Abstract:
An enhanced directory assistance system has a directory assistance platform, configured to receive a verbal request from a requester for a desired downloadable item among a plurality of downloadable items. A download features module coupled to the directory assistance platform, where the download features module is configured to retrieve information corresponding to the plurality of downloadable items in response to the verbal request, such that the download features module causes the desired downloadable item to be delivered to a telephone device of the requester.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to an enhanced directory assistance system. More particularly, the present invention relates to an enhanced directory assistance system with download features.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     The use of wireless communications, including cell phone conversations, wireless e-mail, SMS and other similar forms of communication has been steadily increasing over time. This is particularly true among the younger population. In fact, in some instances, many users both young and old have forgone landline communications, entirely opting to handle all of their communications in wireless format.  
         [0003]     This significant increase in usage, has given rise to the need to develop corresponding wireless directory assistance services. These directory assistance services for the most part mirror traditional landline directory assistance, allowing a requester to request contact information, such as a wireless number, for a party they wish to reach. In addition to the newer wireless directory assistance services, both landline and wireless directory assistance systems have added new features including the ability to request reservations, obtain movie times, and request driving directions.  
         [0004]     The wireless devices handling these communications generally have additional functional abilities that are not commonly present in landline phones. Because wireless devices, such as cell phones and PDAs, nearly universally have a microprocessor and associated memory units, these devices can store and play video and audio clips, they can change ring tones, take store and send pictures, surf the internet etc . . . Each of these functions is further facilitated through the wireless capability, allowing the data and programs to be downloaded directly to the devices.  
         [0005]     For example, cell phones were first created with the ability to change ring tones within a given set, stored within the phone. However, recently this has been greatly augmented by the ability to download new ring tones that mimic or even directly play, popular music clips or popular sound bytes from a movie. Such additional ring tones are either downloaded or forwarded to the phone directly in wireless format. This industry alone is currently estimated at a value of  3  billion dollars worldwide. Yet another new feature prevalent in the wireless communication industry is the ability to download full movie/TV clips or even video games to the user&#39;s wireless device.  
         [0006]     Although there are a significant number of media items to be downloaded to wireless devices, there is currently no single source for the items. Ring tones for example, may be made available to users of a particular cell phone type, a particular service provider, a subscriber to a particular third party service, or even to the general public. Furthermore, the storage locations for these downloads are dispersed throughout the internet and wireless world. These dispersed locations are not always commonly known to the wireless communication community. Currently there are no means for locating and obtaining these various media download items other than blind searching, being given the download information directly from the provider, or through word of mouth.  
       OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     The present invention overcomes the drawbacks associated with the prior art and provides a wireless directory assistance system that, in addition to providing wireless contact information, also provides contact information for downloadable media items, such as the location for obtaining the media and the requirements for downloading the media. Additionally, the present invention, further allows the user to download the requested media directly from the directory assistance system.  
         [0008]     To this end, the present invention is directed to an enhanced directory assistance system. The system includes a download features module configured to store download listings corresponding to a plurality of downloadable items. A directory assistance platform, coupled to the download features module receives a request from a requester for a downloadable item among the plurality of downloadable items. The directory assistance platform retrieves from the download features module a download listing corresponding to the requested download item so as to enable delivery of said downloadable item to a telephone device of said requester.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]     For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings several forms, which are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.  
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a diagram of a communication assistance system of the present invention in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0011]      FIG. 2  is a diagram of a download features module of the system illustrated in  FIG. 1 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0012]      FIG. 3  is a diagram of a download table listing, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0013]      FIG. 4  is a most requested download item table, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0014]      FIG. 5  is a flow chart for the request and delivery of a download item, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0015]      FIG. 6  is a flow chart for the request and delivery of a download item from an outside provider, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0016]      FIG. 7  is a flow chart for the request and delivery of a download item, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0017]     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , an enhanced directory assistance system  10  is shown for use by a requester  20 . In the present description, requester  20  is described as a user having a standard cell phone in order to demonstrate the salient features of the present invention. However, it is understood that requester  20  may include but is not limited to a user employing a VoIP phone, personal computer, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), landline phone or any other personal communication device capable of handling a requested downloaded item.  
         [0018]     A connectivity element  22  is disposed between requester  20  and system  10  in order to facilitate communications between the two. In the case of the present invention, connectivity element  22  is described as being a cellular service provider for requester  20 , for exemplary purposes. However, it is understood that connectivity element  22  may refer to any intermediate communication medium capable of handling communications between system  10  and requester  20 , including the traditional Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). For example, in the case where requester  20  is operating a VoIP phone or other such internet based communication technology, connectivity element  22  may simply be the Internet.  
