US20020025027A1 - Telephonic-interface statistical analysis system - Google Patents
Telephonic-interface statistical analysis system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20020025027A1 US20020025027A1 US09/364,731 US36473199A US2002025027A1 US 20020025027 A1 US20020025027 A1 US 20020025027A1 US 36473199 A US36473199 A US 36473199A US 2002025027 A1 US2002025027 A1 US 2002025027A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- terminal apparatus
- data
- callers
- interface
- voice
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q3/00—Selecting arrangements
- H04Q3/64—Distributing or queueing
- H04Q3/66—Traffic distributors
- H04Q3/665—Circuit arrangements therefor
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
- G07C11/00—Arrangements, systems or apparatus for checking, e.g. the occurrence of a condition, not provided for elsewhere
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
- G07C15/00—Generating random numbers; Lottery apparatus
- G07C15/005—Generating random numbers; Lottery apparatus with dispensing of lottery tickets
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
- G07C15/00—Generating random numbers; Lottery apparatus
- G07C15/006—Generating random numbers; Lottery apparatus electronically
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M11/00—Telephonic communication systems specially adapted for combination with other electrical systems
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
- H04M3/22—Arrangements for supervision, monitoring or testing
- H04M3/36—Statistical metering, e.g. recording occasions when traffic exceeds capacity of trunks
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
- H04M3/38—Graded-service arrangements, i.e. some subscribers prevented from establishing certain connections
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
- H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
- H04M3/46—Arrangements for calling a number of substations in a predetermined sequence until an answer is obtained
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
- H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
- H04M3/487—Arrangements for providing information services, e.g. recorded voice services or time announcements
- H04M3/493—Interactive information services, e.g. directory enquiries ; Arrangements therefor, e.g. interactive voice response [IVR] systems or voice portals
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
- H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
- H04M3/50—Centralised arrangements for answering calls; Centralised arrangements for recording messages for absent or busy subscribers ; Centralised arrangements for recording messages
- H04M3/51—Centralised call answering arrangements requiring operator intervention, e.g. call or contact centers for telemarketing
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
- H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
- H04M3/50—Centralised arrangements for answering calls; Centralised arrangements for recording messages for absent or busy subscribers ; Centralised arrangements for recording messages
- H04M3/51—Centralised call answering arrangements requiring operator intervention, e.g. call or contact centers for telemarketing
- H04M3/5166—Centralised call answering arrangements requiring operator intervention, e.g. call or contact centers for telemarketing in combination with interactive voice response systems or voice portals, e.g. as front-ends
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q3/00—Selecting arrangements
- H04Q3/0016—Arrangements providing connection between exchanges
- H04Q3/002—Details
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q3/00—Selecting arrangements
- H04Q3/42—Circuit arrangements for indirect selecting controlled by common circuits, e.g. register controller, marker
- H04Q3/54—Circuit arrangements for indirect selecting controlled by common circuits, e.g. register controller, marker in which the logic circuitry controlling the exchange is centralised
- H04Q3/545—Circuit arrangements for indirect selecting controlled by common circuits, e.g. register controller, marker in which the logic circuitry controlling the exchange is centralised using a stored programme
- H04Q3/54508—Configuration, initialisation
- H04Q3/54533—Configuration data, translation, passwords, databases
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q3/00—Selecting arrangements
- H04Q3/42—Circuit arrangements for indirect selecting controlled by common circuits, e.g. register controller, marker
- H04Q3/54—Circuit arrangements for indirect selecting controlled by common circuits, e.g. register controller, marker in which the logic circuitry controlling the exchange is centralised
- H04Q3/545—Circuit arrangements for indirect selecting controlled by common circuits, e.g. register controller, marker in which the logic circuitry controlling the exchange is centralised using a stored programme
- H04Q3/54541—Circuit arrangements for indirect selecting controlled by common circuits, e.g. register controller, marker in which the logic circuitry controlling the exchange is centralised using a stored programme using multi-processor systems
- H04Q3/5455—Multi-processor, parallelism, distributed systems
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q3/00—Selecting arrangements
- H04Q3/42—Circuit arrangements for indirect selecting controlled by common circuits, e.g. register controller, marker
- H04Q3/54—Circuit arrangements for indirect selecting controlled by common circuits, e.g. register controller, marker in which the logic circuitry controlling the exchange is centralised
- H04Q3/545—Circuit arrangements for indirect selecting controlled by common circuits, e.g. register controller, marker in which the logic circuitry controlling the exchange is centralised using a stored programme
- H04Q3/54575—Software application
- H04Q3/54591—Supervision, e.g. fault localisation, traffic measurements, avoiding errors, failure recovery, monitoring, statistical analysis
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q3/00—Selecting arrangements
- H04Q3/72—Finding out and indicating number of calling subscriber
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q3/00—Selecting arrangements
- H04Q3/72—Finding out and indicating number of calling subscriber
- H04Q3/74—Identification of subscriber calling from a party-line
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F3/00—Board games; Raffle games
- A63F3/08—Raffle games that can be played by a fairly large number of people
- A63F3/081—Raffle games that can be played by a fairly large number of people electric
- A63F2003/082—Raffle games that can be played by a fairly large number of people electric with remote participants
- A63F2003/086—Raffle games that can be played by a fairly large number of people electric with remote participants played via telephone, e.g. using a modem
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
- G07C11/00—Arrangements, systems or apparatus for checking, e.g. the occurrence of a condition, not provided for elsewhere
- G07C2011/04—Arrangements, systems or apparatus for checking, e.g. the occurrence of a condition, not provided for elsewhere related to queuing systems
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M2201/00—Electronic components, circuits, software, systems or apparatus used in telephone systems
- H04M2201/40—Electronic components, circuits, software, systems or apparatus used in telephone systems using speech recognition
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M2203/00—Aspects of automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
- H04M2203/20—Aspects of automatic or semi-automatic exchanges related to features of supplementary services
- H04M2203/2016—Call initiation by network rather than by subscriber
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M2242/00—Special services or facilities
- H04M2242/22—Automatic class or number identification arrangements
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
- H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
- H04M3/42025—Calling or Called party identification service
- H04M3/42034—Calling party identification service
- H04M3/42042—Notifying the called party of information on the calling party
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
- H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
- H04M3/42025—Calling or Called party identification service
- H04M3/42034—Calling party identification service
- H04M3/42059—Making use of the calling party identifier
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
- H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
- H04M3/42025—Calling or Called party identification service
- H04M3/42085—Called party identification service
- H04M3/42102—Making use of the called party identifier
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
- H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
- H04M3/436—Arrangements for screening incoming calls, i.e. evaluating the characteristics of a call before deciding whether to answer it
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/13034—A/D conversion, code compression/expansion
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/13072—Sequence circuits for call signaling, ACD systems
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/1309—Apparatus individually associated with a subscriber line, line circuits
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/13091—CLI, identification of calling line
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/13093—Personal computer, PC
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/13095—PIN / Access code, authentication
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/13096—Digital apparatus individually associated with a subscriber line, digital line circuits
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/13097—Numbering, addressing
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/13103—Memory
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/13106—Microprocessor, CPU
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/13107—Control equipment for a part of the connection, distributed control, co-processing
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/13136—Collect call
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/1316—Service observation, testing
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/13173—Busy signals
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/13175—Graphical user interface [GUI], WWW interface, visual indication
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/13178—Control signals
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/13204—Protocols
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/1322—PBX
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/13256—Call screening
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/1328—Call transfer, e.g. in PBX
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/1332—Logic circuits
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/13349—Network management
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/1337—Operator, emergency services
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/13375—Electronic mail
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/13376—Information service, downloading of information, 0800/0900 services
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/13377—Recorded announcement
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S379/00—Telephonic communications
- Y10S379/912—Geographically adaptive
Definitions
- the present invention comprises a telephonic-interface system and related process for selectively utilizing both analog (voice) and digital telephonic communication in a variety of different interface formats or programs, as to select or qualify a set of callers, enable positive identification of at least certain of the callers in the set, acquire data from callers in the set, statistically analyze acquired data, as in combination and in association with external data (time independent), and accordingly to isolate a subset of the callers with verifiable identification. That is, the external data (separate from caller-provided data) may be introduced at any of a variety of different times in relation to the caller data.
- a voice origination apparatus may prompt individual callers who (after qualification) provide select digital data to develop a record for further processing either immediately, upon the evolution of a defined set of callers or upon the establishment of select external data.
- qualification phase the information acquisition phase may be concurrent or consecutive with respect to the processing phase.
- abort capability allows a caller to remain “off hook” and go to analog (vocal) communication. The caller then interfaces directly with an operator.
- the system of the present invention may qualify an entitled set of callers, then receive answer data in the course of the call and develop identification or designation data, sequence data and statistical data.
- the system may then provide data cells for storing individual data while assigning confirmable identifications to the entitled set. From the set, a subset is defined. That is, in accordance with various formats, acquired data is processed in statistical relationship, or in relation to applied external data to accomplish such functional operating formats as an auction sale, a contest, a lottery, a poll, a merchandising operation, a game, and so on.
- a variety of memory techniques are used to selectively activate the voice origination apparatus. Accordingly, statistical analysis and selection can be effectively and economically accomplished with respect to a substantial set of callers who are accommodated individual communication through a telephone system.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system constructed in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a fragmentary diagrammatic representation of a storage cell format as may be developed in the system of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of one operating format of the system of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a form of processor or function unit as may be employed in the system of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 5 is a fragmentary diagrammatic representation of a storage cell format as may be developed in the system of FIG. 1 with the processor of FIG. 4;
- FIG. 6 is a block diagram of elements in an operating function unit of FIG. 4;
- FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation of a storage cell format as may be developed in the system of FIG. 4;
- FIG. 8 is a block diagram of elements in an operating function unit of FIG. 4.
- FIG. 1 a series of remote telephone-instrument terminals T 1 through Tn are represented (left).
- the terminals are generally similar, and accordingly, only the terminal T 1 is illustrated in detail.
- the remote terminals T 1 through Tn represent the multitude of conventional telephone terminals that are coupled to a communication facility C which may take the form of a comprehensive public telephone system for interconnecting any associated terminals T 1 -Tn.
- the terminals T 1 -Tn operate through the communication facility C to be coupled with a central station D, an embodiment of which is illustrated in some detail.
- individual callers use the individual telephone stations T 1 through Tn to interface the station D through the communication facility C. Callers may be screened or qualified. Also in accordance herewith, the data of individual callers may be collected, correlated and tested in the station D for processing in accordance with various programs and external data. As a consequence, various objectives are accomplished. For example, a select subset of the callers may be isolated and specifically identified, or related data may be processed, or transactions may be actuated. The possibilities for application of the system are substantial and varied as will be apparent from the exemplary structure and functions as described in detail below.
- the public In one operating process format, the public might be polled with regard to locating the specific purchasers of a defective or dangerous product. Alternatively, the public might be polled with the objective of locating persons susceptible to a specific ailment or disease. Public auctions of unprecedented participation are possible. Legal lotteries are enabled that are interesting, effective and very economical on an individual participant basis. The system also might be employed in various game formats or to automate a promotion or mail-order operation, even to the extent of including inventory control as detailed below.
- the callers may be variously qualified on the basis of entitlement and may be identified for subsequent verification. The callers then may be prompted, either through the interface or externally, to provide appropriate data.
- the communication facility C has multiplexing capability for individually coupling the terminals T 1 -Tn to the central station D on request.
- the communication facility C comprises a public telephone network and the individual terminals T 1 -Tn take the various forms of existing traditional or conventional telephone instruments.
- the exemplary telephone terminal T 1 is represented in some detail to include a hand piece 10 (microphone and earphone) and a panel 12 provided with a rectangular array of push buttons 14 in the conventional configuration.
- the hand piece 10 accommodates analog signals while the panel 12 is a digital apparatus.
- the hand piece 10 serves to manifest analog signals vocally to the caller.
- buttons 14 In accordance with conventional telephone practice, alphabetic and numeric designations are provided on the buttons 14 .
- the buttons 14 carry three letters along with a decimal digit.
- the button designated with the numeral “2” also carries the letters “A”, “B” and “C”.
- the buttons 14 encompass the numerals “0-9”, two symbols, and the alphabet except for the letters “Q” and “Z”. Consequently, the buttons 14 accommodate the entry of decimal data, and to some extent alphabetic data.
- buttons 14 designated with symbols “*” and “#”, along with the numeral “0”, can be used by predetermined assignment to represent the letters “Q” and “Z” or any of a variety of other data or command components.
- the buttons 14 are employed to formulate digital data at the central station D in various formats determined by the instant specific use and operating format of the system.
- the communication facility C is coupled to interface a series of processing systems P 1 through Pn (FIG. 1, left). Specifically, the communication facility C is connected to the processing systems P 1 -Pn through an associated series of automatic call distributors AC 1 through ACn. Each of the automatic call distributors AC 1 -ACn accommodates one hundred lines from the communication facility C and accordingly, may accommodate and queue up to 100 calls.
- Each of the automatic call distributors AC 1 -ACn may take various forms as well know in the prior art, functioning to queue incoming calls for connection to a lesser number of lines.
- fifty lines are connected respectively to the individual data processing systems P 1 -Pn through an interface 20 and a switch 21 .
- each of the automatic call distributors AC 1 -ACn can accommodate one hundred lines, fifty of which may be active in association with one of the processing systems P.
- the processing systems P 1 -Pn are similar, therefore, only the processing system P 1 is shown in any detail. Collectively, the processing systems P 1 -Pn are interconnected with a command computer terminal CT,at least one interface terminal IT, at least one printer PR and an audio unit AD. The command terminal CT is separately coupled to the audio unit AD.
- processing systems P 1 through Pn each contain a number of individual function units or processors PR 1 through PRn. Although various other configurations and arrangements may be employed, the explanation is facilitated by including a plurality of individual function units as treated in detail below.
- the interface 20 incorporates modems, tone decoders, switching mechanisms, DNIS and ANI capability (call data analyzer 20 a ) along with voice interface capability. Note that the interface may actually perform analysis on data. However, to preserve the disclosed embodiment manageable, major analysis is explained with reference to processors.
- DNIS capability is a function of the communication facility C (composite telephone system) to provide called terminal digital data indicating the called number.
- ANI capability is a similar function whereby the digital data indicates the calling number with calling terminal digital signals. Both capabilities are available for use with equipment as the interface 20 and to provide control through the call data analyzer 20 a.
- the interface 20 is capable of providing analog (voice) signals to prompt each caller. Also accommodated are digital signals including the DNIS and ANI signals.
- the system contemplates the possibility of utilizing sequences of lines in rotary as well as blocking sequences of lines, the numbers for which command a particular program or operation format of a function unit as disclosed in detail below.
- the interface 20 provides the connection of the fifty lines to a switch 21 which is in turn coupled to fifty function units, or processors PR 1 -PRn.
- processors PR 1 -PRn include memory cells for each of the callers' individual data. Development and compilation of data in such cells according to various operating formats is described below.
- the processors PR 1 -PRn are connected collectively to the command computer terminal CT (incorporating a CRT display), the interface terminal IT, and the printer PR. Note that the CRT display serves to visually display data regarding select subsets as explained in detail below.
- the units may comprise a microcomputer, for example, programmed as suggested above and as disclosed in detail below to accomplish specific operating formats.
- a caller may be qualified as belonging to an entitled set of persons or to accommodate specific demographic objectives.
- callers may be designated both with respect to their significance and their identification. For example, callers may have different significance in a format, depending on the time or sequence of their call.
- the designation of a caller may be exceedingly important in relation to the caller eventually being isolated as part of a subset, the members of whom must be accurately verified. As described below, the designations may involve multiple elements which may include: random number assignments, encryption techniques, utilization of calling numbers, identification data, sequence of call and so on to facilitate reliable verification.
- the communication facility C has a customer billing structure B that is interfaced by the system.
- the system enters a data accumulation phase during which digital data (formatted at one of the telephone terminals T 1 -Tn) is processed by one of the processors PR 1 -PRn.
- the processing evolves a subset (at least one caller) the members of which may be verified and confirmed.
- a distinct operation may involve actuating the interface terminal T 1 for direct local communication between the caller and an operator at the terminal T 1 .
- Another distinct operation may involve actuation of the printer PR to provide documents in relation to the operating format, as for providing award certificates as for verifying members of an isolated subset.
- charge slips may be generated containing at least part of the data of a particular transaction.
- FIG. 1 An appreciation of the philosophical operation of a system in accordance with the present invention may now be enhanced by considering an exemplary operation of the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1 to isolate a subset of people who are susceptible to a particular disease or infirmity.
- the exemplary operation might involve a geographical area, as a large city or population center, in which a particular health problem is somewhat acute. For example, a major population center might be polled where coronary artery disease is a significant problem. Accordingly, persons most susceptible to such disease could be identified for corrective recommendations.
- FIG. 2 indicates a data storage format for a memory cell in an exemplary processor PR and now will be considered with regard to an operating format in which data is composed for a caller.
- the remote terminal T 1 telephone number (213) 627-2222) who wishes to pursue health-related information on the basis of statistical analysis.
- the caller lifts the hand piece 10 and in accordance with conventional techniques actuates the push buttons 14 to call for a select operating format, e.g.
- the automatic call distributor AC 1 associates the called number ((213) 627-3333, rendered available using standard telephone DNIS techniques) through the interface 20 and the switch 21 to attain connection with the specific processor, e.g. the processor PR 1 formatting the health-related program. Accordingly, the processor PR 1 cooperates with the interface 20 to cue the interface 20 to operate as a voice generator.
- the sequence of operations is represented to be initiated in FIG. 3 by the “enter” block 40 which is accordingly followed by a “cue voice generator” command block 42 . If the ANI equipment is not employed, the voice generator in the interface 20 formulates speech, a representative form of which might be: “Thank you for participating in the coronary artery disease statistical analysis. Please give us your telephone number by actuating the call buttons on your telephone instrument.”
- the caller would push the buttons 14 in sequence to indicate his telephone number, e.g. “(213) 627-2222”.
- the interface 20 can accept the calling number ((213) 627-2222) according to its provision by standard ANI equipment of the communication facility C.
- the resulting data signals are communicated from the interface unit 20 (FIG. 1) to the processor PR 1 for testing the telephone number as valid or entitled.
- the format of a proper number prompts production of a valid or “good” signal.
- the test is indicated by the block 44 (FIG. 3). If the response is not valid or entitled, for example contains an inappropriate number of digits or has been used to a point of excess, the operation of block 46 is initiated again cuing the voice generator 30 (FIG. 1).
- the voice generator accordingly instructs the caller, e.g.: “You have not entered a proper telephone number.
- block 48 poses the query: “Is the second try good?”
- the system purges the record as indicated by the block 50 and the call is terminated as indicated by the block 52 .
- the processor PR 1 may abort the interface and couple the interface terminal IT for direct personal communication with the caller. The interchange would then proceed, person-to-person.
- the operation proceeds. Specifically, the system sequences to record the response of the proper telephone number as indicated by the block 45 . That is, the caller's telephone number is recorded in an assigned specific memory cell identified with the caller. The format of the cell C 1 is indicated in FIG. 2.
- the first portion, section 53 contains a form of identification data, i.e., the caller's telephone number, i.e. “(213) 627-2222”.
- a caller may be qualified by providing a “one-time” key number.
- the processor PR 1 may incorporate a look-up table for proper key numbers which numbers may be coded using any of a wide variety of techniques.
- the key may comprise a precise number of digits that always total a particular numerical value.
- the system proceeds after the caller is qualified. Specifically, the cue to the voice generator of the interface 20 (FIG. 1) as represented by the block 56 produces a request for further information from the caller with further identification data and answer data. For example, the voice generator might request information by stating: “Please use the telephone buttons to indicate initials of your name.”
- the cycle of obtaining digital information from the caller next is repeated with respect to answer data, i.e. specific health data.
- answer data i.e. specific health data.
- the next section 58 in the cell C 1 receives an accumulation of health data, including the caller's age, weight, . . . pulse rate, and so on. Representative digital numbers are illustrated in FIG. 2.
- the processor PR 1 formulates identification data for the caller specifically including: the chronological sequence of the call, the assigned designation of the call, and a set of acknowledgment digits for the call.
- data identification is registered in the caller's assigned cell C 1 in accordance with the format of FIG. 2 being stored in sections 62 , 64 and 66 .
- the data may be stored in a coded interrelationship.
- the acknowledgment digits may be related to the call record sequence.
- the chronological order number of the caller is 4951.
- the acknowledge digits may be derived from the sequence number. For example, as illustrated, a coded relationship may be established by adding “two” to each of the individual record sequence digits. Considering the example numerically:
- Adding without propagated carries Adding ⁇ ⁇ without ⁇ ⁇ propagated ⁇ ⁇ carries : ⁇ 4951 2222 6173
- confirmation data as acknowledgement digits can be extremely important, as to communicate with an isolated member of a subset. For example, identification could be published or circulated, as by a television broadcast, then respondents checked by use of confirmation data that may be confidential.
- the call chronological sequence registered for the caller is 4951 as represented in the section 62 while the acknowledge digits are 6173 as registered in the section 66 .
- the processor PR 1 develops an assigned designation, number, e.g. designation “4951684”, which is registered in the section 64 , the acknowledge code or digits, e.g. 6173, being registered in the section 66 .
- These values are formulated in accordance with conventional number techniques during the data acquisition phase. With the exemplary numerals formulated, the operation proceeds.
- the processor PR 1 (FIG. 1) cues the internal memory. That operation is indicated by the block 68 (FIG. 3). Thus, the processor PR 1 fetches the call record sequence,number, assigns a designation (if not previously assigned), and encodes the sequence number as the acknowledgment digits (if not previously accomplished). These operations are indicated by the block 70 (FIG. 3).
- the processor PR 1 cues the voice generator in the interface 20 , as indicated by the block 72 (FIG. 3) to provide information to the caller.
- the voice generator in the interface 20 might signal: “This transaction has been designated by the number 4951684, and is further identified by the acknowledgment digits 6173. Please make a record of these numbers as they will be repeated. Specifically, the designation number is 4951684.
- the acknowledgment digits are 6173. Please acknowledge this transaction by pressing your telephone buttons to indicate the acknowledge digits 6173.”
- the order and acknowledgment of callers may be very important. Therefore, data for confirmation associated with the order is important.
- the system next proceeds to the test mode as indicated by the block 76 (FIG. 3). If the caller provides the correct acknowledgment digits, the data is confirmed in the record as indicated by the block 80 and is registered in the cell C 1 (FIG. 2). Additionally, the voice generator is sequenced as indicated by the block 82 (FIG. 3) to indicate the close of the communication and that the transaction is terminated as represented by the exit block 84 .
- a repeat operation is performed as indicated respectively by the blocks 86 and 88 .
- the voice generator is queued for a second instructional message.
- the data is purged and the call discounted as indicated by block 90 and an exit block 92 . If the second try is successful (test block 88 ), as indicated by the block 80 , the record is perfected as indicated above.
- data cells in the processors PR 1 -PRn are developed with specific information indicative of a statistical sampling of the populace of concern.
- the data of that statistical sampling may be self-generating of specific conclusions with respect to a subset of individuals, and/or supplemental data to clearly manifest a significant subset.
- the data may indicate a significant departure from an assumed normal characteristic.
- Such data, accumulated from the polling may be considered by logic comparisons in the computer 22 to select the subset of persons who should be isolated.
- the system may involve the introduction of external data.
- external data might take the form of national statistical data.
- the processing operation usually involves comparison testing which compares caller data from individual memory cells of the processors P 1 -Pn (FIG. 1) with test data that is supplied through the command terminal CT.
- callers might be restricted to the purchasers of a specific product as a medical apparatus for measuring blood pressures, heart rates, or so on. In such situations, it will be apparent that the statistical data will be somewhat distorted from an average or normal sampling.
- the processors P 1 -Pn can be programmed to take into account such considerations. In that regard, the processors might also verify identification data proffered by a caller. Such data might take the form of a credit card number or a personal identification number. Methods for verification of such numbers using computer techniques are discussed below.
- FIG. 4 showing an exemplary structural form for the processors PR 1 -PRn.
- the line 90 provides signals from a processing unit 92 while the line 91 provides signals to the processing unit 92 along with other components as represented in FIG. 4.
- the separate lines 90 and 92 facilitate explanation.
- the processing unit 92 may take the form of a mini-computer programmed to accommodate the functions of various applications, as disclosed in detail below. As indicated above, the system may utilize a plurality of independent function units or processing units, e.g., processing unit 92 , operating in a somewhat parallel configuration, or alternatively, a limited number of processors may be driven sequentially to accommodate the functional operations as described.
- the input line 91 (upper left) is connected specifically to a qualification unit 93 , a sequencer 94 and a designation unit 96 , as well as the processing unit 92 as indicated above.
- the qualification unit qualifies access from a remote terminal T 1 -Tn to the processing unit 92 as described in detail below.
- the qualification unit 93 , the sequencer 94 and the designation unit 96 operate preliminarily with respect to individual callers. Generally, these units qualify or test callers for entitlement, develop a sequence-of-calls record and provide forms of designations for callers that may be authenticated.
- the units function in sequence to accomplish such operations and accordingly are each individually connected to the processing unit 92 and a buffer storage 97 .
- the buffer storage 97 is illustrated separately from the processing unit 92 along with the unit 93 , sequencer 94 , unit 96 , and so on, again in order to facilitate the explanation.
- a memory 98 (with cells C 1 -Cn), a look-up table 103 and a clock 105 .
- the qualification unit 93 (upper left) is connected to a look-up table 99 and a use-rate calculator 100 .
- the designation unit 96 (top center) is connected to a random number generator 101 and an encryptor 102 .
- a caller at a terminal T 1 dials a specific number to identify a mail order interface with the system of FIG. 1. For example, assume the telephone number “(213) 627-4444” for such an interface. Accordingly the caller dials the number at the remote terminal T 1 .
- the communication facility C couples the terminal T 1 through the automatic call distributor AC 1 , the interface 20 and the switch 21 to a select processor PR 1 identified and programmed for a mail-order operating format.
- the communication facility C provides the dialed number (“(213) 627-4444”) to the processing system P 1 through well known telephonic equipment DNIS. Accordingly, a program is selected to execute the mail order interface.
- a voice responder in the interface 20 might be cued by the processing unit to identify the mail-order house and indicate that the order will be taken by computer. Either before or after qualification, the caller might be advised that if he prefers to communicate directly with a person, or needs such contact at any point in the communication, he may accomplish it simply by pushing the asterisk button (*) at the terminal T 1 . Such action forms an abort signal that is detected by the processing unit 92 to transfer the communication to the interface terminal IT (FIG. 1). Alternatively, the customer may be asked (by voice cue) to provide detailed information as name, address, etc. which is recorded for later processing.
- the qualification phase is initiated.
- the interface 20 might actuate the terminal T 1 to announce: “Please indicate the type of credit card you will use for your purchase by pushing the button number ‘one’ for Mastercharge, ‘two’ for . . .”
- the caller's response indicating a specific credit card
- the data is developed initially in the buffer 97 .
- the format and data for the present example (in the buffer 97 ) will be explained with reference to a storage block format 104 as illustrated in FIG. 5.
- the first data block 130 accordingly registers a digit to indicate the card that will be used to support the caller's purchase.
- the interface 20 next instructs the caller to use the telephone buttons to indicate his credit card number and the expiration date of the card. That data is stored in the register 104 , specifically in the blocks 132 and 134 as illustrated in FIG. 5.
- the caller is asked for his customer number, as it may appear on his catalog. That number is stored in a block 136 of the block format register 104 . Note that the caller may not be identified in the files of the mail-order house and in that event, the operation may be shifted to a manual operation to be continued through the interface terminal IT (FIG. 1) as explained above.
- the interface terminal IT FIG. 1
- other numerical codes might be employed as to key into broadcast schedules. For example, a code might be used to indicate program times and thereby enable evaluation of the productivity of such program times. Such operation may be performed during the designation phase as described below.
- the qualification unit 93 (FIG. 4) for propriety as part of the test or qualification phase of operation.
- the check or test is in two stages and both are performed during an interval designated t 1 , the qualification unit 93 operating under control of the processing unit 92 .
- the data is verified as representing valid and proper data formats for the customer's number, the credit card number and expiration date.
- the second operation involves consulting a so-called negative list to assure that the identified card and customer's number have not been cancelled, as for example in the case of credit cards that have been lost or stolen. Detailed structure for such tests is described in the parent case from which this case continues and may be incorporated in the qualification unit 93 .
- the qualification phase of operation is concluded and the system next interfaces with the caller to acquire and process data for a specific order of merchandise.
- the sequence of the call is not normally significant. However, the sequencer 94 may log the time during a period t 2 if deemed worthwhile.
- the voice generator in the interface 20 prompts the caller through a series of exchanges that load the storage block format register 104 with a merchandise order.
- the register 104 is loaded as exemplified by the blocks 140 and 142 .
- the interchange continues until the customer indicates he does not wish to order any additional items.
- the system then operates the designation unit 96 (FIG. 4) during the interval t 3 to develop and announce the acknowledgement digits as stored in the block 144 (FIG. 5).
- the acknowledgement digits serve to identify the order both for the caller and the mail-order house. Accordingly, tracing is facilitated.
- the data (FIG. 5) is then transferred from the buffer 97 (FIG. 4) to a select memory cell C 1 -Cn.
- the processing unit 92 isolates data of the cells C 1 -Cn to facilitate the mail-order process.
- the processor 92 may incorporate structure and processing techniques as disclosed in the parent case.
- distinctive elemental features include the utilization of external data not available during the interval of gathering data, the utilization of an interrelationship between the composite data collected during a data acquisition period, and the operation of utilizing time or sequence of callers to accomplish a subset.
- the caller From the terminal T 1 (FIG. 1) the caller would actuate the push buttons 14 to establish contact with the processing system P 1 coupling would be through the communication facility C, the automatic call distributor AC 1 , the interface 20 and the switch 21 as described in detail above.
- the initial operation then involves qualification of the caller to participate in the instant winner lottery. Again, ANI or caller interface techniques may be employed. If the caller is involved, the interface 20 is actuated by the qualification unit 93 during the operating interval t 1 to instruct the caller: “Please key in your telephone calling number”. As indicated above, an alternative involves the system simply registering the calling number on the basis of its provision by ANI equipment.
- the instruction is given: “Participation in instant winner lottery is for persons over twenty-one years of age. Accordingly, please key in the year of your birth”. A driver's license or credit card number may be similarly registered to confirm age. Alternatively, the combination of telephone number and date of birth could be used.
