  of brand-related data  138  for insertion into messages, the system user may use the system  100  in connection with different advertising or promotional campaigns by instructing the system  100  to use different instances  134  during different days and for different periods of time. 
         [0037]      FIG. 4  displays a block diagram representation of the data insertion sub-system  104 , system database  108 , and the receiving device software  106  in an environment therefor in which brand-related data  138  is inserted into a message being communicated from a message sending device  150  to a message receiving device  176  and is acted upon to access a Worldwide Web resource. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the message sending device  150  of a message sender is connected to telecom carrier communication network  152  via a communication link  154 . The message sender generally receives telecommunications services, including messaging services, on a subscription basis from a telecommunications carrier that provides and operates telecom carrier communication network  152 . The message sending device  150  comprises any device possessed or used by the message sender that is configured to receive input of a message from the message sender and to send the message to the message receiving device  176 , initially by sending the message to the telecom carrier communication network  152  via communication link  154 . According to the first example embodiment, the message sending device  150  comprises a smartphone capable of sending and receiving messages, but may comprise cell phones, computers, tablet devices, or other devices in other example embodiments. 
         [0038]    The message sender&#39;s telecommunications carrier also, typically, provides and operates a carrier messaging service center system  156  that is communicatively connected to the telecom carrier communication network  152  by communication link  158 . The carrier messaging service center system  156  is, in turn, communicatively connected to the data insertion sub-system  104  by communication link  160  and to one or more data communication network(s)  162  by communication link  164 . The carrier messaging service center system  156  is configured to receive a message via communication link  158  during operation, to determine whether the message sender has pre-authorized insertion of brand-related data  138  into his/her messages, to forward the message to the data insertion sub-system  104  via communication link  160  if the insertion of brand-related data  138  has been pre-authorized, and to forward the message to the data communication network(s)  162  via communication link  164  if the insertion of brand-related data  138  has not been pre-authorized by the message sender. 
         [0039]    The data insertion sub-system  104  receives a message forwarded via communication link  160  and retrieves, via communication link  112 , the brand-related data  138  and configuration data  140  for the instance  134  of the system user then identified in the system database  108  as the instance ID in use  142 . Based on the configuration data  140  and the frequency of insertion specified therein, the data insertion sub-system  104  either inserts the brand-related data  138  into the received message according to other parameters of the configuration data  140  or skips insertion of the brand-related data  138 . The message, with or without inserted brand-related data  138 , is communicated from the data insertion sub-system  104  to the data communication network(s)  164  via communication link  166 . 
         [0040]    Carrier messaging service center system  168  is provided and operated by the telecommunications carrier from which the message receiver receives telecommunications services, including messaging services, on a subscription basis. The carrier messaging service center system  168  is communicatively connected to the data communication network(s)  164  by communication link  174 . The message receiver&#39;s telecommunications carrier also, typically, provides a telecom carrier communication network  172  that is communicatively connected by communication link  174  to carrier messaging service center system  168 . Telecom carrier communication network  172  is communicatively connected to the message receiving device  176  of the message receiver via communication link  178 . The message receiving device  176  comprises any device possessed or used by the message receiver that is configured to receive a message from the message sending device  150  and to present the message to the message receiver. The message receiving device  176  is also configured with the receiving device software  106 , which takes actions (as described herein) based on the brand-related data  138  present in the message. According to the first example embodiment, the message receiving device  176  comprises a smartphone capable of sending and receiving messages, but may comprise cell phones, computers, tablet devices, or other devices in other example embodiments. 
         [0041]    The message receiving device  176  is communicatively connected by communication link  180  to one or more data communication networks  182 . Via the data communication networks  182  and a communication link  184 , one or more web server systems  154  are communicatively connected to the data communication networks  182  and permit accessing of or interaction with Worldwide Web resources by the message receiving device  176 , as appropriate, based on the brand-related data  138  present in the message. 