         [0019]     Although  FIG. 1  illustrates only a single enhanced directory assistance system  10 , it is understood that a number of systems  10  may be interconnected with one another over widely spaced geographic locations for handling requests at all times of the day, for handling request overflow, and for backup redundancy.  
         [0020]     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , enhanced directory assistance system  10  maintains a directory assistance platform  30 . DA platform  30  is configured to be the primary component for receiving and processing incoming requests from requester  20 . It is understood that DA platform  30  may be comprised of a single component or more commonly comprised of a series of interlinked switches, ACD (Automatic Call Distribution) modules, operator terminals and other connectivity equipment. Furthermore, it is understood that DA platform may employ live operators at operator terminals, complete automated response platforms, or a combination of the two for handling all of the features disclosed herein.  
         [0021]     In addition to adding automated response options to DA platform  30 , system  10  may also employ voice recognition of requester  20 . In this instance, DA platform  30  offers a series of automated options to select from, and requester  20  may respond verbally. Furthermore, employing voice recognition, a particular requester  20  may be recognized as a frequent caller to which DA platform  30  may respond by automatically retrieving past download requests from the same requester  20 , as well as developing suggestions for new downloads.  
         [0022]     In an alternative arrangement, DA platform  30  may employ an ANI based recognition ability, such that a particular requester  20  may be recognized as a frequent caller based on the number from which the dial. Likewise, DA platform  30  may respond by automatically retrieving past download requests from the same requester  20 , as well as developing suggestions for new downloads using the ANI recognition. In either arrangement, DA platform may provide such enhanced services to requester  20  to assist them or the attending customer service representative in quickly retrieving a desired download content.  
         [0023]     DA platform  30  is connected first to a listing database  32 . Listing database  32  is configured to store the necessary data to handle standard requests from requester  20 , such as requests for telephone numbers or other such connectivity information.  
         [0024]     DA platform  30  is further connected to an enhanced services module  34 . Enhanced services module  34  is configured to track certain advanced directory assistance services such as direction requests, reservation services, movie listings or other similar information services not directly related to connectivity.  
         [0025]     Both listing database  32  and enhanced services module  34  are shown as single units within the confines of system  10 . However it is understood that such databases and modules may both be employed as a physical array of devices and further may be handled off site or even by third party vendors.  
         [0026]     In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , DA platform  30  of system  10  further maintains a download features module  36 . Download features module  36  is configured to store data associated with requests for downloadable data items.  
         [0027]     For the purposes of illustration, the present invention, when referring to downloadable data items, will describe downloadable ring tones for cellular telephones. However, it is understood that downloadable data items may include any number of downloadable context including but not limited to ring tones, voice /sound clips, video clips, pictures, websites, video games, or any other type of downloadable data item that is at least partially available to the public. Other such downloadable items may include maps, such as subway maps, bus maps, train maps or road maps.  
         [0028]     Also, illustrated in  FIG. 1  system  10  maintains a billing database  37  for maintaining and storing billing records related to the search for and delivery of downloadable data items from download feature module  36 . Billing database  37  can store information related to the use of download feature module  36  on either a per requester  20  basis, on a service provider basis, or on any other billing scheme that is used to support the download of items from system  10 .  
         [0029]     In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , download features module  36  contains a download availability database  38  and a download storage module  40 . Download storage module  40  is for example, a data repository for storing downloadable items for delivery through system  10  to requester  20 . Although download storage module  40  is shown within download features module  36  it is understood that this data repository may be located anywhere within system  10  or even outside of system  10 , maintained by a third party vendor.  
         [0030]     Download availability database  38  of download feature module  36  is configured to store various download table listings  50 . Download listings  50  are configured to each maintain the relevant identifying and information data for each downloadable data item that system  10  can service to a requester  20 .  
         [0031]     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , table listing  50  maintains a first title field  52  indicating the title, abbreviated title or recognized title of the downloadable item. A second size field  54  indicates the size of the downloadable item, for example in megabytes.  
         [0032]     A third system requirements field  56  includes information related to the system requirements that need to be met by the device of requester  20  in order to handle the downloadable item. For example, if the downloadable item is a video game, there may be system requirements in order to properly play the game. In yet another example, video clips may be playable on certain cell phones of a first manufacturer but not on a second manufacturer. Any such system requirements would be stored in field  56 .  