- the caller's data is registered and the qualification unit 93 then functions to test the data as provided. Specifically, the caller's telephone number is checked in a look-up table 99 to determine whether or not it is a proper and currently valid number for use in the lottery. Concurrently, the number is checked by the use-rate calculator to determine the number of times it has been used in excess of a predetermined number of calls or dollar value to participate in the lottery during a current interval of monitoring.
- the system proceeds to the next phase of designating the transaction.
- the sequence is not significant in this operating format with the consequence that the interval t 2 and the operation of the sequencer 94 may be bypassed. Rather, the designation unit 96 operates during the interval t 3 to provide the caller with a designation for the current transaction and if applicable, updates the file as to current use or dollar value remaining for the caller's use.
- the random generator 101 with or without the encryptor 102 may be employed to create an identification number which may include an encrypted form of the caller's telephone number. Accordingly, data for the transaction is established in the buffer 97 then set in a cell of the memory 98 (FIG. 4). Specifically, the completed data cell format might be as follows:
- the system next functions to generate the random number as indicated above which will then be tested against a series of other numbers to determine whether or not the caller is a winner.
- elements in the processing unit 92 which accomplish the operation are illustrated in FIG. 6 which will now be considered in detail.
- a random number generator 160 functions on command to provide a three-digit number. With the consummation of a call, the random number generator 160 is actuated to provide the caller's random number in a selected caller cell 162 . From that location, the caller's random number is compared with numbers from a register 164 by a comparator 166 . The numbers in the register 164 were previously passed through a gate 174 from the generator 160 . In the event of coincidence, the comparator provides an output “yes” signal to a line 168 . Conversely, the failure of coincidence prompts the comparator 166 to provide a “no” output to a line 170 . Essentially, a “yes” indicates a win while a “no” indicates the caller has lost.
- the elements of FIG. 6 provide a random operating format to determine winners on a somewhat statistical basis; however, the system increases the probability with the passage of time when no win occurs.
- the random number generator 160 provides a random number that is passed through the gate 174 to the register 164 .
- a three-digit number would be provided.
- the caller's random number, from the cell 162 would be compared with the single number in the register 164 by the comparator 166 .
- calls are tallied or time is metered by a counter 178 .
- the gate 174 is again qualified to enter another number in the register 164 . Accordingly, an increasing set of numbers are held in the register 164 for comparison with each caller's number. Of course, the more numbers in the register 164 , the higher probability of a caller winning and that relationship depends upon the duration or number of calls since the last winner.
- Either a win or a loss as indicated within the processing unit 92 prompts the interface 20 to respond appropriately to the caller announcing his results. If there is a win, the designation may be reinforced and additional identification may be taken as explained above. Of course, if the prize simply involves a credit on the caller's telephone bill or his credit account, identification and designation become less critical considerations.
- the processing system P 1 may actuate the printer PR to produce a positive identification of the winner, which document may be redeemed only by the caller providing the assigned designation along with confirmation of his identification data.
- the processing unit 92 may also utilize a random number format for determining the significance of awards. That is, a random number may be actuated to provide numerals from one through twenty, for example, the magnitude of the number generated for a caller indicating the significance of his award. Normally such information would be provided to the caller and registered in his memory cell.
- actuated memory cells may be cleared for callers who are not winners. Accordingly, a limited number of memory cells store the subset of winners for subsequent confirmation processing and so on.
- the auction format is associated with television as, for example, in the form of a cable channel for dedicated use during an interval of an auction sale.
- callers are coupled into the system only during the bidding on specific items of merchandise. Accordingly, some prequalification may be desirable to facilitate the rapid accumulation of a bidding group with the introduction of a unit of merchandise.
- an auctioneer conducts the sale in a somewhat traditional manner, recognizing that he is interfacing a relatively large audience through the system of the present invention and with a television connection. Specifically, the auctioneer is cued as to audience reaction by a monitor incorporated in the command computer terminal CT (FIG. 1). Essentially, the auctioneer is given an abstract or summary of the relative bidding as the auction progresses. In one format, the caller sees the auction on a television receiver. That is, the monitor may be covered by a television camera to inform the audience and particularly interested bidders. Consider the detailed steps of the operation.
- any interested person at a remote terminal T 1 -Tn may dial the auction number and obtain access to the processing systems P 1 -Pn.
- the caller would have a television set available, tuned for example to a cable channel.
- any preliminary qualification as indicated above will then be performed along with any appropriate designation.
- the designation unit 96 (FIG. 4) assigns a limited-digit number to individual callers for use by the auctioneer interfacing the command computer and terminal CT. Further designation and sequencing as disclosed herein also constitute part of the process. To the extent that qualification and designation operations may be performed, the operations are performed as described above with reference to FIG. 4 by the qualification unit 93 and the designation unit 96 . Of course, any of the safeguards and limitations as described herein may be employed as deemed appropriate for an auction format.
- the auctioneer initiates the bidding with respect to a particular item that is observed by the callers on a television receiver as through a cable channel.
- the audio may be variously-coordinated through the telephone communication facility C and the audio channel of the caller's television.
- communication to callers with respect to the bidding is provided through the television link.
- the audio unit AD (FIG. 1) may be employed.
- the auctioneer initiates the bidding by stating an initial value for the opening bid. Callers are invited to bid by actuating the push buttons 14 (FIG. 1). For example, the auctioneer may invite an initial bid of one hundred dollars asking callers to so bid by entering an asterisk (*) by punching the button so designated.
- cells in the memory 98 (FIG. 4) are actuated to register the bidding number in identified relationship with several calls. Note that although a record may be desirable, it is not usually necessary to record all bids, particularly at initial bidding figures.
- the individual processing units e.g. unit 92 in individual processors PR 1 -PRn are interconnected (FIG. 1) and operate to select the final and key bids.
- the auctioneer may invite further bidding by seeking a bid of two hundred dollars or any bid.
- a bid might be accomplished either by punching the asterisk button to attain the solicited bid, or by using number buttons to enter a different bid, e.g. two hundred fifty by buttons “2”, “5” and “0”.
- cells of the memory 98 are actuated to record select bids (sequence) at the higher value.
- the status of the bidding is presented to the auctioneer by the monitor of the command computer terminal CT (FIG. 1). Specifically, the auctioneer is provided an indication of the number of bidders at each level. If a sizeable number of callers bid at a specific value, the auctioneer may wish to advance the price significantly for the next round of bidding. Thus, the auctioneer proceeds until a small group of remaining callers are addressed. Note that the display of the command terminal CT (FIG. 1) may also inform the auctioneer of fresh bidders.
- signals from the clock CL are introduced to indicate the sequence of bidders. For example, assume the bidding has proceeded to a stage where only three bidders remain active. The auctioneer is informed by the command terminal CT of the order in which the callers made their bids. The sequence is also of record in the cells of the memory 78 (FIG. 4) to indicate the sequence in the event that the final bid involves more than one caller. Of course, the first caller to respond with a bid would have priority in the purchase.
- Game shows in accordance herewith may take any of a wide variety of forms as several well known programs in which studio contestants compete for prizes.
- interested participants interface the system as depicted in FIG. 1, and in the course of an exchange as described above, the qualification unit 93 and the designation unit 96 cooperate with the processing unit 92 to accomplish preliminary data on potential participants in cells of the memory 96 .
- Various games will involve different screening processes and clearances.
- a child's television game format may require parental clearance and in that regard written communication may be required for approvals.
- Such approval may require the assignment of a personal identification number to the child player as qualifying identification data.
- clearances may be perfected through the look-up table 99 (FIG. 4) in association with the qualification unit 93 or approvals through a consumable key step may be extended to incorporate functions of the processing unit 92 in association with the memory 98 .
- the look-up table 99 will normally be employed.
- the memory 98 is involved with the qualification unit 93 through the processing unit 92 to establish a data cell C 1 -Cn for each qualified participant.
- each potential participant to be qualified interfaces with the processing unit 92 during a preliminary interval of operation to provide data in one of the cells C 1 -CN to facilitate qualification for participation during a real-time game show.
- callers are qualified simply by reference to their assigned memory cell data for a verification. Thereafter, the caller's exchange information to supplement their data as with respect to the play which follows.
- a caller might select a studio audience participant with whom the caller is to be allied.
- the interface operation may be essentially as described above wherein a voice generator in the interface 20 (FIG. 1) provides signals which activate the remote telephone unit to speak the instruction: “If you wish to play with Player No. 1, please push button No. 1; if you wish to play with Player No. 2, please push button No. 2 . . . and so on”.
- the caller may also be instructed to indicate the extent of a wager. For example, “Push the number button indicating the points you wish to risk”.
- the participant data is stored in an assigned cell of the memory 98 (FIG. 4) for the caller and as the game proceeds, the processing unit 92 tallies the caller's score. Scores are interrelated between individual processing units to actuate the terminal CT. Thus, individual accounting occurs for each of the calling participants on an on-line basis dependent upon the success of the studio players and their association with the callers. On-going accounting data may be provided at intervals or real time by the recorded voice to each contestant.
- the processing units operate to isolate a subset of caller-players who have amassed the highest scores.
- various arrangements may be provided for awarding prizes to the select subset of winning callers.
- the above format involves a real-time game show with an on-line operating format.
- a somewhat similar format involves nonreal-time operation and in that sense, callers may interface with the system of the present invention before and after the show; however, not primarily during the show. Such a show might involve a quiz for callers based on their ability to perceive and remember occurrences within the show. Preregistration may be employed, however, is not essential. Rather, callers may call after the broadcast of a program. In that event, sequence or time clocking may be very important to limit or control individual interfaces to a specific time or geographic “window”. That is, as suggested above, allocation-routing equipment and techniques may be employed in various of the formats to window callers.
- callers are screened or qualified at the time of a call, identified in a particular calling sequence, designated for identification and quiz answers are given for subsequent processing.
- players could participate by providing their credit card for billing or be billed through the “pay-to-dial” network.
- a key to participation in the game show may involve the purchase of a particular product.
- a person desiring to participate may purchase a product which carries a concealed key number. The number serves as a caller's key to participation in the game show.
- the participant actuates the push buttons 14 at one of the remote terminals T 1 -Tn to accomplish an interface communication with the select operating format.
- the caller may actuate the buttons 14 for the station number “277-7777” which identifies the game format of current description.
- the interface 20 receives the caller's telephone number through ANI equipment and a data cell in the memory 98 (FIG. 4) is assigned to the caller. Specifically, for example, associative coupling is provided for the caller through the switch 21 (FIG. 1) to the processor PR 1 containing the memory 98 (FIG. 4) and a cell C 2 assigned to the caller.
- a block format 200 is illustrated in FIG. 7 indicating the data that is developed in the cell C 2 .
- the caller's telephone number is stored in a section 201 followed by uses/month in section 202 .
- the caller is greeted and requested to give the key number entitling him to participate in the game show.
- the instruction constitutes an initial action to take place in an interval of qualification during the time t 1 .
- the caller actuates the buttons 14 providing digital representations to the qualification unit 93 (FIG. 4) and the look-up table 99 is consulted.
- the table 99 may be a large, shared unit that tabulates each of the key numbers and accounts for their use. If the caller has identified a proper key number, the process proceeds and the key number is accounted, i.e. incremented or decremented to the limit of use if any. Alternatively, a repeat information operation may be requested as described in detail above.
- the use-rate calculator 100 may function to determine whether or not an excessive number of calls have originated from the designated number. Thus, consideration involves calls or value with reference to a predetermined period of time. Again, a shared calculator may be used or addressing may obtain selectivity on the basis of calling numbers. If a large number of calls have originated from a single telephone terminal, a fraudulent situation may be suggested. Assuming no such indication occurs, the number of uses is registered in a section 200 (FIG. 7) and the operation proceeds from the interval t 1 to interval t 2 .
- the sequencer 94 registers the precise time of the call in the buffer storage 97 , specifically in a section 204 as illustrated in FIG. 7. With the entry of such data, the system passes from the operating interval t 2 to t 3 .
- the caller is next asked to identify himself in some specific manner. For example, the caller may simply be asked to provide the year of his birth. Alternatively, somewhat comprehensive information may be taken as in the form of drivers' license numbers, social security numbers and so on. Of course, such data may be employed for subsequent identification of the caller and, accordingly, is registered in the buffer storage 97 (FIG. 4). Specifically, identification information is registered in section 206 of the block 200 as shown in FIG. 7.
- the system assigns a designation to the caller.
- the random number generator 101 (FIG. 4) provides a number which may be encrypted along with other identification data as the caller's personal identification to provide a numerical designation that is registered in the storage 97 .
- the designation is stored in a section 208 as illustrated in FIG. 7. With the designation operation complete, the interval t 3 terminates initiating the data accumulation phase which occurs during an operating interval t 4 .
- FIG. 8 showing elements involved in the operating format which are contained in the processing unit 92 (FIG. 4) in association with the memory 98 .
- the elements identified in FIG. 8 are designated by fresh numerals.
- the signals for prompting a voice generator are registered in memory sections MS 1 through MSn.
- Each of the memory sections MS 1 -MSn is served by an address input AI 1 -AIn respectively.
- the address inputs AI 1 -AIn are instructed by random number generators NG 1 -NGn, in turn actuated by decoders DE 1 -DEn.
- the decoder DE 1 is responsive to telephone calling numbers (provided by ANI equipment) indicative of a particular geographic area.
- area code numbers afford an effective geographic classification of callers which is very useful in many formats or processes of statistical analysis in accordance herewith.
- geographic (or other) classification in accordance herewith is also accomplished by the called numbers provided.
- Each of several television stations would solicit calls for different numbers as a result, either by DNIS or call channeling.
- Select processors would be reached through the interface units, e.g. interface 20 FIG. 1.
- the decoder DE 1 determines a call is from a specific geographic area and accordingly provides a signal to actuate the random number generator NG 1 .
- the random number generator NG 1 provides a series of three random numbers in the form of addresses for the memory MS 1 . That is, the addresses may simply comprise three alphanumeric bits supplied to tho address input AI 1 to prompt the provision of three sets of voice generator signals for announcing the three questions in sequence. For example, the first question might be as suggested above: “Push the button on your telephone for the number of persons present in the room when the will was read”.
- the voice generator signals are supplied from the memory MS 1 (within the processing unit 92 , FIG. 4) to the interface 20 (FIG. 1) which generates audio signals to actuate the caller's hand piece 10 . Accordingly, the caller is instructed to answer three questions, the responses being recorded in a section 210 of the data block 200 (FIG. 7). Note that the clock 105 (FIG. 4) may be utilized to limit the response period allowed each caller.
- the decoder DEn (FIG. 8) actuates the random number generator NGn to address the memory MSn to provide three different questions as a result of a random selection. Accordingly, within a time or times (perhaps limited and offset) after the conclusion of the program, a substantial number of callers are accounted for in cells of the memory 98 and similar units of the composite system.
- the cells indicate sequences of calling and also may contain billing data where appropriate. That is, pay-to-dial operations avoid the need for billing, yet it may still be made of record.
- the processing-unit 92 (and its equivalents) is actuated during an off-line processing interval to isolate the subset of callers correctly responding to the questions.
- the subset of successful callers may be reduced to a sub-subset as by a random computer “draw” to define a group of significant winners. That is, a random number generator may be employed as explained above.
- the system may inform callers of their success during the course of the interface telephone call. That is, callers might simply be informed by cuing the voice generator: “Your answers are correct and in accordance with the program game, you will now be entered in the sweepstakes draw for the prize . . .”
- the format defines a subset then further selects a sub-subset of winners.
- the status of the analysis can be televised by selecting a camera focused on the interface terminal IT.
- Still another operating format for the system takes the form of polling operations to determine opinion or facts.
- An illustrative form of the format is disclosed below again in association with a television broadcast.
- the illustrative polling format is contemplated in association with a television broadcast addressing a matter of current interest as, for example, a political issue or election.
- a master of ceremonies propounds questions to a viewing audience, many of whom are on-line through an interface of a system of the present invention.
- the master of ceremonies or commentator instructs the callers who are regulated and controlled by the system of the present invention to provide digital data which the system processes to inform the commentator as with regard to subsets of callers. For example, the commentator may be statistically informed as to the numbers of callers holding specific views.
- the qualification unit 93 registers calls in association with the use-rate calculator 100 . Interfacing a specific processor, callers are screened by the qualification unit 93 (FIG. 4). In such a poll, it may be important to control the sampling group on a statistical basis. For example, it may be desirable to limit callers from each of several geographic areas. Accordingly, by the use of ANI equipment, the caller's telephone number is provided to the qualification unit 93 during the preliminary interval t 1 , and a determination is performed with regard to the number of involved callers from the geographic area using the look-up table 99 . On attaining a full quota from a specific area, a subsequent caller may be informed that the lines are full. Alternatively, the caller may be requested to provide his telephone number for screening in the event ANI equipment is not available.
- the caller may be requested to provide additional information so as to poll a balanced group. For example, a caller might be asked questions concerning age, political registration and so on by prompting the interface unit 20 to pose audio questions and testing the digital results through the qualification unit 93 as with reference to the look-up table 99 .
- the use-rate calculator 100 may be employed in association with the qualification unit 93 . That is, if a calling number has participated in a prior poll, it may be denied access for a subsequent poll or its data not counted. Such operation would involve the use-rate calculator 100 in association with the qualification unit 93 performing logic tests to actuate the voice generator of the interface 20 for providing an appropriate interchange with a caller.
- the sequencer 94 (FIG. 4) may or may not be involved to identify the order of callers. Also, the designation unit 96 may or may not be involved in view of the fact that for many polls there is little interest in subsequently identifying callers.
- the command computer terminal CT (FIG. 1) is actuated to enable the callers timely access to the processors.
- the interfaces may be terminated or additional questions may be propounded.
- the bulk data is supplied to the command computer terminal CT incorporating computing facility to isolate subsets for communication by the broadcast. Accordingly, an effective on-line poll can be conducted with statistical sampling control and prompt display of responses.
- the arrangement of the function unit may be variously embodied in a single processor or many processors, depending on various considerations as time sharing, multiplexing, paralleling and so on.
- the systems as described above embody the components bulked together in one location. However, components of the system could be spaced apart geographically, using dedicated lines or polling techniques. An illustrative embodiment is shown in FIG. 9.
- Call distributors CD 1 -CDn are at different geographic locations along with associated interface units IA 1 -IAn and IB 1 -IBn.
- Each of the interface units, as unit IA 1 is coupled to a central processor 251 as indicated by lines 252 , 254 , 256 and 258 .
- Each of the lines may take the form of a dedicated telephone line or a polling telephonic coupling.
- the call distributors CD are coupled to a telephonic communication system and accordingly allow the interface units I to provide interface communication between the central processing unit 251 and a multitude of remote terminals T 1 -Tn as illustrated in FIG. 1. With data accumulated in the cells, it may be variously down loaded as to a central processing station.
- the distributed-component system is capable of executing the various formats as explained above with reference to the illustrative structure.
Abstract
A system D interfaces with a multiplicity of individual terminals T1-Tn of a telephone network facility C, at the terminals callers are prompted by voice-generated instructions to provide digital data that is identified for positive association with a caller and is stored for processing. The caller's identification data is confirmed using various techniques and callers may be ranked and accounted for on the basis of entitlement, sequence or demographics. Callers are assigned random designations that are stored along with statistical and identification data. A break off control circuit may terminate the computer interface aborting to a terminal for direct communication with an operator. Real-time operation processing is an alternative to stored data. The accumulation of stored data (statistical, calling order sequence, etc.) is variously processed and correlated as with developed or established data to isolate a select group or subset of callers who can be readily identified and reliably confirmed. Different program formats variously control the processing of statistical data as for auction sales, contests, lotteries, polls, commercials and so on.
Description
- This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 018,244 filed Feb. 24, 1987, and entitled “Statistical Analysis System For Use With Public Communication Facility” which was a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 753,299 filed Jul. 10, 1985 and entitled “Statistical Analysis System For Use With Public Communication Facility”.
- Various forms of publicly accessible communication systems for providing access to a central station have been proposed, some involving telecommunications. However, sometimes a need for ancillary functions arise in that regard, e.g. it may be desirable to positively identify a large group of persons, as a demographically controlled group, or a specifically entitled group, then statistically analyze data from the group so as to accurately identify certain persons in the group and select a subset of at least one person. Specifically, it may be desirable to obtain medical data from an entitled group of people, to correlate such data, perhaps introduce external data, then identify a select subset of the group. In that regard, a need exists for an improved, effective, economical, and expedient system of telecommunication incorporating means for performing qualification, identification, analysis and selection of individual persons.
- It has been proposed to interface persons at telephone calling stations directly with a computer facility. In accordance with such arrangements, recorded voice messages prompt callers to provide data by actuating the alphanumeric buttons that are conventionally employed for dialing from one telephone station to another. In one prior arrangement, a caller may actuate dialing buttons to selectively attain a communication channel or to address specific information in a computer. In another arrangement, dialing buttons may be actuated to specify a billing designation as for requested services. Generally, such systems are believed to have been somewhat limited in scope, often involving difficulties that are frustrating or confusing to a caller. Nevertheless, such techniques have been widely used to enhance and broaden communication.
- In general, the present invention comprises a telephonic-interface system and related process for selectively utilizing both analog (voice) and digital telephonic communication in a variety of different interface formats or programs, as to select or qualify a set of callers, enable positive identification of at least certain of the callers in the set, acquire data from callers in the set, statistically analyze acquired data, as in combination and in association with external data (time independent), and accordingly to isolate a subset of the callers with verifiable identification. That is, the external data (separate from caller-provided data) may be introduced at any of a variety of different times in relation to the caller data.
- For example, a voice origination apparatus may prompt individual callers who (after qualification) provide select digital data to develop a record for further processing either immediately, upon the evolution of a defined set of callers or upon the establishment of select external data. Thus, following a qualification phase, the information acquisition phase may be concurrent or consecutive with respect to the processing phase. When appropriate, abort capability allows a caller to remain “off hook” and go to analog (vocal) communication. The caller then interfaces directly with an operator.
- The system of the present invention may qualify an entitled set of callers, then receive answer data in the course of the call and develop identification or designation data, sequence data and statistical data. The system may then provide data cells for storing individual data while assigning confirmable identifications to the entitled set. From the set, a subset is defined. That is, in accordance with various formats, acquired data is processed in statistical relationship, or in relation to applied external data to accomplish such functional operating formats as an auction sale, a contest, a lottery, a poll, a merchandising operation, a game, and so on.
- A variety of memory techniques are used to selectively activate the voice origination apparatus. Accordingly, statistical analysis and selection can be effectively and economically accomplished with respect to a substantial set of callers who are accommodated individual communication through a telephone system.
- In the drawings, which constitute a part of this specification, exemplary embodiments exhibiting various objectives and features hereof are set forth, specifically:
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system constructed in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is a fragmentary diagrammatic representation of a storage cell format as may be developed in the system of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of one operating format of the system of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a form of processor or function unit as may be employed in the system of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 5 is a fragmentary diagrammatic representation of a storage cell format as may be developed in the system of FIG. 1 with the processor of FIG. 4;
- FIG. 6 is a block diagram of elements in an operating function unit of FIG. 4;
- FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation of a storage cell format as may be developed in the system of FIG. 4; and
- FIG. 8 is a block diagram of elements in an operating function unit of FIG. 4.
- As required, detailed illustrative embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, physical communication systems, data formats, and operating structures in accordance with the present invention may be embodied in a wide variety of forms, some of which may be quite different from those of the disclosed embodiments. Consequently, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative; yet in that regard, they are deemed to afford the best embodiments for purposes of disclosure and to provide a basis for the claims herein which define the scope of the present invention.
- Referring initially to FIG. 1, a series of remote telephone-instrument terminals T1 through Tn are represented (left). The terminals are generally similar, and accordingly, only the terminal T1 is illustrated in detail.
- In the disclosed embodiment, the remote terminals T1 through Tn represent the multitude of conventional telephone terminals that are coupled to a communication facility C which may take the form of a comprehensive public telephone system for interconnecting any associated terminals T1-Tn. In accordance with the present system, the terminals T1-Tn operate through the communication facility C to be coupled with a central station D, an embodiment of which is illustrated in some detail.
- Generally in accordance with the present development, individual callers use the individual telephone stations T1 through Tn to interface the station D through the communication facility C. Callers may be screened or qualified. Also in accordance herewith, the data of individual callers may be collected, correlated and tested in the station D for processing in accordance with various programs and external data. As a consequence, various objectives are accomplished. For example, a select subset of the callers may be isolated and specifically identified, or related data may be processed, or transactions may be actuated. The possibilities for application of the system are substantial and varied as will be apparent from the exemplary structure and functions as described in detail below.
- In one operating process format, the public might be polled with regard to locating the specific purchasers of a defective or dangerous product. Alternatively, the public might be polled with the objective of locating persons susceptible to a specific ailment or disease. Public auctions of unprecedented participation are possible. Legal lotteries are enabled that are interesting, effective and very economical on an individual participant basis. The system also might be employed in various game formats or to automate a promotion or mail-order operation, even to the extent of including inventory control as detailed below.
- In each functional operating format, the callers may be variously qualified on the basis of entitlement and may be identified for subsequent verification. The callers then may be prompted, either through the interface or externally, to provide appropriate data.
- Considering the system of FIG. 1 in somewhat greater detail, it is to be understood that the communication facility C has multiplexing capability for individually coupling the terminals T1-Tn to the central station D on request. In the illustrative embodiment of the system, the communication facility C comprises a public telephone network and the individual terminals T1-Tn take the various forms of existing traditional or conventional telephone instruments.
- The exemplary telephone terminal T1 is represented in some detail to include a hand piece 10 (microphone and earphone) and a
panel 12 provided with a rectangular array ofpush buttons 14 in the conventional configuration. Of course, the hand piece 10 accommodates analog signals while thepanel 12 is a digital apparatus. Generally in accordance herewith, the hand piece 10 serves to manifest analog signals vocally to the caller. - In accordance with conventional telephone practice, alphabetic and numeric designations are provided on the
buttons 14. For example, several of thebuttons 14 carry three letters along with a decimal digit. Specifically, the button designated with the numeral “2” also carries the letters “A”, “B” and “C”. In that manner, thebuttons 14 encompass the numerals “0-9”, two symbols, and the alphabet except for the letters “Q” and “Z”. Consequently, thebuttons 14 accommodate the entry of decimal data, and to some extent alphabetic data. - The
buttons 14 designated with symbols “*” and “#”, along with the numeral “0”, can be used by predetermined assignment to represent the letters “Q” and “Z” or any of a variety of other data or command components. Generally, in accordance herewith, thebuttons 14 are employed to formulate digital data at the central station D in various formats determined by the instant specific use and operating format of the system. - Considering the central station D in somewhat greater detail, the communication facility C is coupled to interface a series of processing systems P1 through Pn (FIG. 1, left). Specifically, the communication facility C is connected to the processing systems P1-Pn through an associated series of automatic call distributors AC1 through ACn. Each of the automatic call distributors AC1-ACn accommodates one hundred lines from the communication facility C and accordingly, may accommodate and queue up to 100 calls.
- Each of the automatic call distributors AC1-ACn may take various forms as well know in the prior art, functioning to queue incoming calls for connection to a lesser number of lines. In the disclosed embodiment, from each of the call distributors AC1-ACn, fifty lines are connected respectively to the individual data processing systems P1-Pn through an
interface 20 and aswitch 21. Thus, in the disclosed embodiment, each of the automatic call distributors AC1-ACn can accommodate one hundred lines, fifty of which may be active in association with one of the processing systems P. - The processing systems P1-Pn are similar, therefore, only the processing system P1 is shown in any detail. Collectively, the processing systems P1-Pn are interconnected with a command computer terminal CT,at least one interface terminal IT, at least one printer PR and an audio unit AD. The command terminal CT is separately coupled to the audio unit AD.
- As represented; the processing systems P1 through Pn each contain a number of individual function units or processors PR1 through PRn. Although various other configurations and arrangements may be employed, the explanation is facilitated by including a plurality of individual function units as treated in detail below.
- Considering the processing system P1, fifty lines from the automatic call distributor AC1 are connected to the
interface 20, an exemplary form of which may be a commercially available Centrum 9000 unit. Theinterface 20 incorporates modems, tone decoders, switching mechanisms, DNIS and ANI capability (calldata analyzer 20 a) along with voice interface capability. Note that the interface may actually perform analysis on data. However, to preserve the disclosed embodiment manageable, major analysis is explained with reference to processors. - Generally, DNIS capability is a function of the communication facility C (composite telephone system) to provide called terminal digital data indicating the called number. ANI capability is a similar function whereby the digital data indicates the calling number with calling terminal digital signals. Both capabilities are available for use with equipment as the
interface 20 and to provide control through thecall data analyzer 20 a. - Accommodating up to fifty independent calls on separate communication paths to the central station D, the
interface 20 is capable of providing analog (voice) signals to prompt each caller. Also accommodated are digital signals including the DNIS and ANI signals. The system contemplates the possibility of utilizing sequences of lines in rotary as well as blocking sequences of lines, the numbers for which command a particular program or operation format of a function unit as disclosed in detail below. - The
interface 20 provides the connection of the fifty lines to aswitch 21 which is in turn coupled to fifty function units, or processors PR1-PRn. As indicated above, multiple function units, or processors, are described in the disclosed embodiment to facilitate the explanation. Of course, non-parallel techniques and multiplexed operations might well be employed as alternatives, For a similar reason, as disclosed herein, each of the processors PR1-PRn includes memory cells for each of the callers' individual data. Development and compilation of data in such cells according to various operating formats is described below. In the disclosed embodiment, the processors PR1-PRn are connected collectively to the command computer terminal CT (incorporating a CRT display), the interface terminal IT, and the printer PR. Note that the CRT display serves to visually display data regarding select subsets as explained in detail below. - Exemplary detailed structures for the processors PR1-PRn are described below; however, in general, the units may comprise a microcomputer, for example, programmed as suggested above and as disclosed in detail below to accomplish specific operating formats. As an integral part of such formats, a caller may be qualified as belonging to an entitled set of persons or to accommodate specific demographic objectives. Also, callers may be designated both with respect to their significance and their identification. For example, callers may have different significance in a format, depending on the time or sequence of their call. Also, the designation of a caller may be exceedingly important in relation to the caller eventually being isolated as part of a subset, the members of whom must be accurately verified. As described below, the designations may involve multiple elements which may include: random number assignments, encryption techniques, utilization of calling numbers, identification data, sequence of call and so on to facilitate reliable verification. Note that the communication facility C has a customer billing structure B that is interfaced by the system.
