Abstract:
A method for delivering an announcement in a telecommunications system comprising: receiving a message including an identity of a calling party; retrieving a customer profile associated with the calling party, wherein the customer profile includes information derived from a financial account associated with the calling party; receiving from the calling party a dialed number associated with a called party; selecting an announcement from a plurality of announcements based on the customer profile; and delivering the announcement to the calling party.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to providing promotional announcements over a telecommunications network and, more particularly, to providing telecommunications services in exchange for listening to an announcement. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Targeted promotional announcements may be used in a telecommunications system to generate additional revenue. For example, advertisers may ask consumers to listen to a promotional announcement in exchange for something of value, such as discounted or free telecommunications service for limited time. Generally, advertisers are unwilling to offer more than a couple of minutes of free or discounted telecommunications services without some assurance that the advertiser&#39;s announcement was delivered to an appropriate group of consumers or that the consumers listened to the announcement. Likewise, consumers are unwilling to use the service without more free or discounted minutes. Embodiments of the present invention address, among other things, these competing needs. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method for delivering announcements over a telecommunications network. Generally, the telecommunications network plays a promotional announcement prior to connecting a calling party to a called party, wherein the promotional announcement is selected based on information derived from a financial account associated with the calling party. The calling party is then provided an opportunity to earn a period of free or discounted calling for responding correctly to a question about the content of the promotional message. The calling party may be presented with additional opportunities during the call to earn additional time units of free or discounted calling. 
         [0004]    In one aspect of the invention, a method of making a toll-free call by a caller includes accessing a designated dial-in-number; entering a caller identifier; entering a toll call number to be called; listening to a message; providing verification that the first message was listened to; permitting the toll call connection to be completed for a preset amount of time while a time remaining is greater than zero; warning the caller before the preset amount of time expires; listening to an additional message; and adding a time unit to the time remaining. 
         [0005]    In another aspect of the invention, a method for delivering an announcement in a telecommunications system includes: receiving a message including an identity of a calling party; retrieving a customer profile associated with the calling party, wherein the customer profile includes information derived from a financial instrument associated with the calling party; receiving from the calling party a dialed number associated with a called party; selecting an announcement from a plurality of announcements based on the customer profile; and delivering the announcement to the calling party. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    Embodiments and other aspects of this invention will be readily apparent from the detailed description below and the attached drawings, which are meant to illustrate and not to limit the invention, wherein: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  is a functional block diagram that illustrates the components of an exemplary system for practicing an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a process diagram of an exemplary method for practicing an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0009]    The present invention will be more completely understood through the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the attached drawings. In this description, like numbers refer to similar elements within various embodiments of the present invention. The claimed invention will be explained with respect to various embodiments. However, the skilled artisan will readily appreciate that the methods and systems described herein are merely exemplary and that variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
         [0010]    An embodiment of the present invention relates to a system and method for providing telecommunications services in exchange for listening to a promotional announcement, such as an advertisement. For example, a telecommunications network may be configured to play a promotional announcement before connecting a calling party to a called party and offer the calling party an opportunity to earn free or discounted calling for responding correctly to a question about the content of the announcement. Some embodiments identify the calling party based on a financial card and select targeted promotional announcements based on historical financial data associated with the calling party&#39;s use of the financial card. Additional embodiments, described in greater detail below, warn the calling party prior to the end of the free or discounted calling period and allow the calling party to request additional announcements to extend the free or discounted period. 
         [0011]    In the following discussion of illustrative embodiments, the term “database,” as used in this description, may be any body of information that is logically organized so that it can be retrieved, stored and searched in a coherent manner. The term “calling party” is used in this description generally to refer to the person or unit that initiates a telecommunication. The calling party may also be referred to herein as “caller” or “subscriber.” The term “announcement,” as used herein, refers to a sound or video recording that may be played back, or “presented,” to the caller to impart information to the caller. Examples of announcements can include, but are not limited to: commercials, promotions, public service announcements (PSAs), weather alerts, news alerts, infomercials, instruction recordings, and the like. The terms “financial card” and “financial instrument” are used interchangeably herein to mean any portable object associated with a financial account including credit cards, debit cards, stored value cards, and contactless devices. Contactless devices include, but are not limited to, fobs, chip enabled smart cards, mobile transmitters, mobile devices, 2D Code readers, physical world connection readers, and radio frequency identification transmitters. 
         [0012]    It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present invention while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, other elements. For example, certain details relating to a telecommunications network or the hardware elements installed in such a network are not described herein. A discussion of such elements is not provided because such elements are well known in the art and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present invention and because embodiments of the present invention may be implemented using a telecommunications service provider&#39;s existing hardware by making appropriate software upgrades. 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system  100  for delivering promotional announcements over a telecommunications network according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to the illustrated embodiment, system  100  includes a switch  105  in communication with a calling party  110  and a called party  115 . Switch  105  communicates with an announcement module  120  from which switch  105  may receive announcements. Announcement module  120 , in turn, communicates with an ad database  125 , a financial network  130 , and a subscriber profile database  132 . In alternative embodiments, the functions performed by one of the functional blocks illustrated in  FIG. 1  may be performed by or combined with another function block. For example, announcement module  120  may perform the functions of both announcement module  120  and ad database  125 . 