         [0042]    When the brand-related data insertion and response system  100  has been implemented as illustrated in  FIG. 4  and a message  190  (see  FIG. 5 ) is sent by a message sender through use of a message sender device  150 , the message  190  is communicated to the carrier messaging service center system  156  of the message sender&#39;s telecommunications carrier through the telecom carrier communication network  152  and communication links  154 ,  158 . As described above, the carrier messaging service center system  156  forwards the message  190  to the data insertion sub-system  104  via communication link  16  if the message sender has pre-authorized the insertion of brand-related data into his/her messages. As also described above and based on the configuration data  140  associated with the brand-related data  138 , the data insertion sub-system  104  either inserts the brand-related data  138  into the message to produce a message  200  having brand-related data inserted therein or forwards the message  190  without inserting the brand-related data  138  therein. 
         [0043]    Message  190  or message  200 , whichever the case, is communicated by the data insertion sub-system  104  to the message receiving device  176  via the data communication network(s)  164 , the carrier messaging service center system  168 , the telecom carrier communication network(s)  172 , and communication paths  166 ,  170 ,  174 ,  178 . If the message  190  has no brand-related data  138 , the message receiving device  176  presents the message  190  to the message receiver as a conventional message. However, if the message  190  has brand-related data  138 , the receiving device software  106  causes the message receiving device  176  to take action based on the brand-related data  138 . As described above, the action may involve displaying an image (such as, but not limited to, a logo) on the display of the message receiving device  176 . The action may also involve using a link in the brand-related data  138  to access Worldwide Web resources via data communication network(s)  182  and communication paths  180 ,  184  and to present them to the message receiver. Other actions, as noted above, may be performed depending on the content of the particular brand-related data  138 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 5  displays a schematic representation of the data of a message  190  generated by the message sending device  150  and that does not include brand-related data  138 . Message  190  corresponds to a conventional message used in a respective messaging system and generally includes messaging system data used for delivery and handling of the message  190  by the messaging system and content data corresponding to content being conveyed by the message sender to the message receiver. According to the first example embodiment, the message  190  comprises a Short Message Service (SMS) message including header data  192  corresponding to messaging system data and a data string  194  corresponding to the content of the message  190 . The header data  192  may comprise a variety of data elements including, but not limited to, data corresponding to the telephone number of the message receiving device  176  to which the message  190  is to be delivered. The data string  194  comprises may include a plurality of alphanumeric characters. 
         [0045]      FIG. 6  displays a schematic representation of the data of a message  200  having brand-related data  138  inserted therein by the data insertion sub-system  104 . Similar to message  190 , the message  200  includes messaging system data used for delivery and handling of the message  200  by the messaging system and content data corresponding to content being conveyed by the message sender to the message receiver. According to the first example embodiment, the message  200  comprises a Short Message Service (SMS) message including header data  202  and a data string  204 . The header data  202  is substantially similar to the header data  192  of message  190 . However, the data string  204  comprises message content in the form of a plurality of alphanumeric characters and brand-related data  138  that is inserted into the message  200  by the data insertion sub-system  104 . As described herein, the brand-related data  138  comprises data representative of or corresponding to an image (such as, but not limited to, a brand, logo, picture, or graphic element), video, audio, or link, hyperlink, or Worldwide Web link to a resource (such as, but not limited to, an image, video, audio, document, material, program, webpage, or website) accessible via the Worldwide Web and the Internet. 
         [0046]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  display a flowchart representation of a method  210  of the brand-related data insertion and response system  100  for receiving and storing brand-related data  138  and associated configuration data  140  for subsequent insertion into messages  190  being communicated from a message sending device  150  to a message receiving device  176 . The method  210  is implemented, at least in part, by operation of the data configuration sub-system  102  and system database  108 . The data configuration sub-system  102  is accessed by system users invoking operation of Internet browser software on system user access devices  120  used, respectively, by the system users to initiate a communication session with the data configuration sub-system  102  via data communication network(s)  122  and communication links  124 ,  126 . In response, the data configuration sub-system  102  interacts with the browser software via the communication of hypertext markup language (HTML) to the system user access devices  120  and the receipt of input from the system user access devices  120 . 