         [0033]     A fourth availability field  58  includes a particular downloadable item availability status for requester  20 . In a first arrangement, the information contained in availability field  58  is generic to all requesters. For example, availability field may simply contain a list of service providers or other third parties that offer the downloadable item. This information can then be conveyed to requester  20  through DA platform  30 .  
         [0034]     Alternatively, availability field  58  may be dynamically controlled by system  10  in order to list the availability to the particular requester  20 . For example, using ANI (Automatic Number Identifier), DA platform  30  is able to recognize the service provider of requester  20 . This information is then used when download features module  36  is queried such that availability field simply states “available to this requester” or “not available to this requester.” It is understood that a combination of both arrangements may be used as well.  
         [0035]     Further illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a downloadable item location field  60  is also included in table listing  50  configured to indicate to download feature module  36  the location of the particular download item. In the present invention system  10  is configured to store information for downloadable items that are stored within system  10  such as in storage module  40 , stored within external databases discussed below, and even for downloadable items that are no longer available. When the downloadable item is located directly in storage module  40 , DA platform  30  can deliver the download item directly to requester  20 .  
         [0036]     In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , DA platform  30  of the present invention, in addition to be connected to download features module  36 , is also connected to service provider databases  70  and third party databases  80 . For example, service provider databases  70  may refer to storage locations of downloadable items directly handled by a particular service provider. Third party databases  80  refer to any other type of third party database for downloadable items such as movie studios, recording studios and advertising firms.  
         [0037]     If upon a query to downloadable features module  36 , DA platform  30  recognizes from location field  60 , that a particular item is located for download from a service provider database  70 , DA platform  30  is configured to retrieve the download item from service provider database  70  and deliver it to requester  20 . Alternatively, system  10  may not directly retrieve the download item from service provider database  70 , but instead may send instructions to database  70  to deliver it directly to requester  20 . In yet another alternative, system  10  may simply provide instructions to requester  20  on how to retrieve the download item from service provider database  70  in the event that the item can not be automatically forwarded.  
         [0038]     Likewise, if a query to downloadable features module  36 , DA platform  30  recognizes from item location field  60  that the download item is stored in a third party database  80 , DA platform  30  is configured to retrieve the download item from third party database  80  and deliver it to requester  20 . Again, alternative arrangements may be made to send instructions to the third party database  80  to automatically forward the item to requester  20  or instructions may be given to requester  20  to initiate the retrieval on their own.  
         [0039]     In the event that a requested download item is listed as unavailable in the availability field, DA platform  30  may provide this information to requester  20  along with any of the other information contained in table listing  50 .  
         [0040]     In the case of a download being sent to requester  20  by some form of electronic means such as SMS, WAP, HTTP, e-mail or other such electronic deliveries it is possible to include a hyperlink within the message itself such that if the information retrieved is not accurate, requester  20  may be able to link back to DA platform  30 . In such an instance, DA platform  30  will track the content of the electronic request with said DA platform so that when requester  20  presses said hyperlink they can be connected to DA platform, such as with a live operator, such that their operator terminal is automatically populated with the stored contents of the electronic message. This allows requester  20  to quickly return to DA platform  30  in the case of an errant or incomplete response to their request, while simultaneously allowing the operator at DA platform  30  to skip over the portion of the search that has already been conducted.  
         [0041]     In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , in addition to direct requests for a particular download item, download availability database  38  of download features module  36  maintains a most requested table download item table  100  to cater to requesters  20  who are not looking for a specific item, but rather are simply looking for popular download items.  
         [0042]     Most requested download table  100  maintains a category field  102 . Upon request, DA platform  30  sets the field category  102  according to the request. Examples of categories for most requested table  100 , include but are not limited to: most requested download, most requested ring tone, most requested video game, most requested movie trailer, most requested music video, most requested sound (music) clip, etc . . .  
         [0043]     Other manners for settings in category field  102  may include ranking of downloads by specific type of music (hip hop, rock, R&amp;B, country etc . . . ), ranking by artists, albums, time frame (such as last month or last week top downloads), or even showing rankings of multiple categories simultaneously.  
         [0044]     Once category field  102  is selected, a ranking field  104  and listing field  106  are auto-populated by download features module  36 . Ranking field  104  lists the download items from the top most requested and so forth down to an arbitrary list size number such as “top 25.” Listing field  106  lists the name of each of these ranked download item as listed in that item&#39;s associated title field  52  from its down load table listing  50 . DA platform  30  can then either read these listings to requester  20  or otherwise forward the information directly to the device of requester  20  for selection.  