         [0014]    Switch  105  may be configured to manage communications between calling party  110  and announcement module  120  and between calling party  110  and called party  115  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, switch  105  is implemented as an enhanced call router or an advanced intelligent network component, such as an SS7 network, for connecting voice channel circuits. 
         [0015]    Announcement module  120  may be configured to control the delivery of announcements to calling party  110  according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. For example, announcement module  120  may be configured to authenticate calling party  110  as a registered subscriber, deliver announcements to calling party  110 , receive and process responses from calling party  110 , and direct switch  105  to connect calling party  110  to called party  115 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that announcement module  120  may be equipped with an interactive voice response (IVR) system for communicating with calling party  110 . Announcement module  120  may also be adapted to maintain a log of announcements, such as by subscriber. 
         [0016]    Ad database  125  is a searchable storage entity that may be configured to store and serve a plurality of announcements such as audio, video, text, and/or graphic format advertisements associated with participating merchants. Announcements may be sold in a block or on a “per spot” basis. A block of advertising time refers to the purchase an advertisement played a certain number of times over a defined period (e.g., an 8 week, $250,000 block). A “per spot” basis refers to the purchase of a single play of an advertisement (e.g., $0.45/spot). Spot pricing may vary based on the time of day a call is made, the total call volume within the system during that specific call, and the consumers level of participation. Advertising revenue may be used to subsidize the cost of the telephony services. 
         [0017]    Subscriber profile database  132  is a searchable storage entity that may be configured to store a plurality of subscriber profiles. According to an embodiment, subscriber profile database  132  may include information about subscriber preferences, purchasing trends, locations, average purchase price over a certain time period (e.g., 30 days), time of year, age, and gender of the consumer, some of which may be obtained primarily from the historical financial data of a specific consumer or group of consumers. Subscriber profile database  132  may also include information about the subscriber&#39;s call history including the types of businesses the subscriber calls regularly. Consumer profiles are well known in the art and can include a wide variety of information relating to individual consumers. 
         [0018]    Financial network  130  may include one or more external networks for sending requests, in the case credit or debit cards, to the appropriate bank or financial institution to authorize the purchase or transaction. Accordingly, users of system  100 , such as calling party  110 , may use financial instruments to purchase telephone services, such as additional minutes, or products and services associated the announcements. 
         [0019]    Although embodiments of the present invention may be described in the context of a telephone connected to a telecommunications network, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other types of terminating equipment may be used. Other suitable terminating equipment may include interactive information processing systems such screen or video phones, mobile devices, Personal Digital Assistants, self-serve kiosks (video and audio), Automated Teller Machines (video and audio), web (internet) portals, V-Scratch interactive displays, self-serve entertainment and game stations, and other video devices. 
         [0020]      FIG. 2  is a process diagram of an exemplary method  200  for delivering promotional announcements over a telecommunications network according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to an embodiment, method  200  begins in step  202  when a subscriber registers for the services described herein. In an embodiment, step  202  may include issuing a service access directory number and access code that allows the subscriber to gain access to the telephony service provider&#39;s network. Registration services, such providing an access code, may be provided using a variety of known methods, such as via telephone, email, fax, mobile text message, web portal, mail, retail location, self-serve kiosk, or in-person. The access number may be selected by either the service provider or the user without departing from the principles of the invention. 
         [0021]    In another embodiment, step  202  may include issuing a financial instrument to calling party  110 . The financial card may be a bank association branded card including, but not limited to Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. For each purchase that calling party  110  makes, using the financial card, announcement module  120  collects and stores information about the transaction including, for example, the merchant category code (MCC) and the merchant name. In the case of a stored value card, money may be added using a variety of known methods, such as direct deposit, point of sale merchant and retail cash reload networks, participating bank branch cash reloads (such as via an automated teller machine or financial self-serve kiosk), card to card (internal system) transfers, and wire transfers. 
         [0022]    In some embodiments, the financial card may be used to determine whether calling party  110  is generally creditworthy, such as by contacting U.S. credit bureaus and using known credit checking methods via financial network  130  or by querying a private database. For example, according to the latter embodiment, the financial card may be used to establish a repository of consumer payment history, thus establishing an internal database of spending and payment habits and trends. In some embodiments, payment habits are reviewed periodically, such as on a 120 day continuous cycle, with additional credit-line invitations being offered as appropriate. For example, if calling party  110  has no credit history or poor to below average credit, then a prepaid financial instrument may be offered, such as a stored value card. If after using the prepaid financial instrument for some period of time, such as 120 days, and third party bills are paid on time, calling party  110  may be offered an introductory line of credit. 