         [0047]    After initiation of a communication session by a system user access device  120 , operation according to method  210  starts at step  212  and advances to step  214  where the data configuration sub-system  102  system receives input of a system user identifier  132  from the system user access device  120  of the system user. The data configuration sub-system  102  verifies that the system user identifier  132  corresponds to and identifies a valid system user. Then, at step  216 , the data configuration sub-system  102  uses the input system user identifier  132  to retrieve previously input brand-related data  138  and associated configuration data  140 , if any, from the system database  108  for the system user. Next, at step  218 , the data configuration sub-system  102  causes the display of a data management graphical user interface on a display of the system user access device  120  that is populated with the retrieved brand-related data  138  and associated configuration data  140 . 
         [0048]    At step  220 , the data configuration sub-system  102  receives further input from the system user access device  120  via the data communication network(s)  122  and communication links  124 ,  126 . Typically, the input corresponds to the selection of a user interface control of the data management graphical user interface whose selection causes the data configuration sub-system  102  to take desired action. If, at step  222 , the data configuration sub-system  102  determines that the received input corresponds to the selection of a user interface control indicating that the system user desires to input new brand-related data  138 , method  210  advances to step  224  where the data configuration sub-system  102  causes display of a brand-related data input graphical user interface on the system user access device  120  of the system user. Then, at step  226 , the data configuration sub-system  102  receives input of an instance identifier  136  from the system user access device  120  for use in identifying and uniquely distinguishing the new brand-related data  138  to be input by the system user from any previously input brand-related data  138  of the system user. Subsequently, at steps  228  and  230 , the data configuration sub-system  102  receives the input of new brand-related data  138  and associated configuration data  140  defining use of the brand-related data  138 . After receiving the new brand-related data  138  and associated configuration data  140  for a new instance  134 , the data configuration sub-system  102  stores the received instance identifier  136 , brand-related data  138 , and associated configuration data  140  in the system database  108  at step  232  of method  210  before looping back to step  216  described above. 
         [0049]    Referring back to step  222  of method  210 , if the data configuration sub-system  102  determines that the received input does not correspond to the selection of a user interface control indicating that the system user desires to input new brand-related data  138 , operation according to method  210  advances to step  234  where the data configuration sub-system  102  performs other functions in accordance with the received input. For example and not limitation, such other functions may include editing or deleting an instance  134  of previously input brand-related data  138  and associated configuration data  140 , or selecting an instance  134  (and corresponding instance identifier  136 ) of brand-related data  138  as the instance identifier in use  142  by the data insertion sub-system  104 . After performing such other functions, operation according to method  210  returns to step  216  described above. 
         [0050]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  display a flowchart representation of a method  250  of the brand-related data insertion and response system  100  for inserting brand-related data  138  into messages  190  generated by message sending devices  150  of message senders in accordance with the first example embodiment. The method  250  is implemented, at least in part, by operation of the data insertion sub-system  104  and system database  108 . The data insertion sub-system  104 , including the one or more server computer systems and insertion software thereof, operate continuously after being started to receive messages  190  generated by the message sending devices  150  of message senders and to insert brand-related data  138  therein according to associated configuration data  140  to produce messages  200  including a data string  194  having brand-related data  138  therein. 
         [0051]    After operation according to method  250  starts at step  252 , the data insertion sub-system  104  retrieves brand-related data  138  from the system database  108  using the instance identifier in use  142  for each system user at step  254 . As described above, the instance identifier in use  142  identifies the particular instance  134  for each system user that is to be used by the data insertion sub-system  104  for inserting brand-related data  138  into received messages  190 . If no instance identifier in use  142  exists for a particular system user, then no brand-related data  138  of that system user will be inserted into received messages  190 . Next, at step  256 , the data insertion sub-system  104  retrieves the configuration data  140  associated with the brand-related data  138  retrieved at step  254 . 