- On the qualification and designation of callers, the system enters a data accumulation phase during which digital data (formatted at one of the telephone terminals T1-Tn) is processed by one of the processors PR1-PRn. In general, the processing evolves a subset (at least one caller) the members of which may be verified and confirmed.
- Either during the data accumulation phase, or after the processing phase to isolate a subset, a distinct operation may involve actuating the interface terminal T1 for direct local communication between the caller and an operator at the terminal T1. Another distinct operation may involve actuation of the printer PR to provide documents in relation to the operating format, as for providing award certificates as for verifying members of an isolated subset. Also, charge slips may be generated containing at least part of the data of a particular transaction.
- An appreciation of the philosophical operation of a system in accordance with the present invention may now be enhanced by considering an exemplary operation of the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1 to isolate a subset of people who are susceptible to a particular disease or infirmity. The exemplary operation might involve a geographical area, as a large city or population center, in which a particular health problem is somewhat acute. For example, a major population center might be polled where coronary artery disease is a significant problem. Accordingly, persons most susceptible to such disease could be identified for corrective recommendations.
- People of the population center could be informed of the availability of a service for statistical health analysis. Accordingly, persons interested in their individual statistical situation would be motivated to utilize the service. Specifically, individual callers would use the remote terminals T1-Tn to contact the central station D through the communication facility C and thereby provide personal information that would enable a statistical analysis in relation to existing data so as to isolate and inform (either real time or batch basis) those persons statistically most likely to be in need of corrective measures. In such applications, it may be important that the caller's identity be subject to reliable verification. Other applications or programs also may present a critical need for positively verifiable identification to the extent that credit card numbers and/or personal identification numbers may be employed.
- An exemplary operation of the system, with regard to a specific caller, will now be treated referring somewhat concurrently to FIGS. 1, 2 and3. As indicated above, FIG. 2 indicates a data storage format for a memory cell in an exemplary processor PR and now will be considered with regard to an operating format in which data is composed for a caller. Pursuing the above example, assume the existence of a caller at, the remote terminal T1 (telephone number (213) 627-2222) who wishes to pursue health-related information on the basis of statistical analysis. The caller lifts the hand piece 10 and in accordance with conventional techniques actuates the
push buttons 14 to call for a select operating format, e.g. telephone number (213) 627-3333 and thereby establish communication through the facility C with a designated function unit in the central station D. Receiving the call signal, the automatic call distributor AC1 associates the called number ((213) 627-3333, rendered available using standard telephone DNIS techniques) through theinterface 20 and theswitch 21 to attain connection with the specific processor, e.g. the processor PR1 formatting the health-related program. Accordingly, the processor PR1 cooperates with theinterface 20 to cue theinterface 20 to operate as a voice generator. - The sequence of operations is represented to be initiated in FIG. 3 by the “enter”
block 40 which is accordingly followed by a “cue voice generator”command block 42. If the ANI equipment is not employed, the voice generator in theinterface 20 formulates speech, a representative form of which might be: “Thank you for participating in the coronary artery disease statistical analysis. Please give us your telephone number by actuating the call buttons on your telephone instrument.” - Acting on the instructions, the caller would push the
buttons 14 in sequence to indicate his telephone number, e.g. “(213) 627-2222”. Alternatively, theinterface 20 can accept the calling number ((213) 627-2222) according to its provision by standard ANI equipment of the communication facility C. - The resulting data signals are communicated from the interface unit20 (FIG. 1) to the processor PR1 for testing the telephone number as valid or entitled. Essentially, the format of a proper number prompts production of a valid or “good” signal. The test is indicated by the block 44 (FIG. 3). If the response is not valid or entitled, for example contains an inappropriate number of digits or has been used to a point of excess, the operation of
block 46 is initiated again cuing the voice generator 30 (FIG. 1). The voice generator accordingly instructs the caller, e.g.: “You have not entered a proper telephone number. Please reenter your telephone number by pressing the appropriate call buttons.” The caller is then allotted a predetermined period of time to make a proper entry with the consequence that the system moves to a test operation as indicated by the block 48 (FIG. 3). Specifically, block 48 poses the query: “Is the second try good?” - If the caller is again unsuccessful, the system purges the record as indicated by the
block 50 and the call is terminated as indicated by the block 52. In an alternative mode, the processor PR1 may abort the interface and couple the interface terminal IT for direct personal communication with the caller. The interchange would then proceed, person-to-person. - If the caller responds with a proper telephone number, the operation proceeds. Specifically, the system sequences to record the response of the proper telephone number as indicated by the
block 45. That is, the caller's telephone number is recorded in an assigned specific memory cell identified with the caller. The format of the cell C1 is indicated in FIG. 2. The first portion,section 53, contains a form of identification data, i.e., the caller's telephone number, i.e. “(213) 627-2222”. - Note that as explained above, if the second attempt to formulate a proper number is successful, as manifest by the block48 (FIG. 3), the response is recorded at that stage. In either case, exiting from the block 54 (FIG. 3) invokes the next operation of again queuing the voice generator as indicated by the
block 56. - As an alternative format, if a selective-group polling operation is performed, or callers are otherwise to be cleared for entitlement as mentioned above, a caller may be qualified by providing a “one-time” key number. The processor PR1 may incorporate a look-up table for proper key numbers which numbers may be coded using any of a wide variety of techniques. As a simple illustrative example, the key may comprise a precise number of digits that always total a particular numerical value.
- The system proceeds after the caller is qualified. Specifically, the cue to the voice generator of the interface20 (FIG. 1) as represented by the
block 56 produces a request for further information from the caller with further identification data and answer data. For example, the voice generator might request information by stating: “Please use the telephone buttons to indicate initials of your name.” - The detailed operation is not represented in FIG. 3 as it is similar to the operation illustrated by the
blocks 42 through 54. However, again, a proper response is registered in the storage cell C1 as illustrated in FIG. 2 by the number “53” also registered in thefirst section 53 of the cell. - The cycle of obtaining digital information from the caller next is repeated with respect to answer data, i.e. specific health data. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the
next section 58 in the cell C1 receives an accumulation of health data, including the caller's age, weight, . . . pulse rate, and so on. Representative digital numbers are illustrated in FIG. 2. - During the course of the telephonic communication, the processor PR1 formulates identification data for the caller specifically including: the chronological sequence of the call, the assigned designation of the call, and a set of acknowledgment digits for the call. Such data identification is registered in the caller's assigned cell C1 in accordance with the format of FIG. 2 being stored in
sections -
- Note that the confirmation data as acknowledgement digits can be extremely important, as to communicate with an isolated member of a subset. For example, identification could be published or circulated, as by a television broadcast, then respondents checked by use of confirmation data that may be confidential.
- Continuing with the above example, the call chronological sequence registered for the caller is 4951 as represented in the
section 62 while the acknowledge digits are 6173 as registered in thesection 66. Additionally, the processor PR1 develops an assigned designation, number, e.g. designation “4951684”, which is registered in thesection 64, the acknowledge code or digits, e.g. 6173, being registered in thesection 66. These values are formulated in accordance with conventional number techniques during the data acquisition phase. With the exemplary numerals formulated, the operation proceeds. - The processor PR1 (FIG. 1) cues the internal memory. That operation is indicated by the block 68 (FIG. 3). Thus, the processor PR1 fetches the call record sequence,number, assigns a designation (if not previously assigned), and encodes the sequence number as the acknowledgment digits (if not previously accomplished). These operations are indicated by the block 70 (FIG. 3).
- Next, the processor PR1 (FIG. 1) cues the voice generator in the
interface 20, as indicated by the block 72 (FIG. 3) to provide information to the caller. Specifically, for example, the voice generator in the interface 20 (FIG. 1) might signal: “This transaction has been designated by the number 4951684, and is further identified by the acknowledgment digits 6173. Please make a record of these numbers as they will be repeated. Specifically, the designation number is 4951684. The acknowledgment digits are 6173. Please acknowledge this transaction by pressing your telephone buttons to indicate the acknowledge digits 6173.” In various applications as those involving security, the order and acknowledgment of callers may be very important. Therefore, data for confirmation associated with the order is important. - The system next proceeds to the test mode as indicated by the block76 (FIG. 3). If the caller provides the correct acknowledgment digits, the data is confirmed in the record as indicated by the block 80 and is registered in the cell C1 (FIG. 2). Additionally, the voice generator is sequenced as indicated by the block 82 (FIG. 3) to indicate the close of the communication and that the transaction is terminated as represented by the
exit block 84. - In the event that a caller cannot confirm his acknowledgment digits, as indicated by the
block 76, a repeat operation is performed as indicated respectively by theblocks block 90 and anexit block 92. If the second try is successful (test block 88), as indicated by the block 80, the record is perfected as indicated above. - As a result of the likelihood of a large number of calls, as described above, data cells in the processors PR1-PRn (FIG. 1) are developed with specific information indicative of a statistical sampling of the populace of concern. The data of that statistical sampling may be self-generating of specific conclusions with respect to a subset of individuals, and/or supplemental data to clearly manifest a significant subset. For example, the data may indicate a significant departure from an assumed normal characteristic. Such data, accumulated from the polling may be considered by logic comparisons in the computer 22 to select the subset of persons who should be isolated.
- In addition to the self-generating conclusions available from the received data, the system may involve the introduction of external data. In the physical fitness example, such external data might take the form of national statistical data. In any event, the processing operation usually involves comparison testing which compares caller data from individual memory cells of the processors P1-Pn (FIG. 1) with test data that is supplied through the command terminal CT.
- In the above example, members of the public in general were invited to use the service. A number of alternatives exist which might well impact on the statistical analysis. For example, a list may be preserved by a use-rate calculator to implement a consumable key operation. That is, a user is qualified to a specific limited number of uses during a defined interval.
- As another example, callers might be restricted to the purchasers of a specific product as a medical apparatus for measuring blood pressures, heart rates, or so on. In such situations, it will be apparent that the statistical data will be somewhat distorted from an average or normal sampling. Clearly, the processors P1-Pn can be programmed to take into account such considerations. In that regard, the processors might also verify identification data proffered by a caller. Such data might take the form of a credit card number or a personal identification number. Methods for verification of such numbers using computer techniques are discussed below.
- As indicated above and detailed below, the system can be programmed or formatted for use in a variety of applications. Preliminary to considering exemplary forms of such applications, reference will now be made to FIG. 4 showing an exemplary structural form for the processors PR1-PRn. From the switch 21 (FIG. 1) a pair of
communication lines 90 and 91 are indicated in FIG. 4 (top left). Theline 90 provides signals from aprocessing unit 92 while the line 91 provides signals to theprocessing unit 92 along with other components as represented in FIG. 4. Theseparate lines - The
processing unit 92 may take the form of a mini-computer programmed to accommodate the functions of various applications, as disclosed in detail below. As indicated above, the system may utilize a plurality of independent function units or processing units, e.g., processingunit 92, operating in a somewhat parallel configuration, or alternatively, a limited number of processors may be driven sequentially to accommodate the functional operations as described. - The input line91 (upper left) is connected specifically to a
qualification unit 93, asequencer 94 and adesignation unit 96, as well as theprocessing unit 92 as indicated above. The qualification unit qualifies access from a remote terminal T1-Tn to theprocessing unit 92 as described in detail below. In accordance with various applications or operating formats, thequalification unit 93, thesequencer 94 and thedesignation unit 96 operate preliminarily with respect to individual callers. Generally, these units qualify or test callers for entitlement, develop a sequence-of-calls record and provide forms of designations for callers that may be authenticated. As described in detail below, the units function in sequence to accomplish such operations and accordingly are each individually connected to theprocessing unit 92 and abuffer storage 97. Essentially, thebuffer storage 97 is illustrated separately from theprocessing unit 92 along with theunit 93,sequencer 94,unit 96, and so on, again in order to facilitate the explanation. Similarly illustrated are a memory 98 (with cells C1-Cn), a look-up table 103 and aclock 105. - Considering the processor of FIG. 4 in further detail, the qualification unit93 (upper left) is connected to a look-up table 99 and a use-
rate calculator 100. The designation unit 96 (top center) is connected to arandom number generator 101 and anencryptor 102. - In view of the above structural description of the system, consideration will now be given to certain specific applications in relation to the operation of the system. In that regard, the operation of the system will next be considered to automate a mai1-order facility.
- Assume that a caller at a terminal T1 (FIG. 1) dials a specific number to identify a mail order interface with the system of FIG. 1. For example, assume the telephone number “(213) 627-4444” for such an interface. Accordingly the caller dials the number at the remote terminal T1. As a result, the communication facility C couples the terminal T1 through the automatic call distributor AC1, the
interface 20 and theswitch 21 to a select processor PR1 identified and programmed for a mail-order operating format. Note that the communication facility C provides the dialed number (“(213) 627-4444”) to the processing system P1 through well known telephonic equipment DNIS. Accordingly, a program is selected to execute the mail order interface. - As a preliminary action, a voice responder in the
interface 20 might be cued by the processing unit to identify the mail-order house and indicate that the order will be taken by computer. Either before or after qualification, the caller might be advised that if he prefers to communicate directly with a person, or needs such contact at any point in the communication, he may accomplish it simply by pushing the asterisk button (*) at the terminal T1. Such action forms an abort signal that is detected by theprocessing unit 92 to transfer the communication to the interface terminal IT (FIG. 1). Alternatively, the customer may be asked (by voice cue) to provide detailed information as name, address, etc. which is recorded for later processing. - After the preliminary information is supplied to a caller, the qualification phase is initiated. For example, the
interface 20 might actuate the terminal T1 to announce: “Please indicate the type of credit card you will use for your purchase by pushing the button number ‘one’ for Mastercharge, ‘two’ for . . .” - The caller's response, indicating a specific credit card, will be stored in a data cell; however, the data is developed initially in the
buffer 97. The format and data for the present example (in the buffer 97) will be explained with reference to astorage block format 104 as illustrated in FIG. 5. The first data block 130 accordingly registers a digit to indicate the card that will be used to support the caller's purchase. - Using voice prompt, the
interface 20 next instructs the caller to use the telephone buttons to indicate his credit card number and the expiration date of the card. That data is stored in theregister 104, specifically in theblocks - Next, the caller is asked for his customer number, as it may appear on his catalog. That number is stored in a
block 136 of theblock format register 104. Note that the caller may not be identified in the files of the mail-order house and in that event, the operation may be shifted to a manual operation to be continued through the interface terminal IT (FIG. 1) as explained above. For a television-initiated mail-order transaction, other numerical codes might be employed as to key into broadcast schedules. For example, a code might be used to indicate program times and thereby enable evaluation of the productivity of such program times. Such operation may be performed during the designation phase as described below. - To continue with the explanation of the automated format, assume that the customer has a file customer number and that it is stored in the
block format register 104 along with his credit card number and expiration date. From that location, the data is checked by the qualification unit 93 (FIG. 4) for propriety as part of the test or qualification phase of operation. The check or test is in two stages and both are performed during an interval designated t1, thequalification unit 93 operating under control of theprocessing unit 92. - First, the data is verified as representing valid and proper data formats for the customer's number, the credit card number and expiration date. The second operation involves consulting a so-called negative list to assure that the identified card and customer's number have not been cancelled, as for example in the case of credit cards that have been lost or stolen. Detailed structure for such tests is described in the parent case from which this case continues and may be incorporated in the
qualification unit 93. - With the successful completion and verification of the preliminary data in the
block format register 104, the qualification phase of operation is concluded and the system next interfaces with the caller to acquire and process data for a specific order of merchandise. Note that in the mail-order operating format, the sequence of the call is not normally significant. However, thesequencer 94 may log the time during a period t2 if deemed worthwhile. - Somewhat as described above in relation to the initial operating format (health poll), the voice generator in the
interface 20 prompts the caller through a series of exchanges that load the storageblock format register 104 with a merchandise order. Thus, as purchase items are confirmed, theregister 104 is loaded as exemplified by theblocks - During the next interval t4, the processing unit 92 (FIG. 4) isolates data of the cells C1-Cn to facilitate the mail-order process. In that regard, the
processor 92 may incorporate structure and processing techniques as disclosed in the parent case. - Of the wide variety of other operating formats and applications in accordance herewith, further examples will now be described with reference to the systems of FIGS. 1 and 4. However, from a consideration of the operating formats treated below, it will be apparent that certain structural elements have reoccurring significance in the combination. Specifically, such elements include the structures: (1) utilizing the called number to select a specific operating format, (2) for screening or selecting callers who will be accepted based on various criteria, (3) for designating callers in a manner to enable subsequent positive identification and (4) various processing aspects of the data manipulations including the provision of at least a portion of certain ID data provided directly from the telephone apparatus. With respect to the data processing, distinctive elemental features include the utilization of external data not available during the interval of gathering data, the utilization of an interrelationship between the composite data collected during a data acquisition period, and the operation of utilizing time or sequence of callers to accomplish a subset.
- As the next illustrative operating format, an instant lottery system will be described. Accordingly, assume the existence of a legalized state lottery accommodated by the telephone system utilizing a pay-to-dial number (“(213) 976-xxxx”) and restricted to a limited number of uses for defined intervals of time. For example, a person might be entitled to play the lottery a limited number of times or to the extent of a limited dollar value during a predetermined interval.
- From the terminal T1 (FIG. 1) the caller would actuate the
push buttons 14 to establish contact with the processing system P1 coupling would be through the communication facility C, the automatic call distributor AC1, theinterface 20 and theswitch 21 as described in detail above. The initial operation then involves qualification of the caller to participate in the instant winner lottery. Again, ANI or caller interface techniques may be employed. If the caller is involved, theinterface 20 is actuated by thequalification unit 93 during the operating interval t1 to instruct the caller: “Please key in your telephone calling number”. As indicated above, an alternative involves the system simply registering the calling number on the basis of its provision by ANI equipment. - In any event, after the caller's telephone number is registered, the instruction is given: “Participation in instant winner lottery is for persons over twenty-one years of age. Accordingly, please key in the year of your birth”. A driver's license or credit card number may be similarly registered to confirm age. Alternatively, the combination of telephone number and date of birth could be used. In any event, the caller's data is registered and the
qualification unit 93 then functions to test the data as provided. Specifically, the caller's telephone number is checked in a look-up table 99 to determine whether or not it is a proper and currently valid number for use in the lottery. Concurrently, the number is checked by the use-rate calculator to determine the number of times it has been used in excess of a predetermined number of calls or dollar value to participate in the lottery during a current interval of monitoring. - If the data indicates a qualified caller, the system proceeds to the next phase of designating the transaction. Note that the sequence is not significant in this operating format with the consequence that the interval t2 and the operation of the
sequencer 94 may be bypassed. Rather, thedesignation unit 96 operates during the interval t3 to provide the caller with a designation for the current transaction and if applicable, updates the file as to current use or dollar value remaining for the caller's use. As explained above, therandom generator 101 with or without theencryptor 102 may be employed to create an identification number which may include an encrypted form of the caller's telephone number. Accordingly, data for the transaction is established in thebuffer 97 then set in a cell of the memory 98 (FIG. 4). Specifically, the completed data cell format might be as follows: - Telephone No.—Birth Year—Designation—Random No.
- The system next functions to generate the random number as indicated above which will then be tested against a series of other numbers to determine whether or not the caller is a winner. In that regard, elements in the
processing unit 92 which accomplish the operation are illustrated in FIG. 6 which will now be considered in detail. - A
random number generator 160 functions on command to provide a three-digit number. With the consummation of a call, therandom number generator 160 is actuated to provide the caller's random number in a selectedcaller cell 162. From that location, the caller's random number is compared with numbers from aregister 164 by acomparator 166. The numbers in theregister 164 were previously passed through agate 174 from thegenerator 160. In the event of coincidence, the comparator provides an output “yes” signal to aline 168. Conversely, the failure of coincidence prompts thecomparator 166 to provide a “no” output to aline 170. Essentially, a “yes” indicates a win while a “no” indicates the caller has lost. - The elements of FIG. 6 provide a random operating format to determine winners on a somewhat statistical basis; however, the system increases the probability with the passage of time when no win occurs. In that regard, at the outset of an operating cycle, the
random number generator 160 provides a random number that is passed through thegate 174 to theregister 164. In the exemplary format, a three-digit number would be provided. At that stage, the caller's random number, from thecell 162, would be compared with the single number in theregister 164 by thecomparator 166. However, with the passage of time, calls are tallied or time is metered by acounter 178. Accordingly, upon the attainment of a predetermined count, thegate 174 is again qualified to enter another number in theregister 164. Accordingly, an increasing set of numbers are held in theregister 164 for comparison with each caller's number. Of course, the more numbers in theregister 164, the higher probability of a caller winning and that relationship depends upon the duration or number of calls since the last winner. - Either a win or a loss as indicated within the processing unit92 (FIG. 4) prompts the
interface 20 to respond appropriately to the caller announcing his results. If there is a win, the designation may be reinforced and additional identification may be taken as explained above. Of course, if the prize simply involves a credit on the caller's telephone bill or his credit account, identification and designation become less critical considerations. - In the event of substantial awards to be claimed, the processing system P1 (FIG. 1) may actuate the printer PR to produce a positive identification of the winner, which document may be redeemed only by the caller providing the assigned designation along with confirmation of his identification data.
- Generally in relation to awards, the
processing unit 92 may also utilize a random number format for determining the significance of awards. That is, a random number may be actuated to provide numerals from one through twenty, for example, the magnitude of the number generated for a caller indicating the significance of his award. Normally such information would be provided to the caller and registered in his memory cell. - With respect to memory cells generally, it is to be noted that actuated memory cells may be cleared for callers who are not winners. Accordingly, a limited number of memory cells store the subset of winners for subsequent confirmation processing and so on.
- As another operating process format in accordance with the present invention, consider an auction sale. As disclosed herein, the auction format is associated with television as, for example, in the form of a cable channel for dedicated use during an interval of an auction sale.
- Preliminarily, in accordance with the disclosed exemplary format, persons wishing to participate in the auction sale would make preliminary arrangements involving utilization of the system to establish authorization data for qualified bidders in cells C1-Cn of the memory 98 (FIG. 4). In an alternative format, the bidders could simply be qualified immediately before bidding, as on the basis of a charge-card number or other identification.
- Generally, it is contemplated that callers are coupled into the system only during the bidding on specific items of merchandise. Accordingly, some prequalification may be desirable to facilitate the rapid accumulation of a bidding group with the introduction of a unit of merchandise.
- In accordance with the disclosed format, an auctioneer conducts the sale in a somewhat traditional manner, recognizing that he is interfacing a relatively large audience through the system of the present invention and with a television connection. Specifically, the auctioneer is cued as to audience reaction by a monitor incorporated in the command computer terminal CT (FIG. 1). Essentially, the auctioneer is given an abstract or summary of the relative bidding as the auction progresses. In one format, the caller sees the auction on a television receiver. That is, the monitor may be covered by a television camera to inform the audience and particularly interested bidders. Consider the detailed steps of the operation.
- As the auctioneer announces the next item for sale, it is televised to potentially interested bidders. In addition to being informed of the merchandise, potential bidders might also be reminded of the telephone number for participating in the auction. Accordingly, any interested person at a remote terminal T1-Tn may dial the auction number and obtain access to the processing systems P1-Pn. The caller would have a television set available, tuned for example to a cable channel.
- Any preliminary qualification as indicated above will then be performed along with any appropriate designation. With regard to the designation, unless callers are identified as part of the qualification step, the designation unit96 (FIG. 4) assigns a limited-digit number to individual callers for use by the auctioneer interfacing the command computer and terminal CT. Further designation and sequencing as disclosed herein also constitute part of the process. To the extent that qualification and designation operations may be performed, the operations are performed as described above with reference to FIG. 4 by the
qualification unit 93 and thedesignation unit 96. Of course, any of the safeguards and limitations as described herein may be employed as deemed appropriate for an auction format. - After the preliminaries, the auctioneer initiates the bidding with respect to a particular item that is observed by the callers on a television receiver as through a cable channel. Note that the audio may be variously-coordinated through the telephone communication facility C and the audio channel of the caller's television. In a simple format, after an introductory phase, communication to callers with respect to the bidding is provided through the television link. Alternatively, the audio unit AD (FIG. 1) may be employed.
- Essentially, the auctioneer initiates the bidding by stating an initial value for the opening bid. Callers are invited to bid by actuating the push buttons14 (FIG. 1). For example, the auctioneer may invite an initial bid of one hundred dollars asking callers to so bid by entering an asterisk (*) by punching the button so designated. In accordance with one operating format, cells in the memory 98 (FIG. 4) are actuated to register the bidding number in identified relationship with several calls. Note that although a record may be desirable, it is not usually necessary to record all bids, particularly at initial bidding figures. In any event, the individual processing units,
e.g. unit 92 in individual processors PR1-PRn are interconnected (FIG. 1) and operate to select the final and key bids. - After attaining the initial bid, the auctioneer may invite further bidding by seeking a bid of two hundred dollars or any bid. Such a bid might be accomplished either by punching the asterisk button to attain the solicited bid, or by using number buttons to enter a different bid, e.g. two hundred fifty by buttons “2”, “5” and “0”. Again, cells of the
memory 98 are actuated to record select bids (sequence) at the higher value. - The status of the bidding is presented to the auctioneer by the monitor of the command computer terminal CT (FIG. 1). Specifically, the auctioneer is provided an indication of the number of bidders at each level. If a sizeable number of callers bid at a specific value, the auctioneer may wish to advance the price significantly for the next round of bidding. Thus, the auctioneer proceeds until a small group of remaining callers are addressed. Note that the display of the command terminal CT (FIG. 1) may also inform the auctioneer of fresh bidders.
- As the selection process proceeds, signals from the clock CL (FIG. 1) are introduced to indicate the sequence of bidders. For example, assume the bidding has proceeded to a stage where only three bidders remain active. The auctioneer is informed by the command terminal CT of the order in which the callers made their bids. The sequence is also of record in the cells of the memory78 (FIG. 4) to indicate the sequence in the event that the final bid involves more than one caller. Of course, the first caller to respond with a bid would have priority in the purchase.
- Normally at the conclusion of the bidding on a particular item, the contents of the cells in the
memory 98 would be purged with only the final bidders being held in general memory within theprocessing unit 92. Of course, it is important to maintain a record of back-up bidders in the event the sale is not consummated with respect to the first of the highest bidders. That is, a subset of the highest bidders is preserved for each item of merchandise in the event that the highest bidder fails to qualify or the sale otherwise cannot be consummated. Of course, a distinct advantage of the system is the ability to accommodate a vast auction participation group for items of substantial value and as a consequence the distillation of a subset of callers is exceedingly valuable information. - To consider another operating format in association with the television media, a system will now be described whereby television viewers participate on a real-time basis in a game show for prizes. The ability to involve television viewers in a program has the potential of expanding program interest along with the expanded participation.
- Game shows in accordance herewith may take any of a wide variety of forms as several well known programs in which studio contestants compete for prizes. In utilizing the system of the present invention to involve remote participants, it may be desirable to preliminarily qualify and designate callers as explained above. Specifically, prior to participating in an actual game show, interested participants interface the system as depicted in FIG. 1, and in the course of an exchange as described above, the
qualification unit 93 and thedesignation unit 96 cooperate with theprocessing unit 92 to accomplish preliminary data on potential participants in cells of thememory 96. - Various games will involve different screening processes and clearances. For example, a child's television game format may require parental clearance and in that regard written communication may be required for approvals. Such approval may require the assignment of a personal identification number to the child player as qualifying identification data.
- As explained above, clearances may be perfected through the look-up table99 (FIG. 4) in association with the
qualification unit 93 or approvals through a consumable key step may be extended to incorporate functions of theprocessing unit 92 in association with thememory 98. For example, if qualification simply involves a check-off operation, the look-up table 99 will normally be employed. However, in the case of preregistration for a participant, as in the case of the auction sale, thememory 98 is involved with thequalification unit 93 through theprocessing unit 92 to establish a data cell C1-Cn for each qualified participant. Thus, each potential participant to be qualified interfaces with theprocessing unit 92 during a preliminary interval of operation to provide data in one of the cells C1-CN to facilitate qualification for participation during a real-time game show. - At the time of the show, callers are qualified simply by reference to their assigned memory cell data for a verification. Thereafter, the caller's exchange information to supplement their data as with respect to the play which follows. Specifically for example, a caller might select a studio audience participant with whom the caller is to be allied. The interface operation may be essentially as described above wherein a voice generator in the interface20 (FIG. 1) provides signals which activate the remote telephone unit to speak the instruction: “If you wish to play with Player No. 1, please push button No. 1; if you wish to play with Player No. 2, please push button No. 2 . . . and so on”. The caller may also be instructed to indicate the extent of a wager. For example, “Push the number button indicating the points you wish to risk”.
- The participant data is stored in an assigned cell of the memory98 (FIG. 4) for the caller and as the game proceeds, the
processing unit 92 tallies the caller's score. Scores are interrelated between individual processing units to actuate the terminal CT. Thus, individual accounting occurs for each of the calling participants on an on-line basis dependent upon the success of the studio players and their association with the callers. On-going accounting data may be provided at intervals or real time by the recorded voice to each contestant. - According to the described format, after an interval of play, the processing units, as the unit92 (FIG. 4), operate to isolate a subset of caller-players who have amassed the highest scores. Of course, various arrangements may be provided for awarding prizes to the select subset of winning callers.
- The above format involves a real-time game show with an on-line operating format. A somewhat similar format involves nonreal-time operation and in that sense, callers may interface with the system of the present invention before and after the show; however, not primarily during the show. Such a show might involve a quiz for callers based on their ability to perceive and remember occurrences within the show. Preregistration may be employed, however, is not essential. Rather, callers may call after the broadcast of a program. In that event, sequence or time clocking may be very important to limit or control individual interfaces to a specific time or geographic “window”. That is, as suggested above, allocation-routing equipment and techniques may be employed in various of the formats to window callers. With the system, callers are screened or qualified at the time of a call, identified in a particular calling sequence, designated for identification and quiz answers are given for subsequent processing. Alternatively, players could participate by providing their credit card for billing or be billed through the “pay-to-dial” network. Consider an exemplary format.
- A key to participation in the game show may involve the purchase of a particular product. For example, a person desiring to participate may purchase a product which carries a concealed key number. The number serves as a caller's key to participation in the game show.