         [0023]    In step  205 , switch  105  receives a call from calling party  110 , such as when calling party  110  dials the service access number provided in step  202  to connect to the service provider&#39;s network. According to an embodiment, calling party  110  may be connected to the Interactive Voice Response Unit (IVRU) of announcement module  120 , after which the IVRU may transmit the following exemplary prompt to calling party  10 : “To place a free 15 minute long distance call, press 4.” Some embodiments allow the calling party to choose a language, such as English or Spanish. 
         [0024]    In step  210 , announcement module  120  receives a message from calling party  110  that includes the identity of a subscriber. According to an embodiment, the identity of calling party  110  may be an access code or other caller identifier. The identifier may be received via a variety of input means including, but not limited to, a keypad, keyboard, magnetic strip, voice command in conjunction with a voice recognition system, or other suitable means for identifying calling party  110 . In practice, the access code may be a numeric or alphanumeric code. In some embodiments, the access code may include information to identify the financial card associated with the subscriber. After approval of the access code, announcement module  120  may obtain records associated with calling party  110  from subscriber profile database  132  and present calling party  110  with a dial tone. 
         [0025]    In step  215 , announcement module  120  receives a directory number from calling party  110  that corresponds to called party  115 . In some embodiments, calling party  110  is prompted to enter the directory number that he or she wishes to call. The directory number may be a domestic or international long distance number or other toll call. In some embodiments, the directory number may be stored within the service provider&#39;s network for future redialing. 
         [0026]    In step  220 , announcement module  120  delays connecting calling party  110  to called party  115  to play an announcement from ad database  125 . In an embodiment, the announcement is a 15 second promotional advertisement selected at random. In other embodiments, the selection of an announcement may be based on information stored in subscriber profile database  132 . This targeted information may then be used in conjunction with participating advertisers to offer targeted advertisements based on the spending habits of calling party  110 . In some embodiments, announcement module  120  is configured to select announcements of local and regional advertisers based on the residential zip code and/or area code of calling party  110 , a practice known as “Geo-Targeting.” Announcements played for calling party  110  may be tracked and stored, such as in subscriber profile database  132 . 
         [0027]    After the conclusion of the announcement, in step  225 , announcement module  120  solicits a response message from calling party  110  related to the content of the announcement. The response message may be used to provide verification that calling party  110  listened to the announcement, which may improve the market value of the announcement. In an embodiment, calling party  110  may be asked to provide a response, via a multiple choice format, that identifies which merchant is associated with the announcement played in step  220 . For example, calling party  110  may be asked to “press ‘1’ for Wal-Mart, press ‘2’ for T-Mobile, press ‘3’ for H&amp;R Block.” According to an embodiment, calling party  110  may be prompted to press # (pound) to opt out of the exchange and, for example, go directly to step  245  below. According to another embodiment, if no response is received from calling party  110  within a predetermined period of time, or if an incorrect response is received, switch  105  begins normal call processing by connecting calling party  110  to called party  115  and bill for the minutes of use. 
         [0028]    In step  230 , announcement module  120  receives the response message from calling party  110  and, in step  235 , determines whether calling party  110  provided a correct response. If calling party  110  responds correctly, calling party  110  may be offered cash, credit, prizes, or other means for transferring value. For example, calling party  110  may receive an entry into a sweepstakes or credit from a participating merchant for a correct response. In the illustrated embodiment, in step  240 , announcement module  120  discounts, waives or otherwise adjusts, for a limited time, the telecommunications service fee normally incurred for connecting calling party  110  to called party  115 . For example, system  100  may add 15 minutes of free or discounted calling to any previous allotment. 
         [0029]    In step  245 , calling party  110  is connected to called party  115  for an allotted time, such as 15 minutes. Step  245  may include monitoring the connection time and comparing the elapsed time to the allotted time. 
         [0030]    In step  250 , announcement module  120  plays a mid-call message that asks calling party  110  to indicate if he or she would like additional services, such as more minutes, in exchange for listening to another announcement. For example, announcement module  120  may warn calling party  110  that the allotted time is about to expire, such as with approximately one minute remaining. The warning may state that, upon request by calling party  110 , the call will be interrupted and that another 15 second advertisement will commence in 45 seconds unless the parties terminate the call. A variety of manifestations of acceptance by calling party  110  may be used, such as by directing calling party  110  to press a button or by speaking a specified word corresponding to an acceptance of the offer. For example, a pre-recorded message may direct calling party  110  to use the keypad, such as by pressing *7, to listen to the next announcement. According to an embodiment, if no response is received, calling party  110  may be billed for the minutes of use beyond the allotted time. In other embodiments, the call may be terminated upon expiration of the allotted time. 
         [0031]    After receipt of the acceptance manifestation, announcement module  120  adds time units to the remaining allotted time. The process may continue until the calling parties terminate the connection. In some embodiments, announcement module  120  limits the total number of time units that calling party  110  can receive over a certain time period, such as a maximum of 30 minutes of free or discounted telephone service over a 24-hour period. 
         [0032]    Variations, modifications, and other implementations of what is described herein will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Accordingly, the invention is to be defined not by the preceding illustrative description but instead by the spirit and scope of the following claims.