         [0052]    At step  258 , the data insertion sub-system  104  receives a message  190  generated by a message sending device  150  and forwarded to the data insertion sub-system  104  by the carrier messaging service center  156  of the message sender&#39;s telecommunications carrier. Generally, the carrier messaging service center  156  only forwards messages  190  from those message senders who have pre-authorized the insertion of brand-related data  138  in their messages  190 . To determine if the message  190  should be forwarded, the carrier messaging service center  156  checks the message sender information present in the header data  192  of each received message  190  against previously received data from message senders that either pre-authorizes the insertion of brand-related data  138  or not. In an another embodiment, all messages  190  may be forwarded to the data insertion sub-system  104  with the determination of whether the insertion of brand-related data  138  has been pre-authorized by the message sender being handled by the data insertion sub-system  104 . 
         [0053]    Upon receiving a message  190  and in accordance with the first example embodiment, the data insertion sub-system  104  decides whether brand-related data  138  should be inserted into the received message  190 . To do so, the data insertion sub-system  104  uses the retrieved configuration data  140  associated with the retrieved brand-related data  138  and may consider a variety of information and factors, alone or in combination. For example, the retrieved configuration data  140  may instruct the data insertion sub-system  104  to insert brand-related data  138  into every third received message  190 , but in no others. Coupled with information maintained by the data insertion sub-system  104  representing a count of the number of received messages  190  since brand-related data  138  was last inserted into a received message  190 , the data insertion sub-system  104  decides whether to insert brand-related data  138  into the currently received message  190 . In another example, the retrieved configuration data  140  may instruct the data insertion sub-system  104  to insert brand-related data  138  into every received message  190 . In such case, the data insertion sub-system  104  decides to insert the brand-related data  138  into each received message  190 , including the currently received message  190 . In still another example, the retrieved configuration data  140  may instruct the data insertion sub-system  104  to skip the insertion of brand-related data  138  into a message  190  that is part of a group of messages  190  corresponding to a dialog between a message sender and a message receiver if brand-related data  138  has already been inserted into one or more of the messages  190  of the group of messages  190 . In such case, the data insertion sub-system  104  checks or tracks the number of times that brand-related data  138  has been inserted into messages  190  comprising the group of messages  190  and decides whether to insert brand-related data  138  into the currently received message  190  based on the configuration data  140  together with the number of times that brand-related data  138  has already been inserted. 
         [0054]    If, at step  260 , the data insertion sub-system  104  decides that brand-related data  138  should be inserted into the currently received message  190 , operation according to method  250  advances to step  262  where the data insertion sub-system  104  inserts the brand-related data  138  into the received message  190  in accordance with the configuration data  140  associated with the brand-related data  138  to produce a corresponding message  200  having a data string  204  with the brand-related data  138  embedded therein. For example, if the brand-related data  138  corresponds to a logo and if the configuration data  140  instructs the data insertion sub-system  104  to insert only the logo, the data insertion sub-system  104  inserts the logo into the received message  190 . In another example, if the brand-related data  138  corresponds to a logo coupled with a hypertext link to a Worldwide Web resource accessible via the Internet and if the configuration data  140  instructs the data insertion sub-system  104  to insert both, the data insertion sub-system  104  inserts the logo and hypertext link into the message  190 . In still another example, if the brand-related data  138  corresponds to a logo and/or hypertext link to a Worldwide Web resource accessible via the Internet and if the configuration data  140  instructs the data insertion sub-system  104  to insert the logo and/or hypertext link coupled with timer data indicating a period of time during which the logo is to be displayed on the display of a message receiving device  176  when the produced message  200  is viewed by the message receiver, the data insertion sub-system  104  inserts the logo and/or hypertext link together with the timer data into the received message  190  to generate message  200 . In such case, once the period of time has passed, the logo will no longer be displayed on the display of the message receiving device  176 . In yet another example, if the brand-related data  138  corresponds to a logo and/or hypertext link to a Worldwide Web resource accessible via the Internet and if the configuration data  140  instructs the data insertion sub-system  104  to insert the logo and/or hypertext link coupled with timer data indicating a calendar date prior to which the logo is to be displayed on the display of a message receiving device  176  when the produced message  200  is viewed by the message receiver, the data insertion sub-system  104  inserts the logo and/or hypertext link together with the timer data into the received message  190  to generate message  200 . In such case, once the calendar date has passed, the logo will no longer be displayed on the display of the message receiving device  176 . As an alternative to the prior examples involving the insertion of timer data, once the period of time or calendar date has passed, the logo may still be displayed, but use and operation of the hypertext link may be disabled. In another alternative, the timer data may correspond to a period of time or calendar date which after passage causes a logo to be become displayed thereafter and/or causes use and operation of a hypertext link to be enabled. 