- In accordance with the disclosed operating format, after watching the broadcast of a television show (possibly a serial episode) the participant actuates the
push buttons 14 at one of the remote terminals T1-Tn to accomplish an interface communication with the select operating format. For example, the caller may actuate thebuttons 14 for the station number “277-7777” which identifies the game format of current description. - Assume responsive operation of the communication facility C to couple the caller through the automatic call distributor AC1 to the
interface 20. Upon establishing a connection, theinterface 20 receives the caller's telephone number through ANI equipment and a data cell in the memory 98 (FIG. 4) is assigned to the caller. Specifically, for example, associative coupling is provided for the caller through the switch 21 (FIG. 1) to the processor PR1 containing the memory 98 (FIG. 4) and a cell C2 assigned to the caller. Ablock format 200 is illustrated in FIG. 7 indicating the data that is developed in the cell C2. At the outset, the caller's telephone number is stored in asection 201 followed by uses/month insection 202. - Next, the caller is greeted and requested to give the key number entitling him to participate in the game show. The instruction constitutes an initial action to take place in an interval of qualification during the time t1. The caller actuates the
buttons 14 providing digital representations to the qualification unit 93 (FIG. 4) and the look-up table 99 is consulted. Note that the table 99 may be a large, shared unit that tabulates each of the key numbers and accounts for their use. If the caller has identified a proper key number, the process proceeds and the key number is accounted, i.e. incremented or decremented to the limit of use if any. Alternatively, a repeat information operation may be requested as described in detail above. - As a further check during the qualification stage, the use-
rate calculator 100 may function to determine whether or not an excessive number of calls have originated from the designated number. Thus, consideration involves calls or value with reference to a predetermined period of time. Again, a shared calculator may be used or addressing may obtain selectivity on the basis of calling numbers. If a large number of calls have originated from a single telephone terminal, a fraudulent situation may be suggested. Assuming no such indication occurs, the number of uses is registered in a section 200 (FIG. 7) and the operation proceeds from the interval t1 to interval t2. - During the interval t2, the
sequencer 94 registers the precise time of the call in thebuffer storage 97, specifically in asection 204 as illustrated in FIG. 7. With the entry of such data, the system passes from the operating interval t2 to t3. - The caller is next asked to identify himself in some specific manner. For example, the caller may simply be asked to provide the year of his birth. Alternatively, somewhat comprehensive information may be taken as in the form of drivers' license numbers, social security numbers and so on. Of course, such data may be employed for subsequent identification of the caller and, accordingly, is registered in the buffer storage97 (FIG. 4). Specifically, identification information is registered in
section 206 of theblock 200 as shown in FIG. 7. - In addition to receiving identification information from a caller, the system assigns a designation to the caller. Specifically, the random number generator101 (FIG. 4) provides a number which may be encrypted along with other identification data as the caller's personal identification to provide a numerical designation that is registered in the
storage 97. Specifically, the designation is stored in asection 208 as illustrated in FIG. 7. With the designation operation complete, the interval t3 terminates initiating the data accumulation phase which occurs during an operating interval t4. - At this juncture, operating elements within the
processing unit 92 will be considered in relation to an explanation of the manner in which select questions are provided to a caller and his answers received and recorded for subsequent processing to determine winners. - Preliminarily, reference will be made to FIG. 8 showing elements involved in the operating format which are contained in the processing unit92 (FIG. 4) in association with the
memory 98. To avoid confusion, the elements identified in FIG. 8 are designated by fresh numerals. - To accommodate the exemplary operating format, a dramatic program might be recorded preparatory to the television broadcast. A substantial number of questions would then be formulated based on the dramatic program. For example, “How many people were present when the will was read?”
- It is contemplated that the dramatic program would be broadcast to different geographical segments of the country during different time intervals. To accommodate the different time intervals, it is proposed to utilize different questions for each geographic segment. That is, the basic format can remain the same, only the questions change by time zone to avoid study and collaboration on questions as a result of time shifts. A question propounded to a Chicago caller should not be repeated to a Los Angeles caller. In any event, callers might be given three questions randomly drawn from a pool serving one geographic segment and three questions drawn from a different pool serving another geographic segment.
- The signals for prompting a voice generator are registered in memory sections MS1 through MSn. Each of the memory sections MS1-MSn is served by an address input AI1-AIn respectively. Similarly, the address inputs AI1-AIn are instructed by random number generators NG1-NGn, in turn actuated by decoders DE1-DEn. Consider the operating sequence of the memory MS1 as an example.
- The decoder DE1 is responsive to telephone calling numbers (provided by ANI equipment) indicative of a particular geographic area. Note, for example, that area code numbers afford an effective geographic classification of callers which is very useful in many formats or processes of statistical analysis in accordance herewith. Note that geographic (or other) classification in accordance herewith is also accomplished by the called numbers provided. Each of several television stations would solicit calls for different numbers as a result, either by DNIS or call channeling. Select processors would be reached through the interface units,
e.g. interface 20 FIG. 1. In operation, the decoder DE1 determines a call is from a specific geographic area and accordingly provides a signal to actuate the random number generator NG1. As a consequence, the random number generator NG1 provides a series of three random numbers in the form of addresses for the memory MS1. That is, the addresses may simply comprise three alphanumeric bits supplied to tho address input AI1 to prompt the provision of three sets of voice generator signals for announcing the three questions in sequence. For example, the first question might be as suggested above: “Push the button on your telephone for the number of persons present in the room when the will was read”. - The voice generator signals are supplied from the memory MS1 (within the
processing unit 92, FIG. 4) to the interface 20 (FIG. 1) which generates audio signals to actuate the caller's hand piece 10. Accordingly, the caller is instructed to answer three questions, the responses being recorded in asection 210 of the data block 200 (FIG. 7). Note that the clock 105 (FIG. 4) may be utilized to limit the response period allowed each caller. - As indicated above, to accommodate broadcast of the program in a different time slot for a different geographic area, the decoder DEn (FIG. 8) actuates the random number generator NGn to address the memory MSn to provide three different questions as a result of a random selection. Accordingly, within a time or times (perhaps limited and offset) after the conclusion of the program, a substantial number of callers are accounted for in cells of the
memory 98 and similar units of the composite system. The cells indicate sequences of calling and also may contain billing data where appropriate. That is, pay-to-dial operations avoid the need for billing, yet it may still be made of record. - Subsequent to the data accumulation phase of operation, the processing-unit92 (and its equivalents) is actuated during an off-line processing interval to isolate the subset of callers correctly responding to the questions. In accordance with one format, the subset of successful callers may be reduced to a sub-subset as by a random computer “draw” to define a group of significant winners. That is, a random number generator may be employed as explained above.
- As an alternative to subsequent processing, the system may inform callers of their success during the course of the interface telephone call. That is, callers might simply be informed by cuing the voice generator: “Your answers are correct and in accordance with the program game, you will now be entered in the sweepstakes draw for the prize . . .” Thus, the format defines a subset then further selects a sub-subset of winners. In any of the various formats, the status of the analysis can be televised by selecting a camera focused on the interface terminal IT.
- Still another operating format for the system takes the form of polling operations to determine opinion or facts. An illustrative form of the format is disclosed below again in association with a television broadcast.
- Generally, the illustrative polling format is contemplated in association with a television broadcast addressing a matter of current interest as, for example, a political issue or election. A master of ceremonies propounds questions to a viewing audience, many of whom are on-line through an interface of a system of the present invention. The master of ceremonies or commentator instructs the callers who are regulated and controlled by the system of the present invention to provide digital data which the system processes to inform the commentator as with regard to subsets of callers. For example, the commentator may be statistically informed as to the numbers of callers holding specific views. Consider a specific exemplary operating format.
- Assume the existence of a system in accordance with the present invention installed for use in association with a television broadcasting facility. Of course, various previous arrangements could be involved; however, according to one arrangement a commentator simply invites members of the viewing audience to call a specific number and express their views with respect to a specific issue. Callers located at terminals T1-Tn (FIG. 1) activate the terminals to accomplish an interface with one of the processing systems P1-Pn as explained above. Note that the processor (or the
interface 20 may involve operation of the qualification unit 93 (FIG. 4) to prevent callers from loading the poll. That is, to prevent multiple calls from a single terminal that would distort a poll, thequalification unit 93 registers calls in association with the use-rate calculator 100. Interfacing a specific processor, callers are screened by the qualification unit 93 (FIG. 4). In such a poll, it may be important to control the sampling group on a statistical basis. For example, it may be desirable to limit callers from each of several geographic areas. Accordingly, by the use of ANI equipment, the caller's telephone number is provided to thequalification unit 93 during the preliminary interval t1, and a determination is performed with regard to the number of involved callers from the geographic area using the look-up table 99. On attaining a full quota from a specific area, a subsequent caller may be informed that the lines are full. Alternatively, the caller may be requested to provide his telephone number for screening in the event ANI equipment is not available. - The caller may be requested to provide additional information so as to poll a balanced group. For example, a caller might be asked questions concerning age, political registration and so on by prompting the
interface unit 20 to pose audio questions and testing the digital results through thequalification unit 93 as with reference to the look-up table 99. - As indicated above, in the event that the broadcast television program is one of a series, it may be desirable to limit the extent of participation over a period of several programs. Accordingly, the use-rate calculator100 (FIG. 4) may be employed in association with the
qualification unit 93. That is, if a calling number has participated in a prior poll, it may be denied access for a subsequent poll or its data not counted. Such operation would involve the use-rate calculator 100 in association with thequalification unit 93 performing logic tests to actuate the voice generator of theinterface 20 for providing an appropriate interchange with a caller. - With the screening or qualification of a select group of callers, the sequencer94 (FIG. 4) may or may not be involved to identify the order of callers. Also, the
designation unit 96 may or may not be involved in view of the fact that for many polls there is little interest in subsequently identifying callers. - In the poll-format operation of the system, it is important to provide a capability of defining select intervals during which callers may provide data. In one arrangement, with the consummation of a communication interface between a caller and a processor unit, the audio of the television broadcast is keyed from the audio unit AD through the switch21 (FIG. 1) for communication to the caller.
- With a multiplicity of callers in interface relationship with the processors PR1-PRn as function units, a polling question is stated, for example: “If you favor expanded trade with . . . at the tone press button one; if you do not, press button two”.
- To control the interval of polling, the command computer terminal CT (FIG. 1) is actuated to enable the callers timely access to the processors.
- At the expiration of a polling interval, the interfaces may be terminated or additional questions may be propounded. In any event, subsequent to the data-gathering phase, the bulk data is supplied to the command computer terminal CT incorporating computing facility to isolate subsets for communication by the broadcast. Accordingly, an effective on-line poll can be conducted with statistical sampling control and prompt display of responses.
- As explained above, the arrangement of the function unit (or units) may be variously embodied in a single processor or many processors, depending on various considerations as time sharing, multiplexing, paralleling and so on. The systems as described above embody the components bulked together in one location. However, components of the system could be spaced apart geographically, using dedicated lines or polling techniques. An illustrative embodiment is shown in FIG. 9.
- Call distributors CD1-CDn are at different geographic locations along with associated interface units IA1-IAn and IB1-IBn. Each of the interface units, as unit IA1 is coupled to a
central processor 251 as indicated bylines - In the operation of the system of FIG. 9, the call distributors CD are coupled to a telephonic communication system and accordingly allow the interface units I to provide interface communication between the
central processing unit 251 and a multitude of remote terminals T1-Tn as illustrated in FIG. 1. With data accumulated in the cells, it may be variously down loaded as to a central processing station. Thus, the distributed-component system is capable of executing the various formats as explained above with reference to the illustrative structure. - In view of the above explanation of exemplary systems, it will be appreciated that other embodiments of the present invention may be employed in many applications to accumulate statistical data, process such data, and define subsets of callers of concern. While certain exemplary operations have been stated herein, and certain detailed structures have been disclosed, the appropriate scope hereof is deemed to be in accordance with the claims as set forth below.
Claims (28)
1. A statistical analysis system for use with a communication facility including remote terminal apparatus for individual callers, wherein said remote terminal apparatus may comprise a conventional telephone instrument including voice communication means, and digital input means in the form of an array of alphabetic numeric buttons for providing identification and statistical data, said control system comprising:
interface means coupled to said communication facility to interface said terminal apparatus for voice and digital communication and including means to provide signal values from data developed by said terminal apparatus said interface means further including a consumable key test means to qualify callers with respect to limited use;
voice generator means coupled through said interface means for actuating said terminal apparatus as to provide vocal operating instructions to an individual caller; and
means connected to said interface means for processing said statistical data as to isolate a subset of said individual callers.
2. A statistical analysis system for use with a communication facility including terminal apparatus for individual callers, wherein said terminal apparatus may comprise a conventional telephone instrument including voice communication means and digital input means in the form of an array of alphabetic numeric buttons for providing identification and statistical data, said control system comprising:
interface means coupled to said communication facility to interface said terminal apparatus for voice and digital communication and including means to provide signals representative of identification and statistical data developed by said terminal apparatus;
voice generator means coupled through said interface means for actuating said terminal apparatus as to provide vocal operating instructions to an individual caller;
record means connected to said interface means for initiating a file and storing data relating to specific of said callers;
means coupled to said interface means and said record means for assigning individual designations to callers and storing said designations in said record means, said designations including representations indicative of the calling order sequence of said individual callers; and
means connected to said record means for processing statistical data as to identify a subset of said individual callers.
3. A statistical analysis system for use with a communication facility including terminal apparatus for individual callers, wherein said terminal apparatus may comprise a conventional telephone instrument including voice communication means, and digital input means in the form of an array of alphabetic numeric buttons for providing identification and statistical data, said control system comprising:
interface means coupled to said communication facility to interface said terminal apparatus for voice and digital communication and including means to provide signals representative of identification and statistical data developed by said terminal apparatus;
voice generator means coupled through said interface means for actuating said terminal apparatus as to provide vocal operating instructions to an individual caller; and
manual terminal means for use by a person to communicate directly with at least one of said individual callers, said manual terminal means being coupled to said interface means and responsive to predetermined conditions to couple said manual terminal means to a caller terminal.
4. A system according to claim 3 further including means connected to said interface means for processing said statistical data as to isolate a subset of said individual callers and thereby actuate said manual terminal means.
5. A statistical analysis system for use with a communication facility including terminal apparatus for individual callers, wherein said terminal apparatus may comprise a conventional telephone instrument including voice communication means, and digital input means in the form of an array of alphabetic numeric buttons for providing identification and statistical data, said control system comprising:
interface means coupled to said communication facility to interface said terminal apparatus for voice and digital communication and including means to provide signals representative of identification and statistical data developed by said terminal apparatus;
voice generator means coupled through said interface means for actuating said terminal apparatus as to provide vocal operating instructions to an individual caller;
record means connected to said interface means for initiating a file and storing identification data and statistical data for specific callers including data developed by said terminal apparatus;
means coupled to said interface means and said record means for assigning individual designations to callers and storing said designations in said record means; and
means for recalling data stored in said record means in response to said individual designations.
6. A statistical analysis system for use with a communication facility including terminal apparatus for individual callers, wherein said terminal apparatus may comprise a conventional telephone instrument including voice communication means, and digital input means in the form of an array of alphabetic numeric buttons for providing identification and statistical data, said control system comprising:
interface means coupled to said communication facility to interface said terminal apparatus for voice and digital communication and including means to provide signals representative of identification and statistical data developed by said terminal apparatus;
voice generator means coupled through said interface means for actuating said terminal apparatus as to provide vocal operating instructions to an individual caller;
record means connected to said interface means for initiating a file and storing identification data and statistical data for specific callers including data developed by said terminal apparatus;
means coupled to said interface means and said record means for assigning individual designations to callers and storing said designations in said record means, said designations including representations of the telephone number of the terminal apparatus used by a caller; and
means connected to said record means for processing statistical data as to identify a subset of said individual callers.
7. A statistical analysis system for use with a communication facility including terminal apparatus for individual callers, wherein said terminal apparatus may comprise a conventional telephone instrument including voice communication means, and digital input means in the form of an array of alphabetic numeric buttons for providing identification and statistical data, said control system comprising:
interface means coupled to said communication facility to interface said terminal apparatus for voice and digital communication and including means to provide signals representative of identification and statistical data developed by said terminal apparatus;
voice generator means coupled through said interface means for actuating said terminal apparatus as to provide vocal operating instructions to an individual caller;
record means connected to said interface means for initiating a file and storing identification data and statistical data for specific callers including data developed by said terminal apparatus; and
means coupled to said interface means and said record means for assigning individual designations to callers and storing said designations in said record means, said designations including an encrypted representation of said data developed by said terminal apparatus.
8. A statistical analysis system for use with a communication facility including remote terminal apparatus for individual callers, wherein said remote terminal apparatus may comprise a conventional telephone instrument including voice communication means and digital input means in the form of an array of alphabetic numeric buttons for providing identification and statistical data and wherein said facility may provide calling terminal digital signals to a called station representative of a remote calling terminal, said control system comprising:
interface structure coupled to said communication facility to interface said terminal apparatus for voice and digital communication and including means to provide signal values from signals representative of data developed by said terminal apparatus;
voice generator means coupled through said interface means for actuating said terminal apparatus as to provide vocal operating instructions to an individual caller;
analysis means connected for processing data from a plurality of callers in combination to isolate a select subset of said callers by interrelated processing; and
call data analyzer structure for modifying said data from a plurality of callers under control of said terminal digital signals.
9. A control system according to claim 8 further including record means connected to said interface means for initiating a file and storing said terminal digital signals as identification at least in part for a caller.
10. A control system according to claim 8 further including switch means whereby passage of said data from a plurality of callers to said analysis means is controlled by said terminal digital signals.
11. A statistical analysis system for use with a communication facility including remote terminal apparatus for individual callers, wherein said remote terminal apparatus may comprise a conventional telephone instrument including voice communication means and digital input means in the form of an array of alphabetic numeric buttons for providing identification and statistical data and wherein said facility may provide called terminal digital signals to a called station representative of the called station, said control system comprising:
interface means coupled to said communication facility to interface said terminal apparatus for voice and digital communication and including means to provide signal values from signals representative of data developed by said terminal apparatus;
voice generator means coupled through said interface means for actuating said terminal apparatus as to provide vocal operating instructions to an individual caller;
analysis means connected to said record means for processing said statistical data from a plurality of callers in combination and in accordance with a plurality of distinct formats to isolate a select subset of said callers by interrelated processing; and
means for actuating one of said distinct formats in accordance with said called terminal digital signals.
12. A statistical analysis system for use with a communication facility including remote terminal apparatus for individual callers, wherein said remote terminal apparatus may comprise a conventional telephone instrument including voice communication means and digital input means in the form of an array of alphabetic numeric buttons for providing identification and statistical data, said control system comprising:
coupling structure including a plurality of interface units each capable of accommodating a plurality of communication paths coupled to said communication facility to interface said terminal apparatus for voice and digital communication and including means to provide signal values from signals representative of data developed by said terminal apparatus;
voice generator means in said interface means coupled for actuating said terminal apparatus as to provide vocal operating instructions to an individual caller;
record means connected to said interface means for initiating a file and storing identification data and statistical digital data for specific callers including data developed by said terminal apparatus; and
analysis means connected to said record means for processing said statistical data from a plurality of callers in combination to isolate a select subset of said callers by interrelated processing.
13. A system according to claim 12 further including means for queuing said remote stations to said coupling means whereas to sequence interface communications.
14. A statistical analysis system for use with a communication facility including remote terminal apparatus for individual callers, wherein said remote terminal apparatus may comprise a conventional telephone instrument including voice communication means and digital input means in the form of an array of alphabetic numeric buttons for providing identification and statistical data, said control system comprising:
interface structure coupled to said communication facility to interface said terminal apparatus for voice and digital communication and including means to provide signal values from signals representative of data developed by said terminal apparatus;
voice generator means coupled through said interface means for actuating said terminal apparatus as to provide vocal operating instructions to an individual caller;
analysis means connected for processing data from a plurality of callers in combination to isolate a select subset of said callers by interrelated processing; and
qualification means for qualifying access from said remote terminal apparatus to said analysis means.
15. A system according to claim 14 wherein said qualification means comprises means for limiting access from a remote terminal to said analysis means on the basis of accesses per interval of time.
16. A system according to claim 14 wherein said qualification means comprises means for limiting access from a remote terminal to said analysis means under control of said signals representative of data developed by said terminal apparatus.
17. A system according to claim 16 wherein said qualification means includes a look-up table.
18. A system according to claim 16 wherein said qualification means includes a use-rate calculator.
19. A statistical analysis system for use with a communication facility including remote terminal apparatus for individual callers, wherein said remote terminal apparatus may comprise a conventional telephone instrument including voice communication means and digital input means in the form of an array of alphabetic numeric buttons for providing identification and statistical data, said control system comprising:
interface structure coupled to said communication facility to interface said terminal apparatus for voice and digital communication and including means to provide signal values from signals representative of data developed by said terminal apparatus;
voice generator means coupled through said interface means for actuating said terminal apparatus as to provide vocal operating instructions to an individual caller; and
analysis means connected for processing data from a plurality of callers in combination to isolate a select subset of said callers by interrelated processing including a display structure for visually displaying data regarding said select subset.
20. A system according to claim 19 further including a printer.
21. A statistical analysis system for use with a communication facility including remote terminal apparatus for individual callers, wherein said remote terminal apparatus may comprise a conventional telephone instrument including voice communication means and digital input means in the form of an array of alphabetic numeric buttons for providing identification and statistical data, said control system comprising:
interface structure coupled to said communication facility to interface said terminal apparatus for voice and digital communication and including means to provide signal values from signals representative of data developed by said terminal apparatus;
voice generator means coupled through said interface means for actuating said terminal apparatus as to provide vocal operating instructions to an individual caller;
a sequencer for developing sequence data signals as identification data;
record means connected to said interface means for initiating a file and storing identification data and statistical digital data for specific callers including data developed by said terminal apparatus; and
analysis means connected to said record means for processing said statistical data from a plurality of callers in combination to isolate a select subset of said callers by interrelated processing.
22. A statistical analysis system for use with a communication facility including remote terminal apparatus for individual callers, wherein said remote terminal apparatus may comprise a conventional telephone instrument including voice communication means and digital input means in the form of an array of alphabetic numeric buttons for providing identification and statistical data, said control system comprising:
interface structure coupled to said communication facility to interface said terminal apparatus for voice and digital communication and including means to provide signal values from signals representative of data developed by said terminal apparatus;
voice generator means coupled through said interface means for actuating said terminal apparatus as to provide vocal operating instructions to an individual caller;
a qualification unit for developing qualification data signals as identification data;
record means connected to said interface means for initiating a file and storing identification data and statistical digital data for specific callers including data developed by said terminal apparatus; and
analysis means connected to said record means for processing said statistical data from a plurality of callers in combination to isolate a select subset of said callers by interrelated processing.
23. A statistical analysis system for use with a communication facility including remote terminal apparatus for individual callers, wherein said remote terminal apparatus may comprise a conventional telephone instrument including voice communication means and digital input means in the form of an array of alphabetic numeric buttons for providing identification and statistical data, said control system comprising:
interface structure coupled to said communication facility to interface said terminal apparatus for voice and digital communication and including means to provide signal values from signals representative of data developed by said terminal apparatus;
voice generator means coupled through said interface means for actuating said terminal apparatus as to provide vocal operating instructions to an individual caller;
a designation unit for developing designation data signals as identification data consisting of at least two data elements;
record means connected to said interface means for initiating a file and storing identification data and statistical digital data for specific callers including data developed by said terminal apparatus; and
analysis means connected to said record means for processing said statistical data from a plurality of callers in combination to isolate a select subset of said callers by interrelated processing.
24. A statistical analysis system for use with a communication facility including remote terminal apparatus for individual callers, wherein said remote terminal apparatus may comprise a conventional telephone instrument including voice communication means and digital input means in the form of an array of alphabetic numeric buttons for providing identification and statistical data, said control system comprising:
interface structure coupled to said communication facility to interface said terminal apparatus for voice and digital communication and including means to provide signal values from signals representative of data developed by said terminal apparatus;
voice generator means coupled through said interface means for actuating said terminal apparatus as to provide vocal operating instructions to an individual caller;
a sequencer for developing sequence data signals as identification data;
a qualification unit for developing qualification data signals as identification data;
a designation unit for developing designation data signals as identification data;
record means connected to said interface means for initiating a file and storing identification data and statistical digital data for specific callers including data developed by said terminal apparatus; and
analysis means connected to said record means for processing said statistical data from a plurality of callers in combination to isolate a select subset of said callers by interrelated processing.
25. A statistical analysis system for use with a communication facility including remote terminal apparatus for individual callers, wherein said remote terminal apparatus may comprise a conventional telephone instrument including voice communication means and digital input means in the form of an array of alphabetic numeric buttons for providing identification and statistical data, said control system comprising:
interface structure coupled to said communication facility to interface said terminal apparatus for voice and digital communication and including means to provide signal values from signals representative of data developed by said terminal apparatus;
voice generator means coupled through said interface means for actuating said terminal apparatus as to provide vocal operating instructions to an individual caller;
record means connected to said interface means for initiating a file and storing identification data and statistical digital data for specific callers including data developed by said terminal apparatus;
analysis means connected to said record means for processing said statistical data from a plurality of callers in combination to isolate a select subset of said callers by interrelated processing; and
a qualification unit for controlling access of callers to said analysis means in accordance with the content of said record means.
26. A statistical analysis system for use with a communication facility including remote terminal apparatus for individual callers, wherein said remote terminal apparatus may comprise a conventional telephone instrument including voice communication means and digital input means in the form of an array of alphabetic numeric buttons for providing identification and statistical data, said control system comprising:
interface structure coupled to said communication facility to interface said terminal apparatus for voice and digital communication and including means to provide signal values from signals representative of data developed by said terminal apparatus;
voice generator means coupled through said interface means for actuating said terminal apparatus as to provide vocal operating instructions to an individual caller;
a designation unit for developing designation data signals as identification data and including an encryptor; and
analysis means connected to said record means for processing said statistical data from a plurality of callers in combination to isolate a select subset of said callers by interrelated processing.
27. A statistical analysis system for use with a communication facility including remote terminal apparatus for individual callers, wherein said remote terminal apparatus may comprise a conventional telephone instrument including voice communication means and digital input means in the form of an array of alphabetic numeric buttons for providing identification and statistical data, said control system comprising:
interface structure coupled to said communication facility to interface said terminal apparatus for voice and digital communication and including means to provide signal values from signals representative of data developed by said terminal apparatus;
voice generator means coupled through said interface means for actuating said terminal apparatus as to provide vocal operating instructions to an individual caller; and
analysis means connected for processing data from a plurality of callers in combination to isolate a select subset of said callers by interrelated processing including a random number generator for selecting said subset.