         [0045]     For example, if requester  20  knows that a new ring tone has just been released, but they are unfamiliar with the exact name, requester  20 , may ask DA platform  30  to retrieve most requested download table  100 , using top requested ring tones in the category field  102 . Upon seeing or hearing the top  25  ring tones listed in listing field  106 , requester  20  may recognize the desired download item and proceed accordingly to retrieve the item.  
         [0046]     It is understood that in all instances of searching whether directly in availability database  38  or in most requested listing table  100 , any number of criteria may be used for the basis of the search including the name of the requested download, the artist, the size the release date or any other searchable attribute. Furthermore, an added feature of playing a brief version of an audio track to requester  20  by DA platform  30  may also be used to confirm that the requester is receiving the correct information and download item.  
         [0047]     Turning to the operation of system  10 , in one embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in flow chart  FIG. 5 , in the situation where the requested download item is stored within system  10 , at first step  200 , requester  20  initiates contact with system  10 . As noted previously, this request may be handled verbally between requester  20  and a live operator at DA platform  30  or it may be handled by an automated platform and voice recognition of requester  20 .  
         [0048]     Upon making contact, at step  202 , DA platform  30  accepts a query from requester  20  and initiates a look up sequence with download features module  36 . It is understood that the functionality performing the search within availability database  38  may be handed by DA platform  30  or directly by download features module  36  or some combination thereof. Likewise, for this and the following examples of the operation of system  10 , it is understood that communications between requester  20  and DA platform  30 , whether automated or manned by a live operator, may be conducted as two-way back and forth communications.  
         [0049]     At step  204 , DA platform searches availability database  38  of download features module  36  for a listing which meets the query. Assuming database  38  has such a listing, at step  206 , download features module  36  retrieves download table listing  50  and submits the information to DA platform  30 .  
         [0050]     If requester  20  desires simply to know information about the down load item, then at a nest step  208 , DA platform recites or delivers the requested information to requester  20  and then either terminates the call or holds requester  20  should they wish to obtain other information from system  10  such as standard directory assistance.  
         [0051]     Alternatively, if requester  20  wishes to have the download item delivered to them, DA platform  30 , obtaining the location from location field  60 , at step  210  retrieves the download item from download storage module  40 . At step  212 , the download item is delivered to requester  20  in a desired format.  
         [0052]     In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , an alternative sequence is shown where the stored download item is located outside of system  10 . Thus, at first step  300 , requester  20  initiates contact with system  10 . Upon making contact, at step  302 , DA platform  30  accepts a query from requester  20  and initiates a look up sequence with download features module  36 .  
         [0053]     At step  304 , DA platform searches availability database  38  of download features module  36  for a listing which meets the query. Assuming database  38  has such a listing, at step  306 , download features module  36  retrieves download table listing  50  and submits the information to DA platform  30 .  
         [0054]     If requester  20  desires simply to know information about the down load item, then at a nest step  308 , DA platform recites or delivers the requested information to requester  20  and then either terminates the call or holds requester  20  should they wish to obtain other information from system  10  such as standard directory assistance.  
         [0055]     Alternatively, if requester  20  wishes to have the download item delivered to them, DA platform  30 , after obtaining the location from location field  60 , at step  310  instructs download features module  36  to retrieve the download item from either service provider databases  70  or third party service provider databases  80 . At step  312 , the download item, after being retrieved from an outside party, is delivered to requester  20  in a desired format.  
         [0056]     In another embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in  FIG. 7 , a requester  20  may request a download item from a source outside system  10 , where system  10  rather than obtaining the item for requester  20 , instead sends a message to the outside location prompting it to deliver the item to requester  20  automatically.  
         [0057]     For example in an exemplary step  400 , requester  20  initiates contact with system  10 . Upon making contact, at step  402 , DA platform  30  accepts a query from requester  20  and initiates a look up sequence with download features module  36 .  
         [0058]     At step  404 , DA platform searches availability database  38  of download features module  36  for a listing which meets the query. Assuming database  38  has such a listing, at step  406 , download features module  36  retrieves download table listing  50  and submits the information to DA platform  30 .  
         [0059]     If requester  20  wishes to have the download item delivered to them, DA platform  30 , after obtaining the location from location field  60 , at step  408  instructs download features module  36  deliver a notification to service provider databases  70  or third party service provider databases  80  to directly deliver the item to requester  20  in a desired format. Such a feature may be supplemented by DA platform  30  by providing the third party with the necessary information for the delivery such as the e-mail address, ANI or other location and delivery information for requester  20 .  
         [0060]     Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is preferred, therefore, that the present invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein, but only by the appended claims.