         [0055]    Continuing operation according to method  250  at step  264 , the data insertion sub-system  104  sends message  200  including the inserted brand-related data  138  and, possibly, timer data or other data embedded in the data string  24  thereof to the carrier messaging service center  168  of the message receiver&#39;s telecommunications carrier via data communication network(s)  164  and communication links  166 ,  178 . Subsequently, the carrier messaging service center  168  delivers the message  200  to the message receiving device  176  of the message receiver via telecommunication carrier communication network(s)  172  and communication links  174 ,  178 . After sending message  200 , operation of method  250  loops back to step  258  described above. 
         [0056]    Returning to step  260 , if the data insertion sub-system  104  decides that brand-related data  138  should not be inserted into the currently received message  190 , operation according to method  250  branches to step  266  where the data insertion sub-system  104  forwards message  190  to the carrier messaging service center  168  of the message receiver&#39;s telecommunications carrier via data communication network(s)  164  and communication links  166 ,  170 . Then, the carrier messaging service center  168  communicates the message  190  to the message receiving device  176  of the message receiver via telecommunication carrier communication network(s)  172  and communication links  174 ,  178 . After forwarding message  190 , operation of method  250  loops back to step  258  described above. 
         [0057]      FIGS. 9A-9C  display a flowchart representation of a method  280  of the brand-related data insertion and response system  100  for receiving and displaying messages  200  including brand-related data  138  (and, possibly, timer data) on a message receiving device  176  and for taking further action based on the selection of brand-related data  138  via the message receiving device  176 . According to the first example embodiment, the method  280  is implemented by receiving device software  106  present on a message receiving device  176  of a message receiver and is executed by a processing unit thereof. It is presumed that messages  190  not including inserted brand-related data  138  are directed to other software of the message receiving device  176  for display thereof. However, it should be understood and appreciated that in other example embodiments, one or more steps of the method  280  may be implemented by other software or programming present on and executed by the same or other devices. It should also be understood and appreciated that additional steps may be employed prior to (such as, without limitation, identifying and directing messages  190  not including brand-related data  138  to other software for handling thereof), after, or in connection with (such as, but not limited to, displaying messages  190  not including brand-related data  138 ) the steps of method  280  as needed or appropriate for a particular application or implementation of method  280  in order to provide the functionality described herein. 
         [0058]    After starting operation according to method  280  at step  282 , a message  200  including embedded brand-related data  138  and, possibly, timer data is received by the message receiving device  176  at step  284 . Then, at step  286 , the receiving device software  106  causes the message receiving device  176  to extract the embedded brand-related data  138  and timer data, if any, from the message  200 . Proceeding to step  288  of method  280 , the message receiving device  176  determines whether any timer data was extracted from the received message  200 . If no timer data was extracted, operation of the message receiving device  176  branches to step  294  of method  280  described below. If timer data was extracted, operation of the message receiving device  176  continues at step  290  where the message receiving device  176  displays the text and/or images of the received message  200  (see  FIG. 1 ) with the included brand-related data  138  displayed or not displayed, depending on the timer data. As described above, the timer data may direct that the brand-related data  138  be displayed always, not displayed after the passage of a period of time or passage of a calendar date specified in the timer data, or not displayed until the passage of a period of time or passage of a calendar date specified in the timer data. 