28. A process for statistical analysis of data for use with a communication facility including remote terminal apparatus for individual callers, wherein said remote terminal apparatus may comprise a conventional telephone instrument including voice communication means and digital input means in the form of an array of alphabetic numeric buttons for providing identification and statistical data, said process including the steps of:
interfacing said communication facility to provide voice signals and receive digital identification and answer signals representative respectively of identification data and answer data developed by said terminal apparatus under control of said caller;
generating voice signals and supplying said voice signals to actuate said terminal apparatus, as to provide vocal operating instructions to a caller;
providing sequence signals representative of sequence data indicating the time sequence of a call with reference to the calls from other callers;
qualifying callers based on said digital identification signals;
designating callers based on said digital identification signals;
initiating files and storing data from qualified callers including, (1) answer data for specific callers as indicated by said answer signals, (2) sequence data as indicated by said sequence signals and (3) identification data as indicated by said identification signals;
providing external data signals representative of external data distinct from said answer data provided from said callers; and
comparing said answer data from said callers and analyzing said answer data with said external data in combination to isolate a select subset of said callers.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/364,731 US20020025027A1 (en) | 1985-07-10 | 1999-07-30 | Telephonic-interface statistical analysis system |
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US75329985A | 1985-07-10 | 1985-07-10 | |
US07/018,244 US4792968A (en) | 1985-07-10 | 1987-02-24 | Statistical analysis system for use with public communication facility |
US07/194,258 US4845739A (en) | 1985-07-10 | 1988-05-16 | Telephonic-interface statistical analysis system |
US07/335,923 US6016344A (en) | 1985-07-10 | 1989-04-10 | Telephonic-interface statistical analysis system |
US08/475,425 US6035021A (en) | 1985-07-10 | 1995-06-07 | Telephonic-interface statistical analysis system |
US09/364,731 US20020025027A1 (en) | 1985-07-10 | 1999-07-30 | Telephonic-interface statistical analysis system |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US08/475,425 Continuation US6035021A (en) | 1985-07-10 | 1995-06-07 | Telephonic-interface statistical analysis system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20020025027A1 true US20020025027A1 (en) | 2002-02-28 |
Family
ID=22716897
Family Applications (7)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US07/194,258 Expired - Lifetime US4845739A (en) | 1985-07-10 | 1988-05-16 | Telephonic-interface statistical analysis system |
US07/335,923 Expired - Fee Related US6016344A (en) | 1985-07-10 | 1989-04-10 | Telephonic-interface statistical analysis system |
US08/475,425 Expired - Fee Related US6035021A (en) | 1985-07-10 | 1995-06-07 | Telephonic-interface statistical analysis system |
US08/483,250 Expired - Fee Related US6349134B1 (en) | 1985-07-10 | 1995-06-07 | Telephonic-interface statistical analysis system |
US09/270,241 Expired - Fee Related US6292547B1 (en) | 1985-07-10 | 1999-03-15 | Telephonic-interface statistical analysis system |
US09/364,731 Abandoned US20020025027A1 (en) | 1985-07-10 | 1999-07-30 | Telephonic-interface statistical analysis system |
US09/827,614 Abandoned US20010021245A1 (en) | 1985-07-10 | 2001-04-05 | Telephonic-interface statistical analysis system |
Family Applications Before (5)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US07/194,258 Expired - Lifetime US4845739A (en) | 1985-07-10 | 1988-05-16 | Telephonic-interface statistical analysis system |
US07/335,923 Expired - Fee Related US6016344A (en) | 1985-07-10 | 1989-04-10 | Telephonic-interface statistical analysis system |
US08/475,425 Expired - Fee Related US6035021A (en) | 1985-07-10 | 1995-06-07 | Telephonic-interface statistical analysis system |
US08/483,250 Expired - Fee Related US6349134B1 (en) | 1985-07-10 | 1995-06-07 | Telephonic-interface statistical analysis system |
US09/270,241 Expired - Fee Related US6292547B1 (en) | 1985-07-10 | 1999-03-15 | Telephonic-interface statistical analysis system |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/827,614 Abandoned US20010021245A1 (en) | 1985-07-10 | 2001-04-05 | Telephonic-interface statistical analysis system |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (7) | US4845739A (en) |
EP (3) | EP0342295B1 (en) |
DE (3) | DE3853420T2 (en) |
HK (1) | HK1027928A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6700972B1 (en) | 1999-08-25 | 2004-03-02 | Verizon Corporate Services Group Inc. | System and method for processing and collecting data from a call directed to a call center |
Families Citing this family (322)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5752191A (en) | 1984-09-14 | 1998-05-12 | Accessline Technologies, Inc. | Telephone control system which connects a caller with a subscriber AT A telephone address |
US5588037A (en) | 1984-09-14 | 1996-12-24 | Accessline Technologies, Inc. | Remote access telephone control system |
US5375161A (en) | 1984-09-14 | 1994-12-20 | Accessline Technologies, Inc. | Telephone control system with branch routing |
US6201950B1 (en) | 1984-09-14 | 2001-03-13 | Aspect Telecommunications Corporation | Computer-controlled paging and telephone communication system and method |
US6545589B1 (en) | 1984-09-14 | 2003-04-08 | Aspect Communications Corporation | Method and apparatus for managing telecommunications |
US5351285A (en) * | 1985-07-10 | 1994-09-27 | First Data Resources Inc. | Multiple format telephonic interface control system |
US5898762A (en) | 1985-07-10 | 1999-04-27 | Ronald A. Katz Technology Licensing, L.P. | Telephonic-interface statistical analysis system |
US20040071278A1 (en) | 1985-07-10 | 2004-04-15 | Ronald A. Katz | Multiple format telephonic interface control system |
US5073929A (en) | 1988-05-16 | 1991-12-17 | First Data Resources Inc. | Voice-data telephonic control system |
US5365575A (en) * | 1985-07-10 | 1994-11-15 | First Data Resources Inc. | Telephonic-interface lottery system |
US5109404A (en) * | 1985-07-10 | 1992-04-28 | First Data Resources, Inc. | Telephone call processor with select call routing |
US5793846A (en) | 1985-07-10 | 1998-08-11 | Ronald A. Katz Technology Licensing, Lp | Telephonic-interface game control system |
US5828734A (en) * | 1985-07-10 | 1998-10-27 | Ronald A. Katz Technology Licensing, Lp | Telephone interface call processing system with call selectivity |
US6449346B1 (en) | 1985-07-10 | 2002-09-10 | Ronald A. Katz Technology Licensing, L.P. | Telephone-television interface statistical analysis system |
US5218631A (en) * | 1985-07-10 | 1993-06-08 | First Data Resources Inc. | Telephonic-interface game control system |
US5359645A (en) | 1985-07-10 | 1994-10-25 | First Data Corporation Inc. | Voice-data telephonic interface control system |
US5835576A (en) | 1985-07-10 | 1998-11-10 | Ronald A. Katz Technology Licensing, L.P. | Telephonic-interface lottery device |
US6678360B1 (en) | 1985-07-10 | 2004-01-13 | Ronald A. Katz Technology Licensing, L.P. | Telephonic-interface statistical analysis system |
US4845739A (en) | 1985-07-10 | 1989-07-04 | Fdr Interactive Technologies | Telephonic-interface statistical analysis system |
US5255309A (en) * | 1985-07-10 | 1993-10-19 | First Data Resources Inc. | Telephonic-interface statistical analysis system |
US6443840B2 (en) * | 1986-03-10 | 2002-09-03 | Response Reward Systems, L.C. | Evaluation of responses of participatory broadcast audience with prediction of winning contestants; monitoring, checking and controlling of wagering, and automatic crediting and couponing |
US5408515A (en) * | 1988-04-29 | 1995-04-18 | Mobile Telecommunication Technologies | Ground-to-air telephone calling system and related method for directing a call to a particular passenger |
US4922522A (en) * | 1988-06-07 | 1990-05-01 | American Telephone And Telegraph Company | Telecommunications access to lottery systems |
US5029196A (en) * | 1988-07-11 | 1991-07-02 | Dytel Corporation | Automated call screening |
US4932021A (en) * | 1989-04-03 | 1990-06-05 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Path learning feature for an automated telemarketing system |
US4959783A (en) * | 1989-04-06 | 1990-09-25 | Lotto Pick Quick Winning Odds, Ltd. | System and method for choosing random numbers and delivering such numbers to subscribers for playing games of chance |
US4989234A (en) * | 1989-04-11 | 1991-01-29 | Evanston Enterprises, Inc. | Systems for capturing telephonic mass responses |
US4989233A (en) * | 1989-04-11 | 1991-01-29 | Evanston Enterprises, Inc. | Systems for capturing telephonic mass responses |
US5083800A (en) * | 1989-06-09 | 1992-01-28 | Interactive Network, Inc. | Game of skill or chance playable by several participants remote from each other in conjunction with a common event |
US5185787A (en) * | 1989-06-26 | 1993-02-09 | First Data Resources, Inc. | Multiple party telephone control system with random dialing for polling |
US4939773A (en) * | 1989-06-26 | 1990-07-03 | First Data Resources, Inc. | Multiple party telephone control system |
US4969183A (en) * | 1989-08-28 | 1990-11-06 | Morris Reese | Telephone lotto number system and service |
US5263723A (en) * | 1989-10-27 | 1993-11-23 | Wakeman & Deforrest Corporation | Interactive contest system |
US5971854A (en) * | 1989-10-27 | 1999-10-26 | William Junkin Trust | Interactive contest system |
US5018736A (en) * | 1989-10-27 | 1991-05-28 | Wakeman & Deforrest Corporation | Interactive game system and method |
US5035422A (en) * | 1989-12-07 | 1991-07-30 | Robert Berman | Interactive game show and method for achieving interactive communication therewith |
US5108115A (en) * | 1989-12-07 | 1992-04-28 | Robert Berman | Interactive game show and method for achieving interactive communication therewith |
US5415416A (en) * | 1990-03-06 | 1995-05-16 | Lottotron Inc. | Computerized lottery wagering system |
US5910047A (en) * | 1990-03-06 | 1999-06-08 | Lottotron, Inc. | Computerized lottery wagering system |
US5816919A (en) * | 1990-03-06 | 1998-10-06 | Lottotron, Inc. | Computer lottery wagering system |
US5222120A (en) * | 1990-04-23 | 1993-06-22 | Mci Communications Corporation | Long distance telephone switching system with enhanced subscriber services |
US5060256A (en) * | 1990-04-26 | 1991-10-22 | Illinois Bell Telephone Company | Mass polling system with cut-through |
US5187735A (en) * | 1990-05-01 | 1993-02-16 | Tele Guia Talking Yellow Pages, Inc. | Integrated voice-mail based voice and information processing system |
US5164981A (en) * | 1990-06-04 | 1992-11-17 | Davox | Voice response system with automated data transfer |
US5133560A (en) * | 1990-08-31 | 1992-07-28 | Small Maynard E | Spelling game method |
JP3028491B2 (en) * | 1990-09-11 | 2000-04-04 | 松下電器産業株式会社 | Voice storage device |
JP3130529B2 (en) * | 1990-09-13 | 2001-01-31 | 株式会社東芝 | Communication terminal device |
US5113430A (en) * | 1990-10-01 | 1992-05-12 | United States Advanced Network, Inc. | Enhanced wide area audio response network |
US5335266A (en) * | 1990-10-01 | 1994-08-02 | United States Advance Network, Inc. | Automated telecommunication peripheral system |
CA2028566A1 (en) * | 1990-10-25 | 1992-04-26 | John N. Bassili | Method and apparatus for the measurement of response time in attitude survey research |
GB9103907D0 (en) * | 1991-02-25 | 1991-04-10 | Beaumont Maxin International L | Interactive transaction processing system |
US5528670A (en) * | 1991-05-13 | 1996-06-18 | Grapevine Software, Inc. | Voice message-based administration system |
US5381470A (en) * | 1991-05-28 | 1995-01-10 | Davox Corporation | Supervisory management center with parameter testing and alerts |
US5186471A (en) * | 1991-06-21 | 1993-02-16 | Nynex Corporation | Interactive telephone gaming system |
US5301320A (en) * | 1991-06-28 | 1994-04-05 | Digital Equipment Corporation | Workflow management and control system |
US8352400B2 (en) | 1991-12-23 | 2013-01-08 | Hoffberg Steven M | Adaptive pattern recognition based controller apparatus and method and human-factored interface therefore |
US5354069A (en) * | 1992-01-21 | 1994-10-11 | Ahbrew Company | Lottery emulation system |
US6016335A (en) * | 1992-03-13 | 2000-01-18 | Lacy; Alex B. | Telephone registration system for schools |
WO1993022866A1 (en) * | 1992-04-24 | 1993-11-11 | Paragon Services International, Inc. | Interactive telephone system for optimizing service economy |
FR2691560A1 (en) * | 1992-05-20 | 1993-11-26 | Aide Communication Systemes In | Management of communications in system for use in auction sales - uses central communication controller operated by auctioneer to select communication with external buyers |
US5297802A (en) * | 1992-06-05 | 1994-03-29 | Terrence Pocock | Televised bingo game system |
US5729600A (en) * | 1992-06-25 | 1998-03-17 | Rockwell International Corporation | Automatic call distributor with automated voice responsive call servicing system and method |
US5987149A (en) | 1992-07-08 | 1999-11-16 | Uniscore Incorporated | Method for scoring and control of scoring open-ended assessments using scorers in diverse locations |
US5357564A (en) * | 1992-08-12 | 1994-10-18 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Intelligent call screening in a virtual communications network |
US5327485A (en) * | 1992-12-01 | 1994-07-05 | Pacific Bell | Telephone lottery play system |
US5437554A (en) * | 1993-02-05 | 1995-08-01 | National Computer Systems, Inc. | System for providing performance feedback to test resolvers |
US5433615A (en) * | 1993-02-05 | 1995-07-18 | National Computer Systems, Inc. | Categorized test item reporting system |
US20030185356A1 (en) | 1993-03-12 | 2003-10-02 | Telebuyer, Llc | Commercial product telephonic routing system with mobile wireless and video vending capability |
US6323894B1 (en) | 1993-03-12 | 2001-11-27 | Telebuyer, Llc | Commercial product routing system with video vending capability |
US5495284A (en) | 1993-03-12 | 1996-02-27 | Katz; Ronald A. | Scheduling and processing system for telephone video communication |
US7019770B1 (en) | 1993-03-12 | 2006-03-28 | Telebuyer, Llc | Videophone system for scrutiny monitoring with computer control |
US5392336A (en) * | 1993-05-27 | 1995-02-21 | At&T Corp. | Data message storage and pick up service |
GB9314296D0 (en) * | 1993-07-10 | 1993-08-25 | Ibm | Audio data processing |
ES2151526T3 (en) * | 1993-11-10 | 2001-01-01 | Tomato Interactive S R L | AWARD AWARD SYSTEM. |
US5490207A (en) * | 1994-01-21 | 1996-02-06 | Schorr; Andrew | Method of dispersing information and collecting data via telephone systems |
US5559888A (en) * | 1994-02-15 | 1996-09-24 | Lucent Technologies Inc. | Secure information retrieval service (SIRS) |
US6026156A (en) | 1994-03-18 | 2000-02-15 | Aspect Telecommunications Corporation | Enhanced call waiting |
AU2275495A (en) * | 1994-03-31 | 1995-10-23 | Citibank, N.A. | Interactive voice response system |
US5864604A (en) * | 1994-05-20 | 1999-01-26 | General Patent Corp | Method of providing message service for limited access telecommunications |
US5751802A (en) * | 1994-12-27 | 1998-05-12 | At & T Corp | Telecommunications service provisioning |
US5546452A (en) | 1995-03-02 | 1996-08-13 | Geotel Communications Corp. | Communications system using a central controller to control at least one network and agent system |
JPH08292937A (en) * | 1995-04-24 | 1996-11-05 | Fujitsu Ltd | Questionnaire survey agent system and its method |
US6069941A (en) | 1995-07-27 | 2000-05-30 | At&T Corp | Method for controlling subscriber access to a fee-based service |
US6411682B1 (en) | 1995-09-21 | 2002-06-25 | Aspect Telecommunications Corporation | Computer controlled paging and telephone communication system and method |
US5905865A (en) | 1995-10-30 | 1999-05-18 | Web Pager, Inc. | Apparatus and method of automatically accessing on-line services in response to broadcast of on-line addresses |
US7925531B1 (en) | 1995-11-13 | 2011-04-12 | TrialCard Incorporated | Method of delivering goods and services via media |
US5918213A (en) * | 1995-12-22 | 1999-06-29 | Mci Communications Corporation | System and method for automated remote previewing and purchasing of music, video, software, and other multimedia products |
US20090012864A1 (en) * | 2007-07-02 | 2009-01-08 | Goldberg Sheldon F | Compensation model for network services |
US9530150B2 (en) | 1996-01-19 | 2016-12-27 | Adcension, Llc | Compensation model for network services |
US6264560B1 (en) | 1996-01-19 | 2001-07-24 | Sheldon F. Goldberg | Method and system for playing games on a network |
US5823879A (en) | 1996-01-19 | 1998-10-20 | Sheldon F. Goldberg | Network gaming system |
ITMI960327A1 (en) * | 1996-02-21 | 1997-08-21 | Zorza Csaba Dalla | ELECTRONIC-TELEPHONE-TELEMATIC SYSTEM FOR LOTTERIES |
US7305243B1 (en) | 1996-02-28 | 2007-12-04 | Tendler Cellular, Inc. | Location based information system |
US6519463B2 (en) | 1996-02-28 | 2003-02-11 | Tendler Cellular, Inc. | Location based service request system |
US5974389A (en) * | 1996-03-01 | 1999-10-26 | Clark; Melanie Ann | Medical record management system and process with improved workflow features |
US5867562A (en) * | 1996-04-17 | 1999-02-02 | Scherer; Gordon F. | Call processing system with call screening |
US6975708B1 (en) | 1996-04-17 | 2005-12-13 | Convergys Cmg Utah, Inc. | Call processing system with call screening |
US7747507B2 (en) | 1996-05-23 | 2010-06-29 | Ticketmaster L.L.C. | Computer controlled auction system |
US6704713B1 (en) | 1996-05-23 | 2004-03-09 | Ita Investments, Llc | Computer controlled event ticket auctioning system |
US5883940A (en) * | 1996-07-01 | 1999-03-16 | Teledynamics Group, Inc. | Interactive method and apparatus for the generation of leads |
US5838774A (en) * | 1996-07-01 | 1998-11-17 | Bellsouth Corporation | Telephone polling method |
US5862223A (en) | 1996-07-24 | 1999-01-19 | Walker Asset Management Limited Partnership | Method and apparatus for a cryptographically-assisted commercial network system designed to facilitate and support expert-based commerce |
FI111428B (en) | 1996-08-29 | 2003-07-15 | Nokia Corp | Gallup that utilizes a wireless data communication connection |
GB9618350D0 (en) * | 1996-09-03 | 1996-10-16 | Profit Thru Telecommunications | Interactivity telecommunications |
US6236365B1 (en) | 1996-09-09 | 2001-05-22 | Tracbeam, Llc | Location of a mobile station using a plurality of commercial wireless infrastructures |
GB2337386B (en) | 1996-09-09 | 2001-04-04 | Dennis J Dupray | Location of a mobile station |
US9134398B2 (en) | 1996-09-09 | 2015-09-15 | Tracbeam Llc | Wireless location using network centric location estimators |
US6161099A (en) * | 1997-05-29 | 2000-12-12 | Muniauction, Inc. | Process and apparatus for conducting auctions over electronic networks |
US6058367A (en) * | 1997-06-13 | 2000-05-02 | Tele-Publishing, Inc. | System for matching users based upon responses to sensory stimuli |
US5857193A (en) * | 1997-06-13 | 1999-01-05 | Sutcliffe; Andrew B. | Centralized audiotext polling system |
US6052122A (en) | 1997-06-13 | 2000-04-18 | Tele-Publishing, Inc. | Method and apparatus for matching registered profiles |
US5893111A (en) * | 1997-06-13 | 1999-04-06 | Sharon, Jr.; Paul A. | Ad taking pagination information system |
US6073105A (en) * | 1997-06-13 | 2000-06-06 | Tele-Publishing, Inc. | Interactive personals online network method and apparatus |
US6728341B1 (en) * | 1997-06-24 | 2004-04-27 | Royal Thoughts, Llc | Monitoring and communication system for stationary and mobile persons |
US5903630A (en) * | 1997-06-30 | 1999-05-11 | Movo Media, Inc. | Method and apparatus for specifying alphanumeric information with a telephone keypad |
US5963951A (en) * | 1997-06-30 | 1999-10-05 | Movo Media, Inc. | Computerized on-line dating service for searching and matching people |
US6061681A (en) * | 1997-06-30 | 2000-05-09 | Movo Media, Inc. | On-line dating service for locating and matching people based on user-selected search criteria |
US6029154A (en) * | 1997-07-28 | 2000-02-22 | Internet Commerce Services Corporation | Method and system for detecting fraud in a credit card transaction over the internet |
US7403922B1 (en) | 1997-07-28 | 2008-07-22 | Cybersource Corporation | Method and apparatus for evaluating fraud risk in an electronic commerce transaction |
US7096192B1 (en) * | 1997-07-28 | 2006-08-22 | Cybersource Corporation | Method and system for detecting fraud in a credit card transaction over a computer network |
US6044134A (en) * | 1997-09-23 | 2000-03-28 | De La Huerga; Carlos | Messaging system and method |
US7003528B2 (en) | 1998-02-13 | 2006-02-21 | 3565 Acquisition, Llc | Method and system for web management |
US6560639B1 (en) | 1998-02-13 | 2003-05-06 | 3565 Acquisition Corporation | System for web content management based on server-side application |
WO1999044374A1 (en) * | 1998-02-27 | 1999-09-02 | Ericsson Inc. | Method and apparatus for personally identifying a calling party to a called party |
US7437313B1 (en) | 1998-03-11 | 2008-10-14 | West Direct, Llc | Methods, computer-readable media, and apparatus for offering users a plurality of scenarios under which to conduct at least one primary transaction |
US8315909B1 (en) | 1998-03-11 | 2012-11-20 | West Corporation | Methods and apparatus for intelligent selection of goods and services in point-of-sale commerce |
US7386485B1 (en) | 2004-06-25 | 2008-06-10 | West Corporation | Method and system for providing offers in real time to prospective customers |
US7364068B1 (en) | 1998-03-11 | 2008-04-29 | West Corporation | Methods and apparatus for intelligent selection of goods and services offered to conferees |
US6055513A (en) | 1998-03-11 | 2000-04-25 | Telebuyer, Llc | Methods and apparatus for intelligent selection of goods and services in telephonic and electronic commerce |
US6418205B2 (en) | 1998-05-07 | 2002-07-09 | Mci Communications Corporation | Call and circuit state machine for a transaction control layer of a communications signaling gateway |
US6389126B1 (en) | 1998-05-07 | 2002-05-14 | Mci Communications Corporation | Service provisioning system for interactive voice response services |
US6427002B2 (en) | 1998-05-07 | 2002-07-30 | Worldcom, Inc. | Advanced interactive voice response service node |
US6496567B1 (en) * | 1998-05-07 | 2002-12-17 | Mci Communications Corporation | Interactive voice response service node with advanced resource management |
US6366658B1 (en) | 1998-05-07 | 2002-04-02 | Mci Communications Corporation | Telecommunications architecture for call center services using advanced interactive voice responsive service node |
US6493353B2 (en) | 1998-05-07 | 2002-12-10 | Mci Communications Corporation | Communications signaling gateway and system for an advanced service node |
US6647111B1 (en) | 1998-05-07 | 2003-11-11 | Mci Communications Corporation | System for executing advanced interactive voice response services using service-independent building blocks |
US7062020B1 (en) | 1998-06-08 | 2006-06-13 | Convergys Cmg Utah Inc. | System and apparatus for IVR port sharing |
US6011844A (en) | 1998-06-19 | 2000-01-04 | Callnet Communications | Point-of-presence call center management system |
US6324276B1 (en) | 1999-02-12 | 2001-11-27 | Telera, Inc. | Point-of-presence call center management system |
US6704563B1 (en) | 1998-08-11 | 2004-03-09 | Boston Communications Group, Inc. | Systems and methods for prerating costs for a communication event |
US6667688B1 (en) | 1998-08-28 | 2003-12-23 | Royal Thoughts, L.L.C. | Detection system using personal communication device with response |
US6608557B1 (en) | 1998-08-29 | 2003-08-19 | Royal Thoughts, Llc | Systems and methods for transmitting signals to a central station |
JP2002527001A (en) * | 1998-09-25 | 2002-08-20 | ソマ ネットワークス インコーポレイテッド | Telecommunication services |
US6267672B1 (en) * | 1998-10-21 | 2001-07-31 | Ayecon Entertainment, L.L.C. | Product sales enhancing internet game system |
US6671351B2 (en) | 1998-10-21 | 2003-12-30 | Royal Thoughts, L.L.C. | Assisted personal communication system and method |
US7138902B2 (en) * | 1998-10-23 | 2006-11-21 | Royal Thoughts, Llc | Personal medical device communication system and method |
US20020169539A1 (en) * | 2001-03-28 | 2002-11-14 | Menard Raymond J. | Method and system for wireless tracking |
US6759956B2 (en) | 1998-10-23 | 2004-07-06 | Royal Thoughts, L.L.C. | Bi-directional wireless detection system |
US7088233B2 (en) | 1998-10-23 | 2006-08-08 | Royal Thoughts, Llc | Personal medical device communication system and method |
DE19852845B4 (en) | 1998-11-10 | 2018-03-15 | Vodafone Holding Gmbh | Bonus machining processes |
US8135413B2 (en) * | 1998-11-24 | 2012-03-13 | Tracbeam Llc | Platform and applications for wireless location and other complex services |
US7966078B2 (en) | 1999-02-01 | 2011-06-21 | Steven Hoffberg | Network media appliance system and method |
US6871191B1 (en) * | 2000-01-24 | 2005-03-22 | Sam E. Kinney, Jr. | Method and system for partial quantity evaluated rank bidding in online auctions |
US6016338A (en) * | 1999-03-22 | 2000-01-18 | At&T Corp. | Lottery method and apparatus having a tiered prize scheme |
US6011835A (en) * | 1999-03-22 | 2000-01-04 | At&T Corp | Method and apparatus for determining a caller's eligibility for a lottery and advising lottery winner during a same call |
US6273816B1 (en) | 1999-03-22 | 2001-08-14 | At&T Corp | Method and apparatus for rewarding groups of communication service users |
US5987101A (en) * | 1999-03-22 | 1999-11-16 | At&T Corp. | Method and apparatus for determining a caller's odds for winning a lottery based on caller history |
US6223165B1 (en) | 1999-03-22 | 2001-04-24 | Keen.Com, Incorporated | Method and apparatus to connect consumer to expert |
DE19915671A1 (en) * | 1999-04-07 | 2000-10-12 | Nets Ag | System and method for telecommunication, for paying costs, for medical surveillance, for games |
US6594639B1 (en) * | 1999-04-19 | 2003-07-15 | At&T Corp. | Rewarding telephone callers based on call information |
US7536002B1 (en) | 1999-07-09 | 2009-05-19 | Jpmorgan Chase Bank, National Association | System and method of intelligent call routing for cross sell offer selection based on optimization parameters or account-level data |
US7124111B1 (en) * | 1999-09-14 | 2006-10-17 | Jpmorgan Chase Bank, N.A. | Service charge adjustment platform |
US6859784B1 (en) * | 1999-09-28 | 2005-02-22 | Keynote Systems, Inc. | Automated research tool |
US20020010608A1 (en) * | 1999-10-08 | 2002-01-24 | Scott Faber | System for provding services in real-time overthe internet |
US6876991B1 (en) | 1999-11-08 | 2005-04-05 | Collaborative Decision Platforms, Llc. | System, method and computer program product for a collaborative decision platform |
US6513025B1 (en) * | 1999-12-09 | 2003-01-28 | Teradyne, Inc. | Multistage machine learning process |
WO2001048712A1 (en) * | 1999-12-23 | 2001-07-05 | Nokia Corporation | Mobile lotto |
US6965865B2 (en) | 1999-12-30 | 2005-11-15 | Bank One Delaware N.A. | System and method for integrated customer management |
US7255200B1 (en) * | 2000-01-06 | 2007-08-14 | Ncr Corporation | Apparatus and method for operating a self-service checkout terminal having a voice generating device associated therewith |
US7835957B1 (en) | 2000-01-24 | 2010-11-16 | Ariba, Inc. | Method and system for correcting market failures with participant isolation in dutch style online auctions |
US6683943B2 (en) * | 2000-01-26 | 2004-01-27 | Richard A. Wuelly | Automated mass audience telecommunications database creation method |
US6767284B1 (en) * | 2000-03-14 | 2004-07-27 | John R. Koza | Skill games |
US7218921B2 (en) * | 2000-05-12 | 2007-05-15 | Chikka Pte Ltd | Method and system for inviting and creating accounts for prospective users of an instant messaging system |
US20010047321A1 (en) * | 2000-05-25 | 2001-11-29 | Wyatt Gregory R. | Methods and systems for auctioning products |
US10684350B2 (en) | 2000-06-02 | 2020-06-16 | Tracbeam Llc | Services and applications for a communications network |
US10641861B2 (en) | 2000-06-02 | 2020-05-05 | Dennis J. Dupray | Services and applications for a communications network |
US9875492B2 (en) * | 2001-05-22 | 2018-01-23 | Dennis J. Dupray | Real estate transaction system |
US7103344B2 (en) * | 2000-06-08 | 2006-09-05 | Menard Raymond J | Device with passive receiver |
US7502453B1 (en) | 2000-08-02 | 2009-03-10 | Cox Communications, Inc. | Automated event ordering system and method |
US6865540B1 (en) | 2000-08-09 | 2005-03-08 | Ingenio, Inc. | Method and apparatus for providing group calls via the internet |
US7194511B2 (en) * | 2000-08-10 | 2007-03-20 | Digeo, Inc. | System and method to manage participant input for an interactive show |
AU2001292665A1 (en) * | 2000-09-11 | 2002-03-26 | Mygroupbuy, Inc. | Customizable group initiative |
US7580890B2 (en) * | 2000-10-12 | 2009-08-25 | Jpmorgan Chase Bank, N.A. | System and method for supervising account management operations |
US6636590B1 (en) * | 2000-10-30 | 2003-10-21 | Ingenio, Inc. | Apparatus and method for specifying and obtaining services through voice commands |
US20020082871A1 (en) * | 2000-10-30 | 2002-06-27 | Ted Younger | System and method for providing online insurance information |
US7409700B1 (en) | 2000-11-03 | 2008-08-05 | The Walt Disney Company | System and method for enhanced broadcasting and interactive |
DE60125898T2 (en) * | 2000-11-27 | 2007-09-06 | Ntt Docomo Inc. | Method for providing a program and arrangement and server for broadcasting |
DE10100224A1 (en) * | 2001-01-04 | 2002-07-25 | Eolon Gmbh | Method for operating a telecommunications network |
US6969320B2 (en) * | 2001-01-10 | 2005-11-29 | Multimedia Games, Inc. | Distributed account based gaming system |
US7289623B2 (en) * | 2001-01-16 | 2007-10-30 | Utbk, Inc. | System and method for an online speaker patch-through |
US20040218732A1 (en) * | 2001-01-22 | 2004-11-04 | Royal Thoughts, L.L.C. | Assisted personal communication system and method |
US6912399B2 (en) | 2001-01-22 | 2005-06-28 | Royal Thoughts, Llc | Cellular telephone with programmable authorized telephone number |