         [0059]    Continuing at step  292  of method  280  and based on the timer data, the message receiving device  176  enables or disables the operation of a hypertext link or taking of other actions specified in the brand-related data  138 . Similar to its control over the display of brand-related data  138 , the timer data may direct that actions specified in the brand-related data  138  be enabled or disabled always, disabled after the passage of a period of time or passage of a calendar date specified in the timer data, or not enabled until the passage of a period of time or passage of a calendar date specified in the timer data. For example, if the brand-related data  138  includes a hypertext link to Worldwide Web resource accessible via the Internet and the timer data specifies that the link is enabled at all times, the message receiving device  176  may cause a web browser to open on the message receiving device  176  with the hypertext link of the brand-related data  138  being used by the web browser to link to and display an identified webpage when the brand-related data  138  is selected via the message receiving device  176 . If, alternatively, the timer data directs that an action specified in the brand-related data  138  be disabled after the passage of a certain period of time (for example and not limitation, one month), the message receiving device  176  will take such action each time the brand-related data  138  is selected via the message receiving device  176  until passage of the period of time as measured from the creation or sending date of the received message  200 . After passage of the period of time, the message receiving device  176  will not take such action when the brand-related data  138  is selected. With further actions appropriately enabled or disabled, operation according to method  280  branches ahead to step  296  described below. 
         [0060]    Referring back to step  288 , if the message receiving device  176  determines that no timer data was extracted from the received message  200 , the message receiving device  176  branches to step  294  of method  280 . At step  294 , the message receiving device  176  displays the received message  200  (including the text and/or images thereof) (see  FIG. 1 ) and displays the brand-related data  138  of the message  200 . Any hypertext links and other actions are enabled for use and operation. 
         [0061]    Next, at step  296  of method  280 , the message receiving device  176  receives input from the message receiver. Advancing to step  298 , the message receiving device  176  determines if the input corresponds to the selection of displayed brand-related data  138 . If not, the message receiving device  176  branches forward to step  304  described below. However, if the input corresponds to displayed brand-related data  138 , the message receiving device  176  decides, at step  300 , if further actions have been enabled for the selected brand-related data  138 . If further actions have not been enabled, the message receiving device  176  takes no further action and returns to step  296  to receive further input from the message receiver. Alternatively, if further actions for the selected brand-related data  138  have been enabled, the message receiving device  176  takes action in accordance with the action specified in brand-related data  138  at step  302 . Such action, for example, may include initiating operation of a web browser or document viewer on the message receiving device  176  and linking to a Worldwide Web resource accessible via a web server  186 ′ to display a webpage or document. As has been described above, a variety of other actions are possible. After such action has been taken, operation according to method  280  continues with the message receiving device  176  looping back to step  296  where input is received from the message receiver. 
         [0062]    If, at step  298 , the message receiving device  176  determines that the received input does not correspond to the selection of displayed brand-related data  138 , then the message receiver has selected a button or other graphical user interface control that is unrelated to the brand-related data  138 . Upon making such determination, the message receiving device  176  moves forward to step  304  and performs the action associated with the button or other graphical user interface control. After performing such action, operation according to method  280  continues at step  284  where the message receiving device  176  receives another message  200 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 10  displays a pictorial representation of a message receiving device  176  displaying messages  200  including brand-related data  138  that has been inserted by the data insertion sub-system  104  of the brand-related data insertion and response system  100 . As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the message receiving device  176  displays a first message  200 A including brand-related data  138 A comprising a logo of The CocaCola Company and a second message  200 B including brand-related data  138 B comprising a logo of General Electric Corporation. The message receiving device  176  also displays a plurality of other messages  190  that do not include brand-related data  138 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 11  displays a block diagram representation of a brand-related data insertion and response system  100 ′ in accordance with a second example embodiment. The brand-related data insertion and response system  100 ′ of the second example embodiment provides functionality that is substantially similar to that provided by the brand-related data insertion and response system  100  of the first example embodiment. However, the brand-related data insertion and response system  100 ′ of the second example embodiment shifts the insertion of brand-related data  138 ′ to the message initiation and management systems  310 ′ of system users that are configured with request generation software  114 ′ of the system  100 ′. Such message initiation and management systems  310 ′ generally comprise one or more server computer systems equipped with software developed by the system users or third parties that are used by the system users to receive and manage message text and brand-related data  138 ′, to receive and manage lists of message receivers and their contact information, to generate message requests including brand-related data  138 ′ through use of the system&#39;s request generation software  114 ′, and to communicate generated message requests to the system&#39;s message generation sub-system  116 ′ for the subsequent generation of messages  200 ′ for delivery to message receivers. 
         [0065]    The brand-related data insertion and response system  100 ′ of the second example embodiment comprises request generation software  114 ′, a message generation sub-system  116 ′, and receiving device software  106 ′. The request generation software  114 ′ generally resides on system users&#39; message initiation and management systems  310 ′ and is executed, during use, by a processing unit thereof. According to the second example embodiment, the request generation software  114 ′ comprises an application program interface (API), but may comprise other forms of programming or software that provide the functionality described herein in other embodiments. 
         [0066]    The request generation software  114 ′ is adapted to receive a plurality of inputs from other software of a system user&#39;s message initiation and management system  310 ′ and to generate a message request including brand-related data  138 ′ and other of the inputs for communication to the message generation sub-system  116 ′ and the subsequent generation of a message  200 ′ based on such inputs for delivery to a corresponding message receiver. The plurality of inputs includes, for example and not limitation, and is not restricted to: the message receiver&#39;s address or identifier (such as a phone number, Internet Protocol (IP) address, or other form of address or identifier) to use for message delivery; the name or identity of message receiver&#39;s messaging services provider; the message sender&#39;s address or identifier (such as a phone number, Internet Protocol (IP) address, or other form of address or identifier); the name or identity of message sender&#39;s messaging services provider; message text; brand-related data  138 ′ for inclusion in the generated message  200 ′ including, but not limited to, a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) for the Worldwide Web resource available from a web server(s)  186 ′ to be accessed when the message receiver selects, or clicks on, the brand-related data  138 ′; configuration data  140 ′ associated with the brand-related data  138 ′; system user identifier; and, a message sender identifier. The generated message request is configured to cause the message generation sub-system  116 ′ to produce a message  200 ′ having a header data  202 ′ including information enabling delivery of the message  200 ′ and a data string  204 ′ including the brand-related data  138 ′. According to the second example embodiment, the message request is formatted as a Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) message that is communicated to the message generation sub-system  116 ′ via a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) post request. 
         [0067]    The message generation sub-system  116 ′ includes computer and telecommunications hardware/software adapted to receive message requests from the message initiation and management systems  310 ′ of system users, to generate corresponding messages  200 ′ using the information present in the message requests, and to communicate the messages  200 ′ to the message receivers identified in the message requests. In accordance with the second example embodiment, the message generation sub-system  310 ′ may be implemented via and include a combination of a web server, applications server, and other software residing on and executed by one or more server computer systems that may be physically located in the same or different facilities. 
         [0068]    The receiving device software  106 ′ resides on a message receiving device  176 ′ and is executed by a processing unit thereof. The receiving device software  106 ′ is substantially similar, if not identical, to the receiving device software  106  of the first example embodiment and is adapted to receive a message  200 ′ including brand-related data  138 ′ and, possibly, timer data, to decipher the brand-related data  138 ′ and timer data, and to take action based on the particular brand-related data  138 ′ and timer data present as described above with respect to the receiving device software  106  of the first example embodiment. According to the second example embodiment, the receiving device software  106 ′ comprises an application programming interface (“API”) that is operable with the message receiving device&#39;s messaging software. However, in other example embodiments, the receiving device software  106 ′ may comprise another form of programming executable by the message receiving device  176 ′ or be included in the message receiving device&#39;s messaging software to provide the functionality described herein. Because the receiving devices software  106 ′ is so similar to the receiving device software  106  of the first example embodiment, no further discussion of its capabilities and functions is included herein. 
         [0069]      FIG. 12  displays a block diagram representation of the request generation software  114 ′, message generation sub-system  116 ′, and the receiving device software  106 ′ in an environment therefor in which a message  200 ′ including brand-related data  138 ′ is generated and communicated to a message receiving device  176 ′ and is acted upon to access a Worldwide Web resource available via a web server(s)  186 ′. As shown in  FIG. 12 , a message initiation and management system  310 ′ of a system user is connected to the system&#39;s message generation sub-system  116 ′ via data communication network(s)  312 ′ and communication links  314 ′,  316 ′. The message initiation and management system  310 ′ is configured with request generation software  114 ′ to produce a message request (as described above) and to communicate such message request to the message generation sub-system  116 ′ through data communication network(s)  312 ′ and communication links  314 ′,  316 ′. 
         [0070]    The message generation sub-system  116 ′ receives the message request and based on the input data therein, generates a message  200 ′ including the brand-related data  138 ′ present in the message request. The message generation sub-system  116 ′ communicates the message  200 ′, via data communication network(s)  164 ′ and communication links  318 ′,  178 ′, to the carrier messaging service center system  168 ′ provided and operated by the telecommunications carrier from which the message receiver receives telecommunications services, including messaging services, on a subscription basis. The message receiver&#39;s telecommunications carrier also, typically, provides a telecom carrier communication network  172 ′ that is communicatively connected by communication link  174 ′ to carrier messaging service center system  168 ′. Telecom carrier communication network  172 ′ is communicatively connected to the message receiving device  176 ′ of the message receiver via communication link  178 ′. The message receiving device  176 ′ comprises any device possessed or used by the message receiver that is configured to receive a message  200 ′ and to present the message  200 ′ to the message receiver. The message receiving device  176 ′ is also configured with the receiving device software  106 ′, which takes actions (as described herein) based on the brand-related data  138 ′ present in the message  200 ′. According to the second example embodiment, the message receiving device  176 ′ comprises a smartphone capable of sending and receiving messages, but may comprise cell phones, computers, tablet devices, or other devices in other example embodiments. 
         [0071]    The message receiving device  176 ′ is communicatively connected by communication link  182 ′ to one or more data communication network(s)  182 ′. Via the data communication network(s)  182 ′ and a communication link  184 ′, one or more web server(s)  186 ′ are communicatively connected to the message receiving device  176 ′ and permit accessing of or interaction with Worldwide Web resources by the message receiving device  176 ′, as appropriate and as described above with respect to the first example embodiment, based on the brand-related data  138 ′ present in the message  200 ′. 
         [0072]    It should be understood and appreciated that the present invention may also be embodied in other forms, including, without limitation, a system  100 ″ in which proximity sensors (for example, located in a retail store) detect the presence of a message receiving device  176 ″ of a customer and cause other elements of the system  100 ″ to generate and send a message  200 ″ to the message receiving device  176 ″ including message content together with inserted brand-related data  138 ″ or to insert brand-related data  138 ″ in an already communicated message. Upon receiving input from the message receiver via the message receiving device  176 ″ selecting the brand-related data  138 ″, the system  100 ″ may cause the message receiving device  176 ″ to invoke browser software, access and display a webpage from which, after receiving further input, the message receiving device  176 ″ may download an electronic coupon usable by the message receiver when purchasing products from and checking out at the retail store. 
         [0073]    Whereas the present invention has been described in detail above with respect to example embodiments and configurations thereof, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications might be effected within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0074]    When describing elements or features and/or embodiments thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements or features. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements or features beyond those specifically described. 
         [0075]    Those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes can be made to the exemplary embodiments and implementations described above without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 
         [0076]    It is further to be understood that the processes or steps described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative processes or steps may be employed.