US8121871B2 (en) * | 2001-01-26 | 2012-02-21 | Genworth Financial, Inc. | System, method and software application for accessing and processing information |
US6725102B2 (en) * | 2001-02-14 | 2004-04-20 | Kinpo Electronics Inc. | Automatic operation system and a method of operating the same |
DE10108870A1 (en) * | 2001-02-15 | 2002-09-05 | Deutsche Telekom Ag | Providing service via telecommunications network involves generating communications logical records with data corresponding to user credits depending on user data and called-up service |
US7953636B2 (en) * | 2001-02-21 | 2011-05-31 | Genworth Financial, Inc. | System and method for providing customized sales-related data over a network |
US6563910B2 (en) | 2001-02-26 | 2003-05-13 | Royal Thoughts, Llc | Emergency response information distribution |
US6820802B2 (en) | 2001-02-27 | 2004-11-23 | American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. | Online card activation system and method |
US6961482B2 (en) * | 2001-03-05 | 2005-11-01 | Ncs Pearson, Inc. | System for archiving electronic images of test question responses |
US6810232B2 (en) | 2001-03-05 | 2004-10-26 | Ncs Pearson, Inc. | Test processing workflow tracking system |
US6675133B2 (en) | 2001-03-05 | 2004-01-06 | Ncs Pearsons, Inc. | Pre-data-collection applications test processing system |
US6751351B2 (en) | 2001-03-05 | 2004-06-15 | Nsc Pearson, Inc. | Test question response verification system |
US7016843B2 (en) * | 2001-03-09 | 2006-03-21 | Bevocal, Inc. | System method and computer program product for transferring unregistered callers to a registration process |
US20020133402A1 (en) | 2001-03-13 | 2002-09-19 | Scott Faber | Apparatus and method for recruiting, communicating with, and paying participants of interactive advertising |
US20040066302A1 (en) * | 2001-03-28 | 2004-04-08 | Menard Raymond J. | Interactive motion sensitive sensor |
CA2441195C (en) * | 2001-04-19 | 2008-08-26 | British Telecommunications Public Limited Company | Voice response system |
US7739162B1 (en) | 2001-05-04 | 2010-06-15 | West Corporation | System, method, and business method for setting micropayment transaction to a pre-paid instrument |
US7133971B2 (en) * | 2003-11-21 | 2006-11-07 | International Business Machines Corporation | Cache with selective least frequently used or most frequently used cache line replacement |
US7133662B2 (en) * | 2001-05-24 | 2006-11-07 | International Business Machines Corporation | Methods and apparatus for restricting access of a user using a cellular telephone |
US20020183008A1 (en) * | 2001-05-29 | 2002-12-05 | Menard Raymond J. | Power door control and sensor module for a wireless system |
US7865427B2 (en) | 2001-05-30 | 2011-01-04 | Cybersource Corporation | Method and apparatus for evaluating fraud risk in an electronic commerce transaction |
US20020188497A1 (en) * | 2001-06-12 | 2002-12-12 | Cerwin Francis Anthony | System and method for customer knowledge respository |
US7110525B1 (en) | 2001-06-25 | 2006-09-19 | Toby Heller | Agent training sensitive call routing system |
TW535389B (en) * | 2001-07-03 | 2003-06-01 | Wistron Corp | Transaction system and method with automatic identification verification |
US20030013503A1 (en) * | 2001-07-16 | 2003-01-16 | Royal Thoughts, L.L.C. | Intercom module for a wireless system |
US6704403B2 (en) | 2001-09-05 | 2004-03-09 | Ingenio, Inc. | Apparatus and method for ensuring a real-time connection between users and selected service provider using voice mail |
JP2005505067A (en) * | 2001-10-01 | 2005-02-17 | シット−アップ・リミテッド | Interactive broadcast or input method and system |
US20030088443A1 (en) * | 2001-11-08 | 2003-05-08 | Majikes Matthew George | System and method for personalizing and delivering insurance or financial services-related content to a user |
US7027175B2 (en) * | 2001-11-15 | 2006-04-11 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Print processing system and method with print job reprocessing |
US20100125521A1 (en) * | 2001-12-03 | 2010-05-20 | Hanan Christopher C | Biller focused business to business electronic invoice presentment and accounts receivables reconciliation system |
US20030210140A1 (en) * | 2001-12-06 | 2003-11-13 | Menard Raymond J. | Wireless management of portable toilet facilities |
US7580850B2 (en) | 2001-12-14 | 2009-08-25 | Utbk, Inc. | Apparatus and method for online advice customer relationship management |
US20050071863A1 (en) * | 2001-12-21 | 2005-03-31 | Matz William R. | System and method for storing and distributing television viewing patterns form a clearinghouse |
US7937439B2 (en) | 2001-12-27 | 2011-05-03 | Utbk, Inc. | Apparatus and method for scheduling live advice communication with a selected service provider |
US6967562B2 (en) | 2002-02-22 | 2005-11-22 | Royal Thoughts, Llc | Electronic lock control and sensor module for a wireless system |
US7372952B1 (en) | 2002-03-07 | 2008-05-13 | Wai Wu | Telephony control system with intelligent call routing |
US6862343B1 (en) | 2002-03-27 | 2005-03-01 | West Corporation | Methods, apparatus, scripts, and computer readable media for facilitating secure capture of sensitive data for a voice-based transaction conducted over a telecommunications network |
US20040210947A1 (en) | 2003-04-15 | 2004-10-21 | Shusman Chad W. | Method and apparatus for interactive video on demand |
US20030196206A1 (en) | 2002-04-15 | 2003-10-16 | Shusman Chad W. | Method and apparatus for internet-based interactive programming |
US20040032486A1 (en) | 2002-08-16 | 2004-02-19 | Shusman Chad W. | Method and apparatus for interactive programming using captioning |
US6910965B2 (en) | 2002-04-19 | 2005-06-28 | David W. Downes | Pari-mutuel sports wagering system |
US7076031B1 (en) | 2002-05-03 | 2006-07-11 | James Russell Bress | System and method for telephone signal collection and analysis |
US20030233269A1 (en) * | 2002-06-13 | 2003-12-18 | Grant Griffin | Computerized method and system for generating reports and diagnostics which measure effectiveness of an event or product or service promoted at the event |
US7403967B1 (en) | 2002-06-18 | 2008-07-22 | West Corporation | Methods, apparatus, and computer readable media for confirmation and verification of shipping address data associated with a transaction |
US7298836B2 (en) * | 2002-09-24 | 2007-11-20 | At&T Bls Intellectual Property, Inc. | Network-based healthcare information systems |
US20040064472A1 (en) * | 2002-09-27 | 2004-04-01 | Oetringer Eugen H. | Method and system for information management |
US20040087836A1 (en) * | 2002-10-31 | 2004-05-06 | Green Michael R. | Computer system and method for closed-loop support of patient self-testing |
US7769650B2 (en) * | 2002-12-03 | 2010-08-03 | Jp Morgan Chase Bank | Network-based sub-allocation systems and methods for swaps |
US9477820B2 (en) | 2003-12-09 | 2016-10-25 | Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. | Systems and methods for using unique device identifiers to enhance security |
US9740988B1 (en) | 2002-12-09 | 2017-08-22 | Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. | System and method for using unique device indentifiers to enhance security |
US10366373B1 (en) | 2002-12-09 | 2019-07-30 | Live Nation Entertainment, Incorporated | Apparatus for access control and processing |
US7356139B2 (en) * | 2002-12-31 | 2008-04-08 | At&T Delaware Intellectual Property, Inc. | Computer telephony integration (CTI) complete hospitality contact center |
US7620170B2 (en) | 2002-12-31 | 2009-11-17 | At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. | Computer telephony integration (CTI) complete customer contact center |
US8306908B1 (en) | 2002-12-31 | 2012-11-06 | West Corporation | Methods and apparatus for intelligent selection of goods and services in telephonic and electronic commerce |
US20040128171A1 (en) * | 2002-12-31 | 2004-07-01 | Rees Timothy E. | Systems and methods for processing insurance information |
US7573999B2 (en) * | 2002-12-31 | 2009-08-11 | At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. | Computer telephony integration (CTI) complete healthcare contact center |
US20040216084A1 (en) * | 2003-01-17 | 2004-10-28 | Brown Albert C. | System and method of managing web content |
US20040225730A1 (en) * | 2003-01-17 | 2004-11-11 | Brown Albert C. | Content manager integration |
US7248688B2 (en) * | 2003-01-27 | 2007-07-24 | Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation | Virtual physician office systems and methods |
US7440567B2 (en) * | 2003-01-27 | 2008-10-21 | At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. | Healthcare virtual private network methods and systems |
US8149823B2 (en) * | 2003-01-27 | 2012-04-03 | At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. | Computer telephony integration (CTI) systems and methods for enhancing school safety |
US9818136B1 (en) | 2003-02-05 | 2017-11-14 | Steven M. Hoffberg | System and method for determining contingent relevance |
US7676034B1 (en) | 2003-03-07 | 2010-03-09 | Wai Wu | Method and system for matching entities in an auction |
US7877293B2 (en) * | 2003-03-13 | 2011-01-25 | International Business Machines Corporation | User context based distributed self service system for service enhanced resource delivery |
US6993818B2 (en) * | 2003-03-17 | 2006-02-07 | Memx, Inc. | Multi-fixture assembly of cutting tools |
US8712857B1 (en) | 2003-03-31 | 2014-04-29 | Tuxis Technologies Llc | Methods and apparatus for intelligent selection of goods and services in mobile commerce |
US20040259577A1 (en) * | 2003-04-30 | 2004-12-23 | Jonathan Ackley | System and method of simulating interactivity with a broadcoast using a mobile phone |
US20040248552A1 (en) * | 2003-05-20 | 2004-12-09 | Mazurick Michael Le | Remote automated voting and electoral system ("RAVES") |
US7359498B2 (en) * | 2003-06-12 | 2008-04-15 | Utbk, Inc. | Systems and methods for arranging a call |
US7698183B2 (en) * | 2003-06-18 | 2010-04-13 | Utbk, Inc. | Method and apparatus for prioritizing a listing of information providers |
US7613656B2 (en) * | 2003-08-11 | 2009-11-03 | Jp Morgan Chase Bank | Coupon payment system |
US7886009B2 (en) | 2003-08-22 | 2011-02-08 | Utbk, Inc. | Gate keeper |
US8027878B2 (en) | 2003-10-06 | 2011-09-27 | Utbk, Inc. | Method and apparatus to compensate demand partners in a pay-per-call performance based advertising system |
US7428497B2 (en) | 2003-10-06 | 2008-09-23 | Utbk, Inc. | Methods and apparatuses for pay-per-call advertising in mobile/wireless applications |
US7366683B2 (en) | 2003-10-06 | 2008-04-29 | Utbk, Inc. | Methods and apparatuses for offline selection of pay-per-call advertisers |
US9984377B2 (en) | 2003-10-06 | 2018-05-29 | Yellowpages.Com Llc | System and method for providing advertisement |
US7120235B2 (en) * | 2003-10-06 | 2006-10-10 | Ingenio, Inc. | Method and apparatus to provide pay-per-call performance based advertising |
US8121898B2 (en) | 2003-10-06 | 2012-02-21 | Utbk, Inc. | Methods and apparatuses for geographic area selections in pay-per-call advertisement |
US7424442B2 (en) | 2004-05-04 | 2008-09-09 | Utbk, Inc. | Method and apparatus to allocate and recycle telephone numbers in a call-tracking system |
US8024224B2 (en) * | 2004-03-10 | 2011-09-20 | Utbk, Inc. | Method and apparatus to provide pay-per-call advertising and billing |
US8155297B1 (en) | 2003-12-02 | 2012-04-10 | Jpmorgan Chase Bank | System and method for providing call-back options |
US7415267B2 (en) * | 2003-12-15 | 2008-08-19 | Jp Morgan Chase Bank | Methods and systems for managing call reports for the financial services industry |
US8463627B1 (en) | 2003-12-16 | 2013-06-11 | Ticketmaster | Systems and methods for queuing requests and providing queue status |
US7584123B1 (en) | 2004-04-06 | 2009-09-01 | Ticketmaster | Systems for dynamically allocating finite or unique resources |
US9870584B2 (en) | 2004-06-10 | 2018-01-16 | HemaSource, Inc. | Method and system for web-based inventory control and automatic order calculator |
US7178720B1 (en) | 2004-09-30 | 2007-02-20 | West Corporation | Methods, computer-readable media, and computer program product for intelligent selection of items encoded onto portable machine-playable entertainment media |
US20060149664A1 (en) * | 2004-12-30 | 2006-07-06 | Jp Morgan Chase Bank | Marketing system and method |
US7443303B2 (en) | 2005-01-10 | 2008-10-28 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | System and method for managing workflow |
US9202219B2 (en) * | 2005-02-16 | 2015-12-01 | Yellowpages.Com Llc | System and method to merge pay-for-performance advertising models |
US8538768B2 (en) * | 2005-02-16 | 2013-09-17 | Ingenio Llc | Methods and apparatuses for delivery of advice to mobile/wireless devices |
US7979308B2 (en) * | 2005-03-03 | 2011-07-12 | Utbk, Inc. | Methods and apparatuses for sorting lists for presentation |
WO2006102354A2 (en) | 2005-03-22 | 2006-09-28 | Ticketmaster | Apparatus and methods for providing queue messaging over a network |
US9608929B2 (en) | 2005-03-22 | 2017-03-28 | Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. | System and method for dynamic queue management using queue protocols |
US9762685B2 (en) | 2005-04-27 | 2017-09-12 | Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. | Location-based task execution for enhanced data access |
US20070055439A1 (en) * | 2005-04-27 | 2007-03-08 | Dennis Denker | Methods and systems for selectively providing a networked service |
US20140379390A1 (en) | 2013-06-20 | 2014-12-25 | Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. | Location-based presentations of ticket opportunities |
US8761154B2 (en) | 2005-09-28 | 2014-06-24 | Ebbe Altberg | Methods and apparatuses to access advertisements through voice over internet protocol (VoIP) applications |
US8599832B2 (en) | 2005-09-28 | 2013-12-03 | Ingenio Llc | Methods and apparatuses to connect people for real time communications via voice over internet protocol (VOIP) |
US8874477B2 (en) | 2005-10-04 | 2014-10-28 | Steven Mark Hoffberg | Multifactorial optimization system and method |
US7818238B1 (en) * | 2005-10-11 | 2010-10-19 | Jpmorgan Chase Bank, N.A. | Upside forward with early funding provision |
US8681778B2 (en) | 2006-01-10 | 2014-03-25 | Ingenio Llc | Systems and methods to manage privilege to speak |
US20070165841A1 (en) * | 2006-01-10 | 2007-07-19 | Scott Faber | Systems and methods to provide guidance during a process to establish a communication connection |
US9197479B2 (en) | 2006-01-10 | 2015-11-24 | Yellowpages.Com Llc | Systems and methods to manage a queue of people requesting real time communication connections |
US7720091B2 (en) * | 2006-01-10 | 2010-05-18 | Utbk, Inc. | Systems and methods to arrange call back |
US8125931B2 (en) * | 2006-01-10 | 2012-02-28 | Utbk, Inc. | Systems and methods to provide availability indication |
EP1987441B1 (en) | 2006-02-07 | 2017-10-04 | Ticketmaster | Methods and systems for reducing burst usage of a networked computer system |
WO2007098095A2 (en) * | 2006-02-16 | 2007-08-30 | Lewis Daniel L | Random-text display lighter |
US8300798B1 (en) | 2006-04-03 | 2012-10-30 | Wai Wu | Intelligent communication routing system and method |
US20070250878A1 (en) * | 2006-04-05 | 2007-10-25 | Ryckman Lawrence G | Interactive system for conducting contest |
NZ572768A (en) | 2006-05-09 | 2011-10-28 | Ticketmaster | Apparatus for access control and processing |
US9317855B2 (en) | 2006-10-24 | 2016-04-19 | Yellowpages.Com Llc | Systems and methods to provide voice connections via local telephone numbers |
CA3103310C (en) | 2006-11-02 | 2023-04-04 | Voip-Pal.Com, Inc. | Producing routing messages for voice over ip communications |
US8451825B2 (en) | 2007-02-22 | 2013-05-28 | Utbk, Llc | Systems and methods to confirm initiation of a callback |
US8533821B2 (en) * | 2007-05-25 | 2013-09-10 | International Business Machines Corporation | Detecting and defending against man-in-the-middle attacks |
US9277019B2 (en) | 2007-06-18 | 2016-03-01 | Yellowpages.Com Llc | Systems and methods to provide communication references to connect people for real time communications |
US20090003566A1 (en) * | 2007-06-29 | 2009-01-01 | Rachel Wentink | System and method for scoring recorded interactions |
NZ582897A (en) | 2007-08-07 | 2012-09-28 | Ticketmaster L L C | Allocating computing resources to authorised requesters based on ranking criteria |
US9807096B2 (en) | 2014-12-18 | 2017-10-31 | Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. | Controlled token distribution to protect against malicious data and resource access |
US7707089B1 (en) | 2008-03-12 | 2010-04-27 | Jpmorgan Chase, N.A. | Method and system for automating fraud authorization strategies |
CA2732148C (en) | 2008-07-28 | 2018-06-05 | Digifonica (International) Limited | Mobile gateway |
US20100269162A1 (en) * | 2009-04-15 | 2010-10-21 | Jose Bravo | Website authentication |
EP2478678B1 (en) | 2009-09-17 | 2016-01-27 | Digifonica (International) Limited | Uninterrupted transmission of internet protocol transmissions during endpoint changes |
US8683609B2 (en) * | 2009-12-04 | 2014-03-25 | International Business Machines Corporation | Mobile phone and IP address correlation service |
US8386381B1 (en) | 2009-12-16 | 2013-02-26 | Jpmorgan Chase Bank, N.A. | Method and system for detecting, monitoring and addressing data compromises |
US9781170B2 (en) | 2010-06-15 | 2017-10-03 | Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. | Establishing communication links using routing protocols |
EP3425583A1 (en) | 2010-06-15 | 2019-01-09 | Ticketmaster L.L.C. | Methods and systems for computer aided event and venue setup and modeling and interactive maps |
US10096161B2 (en) | 2010-06-15 | 2018-10-09 | Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. | Generating augmented reality images using sensor and location data |
US8554631B1 (en) | 2010-07-02 | 2013-10-08 | Jpmorgan Chase Bank, N.A. | Method and system for determining point of sale authorization |
US9538493B2 (en) | 2010-08-23 | 2017-01-03 | Finetrak, Llc | Locating a mobile station and applications therefor |
US8838988B2 (en) | 2011-04-12 | 2014-09-16 | International Business Machines Corporation | Verification of transactional integrity |
US8917826B2 (en) | 2012-07-31 | 2014-12-23 | International Business Machines Corporation | Detecting man-in-the-middle attacks in electronic transactions using prompts |
US10999440B1 (en) | 2020-01-02 | 2021-05-04 | Avaya Inc. | Method to augment routing delivery systems with intuitive human knowledge, expertise, and iterative artificial intelligence and machine learning in contact center environments |
Citations (98)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3022381A (en) * | 1959-02-26 | 1962-02-20 | Bell Telephone Labor Inc | Credit card operated telephone |
US3076059A (en) * | 1958-06-20 | 1963-01-29 | Bell Telephone Labor Inc | Signaling system |
US3082402A (en) * | 1960-05-10 | 1963-03-19 | Scantlin Electronics Inc | Securities quotation apparatus |
US3299210A (en) * | 1963-03-18 | 1967-01-17 | Ibm | Apparatus for connecting a multichannel data processor with a plurality of telephone lines |
US3371162A (en) * | 1964-09-02 | 1968-02-27 | Scantlin Electronics Inc | System for transmitting digital data via telephone lines utilizing a telephone as the input |
US3553378A (en) * | 1968-05-06 | 1971-01-05 | Dialscan Systems Inc | Information retrieval apparatus via telephone lines providing simultaneous accessing of same information source |
US3555198A (en) * | 1968-04-01 | 1971-01-12 | Itt | Identifier to determine the class of service to which a subscriber is entitled |
US3556530A (en) * | 1968-05-23 | 1971-01-19 | Howard Miller | Game having quick prize indication for wide area use |
US3557311A (en) * | 1968-01-02 | 1971-01-19 | Compumatics Inc | Information transmission system including a unit for producing a printed record of information transmitted |
US3564210A (en) * | 1968-11-29 | 1971-02-16 | Farrington Mfg Co | Apparatus combining a variable amount imprinter with credit verification circuitry |
US3568157A (en) * | 1963-12-31 | 1971-03-02 | Bell Telephone Labor Inc | Program controlled data processing system |
US3569939A (en) * | 1963-12-31 | 1971-03-09 | Bell Telephone Labor Inc | Program controlled data processing system |
US3571799A (en) * | 1969-08-21 | 1971-03-23 | Ibm | Data transmission terminal |
US3644675A (en) * | 1970-06-04 | 1972-02-22 | Frank W Watlington | Polling method utilizing telephone transmission and recording system |
US3647973A (en) * | 1967-12-04 | 1972-03-07 | Peter James | Computer system utilizing a telephone as an input device |
US3651480A (en) * | 1963-12-31 | 1972-03-21 | Bell Telephone Labor Inc | Program controlled data processing system |
US3652795A (en) * | 1970-11-25 | 1972-03-28 | Electrospace Corp | Telephone transaction system |
US3787632A (en) * | 1971-06-28 | 1974-01-22 | Northern Electric Co | Automatic number identification for private telephone exchanges |
US3792446A (en) * | 1972-12-04 | 1974-02-12 | Pitney Bowes Inc | Remote postage meter resetting method |
US3794774A (en) * | 1973-01-19 | 1974-02-26 | Courtesy Communications Corp | Telephone audio program system |
US3800283A (en) * | 1969-11-12 | 1974-03-26 | Sanders Associates Inc | Credit verifying unit |
US3870821A (en) * | 1972-11-29 | 1975-03-11 | Donald P Steury | Pushbutton telephone printer/recorder |
US3870866A (en) * | 1971-11-11 | 1975-03-11 | Halpern John Wolfgang | Fee charging system |
US3934095A (en) * | 1974-06-24 | 1976-01-20 | Action Communication Systems, Inc. | Method and system for short term queuing of telephone calls in automatic inter-city telephone call connection system |
US3938091A (en) * | 1972-03-17 | 1976-02-10 | Atalla Technovations Company | Personal verification system |
US3940569A (en) * | 1973-08-08 | 1976-02-24 | E & M Communications Corporation | Programmable toll restrictor |
US4009342A (en) * | 1973-04-19 | 1977-02-22 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Circuit arrangement for communication facilities wherein transmission paths can be employed for different types of message switching |
US4012599A (en) * | 1975-07-29 | 1977-03-15 | Jerome Charles Meyer | Telephone communications system for the deaf |
US4068099A (en) * | 1975-06-13 | 1978-01-10 | Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson | Method of and apparatus for switching service information units in a TDM system |
US4071698A (en) * | 1977-01-10 | 1978-01-31 | Franklin V. Barger, Jr. | Telephone system for audio demonstration and marketing of goods or services |
US4078316A (en) * | 1976-06-24 | 1978-03-14 | Freeman Michael J | Real time conversational toy |
US4139739A (en) * | 1977-07-05 | 1979-02-13 | Tdx Systems, Inc. | Telecommunications call back system |
US4145578A (en) * | 1978-04-28 | 1979-03-20 | Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated | Position access preference method |
US4187498A (en) * | 1975-10-06 | 1980-02-05 | 1St National Bank | Check verification system |
US4191860A (en) * | 1978-07-13 | 1980-03-04 | Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated | Data base communication call processing method |
US4191376A (en) * | 1975-05-27 | 1980-03-04 | Systems Operations, Inc. | Highly secure playing cards for instant lottery and games |
US4192972A (en) * | 1976-04-27 | 1980-03-11 | Cselt-Centro Studi e Laboratori Telecomunicazioni S.p.A | Pay-telephone station with deferred collection |
US4194089A (en) * | 1976-09-30 | 1980-03-18 | Hashimoto Corporation | Automatic answering telephone set having an endless tape with a plurality of selective tracks |
US4243844A (en) * | 1978-09-19 | 1981-01-06 | Waldman Herbert H | Hold circuit for telephone system |
US4255618A (en) * | 1979-04-18 | 1981-03-10 | Gte Automatic Electric Laboratories, Incorporated | Digital intercept recorder/announcer system |
US4255619A (en) * | 1978-10-14 | 1981-03-10 | Keihin Electric Express Railway Co., Ltd. | Telephone reservation-processing system |
US4313035A (en) * | 1980-01-18 | 1982-01-26 | Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated | Method of providing person locator service |
US4314103A (en) * | 1978-09-29 | 1982-02-02 | Plantronics, Inc. | Telephone answering system with simulated dial tone disconnect protection |
US4317961A (en) * | 1979-03-23 | 1982-03-02 | Small World Exchange, Inc. | Telephone-conferencing apparatus and method |
US4320256A (en) * | 1979-11-27 | 1982-03-16 | Freeman Michael J | Verbally interactive telephone interrogation system with selectible variable decision tree |
US4367402A (en) * | 1977-03-31 | 1983-01-04 | Compagnie Internationale Pour L'informatique Cii-Honeywell Bull | System for keeping account of predetermined homogeneous units |
US4371752A (en) * | 1979-11-26 | 1983-02-01 | Ecs Telecommunications, Inc. | Electronic audio communication system |
US4376875A (en) * | 1980-05-16 | 1983-03-15 | Mitel Corporation | Keyless and indicatorless local telephone switching system |
US4427848A (en) * | 1981-12-29 | 1984-01-24 | Tsakanikas Peter J | Telephonic alphanumeric data transmission system |
US4428296A (en) * | 1978-04-19 | 1984-01-31 | Les Fils D'auguste Scheuchzer S.A. | Railroad track relaying train |
US4439635A (en) * | 1982-02-09 | 1984-03-27 | Peter F. Theis | Message delivery system |
US4438824A (en) * | 1981-04-22 | 1984-03-27 | Siemens Corporation | Apparatus and method for cryptographic identity verification |
US4439636A (en) * | 1982-03-09 | 1984-03-27 | Martha Newkirk | Credit card actuated telecommunication access network |
US4494197A (en) * | 1980-12-11 | 1985-01-15 | Seymour Troy | Automatic lottery system |
US4501958A (en) * | 1981-03-05 | 1985-02-26 | Electronique Marcel Dassault | Verification system, for example for passing through a toll point |
US4565903A (en) * | 1983-08-03 | 1986-01-21 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Telephone interexchange carrier selection |
US4566030A (en) * | 1983-06-09 | 1986-01-21 | Ctba Associates | Television viewer data collection system |
US4567359A (en) * | 1984-05-24 | 1986-01-28 | Lockwood Lawrence B | Automatic information, goods and services dispensing system |
US4570930A (en) * | 1983-10-03 | 1986-02-18 | At&T Bell Laboratories | System, method, and station interface arrangement for playing video game over telephone lines |
US4634809A (en) * | 1983-11-28 | 1987-01-06 | Kurt Paulsson | Terminal systems |
US4635251A (en) * | 1985-07-31 | 1987-01-06 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Meet-me conference with control capabilities |
US4645873A (en) * | 1985-01-23 | 1987-02-24 | Telecue Systems | Transactional telecommunication system |
US4719647A (en) * | 1984-01-30 | 1988-01-12 | Morgan Electronics | Telephone message retrieval system with improved processor and retrieval console |
US4722526A (en) * | 1987-01-20 | 1988-02-02 | Tovar Joseph L | Game method and apparatus for use while viewing a sporting event |
US4796293A (en) * | 1987-12-18 | 1989-01-03 | Communications Network Enhancement Inc. | Enhanced dedicated teleconferencing system |
US4797910A (en) * | 1986-05-07 | 1989-01-10 | American Telphone And Telegraph Company, At&T Bell Laboratories | Automated operator assistance calls with voice processing |
US4797911A (en) * | 1987-06-16 | 1989-01-10 | Inventions, Inc. | Customer account online servicing system |
US4797818A (en) * | 1987-03-26 | 1989-01-10 | Jeno F. Paulucci | Food order/delivery system |
US4797913A (en) * | 1987-08-04 | 1989-01-10 | Science Dynamics Corporation | Direct telephone dial ordering service |
US4799156A (en) * | 1986-10-01 | 1989-01-17 | Strategic Processing Corporation | Interactive market management system |
US4799255A (en) * | 1987-01-30 | 1989-01-17 | American Telephone And Telegraph Company - At&T Information Systems | Communication facilities access control arrangement |
US4800583A (en) * | 1986-07-31 | 1989-01-24 | Theis Peter F | Overflow call handling system |
US4805209A (en) * | 1987-12-09 | 1989-02-14 | International Business Machines | Coordinated transfer of voice and information through a digital switch |
US4805207A (en) * | 1985-09-09 | 1989-02-14 | Wang Laboratories, Inc. | Message taking and retrieval system |
US4893328A (en) * | 1987-07-31 | 1990-01-09 | Microvoice Systems Corporation | Automated telephone operator overflow device |
US4893325A (en) * | 1988-09-23 | 1990-01-09 | Rockwell International Corporation | Integrated public safety answering point system |
US4893330A (en) * | 1989-06-01 | 1990-01-09 | American Telephone And Telegraph Company, At&T Bell Laboratories | Method and apparatus for restricting credit card communication calls |
US4894857A (en) * | 1987-06-16 | 1990-01-16 | Inuentions Inc. | Method and apparatus for customer account servicing |
US4896346A (en) * | 1988-11-21 | 1990-01-23 | American Telephone And Telegraph Company, At&T Bell Laboratories | Password controlled switching system |
US4896345A (en) * | 1989-02-16 | 1990-01-23 | Thorne Donald J | Call handling system |
US4897867A (en) * | 1985-09-30 | 1990-01-30 | American Telephone And Telegraph Company, At&T Bell Laboratories | Method of and an arrangement for forwarding a customer order |
US4897870A (en) * | 1985-09-25 | 1990-01-30 | Southlake Technologies, Inc. | Network implemented pay telephone set |
US4899373A (en) * | 1986-11-28 | 1990-02-06 | American Telephone And Telegraph Company At&T Bell Laboratories | Method and apparatus for providing personalized telephone subscriber features at remote locations |
US4899375A (en) * | 1988-09-23 | 1990-02-06 | American Telephone & Telegraph Company, At&T Bell Laboratories | More efficient call handling for operator assistance calls |
US4985913A (en) * | 1989-08-29 | 1991-01-15 | Stephen R. Shalom | Multiple message answering machine keyed to the incoming phone number |
US4989234A (en) * | 1989-04-11 | 1991-01-29 | Evanston Enterprises, Inc. | Systems for capturing telephonic mass responses |
US4989233A (en) * | 1989-04-11 | 1991-01-29 | Evanston Enterprises, Inc. | Systems for capturing telephonic mass responses |
US4992940A (en) * | 1989-03-13 | 1991-02-12 | H-Renee, Incorporated | System and method for automated selection of equipment for purchase through input of user desired specifications |
US4996705A (en) * | 1987-09-01 | 1991-02-26 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Use of telecommunications systems for lotteries |
US5083272A (en) * | 1988-11-02 | 1992-01-21 | Britcanus Corporation | Interactive telephone lottery system with a verification code |
US5179585A (en) * | 1991-01-16 | 1993-01-12 | Octel Communications Corporation | Integrated voice messaging/voice response system |
US5181238A (en) * | 1989-05-31 | 1993-01-19 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Authenticated communications access service |
US5181236A (en) * | 1990-09-25 | 1993-01-19 | Rockwell International Corporation | Automatic call returning method for call distributor with message record capability |
US5186471A (en) * | 1991-06-21 | 1993-02-16 | Nynex Corporation | Interactive telephone gaming system |
US5289531A (en) * | 1989-08-24 | 1994-02-22 | Levine Alfred B | Remote scheduling of appointments with interactivety using a caller's unit |
US5490207A (en) * | 1994-01-21 | 1996-02-06 | Schorr; Andrew | Method of dispersing information and collecting data via telephone systems |
US5599046A (en) * | 1994-06-22 | 1997-02-04 | Scientific Games Inc. | Lottery ticket structure with circuit elements |
US5709603A (en) * | 1995-04-06 | 1998-01-20 | Kaye; Perry | Personal computer lottery game |
Family Cites Families (337)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2902541A (en) * | 1959-09-01 | Credit verifying system | ||
US2941161A (en) * | 1954-05-26 | 1960-06-14 | Gen Dynamics Corp | Broadcast paging system |
US3060275A (en) * | 1958-11-07 | 1962-10-23 | Bell Telephone Labor Inc | Telephone system signaling |
US3159818A (en) * | 1960-04-08 | 1964-12-01 | Scantlin Electronics Inc | Data storage system with selective readout |
US3249919A (en) * | 1960-05-10 | 1966-05-03 | Scantlin Electronics Inc | Securities quotation apparatus |
NL267564A (en) * | 1960-08-22 | |||
US3246082A (en) * | 1962-03-26 | 1966-04-12 | Levy Alfred | Telephone hold program system |
US3394246A (en) * | 1963-04-08 | 1968-07-23 | Telecredit | Status-indicating system |
US3347988A (en) * | 1963-06-17 | 1967-10-17 | Bolt Beranek & Newman | Method of and system for remotelocation computer communication via telephone |
US3337847A (en) * | 1963-09-17 | 1967-08-22 | North Electric Co | Communication system for connecting subscribers to a multiplex message synthesizing system |
US3991406A (en) * | 1963-12-31 | 1976-11-09 | Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated | Program controlled data processing system |
US3381276A (en) * | 1965-09-15 | 1968-04-30 | Photo Magnetic Syst Inc | Computer systems |
US3393272A (en) * | 1965-11-19 | 1968-07-16 | Hanson Oliver Wendell | Automatic telephone guest call system |
US3482057A (en) * | 1966-01-28 | 1969-12-02 | Ibm | Automatic intercept system |
US3544769A (en) * | 1967-04-05 | 1970-12-01 | Digital Identification Systems | Electronic identification and credit card system |
DE1512981B2 (en) | 1967-04-08 | 1975-07-17 | Standard Elektrik Lorenz Ag, 7000 Stuttgart | Partial lock for telephone exchanges |
US3624292A (en) * | 1967-12-06 | 1971-11-30 | Scm Corp | Communication system including an answer-back message generator and keyboard |
US3594004A (en) * | 1968-03-15 | 1971-07-20 | Howard Miller | Game having quick prize indication |
US3581072A (en) * | 1968-03-28 | 1971-05-25 | Frederick Nymeyer | Auction market computation system |
US3617638A (en) * | 1968-07-17 | 1971-11-02 | Audac Corp | System for verifying credit card transactions |
US3515814A (en) * | 1968-09-16 | 1970-06-02 | Electronic Data Syst Corp | Sequencer and selector for automatic voice tone transmission |
US3656113A (en) * | 1968-11-01 | 1972-04-11 | Umc Electronics Co | Control system for room reservation |
US3573747A (en) * | 1969-02-24 | 1971-04-06 | Institutional Networks Corp | Instinet communication system for effectuating the sale or exchange of fungible properties between subscribers |
US3618038A (en) * | 1969-12-24 | 1971-11-02 | Edward S Stein | Telephonic data transmitting system |
US3696335A (en) * | 1970-04-21 | 1972-10-03 | Jerome H Lemelson | Credit verification system |
US3697702A (en) * | 1970-07-16 | 1972-10-10 | American Telephone & Telegraph | Selectably controllable announcement system |
US3745264A (en) | 1970-07-23 | 1973-07-10 | Periphonics Corp | Analog signal recording and playback method and system |
CA1025118A (en) | 1970-07-23 | 1978-01-24 | Periphonics Corporation | Analog signal recording and playback method and system |
US3675513A (en) * | 1970-07-24 | 1972-07-11 | Bell Telephone Labor Inc | Communications system for alphanumeric information employing audio tone signalling |
US3665107A (en) * | 1970-11-13 | 1972-05-23 | Automatic Elect Lab | Monitoring circuit in data sets,with signal muting |
US3688126A (en) * | 1971-01-29 | 1972-08-29 | Paul R Klein | Sound-operated, yes-no responsive switch |
US3727186A (en) | 1971-02-26 | 1973-04-10 | Digital Data Syst Corp | Method of and apparatus for credit verification |
US3950618A (en) * | 1971-03-25 | 1976-04-13 | Bloisi Albertoni De Lemos | System for public opinion research |
US3998465A (en) * | 1972-03-24 | 1976-12-21 | Mascola Donald C | Telephone random number game |
US3858032A (en) * | 1972-04-10 | 1974-12-31 | Transaction Technology Inc | Apparatus and method of coding information |
US3781810A (en) * | 1972-04-26 | 1973-12-25 | Bell Telephone Labor Inc | Scheme for saving and restoring register contents in a data processor |
US3794219A (en) | 1972-09-06 | 1974-02-26 | Rowe International Inc | Charged cup beverage merchandising machine |
US3829628A (en) | 1972-12-26 | 1974-08-13 | Gte Automatic Electric Lab Inc | Trunk circuit number parity checking |
US3855457A (en) | 1973-06-18 | 1974-12-17 | Ibm | Machine for processing merchandising tickets in both roll and individual form |
US3898432A (en) | 1973-06-20 | 1975-08-05 | Ibm | Read/write machine for magnetic stripped document card |
US3974338A (en) * | 1973-06-25 | 1976-08-10 | The Audichron Company | Apparatus for automatic message reprogramming of a message announcement system |
US3987252A (en) | 1973-08-29 | 1976-10-19 | Graphic Scanning, Inc. | Computer controlled telephone answering system |
US3982103A (en) * | 1973-10-12 | 1976-09-21 | Telecredit, Inc. | Credit verification system |
US4017835A (en) * | 1974-02-11 | 1977-04-12 | Randolph Richard D | System for verifying credit status |
US3918174A (en) * | 1974-02-21 | 1975-11-11 | Nan C Miller | Game device |
US3914747A (en) * | 1974-02-26 | 1975-10-21 | Periphonics Corp | Memory having non-fixed relationships between addresses and storage locations |
US3947972A (en) * | 1974-03-20 | 1976-04-06 | Freeman Michael J | Real time conversational student response teaching apparatus |
US3909553A (en) * | 1974-04-01 | 1975-09-30 | Gte Automatic Electric Lab Inc | Line card for key telephone systems adapted to provide music during hold condition |
US3889050A (en) * | 1974-04-11 | 1975-06-10 | Gte Sylvania Inc | Subscription television system and switching station therefor |
US3881160A (en) * | 1974-05-20 | 1975-04-29 | Joseph I Ross | Catv multi-tap distribution box |
US3912874A (en) * | 1974-06-04 | 1975-10-14 | American Telephone & Telegraph | Conference arrangement |
US3920908A (en) * | 1974-06-25 | 1975-11-18 | Constantine R Kraus | Buyer credit service for a telephone system |
US3928724A (en) * | 1974-10-10 | 1975-12-23 | Andersen Byram Kouma Murphy Lo | Voice-actuated telephone directory-assistance system |
US3989899A (en) * | 1975-04-08 | 1976-11-02 | Daniel Norwich | Telephone scheduling system |
US4260854A (en) * | 1975-05-20 | 1981-04-07 | Sudbury Systems Incorporated | Rapid simultaneous multiple access information storage and retrieval system |
US4328396A (en) | 1975-08-13 | 1982-05-04 | Theis Peter F | Total service telephone answering system |
JPS5286706A (en) * | 1976-01-14 | 1977-07-19 | Hitachi Ltd | Key telephone receiver for audio sound response |
US4024345A (en) * | 1976-01-14 | 1977-05-17 | Strom Industries International, Inc. | Audio program and telephonic communication system |
US4121052A (en) * | 1976-01-26 | 1978-10-17 | Richard Herbert L | Telephone data recording system |
JPS5915547B2 (en) * | 1976-05-08 | 1984-04-10 | 橋本コ−ポレイション株式会社 | Dial information display device |
US4054756A (en) * | 1976-09-29 | 1977-10-18 | Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated | Method and apparatus for automating special service call handling |
US4087638A (en) | 1976-10-01 | 1978-05-02 | Telaris Telecommunications Inc. | DTMF Communication system |
US4108361A (en) * | 1976-10-12 | 1978-08-22 | Krause Stephen R | Universal mark sense betting terminal system and method |
US4398708A (en) | 1977-01-28 | 1983-08-16 | Max Goldman | Method of fabricating and securing playing cards for instant lotteries and games |
US4160129A (en) | 1977-05-03 | 1979-07-03 | Tdx Systems, Inc. | Telephone communications control system having a plurality of remote switching units |
US4160125A (en) * | 1977-05-23 | 1979-07-03 | Digital Products Corporation | Telephone polling apparatus |
US4090034A (en) | 1977-06-09 | 1978-05-16 | Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated | Usage-sensitive billing arrangement for private branch exchange subscribers |
US4090038A (en) * | 1977-07-14 | 1978-05-16 | Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated | Audio signal on hold circuit |
US4200770A (en) * | 1977-09-06 | 1980-04-29 | Stanford University | Cryptographic apparatus and method |
US4117278A (en) * | 1977-09-19 | 1978-09-26 | Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated | Service observing terminal |
JPS6058738B2 (en) * | 1977-11-26 | 1985-12-21 | 三井東圧化学株式会社 | Method for producing linear trimer of P-isopropenylphenol |
US4152547A (en) * | 1977-11-29 | 1979-05-01 | Theis Peter F | Selective monitor for an automatic telephone answering system |
US4692817A (en) | 1977-11-30 | 1987-09-08 | Morgan Industries, Inc. | Programmed conversation recording system |
US4539436A (en) | 1977-11-30 | 1985-09-03 | Theis Peter F | Programmed conversation recording system |
US4405829A (en) | 1977-12-14 | 1983-09-20 | Massachusetts Institute Of Technology | Cryptographic communications system and method |
US4150255A (en) * | 1977-12-29 | 1979-04-17 | Morgan Industries, Inc. | Conversational telephone call distributor |
US4264924A (en) * | 1978-03-03 | 1981-04-28 | Freeman Michael J | Dedicated channel interactive cable television system |
US4201887A (en) | 1978-05-11 | 1980-05-06 | Cordura Marketing, Inc. | Data telecommunications terminal |
US4255918A (en) * | 1978-06-01 | 1981-03-17 | Lantech Inc. | Collapsible web apparatus |
US4299637A (en) * | 1978-06-14 | 1981-11-10 | John R. Koza | Method of making a game ticket |
US4162377A (en) * | 1978-07-13 | 1979-07-24 | Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated | Data base auto bill calling using CCIS direct signaling |
US4307266A (en) * | 1978-08-14 | 1981-12-22 | Messina John D | Communication apparatus for the handicapped |
FR2435270A1 (en) | 1978-08-16 | 1980-04-04 | Etude Systemes Avances Amenage | ASSEMBLY IN PARTICULAR FOR TAKING ON THE CHALLENGES AND POSSIBLY THE DETERMINATION OF THE WINNERS IN A GAME SUCH AS A NATIONAL LOTTO GAME |
US4194069A (en) * | 1978-10-16 | 1980-03-18 | Texaco Development Corporation | Urea derivative and use as polyurethane catalyst |
US4232199A (en) * | 1978-10-18 | 1980-11-04 | Summa Four, Inc. | Special services add-on for dial pulse activated telephone switching office |
US4223183A (en) * | 1978-12-04 | 1980-09-16 | Peters Jr Charles O | Telephone controlled order entry system |
US4221933A (en) | 1978-12-21 | 1980-09-09 | Cornell Ronald G | Data storage and retrieval structure for a message storage system |
US4270024A (en) * | 1978-12-22 | 1981-05-26 | Morgan Electronics | Telephone line activity monitor |
US4345315A (en) * | 1979-01-19 | 1982-08-17 | Msi Data Corporation | Customer satisfaction terminal |
US4303804A (en) * | 1979-03-23 | 1981-12-01 | Small World Exchange, Inc. | Telephone-conferencing apparatus and method having line location |
US4320770A (en) * | 1979-05-03 | 1982-03-23 | Trans-Med Corporation | Diagnostic specimen collector |
US4241942A (en) * | 1979-06-25 | 1980-12-30 | Dittler Brothers, Inc. | Secure contest card |
US4290141A (en) * | 1979-07-02 | 1981-09-15 | General Electric Company | Electronic voting system |
DE2929416C2 (en) | 1979-07-20 | 1983-03-17 | Olympia Werke Ag, 2940 Wilhelmshaven | Communication network made up of several processing stations connected to one another by long-distance lines |
US4264925A (en) * | 1979-08-13 | 1981-04-28 | Michael J. Freeman | Interactive cable television system |
US4581486A (en) | 1979-11-26 | 1986-04-08 | Vmx, Inc. | Electronic audio communications system with user accessible message groups |
US4580012A (en) | 1979-11-26 | 1986-04-01 | Vmx, Inc. | Electronic audio communications system with automatic user access features |
US4420656A (en) | 1979-11-27 | 1983-12-13 | Michael Freeman | Interactive telephone answering system |
US4339798A (en) | 1979-12-17 | 1982-07-13 | Remote Dynamics | Remote gaming system |
US4302810A (en) * | 1979-12-28 | 1981-11-24 | International Business Machines Corporation | Method and apparatus for secure message transmission for use in electronic funds transfer systems |
BE881073A (en) * | 1980-01-10 | 1980-05-02 | Mele Louis Van | DEVICE FOR BETTING LOTTO AND OTHER ALLOWED GAMBLING THROUGH THE TELEPHONE |
US4277649A (en) * | 1980-01-18 | 1981-07-07 | Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated | Method and apparatus for screening telephone calls |
US4348554A (en) | 1980-03-21 | 1982-09-07 | Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated | Method of providing virtual private network telephone service |
US4355207A (en) * | 1980-05-30 | 1982-10-19 | Amtel Communications, Inc. | Telephone answering system |
US4338494A (en) | 1980-07-11 | 1982-07-06 | Theis Peter F | Telephone call inventorying and sequencing system and method |
JPS6330587Y2 (en) | 1980-08-15 | 1988-08-16 | ||
US4689742A (en) | 1980-12-11 | 1987-08-25 | Seymour Troy | Automatic lottery system |
US4355372A (en) * | 1980-12-24 | 1982-10-19 | Npd Research Inc. | Market survey data collection method |
US4360875A (en) | 1981-02-23 | 1982-11-23 | Behnke Robert W | Automated, door-to-door, demand-responsive public transportation system |
IT1148027B (en) | 1981-03-03 | 1986-11-26 | Cselt Centro Studi Lab Telecom | SYSTEM FOR THE PROPAGATION ALONG A TELEPHONE CONNECTION OF THE TEETH OF THE USERS INTERESTED IN THIS CONNECTION |
US4393277A (en) | 1981-03-18 | 1983-07-12 | Selectastation, Inc. | Remote tuner control system |
US4389546A (en) | 1981-03-23 | 1983-06-21 | The Audichron Company | Digital announcement system including remote loading and interrogation |
US4401856A (en) | 1981-05-13 | 1983-08-30 | Amtel Communications, Inc. | Control system for handling direct inward dialed telephone calls |
JPS57196656A (en) | 1981-05-28 | 1982-12-02 | Toshiba Corp | Telephone set for character input |
US4360827A (en) | 1981-06-02 | 1982-11-23 | Darome, Inc. | Method and means for interactive audio and video conferencing |
IT1154048B (en) | 1981-06-09 | 1987-01-21 | Urmet Sud Costr Elett Telefon | IMPROVEMENT OF SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT FOR PUBLIC TELEPHONE USING INTER-URBAN URBAN EQUIPMENT EQUIPPED WITH SELECTOR |
US4625079A (en) | 1981-07-31 | 1986-11-25 | Horacio Castro | Method and apparatus for activating through phone telecommand an announcer-recorder, and for selectively activating through the sending of codes consisting of signals at least another automatic call attention phone device |
JPS5859657A (en) | 1981-10-05 | 1983-04-08 | Oki Electric Ind Co Ltd | Automatic answering telephone set |
US4965825A (en) | 1981-11-03 | 1990-10-23 | The Personalized Mass Media Corporation | Signal processing apparatus and methods |
US4694490A (en) | 1981-11-03 | 1987-09-15 | Harvey John C | Signal processing apparatus and methods |
JPS58111550A (en) | 1981-12-25 | 1983-07-02 | Toshiba Corp | Telephone set |
GB2112989B (en) | 1982-01-02 | 1986-02-26 | David Leslie Mcneight | Competitive question and answer game |
US4585903A (en) | 1982-01-25 | 1986-04-29 | Viking Phone Company | Cordless telephone |
US4489438A (en) * | 1982-02-01 | 1984-12-18 | National Data Corporation | Audio response system |
US4517412A (en) | 1982-03-09 | 1985-05-14 | Martha Newkirk | Card-actuated telecommunication network |
US4468528A (en) | 1982-03-24 | 1984-08-28 | At&T Technologies, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for providing enhanced announcements in a telephone system |
US4517410A (en) | 1982-04-02 | 1985-05-14 | Data Acquisition Services | Automatic user selected variable telephone message record and playback system |
US4475189A (en) | 1982-05-27 | 1984-10-02 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Automatic interactive conference arrangement |
US4539435A (en) * | 1982-06-14 | 1985-09-03 | Eckmann Stuart F | Interactive educational system with voice reaction and access using tone-generating telephone |
US4614367A (en) | 1982-06-17 | 1986-09-30 | Rand Mcnally & Co. | Tamper-resisting multipart negotiable instruments |
DE3225562C2 (en) | 1982-07-08 | 1984-09-27 | Telefonbau Und Normalzeit Gmbh, 6000 Frankfurt | Method for automatic order acceptance using a telecommunication system, in particular a telephone exchange system |
US4549047A (en) | 1982-07-22 | 1985-10-22 | Voicemail International, Inc. | Digitized voice message storage system |
US4451700A (en) * | 1982-08-27 | 1984-05-29 | M. A. Kempner, Inc. | Automatic audience survey system |
US4489439A (en) | 1982-09-20 | 1984-12-18 | Scholz Research & Development | Electronic stereo reverberation device with doubler |
FR2533789B1 (en) | 1982-09-24 | 1987-10-23 | France Etat | HYBRID LOCAL COMMUNICATION NETWORK IN CIRCUIT AND LOOP PACKET MODES CARRYING A TIME MULTIPLEX |
US4783796A (en) | 1982-09-28 | 1988-11-08 | Opcom | PBX telephone call control system |
US4747124A (en) | 1982-09-28 | 1988-05-24 | Opcom | PBX telephone call control system |
US4761807A (en) | 1982-09-29 | 1988-08-02 | Vmx, Inc. | Electronic audio communications system with voice authentication features |
US4584602A (en) * | 1982-11-08 | 1986-04-22 | Pioneer Ansafone Manufacturing Corporation | Polling system and method using nondedicated telephone lines |
US4591664A (en) | 1982-11-23 | 1986-05-27 | Michael Freeman | Multichannel interactive telephone answering apparatus |
US4625081A (en) | 1982-11-30 | 1986-11-25 | Lotito Lawrence A | Automated telephone voice service system |
CA1270345A (en) * | 1983-01-10 | 1990-06-12 | Claude Robert Dupuis | Apparatus for transmitting information via telephone lines |
US4544804A (en) | 1983-01-24 | 1985-10-01 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Conference control transfer arrangement |
FR2540696B1 (en) * | 1983-02-04 | 1985-06-21 | Bernard Alain | TAXATION PROCESS FOR THE SALE OF INFORMATION BY TELEPHONE |
US4490583A (en) | 1983-02-14 | 1984-12-25 | Circom, Inc. | Plural line telephone controller |
US4672660A (en) | 1983-02-14 | 1987-06-09 | Amtel Communications, Inc. | Method and system for identifying telephone callers |
DE3307199A1 (en) | 1983-03-01 | 1984-09-06 | Rettungsdienst Stiftung Björn Steiger e.V., 7057 Winnenden | ENTERTAINMENT GAME |
JPH079678B2 (en) * | 1983-03-01 | 1995-02-01 | オムロン株式会社 | Electronic cash register |
US4553222A (en) | 1983-03-14 | 1985-11-12 | Kurland Lawrence G | Integrated interactive restaurant communication system for food and entertainment processing |
JPS59174972A (en) * | 1983-03-24 | 1984-10-03 | Omron Tateisi Electronics Co | Card authenticating machine |
GB8314468D0 (en) * | 1983-05-25 | 1983-06-29 | Agb Research Plc | Television monitoring |
US4541087A (en) | 1983-06-27 | 1985-09-10 | Confertech International, Inc. | Digital teleconferencing control device, system and method |
US4582956B1 (en) | 1983-07-12 | 1994-09-20 | Bell Telephone Labor Inc | Method and apparatus for displaying at a selected station special service information during a silent interval between ringing |
US4591665A (en) | 1983-07-12 | 1986-05-27 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Method and apparatus for providing call tracing service |
US4555594A (en) | 1983-08-03 | 1985-11-26 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Telephone interexchange signaling protocol |
US4625276A (en) * | 1983-08-31 | 1986-11-25 | Vericard Corporation | Data logging and transfer system using portable and resident units |
US4577062A (en) | 1983-09-02 | 1986-03-18 | Butler National Corporation | Method for dispensing information |
US4591190A (en) | 1983-09-09 | 1986-05-27 | Canadian Security Printers Inc. | Voucher with self-contained verification means |
US4562342A (en) | 1983-09-15 | 1985-12-31 | Solo Alan J | Credit card provided with coded security means |
US4688170A (en) | 1983-09-22 | 1987-08-18 | Tau Systems Corporation | Communications network for communicating with computers provided with disparate protocols |
US4577067A (en) | 1983-10-05 | 1986-03-18 | Alfred Levy | Remotely controlled telephone hold program system |
JPS6080354A (en) | 1983-10-08 | 1985-05-08 | Hashimoto Corp | Information reception system using pushphone |
US4559416A (en) | 1983-10-12 | 1985-12-17 | Morgan Industries, Inc. | Telephone line activity monitor |
US4598367A (en) | 1983-11-09 | 1986-07-01 | Financial Design Systems, Inc. | Financial quotation system using synthesized speech |
CA1222586A (en) | 1983-11-11 | 1987-06-02 | Tadahiko Akiyama | Personal-servicing communication system |
US4716583A (en) | 1983-11-16 | 1987-12-29 | Speech Plus, Inc. | Verbal computer terminal system |
US4523055A (en) * | 1983-11-25 | 1985-06-11 | Pitney Bowes Inc. | Voice/text storage and retrieval system |
JPS60119159A (en) | 1983-11-30 | 1985-06-26 | Toshiba Corp | Radiotelephonic device |
US4611094A (en) | 1983-12-01 | 1986-09-09 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Method for customer definable telephone capability |
US4611096A (en) | 1983-12-01 | 1986-09-09 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Telephone office service assist and handoff |
US4652998A (en) | 1984-01-04 | 1987-03-24 | Bally Manufacturing Corporation | Video gaming system with pool prize structures |
US4783800A (en) | 1984-02-14 | 1988-11-08 | Levine Alfred B | Remote controlled interactive scheduler system |
US4856050A (en) | 1984-01-30 | 1989-08-08 | Theis Peter F | Telephone message retrieval system with improved message processor and retrieval console including auto-disabling playback switch |
US4630201A (en) * | 1984-02-14 | 1986-12-16 | International Security Note & Computer Corporation | On-line and off-line transaction security system using a code generated from a transaction parameter and a random number |
US4955047A (en) | 1984-03-26 | 1990-09-04 | Dytel Corporation | Automated attendant with direct inward system access |
US4975941A (en) | 1984-03-26 | 1990-12-04 | Dytel Corporation | Call processor for facilitating call completions |
US4696028A (en) | 1984-03-26 | 1987-09-22 | Dytel Corporation | PBX Intercept and caller interactive attendant bypass system |
US4649563A (en) | 1984-04-02 | 1987-03-10 | R L Associates | Method of and means for accessing computerized data bases utilizing a touch-tone telephone instrument |
US4697282A (en) * | 1984-04-18 | 1987-09-29 | Golden Enterprises, Inc. | Telephone operator voice storage and retrieval system |
US4592546A (en) | 1984-04-26 | 1986-06-03 | David B. Lockton | Game of skill playable by remote participants in conjunction with a live event |
US4665502A (en) | 1984-06-01 | 1987-05-12 | William Kreisner | Random lottery computer |
US4815121A (en) | 1984-06-06 | 1989-03-21 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Communication apparatus recognizing speech and automatically switching from data to speech transmission |
US4599493A (en) | 1984-08-28 | 1986-07-08 | Tbs International, Inc. | Multi-line telephone control system |
US4594476A (en) | 1984-08-31 | 1986-06-10 | Freeman Michael J | Broadcast interactive telephone system |
US4603232A (en) * | 1984-09-24 | 1986-07-29 | Npd Research, Inc. | Rapid market survey collection and dissemination method |
US4677552A (en) | 1984-10-05 | 1987-06-30 | Sibley Jr H C | International commodity trade exchange |
US4654482A (en) * | 1984-10-15 | 1987-03-31 | Deangelis Lawrence J | Home merchandise ordering telecommunications terminal |
US4774655A (en) | 1984-10-24 | 1988-09-27 | Telebase Systems, Inc. | System for retrieving information from a plurality of remote databases having at least two different languages |
US4815741A (en) | 1984-11-05 | 1989-03-28 | Small Maynard E | Automated marketing and gaming systems |
US4669730A (en) | 1984-11-05 | 1987-06-02 | Small Maynard E | Automated sweepstakes-type game |
US4677553A (en) | 1984-11-09 | 1987-06-30 | International Totalizator Systems, Inc. | Secure placement of confidential information on a circulated blank ticket |
US4785473A (en) | 1984-11-27 | 1988-11-15 | Genesis Electronics Corporation | Interactive audio telecommunications message storage, forwarding and retrieval system |
FR2575016B1 (en) | 1984-12-13 | 1987-01-16 | Grandmougin Michel | METHOD FOR OBTAINING A COMMUNICATION FROM A PUBLIC TELEPHONE DEVICE FOLLOWING PREPAYMENT WITH CURRENCY |
US4663777A (en) | 1984-12-17 | 1987-05-05 | Charles Szeto | Apparatus for controlling digital voice recording and playback over telephone lines and adapted for use with standard host computers |
US4674044A (en) * | 1985-01-30 | 1987-06-16 | Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc. | Automated securities trading system |
US4785408A (en) | 1985-03-11 | 1988-11-15 | AT&T Information Systems Inc. American Telephone and Telegraph Company | Method and apparatus for generating computer-controlled interactive voice services |
US4671512A (en) | 1985-06-05 | 1987-06-09 | Gilbert Bachman | Automated teller machine transaction receipts with integral promotional game |
US4782510A (en) | 1985-07-05 | 1988-11-01 | Melita Electronic Labs, Inc. | Telephone answering machine with digital storage of announcements and messages |
US5898762A (en) | 1985-07-10 | 1999-04-27 | Ronald A. Katz Technology Licensing, L.P. | Telephonic-interface statistical analysis system |
US5014298A (en) | 1985-07-10 | 1991-05-07 | First Data Resources Inc. | Voice-data telephonic control system |
US5835576A (en) | 1985-07-10 | 1998-11-10 | Ronald A. Katz Technology Licensing, L.P. | Telephonic-interface lottery device |
US5128984A (en) | 1985-07-10 | 1992-07-07 | First Data Resources Inc. | Telephone interface call processing system with call selectivity |
US5365575A (en) | 1985-07-10 | 1994-11-15 | First Data Resources Inc. | Telephonic-interface lottery system |
US5351285A (en) | 1985-07-10 | 1994-09-27 | First Data Resources Inc. | Multiple format telephonic interface control system |
DE3650732T2 (en) | 1985-07-10 | 2000-11-16 | Ronald A Katz Technology Licen | System and method for data analysis |
US5073929A (en) | 1988-05-16 | 1991-12-17 | First Data Resources Inc. | Voice-data telephonic control system |
US4845739A (en) | 1985-07-10 | 1989-07-04 | Fdr Interactive Technologies | Telephonic-interface statistical analysis system |
US4792968A (en) * | 1985-07-10 | 1988-12-20 | Fdr Interactive Technologies | Statistical analysis system for use with public communication facility |
US4685123A (en) | 1985-09-13 | 1987-08-04 | American Telephone And Telegraph Company | Communication system having voice and data capability |
US4756020A (en) | 1985-08-30 | 1988-07-05 | American Telephone And Telegraph Company, At&T Bell Laboratories | Method and apparatus for disallowing the extension of a call through a network |
JPS6253061A (en) | 1985-09-02 | 1987-03-07 | Nec Corp | Method for preventing illegal access |
US4942616A (en) | 1985-09-09 | 1990-07-17 | Thomas Linstroth | Interactive synthesized speech quotation system for brokers |
CA1262273A (en) * | 1985-09-30 | 1989-10-10 | Robert William Foster | Method of and an arrangement for forwarding a customer order |
US4685127A (en) | 1985-10-01 | 1987-08-04 | Southwestern Bell Telephone | System for converting a No. 5 crossbar telephone switching central office to a conforming equal access central office |
JPS6294247A (en) | 1985-10-17 | 1987-04-30 | Toyoda Mach Works Ltd | Numerically controlled machine tool having halfway stopping function |
US4706275A (en) | 1985-11-13 | 1987-11-10 | Aerotel Ltd. | Telephone system |
US4710955A (en) | 1985-11-25 | 1987-12-01 | General Instrument Corporation | Cable television system with two-way telephone communication path |
US4696029A (en) * | 1985-12-12 | 1987-09-22 | Telesciences, Inc. | Telephone traffic load control system |
US4763317A (en) | 1985-12-13 | 1988-08-09 | American Telephone And Telegraph Company, At&T Bell Laboratories | Digital communication network architecture for providing universal information services |
US4852154A (en) | 1986-02-04 | 1989-07-25 | Pacific Bell | Pay-per-view CATV system |
JPH0743748B2 (en) | 1986-02-17 | 1995-05-15 | 株式会社オークネット | Information transmission processing method of auction information transmission processing system |
US4876592A (en) | 1986-03-10 | 1989-10-24 | Henry Von Kohorn | System for merchandising and the evaluation of responses to broadcast transmissions |
US4745468B1 (en) | 1986-03-10 | 1991-06-11 | System for evaluation and recording of responses to broadcast transmissions | |
US4763191A (en) | 1986-03-17 | 1988-08-09 | American Telephone And Telegraph Company, At&T Bell Laboratories | Dial-up telephone network equipment for requesting an identified selection |
JPS62239757A (en) * | 1986-04-11 | 1987-10-20 | Fujitsu Ltd | Attendant board control system |
DE3750768T2 (en) | 1986-04-16 | 1995-05-11 | Call It Co | Computer controlled communication system. |
US4866756A (en) | 1986-04-16 | 1989-09-12 | Call It Co. | Interactive computerized communications systems with voice input and output |
US4922519A (en) | 1986-05-07 | 1990-05-01 | American Telephone And Telegraph Company | Automated operator assistance calls with voice processing |
US4782519A (en) | 1986-05-22 | 1988-11-01 | Network Access Corporation | Method and apparatus for enhancing the operating capabilities of a telephone switching system |
US4715061A (en) | 1986-05-30 | 1987-12-22 | Telecredit, Inc. | Coordinated multiple telephone station system |
US4750199A (en) | 1986-05-30 | 1988-06-07 | Telecredit, Inc. | Coordinated multiple telephone station system |
US4842278A (en) | 1986-06-02 | 1989-06-27 | Victor Markowicz | Hierarchical lottery network with selection from differentiated playing pools |
EP0249795B1 (en) | 1986-06-20 | 1994-08-31 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Method for a communication system, especially for a private telephone system, in which at times a switching to changed traffic possibilities occurs |
US4748668A (en) | 1986-07-09 | 1988-05-31 | Yeda Research And Development Company Limited | Method, apparatus and article for identification and signature |
DE3726366C2 (en) | 1986-08-08 | 1998-05-28 | Dictaphone Corp | Communication stem |
US4832341A (en) | 1986-08-21 | 1989-05-23 | Upc Games, Inc. | High security instant lottery using bar codes |
US4791664A (en) | 1986-09-12 | 1988-12-13 | Lutz Joseph M | System for selectively receiving telephone calls |
US4788682A (en) | 1986-09-23 | 1988-11-29 | Northern Telecom Limited | Telephone system adapted to telemarketing |
CA1287910C (en) | 1986-09-30 | 1991-08-20 | Salvador Barron | Adjunct processor for providing computer facility access protection via call transfer |
US4943995A (en) | 1986-10-08 | 1990-07-24 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Semi-automated customer information system |
US4959855A (en) | 1986-10-08 | 1990-09-25 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Directory assistance call processing and calling customer remote signal monitoring arrangements |
US4788715A (en) | 1986-10-16 | 1988-11-29 | American Telephone And Telegraph Company At&T Bell Laboratories | Announcing waiting times in queuing systems |
US4781377A (en) | 1986-10-24 | 1988-11-01 | Mcvean Charles D | Hybrid sporting event and game show |
US4856066A (en) | 1986-11-06 | 1989-08-08 | Lemelson Jerome H | Speech communication system and method |
US4766604A (en) | 1986-11-07 | 1988-08-23 | Messagephone, Inc. | Method for receiving and delivering voice messages |
US4761684A (en) | 1986-11-14 | 1988-08-02 | Video Jukebox Network | Telephone access display system |
US4922520A (en) | 1986-12-31 | 1990-05-01 | M. A. Kempner, Inc. | Automatic telephone polling system |
US4827500A (en) | 1987-01-30 | 1989-05-02 | American Telephone And Telegraph Company, At&T Bell Laboratories | Automatic speech recognition to select among call destinations |
US4769834A (en) | 1987-01-30 | 1988-09-06 | American Telephone And Telegraph Company And At&T Information Systems Inc. | Inter-exchange carrier access |
US4761808A (en) | 1987-03-18 | 1988-08-02 | Sheldon Howard | Time code telephone security access system |
US4812843A (en) | 1987-05-04 | 1989-03-14 | Champion Iii C Paul | Telephone accessible information system |
US4974252A (en) | 1987-06-03 | 1990-11-27 | Club Theatre Network, Inc. | Interactive commercial/entertainment network |
US4757267A (en) | 1987-06-17 | 1988-07-12 | Applied Telematics, Inc. | Telephone system for connecting a customer to a supplier of goods |
US4791666A (en) | 1987-06-19 | 1988-12-13 | The Audichron Company | Automatic intercept system interface for electromechanical telephone central office |
US4850007A (en) | 1987-06-25 | 1989-07-18 | American Telephone And Telegraph Company | Telephone toll service with advertising |
US5023904A (en) | 1987-08-04 | 1991-06-11 | Science Dynamics Corporation | Direct telephone dial ordering service |
US4847890A (en) | 1987-08-10 | 1989-07-11 | The Telephone Connection | Anonymous interactive telephone system |
US4835630A (en) | 1987-09-17 | 1989-05-30 | Dictaphone Corporation | Modular configurable communications recorder |
US4764666A (en) | 1987-09-18 | 1988-08-16 | Gtech Corporation | On-line wagering system with programmable game entry cards |
US4882473A (en) | 1987-09-18 | 1989-11-21 | Gtech Corporation | On-line wagering system with programmable game entry cards and operator security cards |
US4907079A (en) | 1987-09-28 | 1990-03-06 | Teleview Rating Corporation, Inc. | System for monitoring and control of home entertainment electronic devices |
US4788718A (en) | 1987-10-05 | 1988-11-29 | American Telephone And Telegraph Company, At & T Laboratories | Call data collection and modification of received call distribution |
US4853882A (en) | 1987-11-02 | 1989-08-01 | A. C. Nielsen Company | System and method for protecting against redundant mailings |
US4788716A (en) | 1987-12-22 | 1988-11-29 | Bell Communications Research, Inc. | Public opinion polling system |
US4908850B1 (en) | 1988-01-11 | 1995-02-07 | American Communications & Engi | Voice services network with automated billing |
US5199062A (en) | 1988-01-20 | 1993-03-30 | Phone Base Systems Inc. | Telephone communications system including a digital telephone switch, a voice response unit and a stored program sequence for controlling both the switch and the voice response unit |
US4878240A (en) | 1988-01-25 | 1989-10-31 | Bell Communications Research, Inc. | Multi-service telephone switching system |
US4926462A (en) | 1988-02-24 | 1990-05-15 | Vmx/Opcom | Interface to and operation of a voice messaging system |
US4942598A (en) | 1988-03-04 | 1990-07-17 | Motorola, Inc. | Telephone answering machine in paging systems with automatic number identification based message operations |
US4829563A (en) | 1988-04-07 | 1989-05-09 | Teknekron Infoswitch Corporation | Method for predictive dialing |
US5033088A (en) | 1988-06-06 | 1991-07-16 | Voice Processing Corp. | Method and apparatus for effectively receiving voice input to a voice recognition system |
US4922522A (en) | 1988-06-07 | 1990-05-01 | American Telephone And Telegraph Company | Telecommunications access to lottery systems |
US4881261A (en) | 1988-06-29 | 1989-11-14 | Rockwell International Corporation | Method for predictive pacing of calls in a calling system |
US4908761A (en) | 1988-09-16 | 1990-03-13 | Innovare Resourceful Marketing Group, Inc. | System for identifying heavy product purchasers who regularly use manufacturers' purchase incentives and predicting consumer promotional behavior response patterns |
US4916726A (en) | 1988-09-29 | 1990-04-10 | American Tel-A-System, Inc. | Telephone answering service with integrated voice and textual message storage |
JP2786645B2 (en) | 1988-12-27 | 1998-08-13 | 株式会社東芝 | Private branch exchange system |
US5017917A (en) | 1988-12-30 | 1991-05-21 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Restriction of communication service accessibility among subscriber communities |
US4933965A (en) | 1989-01-23 | 1990-06-12 | Intellicall, Inc. | Short time validity storage of a billing account number at a local telecommunications station |
US4908852A (en) | 1989-01-23 | 1990-03-13 | Intellicall, Inc. | Method and apparatus for altering the access format of telephone calls |
US4942599A (en) | 1989-02-02 | 1990-07-17 | Alphanet Technology Corporation | Location identification |
US5054054A (en) | 1989-02-07 | 1991-10-01 | International Business Machines Corporation | Voice applications generator |
JPH02209062A (en) | 1989-02-09 | 1990-08-20 | Fujitsu Ltd | Multi-medium communication system |
US5214689A (en) | 1989-02-11 | 1993-05-25 | Next Generaton Info, Inc. | Interactive transit information system |
US5003574A (en) | 1989-03-30 | 1991-03-26 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Voice capture system |
US4932021A (en) | 1989-04-03 | 1990-06-05 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Path learning feature for an automated telemarketing system |
US4959783A (en) | 1989-04-06 | 1990-09-25 | Lotto Pick Quick Winning Odds, Ltd. | System and method for choosing random numbers and delivering such numbers to subscribers for playing games of chance |
US4937853A (en) | 1989-05-03 | 1990-06-26 | Agt International, Inc. | Lottery agent data communication/telephone line interface |
US5790636A (en) | 1989-05-31 | 1998-08-04 | Marshall; Marvin E. | Telephone travel card system under the control of its customers |
US5028076A (en) | 1989-06-14 | 1991-07-02 | Ivy Hill Corporation | Product having concealed message |
US4951307A (en) | 1989-07-13 | 1990-08-21 | Willard Dan E | Method and apparatus for recording telephone messages |
US5046183A (en) | 1989-07-31 | 1991-09-03 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Semi-automated operator assistance telecommunication calls |
US4975945A (en) | 1989-08-21 | 1990-12-04 | First Data Resources Inc. | Universal telephone call relay system |
US4969183A (en) | 1989-08-28 | 1990-11-06 | Morris Reese | Telephone lotto number system and service |
US5003595A (en) | 1989-08-29 | 1991-03-26 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Secure dial access to computer systems |
US4972461A (en) | 1989-09-20 | 1990-11-20 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Call message delivery system and method |
US5054059A (en) | 1989-10-24 | 1991-10-01 | Stern Telecommunications Corp. | Telephone dialing system for specialized services |
US5001710A (en) | 1989-10-24 | 1991-03-19 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Customer programmable automated integrated voice/data technique for communication systems |
US5263723A (en) | 1989-10-27 | 1993-11-23 | Wakeman & Deforrest Corporation | Interactive contest system |
US5018736A (en) | 1989-10-27 | 1991-05-28 | Wakeman & Deforrest Corporation | Interactive game system and method |
US5036535A (en) | 1989-11-27 | 1991-07-30 | Unifi Communications Corporation | Switchless automatic call distribution system |
US5109408A (en) | 1989-11-30 | 1992-04-28 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Arrangement for intentionally blocking telephone calls to predefined destination numbers but allowing such blocking to be selectively overridden |
US5000486A (en) | 1989-12-12 | 1991-03-19 | 501 Webcraft Technologies, Inc. | Fragrance enhanced scratch-off layer for game cards |
US5058152A (en) | 1989-12-12 | 1991-10-15 | The Telephone Connection | Anonymous interactive telephone system having direct connect feature |
US4969185A (en) | 1989-12-29 | 1990-11-06 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Automated booking of telecommunications calls |
US5033076A (en) | 1990-01-31 | 1991-07-16 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Enhanced privacy feature for telephone systems |
US5415416A (en) | 1990-03-06 | 1995-05-16 | Lottotron Inc. | Computerized lottery wagering system |
US5125024A (en) | 1990-03-28 | 1992-06-23 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Voice response unit |
JPH05284203A (en) | 1990-04-05 | 1993-10-29 | Texas Instr Inc <Ti> | Method and system for user interface for speaking based on telecommunication |
JPH05284228A (en) | 1990-04-05 | 1993-10-29 | Texas Instr Inc <Ti> | Method for approving access to telecommunication service |
JPH05284221A (en) | 1990-04-05 | 1993-10-29 | Texas Instr Inc <Ti> | Method for approving access to remote communication service |
US5222120A (en) | 1990-04-23 | 1993-06-22 | Mci Communications Corporation | Long distance telephone switching system with enhanced subscriber services |
CA2040724A1 (en) | 1990-04-25 | 1991-10-26 | James L. Flanagan | Voice password controlled computer security system |
US5303299A (en) | 1990-05-15 | 1994-04-12 | Vcs Industries, Inc. | Method for continuous recognition of alphanumeric strings spoken over a telephone network |
US5168548A (en) | 1990-05-17 | 1992-12-01 | Kurzweil Applied Intelligence, Inc. | Integrated voice controlled report generating and communicating system |
US5255183A (en) | 1990-05-29 | 1993-10-19 | Interactive Voice Data System Inc. | Telephone-based personnel tracking system |
US5164981A (en) | 1990-06-04 | 1992-11-17 | Davox | Voice response system with automated data transfer |
CA2095916C (en) | 1990-11-20 | 1999-09-14 | Jack Shaio | Telephone call handling system |
US5327554A (en) | 1990-11-29 | 1994-07-05 | Palazzi Iii Michael A | Interactive terminal for the access of remote database information |
GB2252270B (en) | 1991-01-30 | 1995-05-24 | Wren Hilton Giles Martin | Improvements in and relating to cards and like information stores |
US5127003A (en) | 1991-02-11 | 1992-06-30 | Simpact Associates, Inc. | Digital/audio interactive communication network |
US5351276A (en) | 1991-02-11 | 1994-09-27 | Simpact Associates, Inc. | Digital/audio interactive communication network |
US5097528A (en) | 1991-02-25 | 1992-03-17 | International Business Machines Corporation | System for integrating telephony data with data processing systems |
GB2253542B (en) | 1991-03-07 | 1995-04-26 | Itech Limited | Improvements in and relating to telephone systems |
US5369685A (en) | 1991-03-07 | 1994-11-29 | Sprint Communications Company L.P. | Voice-activated telephone directory and call placement system |
US5309505A (en) | 1991-05-20 | 1994-05-03 | Inventions, Inc. | Automated voice system for improving agent efficiency and improving service to parties on hold |
US5333185A (en) | 1991-06-03 | 1994-07-26 | At&T Bell Laboratories | System for processing calling party information for international communications services |
US5236199A (en) | 1991-06-13 | 1993-08-17 | Thompson Jr John W | Interactive media system and telecomputing method using telephone keypad signalling |
US5146491A (en) | 1991-08-08 | 1992-09-08 | Pilgrim Telephone, Inc. | Telephone billing method |
US5148474A (en) | 1991-08-21 | 1992-09-15 | Nancy Haralambopoulos | Interactive value-added telecommunications system and method |
US5354069A (en) | 1992-01-21 | 1994-10-11 | Ahbrew Company | Lottery emulation system |
JP2619581B2 (en) * | 1992-02-07 | 1997-06-11 | 株式会社日立製作所 | Superconducting magnet structure for magnetic levitation train |
US5418844A (en) | 1992-04-17 | 1995-05-23 | Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc. | Automatic access to information service providers |
US5353335A (en) | 1992-08-03 | 1994-10-04 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Multilingual prepaid telephone system |
WO1994005117A1 (en) | 1992-08-14 | 1994-03-03 | Dtmf Television, Inc. | A participatory television system |
GB9218134D0 (en) | 1992-08-26 | 1992-10-14 | Raychem Sa Nv | Communication channel switching arrangement |
US5561710A (en) | 1992-11-17 | 1996-10-01 | Helms; Ramon E. | Interactive voice communication terminal with alpha and numeric keypad |
US5475205A (en) | 1994-06-22 | 1995-12-12 | Scientific Games Inc. | Document verification system |
-
1988
- 1988-05-16 US US07/194,258 patent/US4845739A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1988-12-19 DE DE3853420T patent/DE3853420T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1988-12-19 EP EP88312001A patent/EP0342295B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1988-12-19 DE DE3856423T patent/DE3856423T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1988-12-19 EP EP94107833A patent/EP0620669B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1988-12-19 DE DE3856573T patent/DE3856573T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1988-12-19 EP EP00102575A patent/EP0998107B1/en not_active Revoked
-
1989
- 1989-04-10 US US07/335,923 patent/US6016344A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1995
- 1995-06-07 US US08/475,425 patent/US6035021A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1995-06-07 US US08/483,250 patent/US6349134B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1999
- 1999-03-15 US US09/270,241 patent/US6292547B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1999-07-30 US US09/364,731 patent/US20020025027A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2000
- 2000-10-31 HK HK00106918A patent/HK1027928A1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2001
- 2001-04-05 US US09/827,614 patent/US20010021245A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (100)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3076059A (en) * | 1958-06-20 | 1963-01-29 | Bell Telephone Labor Inc | Signaling system |
US3022381A (en) * | 1959-02-26 | 1962-02-20 | Bell Telephone Labor Inc | Credit card operated telephone |
US3082402A (en) * | 1960-05-10 | 1963-03-19 | Scantlin Electronics Inc | Securities quotation apparatus |
US3299210A (en) * | 1963-03-18 | 1967-01-17 | Ibm | Apparatus for connecting a multichannel data processor with a plurality of telephone lines |
US3568157A (en) * | 1963-12-31 | 1971-03-02 | Bell Telephone Labor Inc | Program controlled data processing system |
US3651480A (en) * | 1963-12-31 | 1972-03-21 | Bell Telephone Labor Inc | Program controlled data processing system |
US3569939A (en) * | 1963-12-31 | 1971-03-09 | Bell Telephone Labor Inc | Program controlled data processing system |
US3371162A (en) * | 1964-09-02 | 1968-02-27 | Scantlin Electronics Inc | System for transmitting digital data via telephone lines utilizing a telephone as the input |
US3647973A (en) * | 1967-12-04 | 1972-03-07 | Peter James | Computer system utilizing a telephone as an input device |
US3557311A (en) * | 1968-01-02 | 1971-01-19 | Compumatics Inc | Information transmission system including a unit for producing a printed record of information transmitted |
US3555198A (en) * | 1968-04-01 | 1971-01-12 | Itt | Identifier to determine the class of service to which a subscriber is entitled |
US3553378A (en) * | 1968-05-06 | 1971-01-05 | Dialscan Systems Inc | Information retrieval apparatus via telephone lines providing simultaneous accessing of same information source |
US3556530A (en) * | 1968-05-23 | 1971-01-19 | Howard Miller | Game having quick prize indication for wide area use |
US3564210A (en) * | 1968-11-29 | 1971-02-16 | Farrington Mfg Co | Apparatus combining a variable amount imprinter with credit verification circuitry |
US3571799A (en) * | 1969-08-21 | 1971-03-23 | Ibm | Data transmission terminal |
US3800283A (en) * | 1969-11-12 | 1974-03-26 | Sanders Associates Inc | Credit verifying unit |
US3644675A (en) * | 1970-06-04 | 1972-02-22 | Frank W Watlington | Polling method utilizing telephone transmission and recording system |
US3652795A (en) * | 1970-11-25 | 1972-03-28 | Electrospace Corp | Telephone transaction system |
US3787632A (en) * | 1971-06-28 | 1974-01-22 | Northern Electric Co | Automatic number identification for private telephone exchanges |
US3870866A (en) * | 1971-11-11 | 1975-03-11 | Halpern John Wolfgang | Fee charging system |
US3938091A (en) * | 1972-03-17 | 1976-02-10 | Atalla Technovations Company | Personal verification system |
US3870821A (en) * | 1972-11-29 | 1975-03-11 | Donald P Steury | Pushbutton telephone printer/recorder |
US3792446A (en) * | 1972-12-04 | 1974-02-12 | Pitney Bowes Inc | Remote postage meter resetting method |
US3794774A (en) * | 1973-01-19 | 1974-02-26 | Courtesy Communications Corp | Telephone audio program system |
US4009342A (en) * | 1973-04-19 | 1977-02-22 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Circuit arrangement for communication facilities wherein transmission paths can be employed for different types of message switching |
US3940569A (en) * | 1973-08-08 | 1976-02-24 | E & M Communications Corporation | Programmable toll restrictor |
US3934095A (en) * | 1974-06-24 | 1976-01-20 | Action Communication Systems, Inc. | Method and system for short term queuing of telephone calls in automatic inter-city telephone call connection system |
US4191376A (en) * | 1975-05-27 | 1980-03-04 | Systems Operations, Inc. | Highly secure playing cards for instant lottery and games |
US4068099A (en) * | 1975-06-13 | 1978-01-10 | Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson | Method of and apparatus for switching service information units in a TDM system |
US4012599A (en) * | 1975-07-29 | 1977-03-15 | Jerome Charles Meyer | Telephone communications system for the deaf |
US4187498A (en) * | 1975-10-06 | 1980-02-05 | 1St National Bank | Check verification system |
US4192972A (en) * | 1976-04-27 | 1980-03-11 | Cselt-Centro Studi e Laboratori Telecomunicazioni S.p.A | Pay-telephone station with deferred collection |
US4078316A (en) * | 1976-06-24 | 1978-03-14 | Freeman Michael J | Real time conversational toy |
US4194089A (en) * | 1976-09-30 | 1980-03-18 | Hashimoto Corporation | Automatic answering telephone set having an endless tape with a plurality of selective tracks |
US4071698A (en) * | 1977-01-10 | 1978-01-31 | Franklin V. Barger, Jr. | Telephone system for audio demonstration and marketing of goods or services |
US4367402A (en) * | 1977-03-31 | 1983-01-04 | Compagnie Internationale Pour L'informatique Cii-Honeywell Bull | System for keeping account of predetermined homogeneous units |
US4139739A (en) * | 1977-07-05 | 1979-02-13 | Tdx Systems, Inc. | Telecommunications call back system |
US4428296A (en) * | 1978-04-19 | 1984-01-31 | Les Fils D'auguste Scheuchzer S.A. | Railroad track relaying train |
US4145578A (en) * | 1978-04-28 | 1979-03-20 | Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated | Position access preference method |
US4191860A (en) * | 1978-07-13 | 1980-03-04 | Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated | Data base communication call processing method |
US4243844A (en) * | 1978-09-19 | 1981-01-06 | Waldman Herbert H | Hold circuit for telephone system |
US4314103A (en) * | 1978-09-29 | 1982-02-02 | Plantronics, Inc. | Telephone answering system with simulated dial tone disconnect protection |
US4255619A (en) * | 1978-10-14 | 1981-03-10 | Keihin Electric Express Railway Co., Ltd. | Telephone reservation-processing system |
US4317961A (en) * | 1979-03-23 | 1982-03-02 | Small World Exchange, Inc. | Telephone-conferencing apparatus and method |
US4255618A (en) * | 1979-04-18 | 1981-03-10 | Gte Automatic Electric Laboratories, Incorporated | Digital intercept recorder/announcer system |
US4371752A (en) * | 1979-11-26 | 1983-02-01 | Ecs Telecommunications, Inc. | Electronic audio communication system |
US4640991A (en) * | 1979-11-26 | 1987-02-03 | Vmx, Inc. | Electronic audio communications systems network |
US4320256A (en) * | 1979-11-27 | 1982-03-16 | Freeman Michael J | Verbally interactive telephone interrogation system with selectible variable decision tree |
US4313035A (en) * | 1980-01-18 | 1982-01-26 | Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated | Method of providing person locator service |
US4376875A (en) * | 1980-05-16 | 1983-03-15 | Mitel Corporation | Keyless and indicatorless local telephone switching system |
US4494197A (en) * | 1980-12-11 | 1985-01-15 | Seymour Troy | Automatic lottery system |
US4501958A (en) * | 1981-03-05 | 1985-02-26 | Electronique Marcel Dassault | Verification system, for example for passing through a toll point |
US4438824A (en) * | 1981-04-22 | 1984-03-27 | Siemens Corporation | Apparatus and method for cryptographic identity verification |
US4427848A (en) * | 1981-12-29 | 1984-01-24 | Tsakanikas Peter J | Telephonic alphanumeric data transmission system |
US4427848B1 (en) * | 1981-12-29 | 1994-03-29 | Telephone Lottery Company Inc | Telephonic alphanumeric data transmission system |
US4439635A (en) * | 1982-02-09 | 1984-03-27 | Peter F. Theis | Message delivery system |
US4439636A (en) * | 1982-03-09 | 1984-03-27 | Martha Newkirk | Credit card actuated telecommunication access network |
US4566030A (en) * | 1983-06-09 | 1986-01-21 | Ctba Associates | Television viewer data collection system |
US4565903A (en) * | 1983-08-03 | 1986-01-21 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Telephone interexchange carrier selection |
US4570930A (en) * | 1983-10-03 | 1986-02-18 | At&T Bell Laboratories | System, method, and station interface arrangement for playing video game over telephone lines |
US4634809A (en) * | 1983-11-28 | 1987-01-06 | Kurt Paulsson | Terminal systems |
US4719647A (en) * | 1984-01-30 | 1988-01-12 | Morgan Electronics | Telephone message retrieval system with improved processor and retrieval console |
US4567359A (en) * | 1984-05-24 | 1986-01-28 | Lockwood Lawrence B | Automatic information, goods and services dispensing system |
US4645873A (en) * | 1985-01-23 | 1987-02-24 | Telecue Systems | Transactional telecommunication system |
US4635251A (en) * | 1985-07-31 | 1987-01-06 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Meet-me conference with control capabilities |
US4805207A (en) * | 1985-09-09 | 1989-02-14 | Wang Laboratories, Inc. | Message taking and retrieval system |
US4897870A (en) * | 1985-09-25 | 1990-01-30 | Southlake Technologies, Inc. | Network implemented pay telephone set |
US4897867A (en) * | 1985-09-30 | 1990-01-30 | American Telephone And Telegraph Company, At&T Bell Laboratories | Method of and an arrangement for forwarding a customer order |
US4797910A (en) * | 1986-05-07 | 1989-01-10 | American Telphone And Telegraph Company, At&T Bell Laboratories | Automated operator assistance calls with voice processing |
US4800583A (en) * | 1986-07-31 | 1989-01-24 | Theis Peter F | Overflow call handling system |
US4799156A (en) * | 1986-10-01 | 1989-01-17 | Strategic Processing Corporation | Interactive market management system |
US4899373A (en) * | 1986-11-28 | 1990-02-06 | American Telephone And Telegraph Company At&T Bell Laboratories | Method and apparatus for providing personalized telephone subscriber features at remote locations |
US4722526A (en) * | 1987-01-20 | 1988-02-02 | Tovar Joseph L | Game method and apparatus for use while viewing a sporting event |
US4799255A (en) * | 1987-01-30 | 1989-01-17 | American Telephone And Telegraph Company - At&T Information Systems | Communication facilities access control arrangement |
US4797818A (en) * | 1987-03-26 | 1989-01-10 | Jeno F. Paulucci | Food order/delivery system |
US4797911A (en) * | 1987-06-16 | 1989-01-10 | Inventions, Inc. | Customer account online servicing system |
US4894857A (en) * | 1987-06-16 | 1990-01-16 | Inuentions Inc. | Method and apparatus for customer account servicing |
US4893328A (en) * | 1987-07-31 | 1990-01-09 | Microvoice Systems Corporation | Automated telephone operator overflow device |
US4797913A (en) * | 1987-08-04 | 1989-01-10 | Science Dynamics Corporation | Direct telephone dial ordering service |
US4996705A (en) * | 1987-09-01 | 1991-02-26 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Use of telecommunications systems for lotteries |
US4805209A (en) * | 1987-12-09 | 1989-02-14 | International Business Machines | Coordinated transfer of voice and information through a digital switch |
US4796293A (en) * | 1987-12-18 | 1989-01-03 | Communications Network Enhancement Inc. | Enhanced dedicated teleconferencing system |
US4893325A (en) * | 1988-09-23 | 1990-01-09 | Rockwell International Corporation | Integrated public safety answering point system |
US4899375A (en) * | 1988-09-23 | 1990-02-06 | American Telephone & Telegraph Company, At&T Bell Laboratories | More efficient call handling for operator assistance calls |
US5083272A (en) * | 1988-11-02 | 1992-01-21 | Britcanus Corporation | Interactive telephone lottery system with a verification code |
US4896346A (en) * | 1988-11-21 | 1990-01-23 | American Telephone And Telegraph Company, At&T Bell Laboratories | Password controlled switching system |
US4896345A (en) * | 1989-02-16 | 1990-01-23 | Thorne Donald J | Call handling system |
US4992940A (en) * | 1989-03-13 | 1991-02-12 | H-Renee, Incorporated | System and method for automated selection of equipment for purchase through input of user desired specifications |
US4989233A (en) * | 1989-04-11 | 1991-01-29 | Evanston Enterprises, Inc. | Systems for capturing telephonic mass responses |
US4989234A (en) * | 1989-04-11 | 1991-01-29 | Evanston Enterprises, Inc. | Systems for capturing telephonic mass responses |
US5181238A (en) * | 1989-05-31 | 1993-01-19 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Authenticated communications access service |
US4893330A (en) * | 1989-06-01 | 1990-01-09 | American Telephone And Telegraph Company, At&T Bell Laboratories | Method and apparatus for restricting credit card communication calls |
US5289531A (en) * | 1989-08-24 | 1994-02-22 | Levine Alfred B | Remote scheduling of appointments with interactivety using a caller's unit |
US4985913A (en) * | 1989-08-29 | 1991-01-15 | Stephen R. Shalom | Multiple message answering machine keyed to the incoming phone number |
US5181236A (en) * | 1990-09-25 | 1993-01-19 | Rockwell International Corporation | Automatic call returning method for call distributor with message record capability |
US5179585A (en) * | 1991-01-16 | 1993-01-12 | Octel Communications Corporation | Integrated voice messaging/voice response system |
US5186471A (en) * | 1991-06-21 | 1993-02-16 | Nynex Corporation | Interactive telephone gaming system |
US5490207A (en) * | 1994-01-21 | 1996-02-06 | Schorr; Andrew | Method of dispersing information and collecting data via telephone systems |
US5599046A (en) * | 1994-06-22 | 1997-02-04 | Scientific Games Inc. | Lottery ticket structure with circuit elements |
US5709603A (en) * | 1995-04-06 | 1998-01-20 | Kaye; Perry | Personal computer lottery game |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6700972B1 (en) | 1999-08-25 | 2004-03-02 | Verizon Corporate Services Group Inc. | System and method for processing and collecting data from a call directed to a call center |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE3856573T2 (en) | 2005-12-08 |
EP0998107A3 (en) | 2000-08-16 |
US6292547B1 (en) | 2001-09-18 |
DE3853420D1 (en) | 1995-04-27 |
DE3856423D1 (en) | 2000-09-14 |
US6035021A (en) | 2000-03-07 |
US6016344A (en) | 2000-01-18 |
DE3853420T2 (en) | 1995-11-09 |
EP0620669B1 (en) | 2000-08-09 |
US4845739A (en) | 1989-07-04 |
DE3856423T2 (en) | 2001-01-25 |
EP0620669A1 (en) | 1994-10-19 |
US6349134B1 (en) | 2002-02-19 |
EP0998107B1 (en) | 2004-09-29 |
EP0342295A2 (en) | 1989-11-23 |
DE3856573D1 (en) | 2004-11-04 |
US20010021245A1 (en) | 2001-09-13 |
EP0342295A3 (en) | 1991-12-04 |
HK1027928A1 (en) | 2001-01-23 |
EP0342295B1 (en) | 1995-03-22 |
EP0998107A2 (en) | 2000-05-03 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6292547B1 (en) | Telephonic-interface statistical analysis system | |
US6678360B1 (en) | Telephonic-interface statistical analysis system | |
US5048075A (en) | Telephonic-interface statistical analysis system | |
US5898762A (en) | Telephonic-interface statistical analysis system | |
US5259023A (en) | Telephonic-interface statistical analysis system | |
US6449346B1 (en) | Telephone-television interface statistical analysis system | |
US5255309A (en) | Telephonic-interface statistical analysis system | |
US5365575A (en) | Telephonic-interface lottery system | |
US5835576A (en) | Telephonic-interface lottery device | |
US20010026610A1 (en) | Telephonic-interface lottery system | |
US6512415B1 (en) | Telephonic-interface game control system | |
US5553120A (en) | Telephonic-interface game control system | |
EP1148699B1 (en) | Operations control | |
US6434223B2 (en) | Telephone interface call processing system with call selectivity | |
US5349633A (en) | Telephonic-interface game control system | |
US20020196915A1 (en) | Telephone interface call processing system with call selectivity |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |