Abstract: Changes in wireless service user behavior are encouraged and produced to shape utilization patterns among cells within a rate plan region by using shaping rules which define potential discounts from a standard charge rate under certain cell-specific utilization conditions, analyzing the shaping rules and utilization statistics of a cell upon service initiation, generating a discount from the standard rate for underutilized cells. The user is notified of these discount opportunities using text messages, icons, or other means. Over time, the users learn that at certain places and times, significant discounts are offered, and thus changes their behavior to take advantage of those discounts, thereby shaping traffic in a manner desired by the service provider.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for playing an advertisement to a telephone subscriber prior to call completion in a telecommunications network. A subscriber telephone line is provisioned to provide an advertisement. A switch in the telecommunications network detects an off-hook condition at the subscriber's telephone and interprets the digits of the telephone number of a called party dialed by the subscriber. The switch then retrieves an advertisement and plays the advertisement to the subscriber instead of generating a ringing tone prior to call completion. The switch may also play the advertisement instead of a dial tone. The advertisement may be stored in an advertisement module in the switch or in a network component in the telecommunications network. The period for playing the advertisement may be extended by delaying call processing at the network component. Once the advertisement begins playing, the subscriber may terminate the advertisement by depressing a key on a telephone keypad.

Abstract: This invention provides a display device that can be updated via a communications network. In an improved version the advertising material used to update the device depends upon a called number dialled on a telephone which is associated with the device.

Abstract: Marketing of goods and services on telephone lines and during a period from the commencement of a telephone call to the receipt and acceptance of that call (quiescent period) when the recipient of the call actuates his or her telephone. This quiescent period of time, during which a ringing signal is normally generated, is used for presentation of advertising or promotional messages, primarily to a caller, although it can be delivered to the recipient of the call, or both. In addition, the system provides for the use of messages during the normal ringing cycle time to effectively replace the ringing signal. The particular advertising or promotional message can be selected for a certain area, such as an area covered by a telephone switchboard or a certain party or characteristics of that party. In this way each individual telephone switchboard is capable of presenting a message different from the next telephone switchboard.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for specifying and obtaining services through audio commands, resulting in a live conversation between a user and a selected service provider using an audio-transmission medium (the telephone). A service seeker locates a service provider by entering a keypad code corresponding to a field of service or by speaking the name of a profession, which is recognized by the system. The seeker can then specify, via voice or keypad entry, a price range, quality rating, language, and keyword descriptors of the service provider, such as a service provider code number. In response, the system offers currently available service providers. Once an available service provider is selected, the system connects the service seeker with the service provider for a live conversation. The system bills the seeker for the time spent conversing with the service provider and compensates the service provider accordingly.

Abstract: The current invention is a system for providing telephone directory assistance service in which a telephone user calls to the system and the system will, based on the requested number or type of service, hear a recorded advertisement. The advertisements are selected from a databank according to selection criteria, which may include any number of advertisements. After the advertising announcement is completed, the directory assistance call is processed as usual. The selection criteria can include the use of SIC codes.

Abstract: A method for providing dynamic ringback services can include receiving a connection signal from an originating device and determining a receiving device specified by the connection signal. The method can access receiving device specific information and can dynamically generate a ringback transmission responsive to at least a portion of the receiving device specific information. The method can send this ringback transmission to the originating device before a connection is established between the originating device and the receiving device.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for connecting a subscriber to an advertiser prior to call completion in an intelligent telecommunications network. A subscriber telephone line is provisioned to receive advertisements which are stored in an originating switch in the telecommunications network. Once the subscriber dials a telephone number to call another party, the switch delays normal call processing and begins playing the advertisement to the subscriber. If the subscriber wishes to be connected to the advertiser, she may provide a predetermined input to the switch. The switch, upon receiving the predetermined input, retrieves routing information, including the telephone number associated with the advertiser, from a network component and connects the subscriber with the advertiser.

Abstract: Passengers on board a vehicle make and receive calls via a satellite network. That network sees each passenger involved in a call as a temporary dummy subscriber of the satellite network. Thus the satellite network is used to manage the roaming of passengers on aircraft. An intermediate network and the terrestrial mobile telephone network therefore do not need to manage the roaming of the aircraft. The terrestrial mobile telephone network sees each node of the intermediate network as a dummy base station and each passenger involved in a call as a dummy mobile subscriber of the terrestrial mobile telephone network, in the service area of one of the dummy base stations. The terrestrial fixed telephone network sees each passenger involved in a call as a subscriber of another fixed network managed by another operator. The intermediate network sees the satellite network as a standard terrestrial mobile telephone network, able to manage the roaming of its subscribers itself.

Abstract: Inmates place free incoming calls to a call processing system and are prompted to choose between accessing a voice mail system and calling an outside party. If an outside party is to be called, an inmate provides a phone number and an outgoing call is placed to the outside party. If the outside party provides payment for the call, the inmate is connected to the outgoing call and the incoming call is terminated. If the outgoing call is not accepted, the inmate may record a voice message for the outside party in a voice mailbox assigned to the inmate. For an access fee, the outside party may access the voice mailbox assigned to the inmate. Advertising messages may be presented to inmates during incoming calls and/or to outside parties during outgoing calls. Advertising revenue may cover incoming call charges. Inmates and/or outside parties may record voice messages for advertisers.

Abstract: A method is described to provide an alternative telephone information service implemented by a service provider other than the telecommunication service used in the connection of the call. This independent information service provides the caller information services at a minimal or at no cost to the caller. The cost of the call to the caller is subsidized or entirely paid by promotion message sponsors in exchange for the caller listening, with possible interaction by the caller and rewards to the caller, to at least one sponsored promotional message prior to connection to the requested information. This service information includes telephone listings, weather, date/time, local/national news, traffic conditions, airplane schedules, text to voice translated caller e-mail, account member mailbox messages or other information of interest to the local or national caller.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for playing an advertisement to a telephone subscriber prior to call completion in a telecommunications network. A subscriber telephone line is provisioned to provide an advertisement. A switch in the telecommunications network detects an off-hook condition at the subscriber's telephone and interprets the digits of the telephone number of a called party dialed by the subscriber. The switch then retrieves an advertisement and plays the advertisement to the subscriber instead of generating a ringing tone prior to call completion. The switch may also play the advertisement instead of a dial tone. The advertisement may be stored in an advertisement module in the switch or in a network component in the telecommunications network. The period for playing the advertisement may be extended by delaying call processing at the network component. Once the advertisement begins playing, the subscriber may terminate the advertisement by depressing a key on a telephone keypad.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing advertising information to a caller of a telecommunications call. The advertiser provides data for the advertising message to a database and the message is transmitted prior or during the application of a ringing signal to a called telecommunications station. Advantageously, the telecommunications carrier can receive revenue from the advertising announcements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing information to a telecommunications customer who has been placed in the hold state by a telecommunications network providing a call connection to said customer. The information may be in the form of an advertisement in which case the carrier can derive revenue from providing the service. The information can be selected based on the customer profile so that the most appropriate advertisement is transmitted to the customer who is on hold.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a method. The method includes assigning a unique telephone number to an advertiser; providing an advertisement on a media channel on behalf of the advertiser, the advertisement including one of the unique telephone number and a reference to the unique telephone number; monitoring telephone calls to the unique telephone number; and billing the advertiser for telephone calls to the unique telephone number in accordance with a predefined model.

Abstract: Changes in user behavior of usage of wireless services from a mobile device are encouraged in order to effect shaping of traffic and utilization patterns among a plurality of cells within a rate plan region, wherein a discount indicator disposed in said mobile device is provided to notify a user of a discount available for consuming wireless service from a given cell. A geo-cost policy is established for that user or mobile device in which rules and conditions according to the available discounts and class of service are defined. A service completer queues services and automatically completes queued services upon present conditions meeting said geo-cost policy rules, such as delaying and later delivering messages when the mobile device is relocated to a cell where discounts are being offered.

Abstract: A software based algorithm and associated method for generating and delivering to a caller or a recipient, or both, a message generated over a telephone link during a normal telephone ringing signal period. The software based algorithm and method is operable with hardware designed to accomplish this purpose, and is also effective for use with hard wire based telephone systems and cellular telephone systems. The algorithm and method operate on the basis of identifying a caller, introducing and playing a message and terminating the play of the message when a recipient answers a recipient telephone.

Abstract: A telephone communication method and system for retrieving and providing advertisement information that matches a communication terminal user's preference as to advertisement information. The telephone communication method of the invention is a method of providing the communication terminal with one or more pieces of advertisement information via a telephone network. This method obtains a plurality of pieces of advertisement information from an advertiser terminal prior to provision of the advertisement information on one hand, and obtains user-related information from the user's communication terminal as a retrieval condition for retrieval of the advertisement information on the other hand. The method then transmits to the communication terminal at least one piece of advertisement information retrieved from a plurality of pieces of advertisement information on the basis of the user-related information.

Abstract: A system and method for advertising supported communications in a telecommunications network are described. One exemplary method includes receiving a call request to connect a call from an originating subscriber terminal to a destination subscriber terminal. The call request includes a destination identifier such as a MIN or a PSTN telephone number associated with the destination terminal. The method further includes providing at least one advertisement to a subscriber associated with the originating terminal, determining a free calling balance for the subscriber based on the advertisements being provided to the subscriber and the destination identifier, connecting the call from the originating terminal to the destination terminal, and monitoring as well as decrementing the free calling balance as the call progresses.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for compensating a viewer for viewing of a designated channel with reduction of telephone charges. The system comprises a signal input port to which image signals from a plurality of channels are accessed; a signal output port for supplying the image signals to a picture receiving device for displaying them; a telephone network port to which an external telephone network is accessed; a telephone connection port accessed to a telephone set; a channel filtering unit connected between the signal input port and the signal output port, for outputting only the image signals from a single channel among the plurality of channels to the signal output port; and a controller for controlling the channel filtering unit so that the designated channel is output when making a phone call. With this configuration, an audience rating of the designated channel can increase and the telephone charges of the user can be reduced.

Abstract: A system and method for providing targeted advertising to telephone callers in mid-dial. The invention monitors the dialing activities of a caller. When a caller enters a partial desired telephone number, an embodiment of the present invention receives the partial number and determines whether an advertisement should be presented to the caller. If all of the appropriate conditions are met, a selected advertisement is transmitted to the caller's telephony device and the caller is given the opportunity to respond to the advertisement before the dialing operation completes.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed in which an initiating caller using a station connected to a data network receives advertisement information while waiting for a call to complete between the station and the receiving party. The station connects with a server that can access a database storing a plurality of advertisement information. The station includes a user interface, which allows the caller to interact with the station, and a flow controller, which monitors the bandwidth available to receive information from the server system.

Abstract: A system is provided for managing telephone calls made to special service numbers. Information extracted from incoming telephone calls can be received by a system server and cross-referenced with a database to obtain cross-referenced caller information pertaining to previous customer telephone calls and/or in person customer meetings. The cross-referenced caller information can be passed to a client workstation and displayed to the user in the form of an industry-specific template formatted in accordance with the business needs of the user. The template can be automatically populated with the cross-referenced caller information. During the telephone call, the user can view and update the caller information, thereby maintaining a retrievable record of the telephone call. With regard to the multi-housing industry in particular, caller information can be displayed in the form of a guest card template and/or a service card template.

Abstract: In providing an information assistance service in a call by a user, the context of the call is ascertained. Context information is derived from information exchanges during the call. Inferences as to types of advertisement pertinent to the user location, event, etc. are drawn based on the context information. Pertinent advertisements, which may be further individualized based on personal preferences, are provided to the user at the conclusion of the call, or otherwise transmitted to the user via voicemail, SMS, email, WAP, paging, facsimile, instant messaging, text messaging, picture phone, video phone, etc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing information to a telecommunications customer who has been placed in the hold state by a telecommunications network providing a call connection to said customer. The information may be in the form of an advertisement in which case the carrier can derive revenue from providing the service. The information can be selected based on the customer profile so that the most appropriate advertisement is transmitted to the customer who is on hold.

Abstract: In providing an information assistance service, each user of a multi-party account is identified and provided with individualized services. For example, advertising and promotional information targeted to the user is provided during an information assistance call, which may be presented to the user in his/her preferred language. The user may act on such advertising information to conduct purchases through the information assistance service. Spending limits on purchases of different types of product or service may be established for each individual user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing advertising information to a caller of a telecommunications call. The advertiser provides data for the advertising message to a database and the message is transmitted prior or during the application of a ringing signal to a called telecommunications station. Advantageously, the telecommunications carrier can receive revenue from the advertising announcements.

Abstract: A voice message delivery method and system for delivering voice messages from a Sender to a Receiver, where neither the Sender nor the Receiver are required to be Subscribers to the system. The invention allows voice messages to be delivered to non-Subscribers and, if they are not how, to be recorded into the existing answering machine or voicemail system of the Recipient. Advertisements played during either the process of sending or receiving a message provide revenue for a company providing the service of the present invention without requiring users to become Subscribers.

Abstract: A system and method for providing informative communications when a connection is being established between a first communications device and a second communications device. The method includes suppressing an audio tone notifying a user that a connection is being established and substituting information unrelated to the suppressed audio tone to the user while the connection is being established. The information includes advertisements, music, movie clips, news headlines, sports scores, stock quotes, weather, time of day, calendar reminders, horoscopes, and inspirational sayings. Such information is more informative to the user than dial tones and therefore are suppressed in an embodiment of the current invention.

Abstract: A recording medium storing a program for connecting a caller terminal and a recipient terminal that make a call by using a network in which an IP address of a user is assigned when the user connects with the network is provided. The program includes an IP address acquiring module 300 for acquiring an IP address of the caller terminal from a provider in a case where a user of the caller terminal input a call request and an e-mail sending module 304 for creating an e-mail containing information indicating the IP address of the caller terminal and an indication button for instructing a request of the call from the recipient terminal to the caller terminal so as to send the e-mail to the recipient terminal.

Abstract: A system and method for providing one or more advertisements, services, surveys, offers for goods/services, and/or offers to modify a telephone service plan (“intercept actions” collectively) to one or more parties to a telephone call are provided. One or more advertisements may be provided during one or more points along an unsuccessful or successful telephone call. One or more services may be provided gratuitously or in exchange for the presentation of one or more advertisements to recipient of the service. Additionally, a telephone service plan associated with the caller or callee may be analyzed and the caller/callee may be presented with the option to activate one or more service features that, at the time of the attempted call, are not activated in the telephone service plan. A survey may be provided to the caller/callee and the responses recorded. The caller/callee may also receive an offer for goods or services.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for compensating a recipient for participating in a marketing communication. The recipient may be compensated by means of a credit applied to his or her existing bill from the corresponding service provider, or by means of a credit applied to a third party account, such as a credit card account of the recipient or a charity that has been designated by the called party to receive such credits. The recipient is notified that he or she may be compensated for a given telemarketing call or another marketing promotion by means of a distinctive telephone ring or a similar distinctive feature. A service provider can also offer a service to its subscribers that employs the distinctive ringing feature described herein to indicate to the customer that a given telephone call is coming from a telemarketer.

Abstract: An on-demand message system includes a profile proxy server and a plurality of message servers coupled to a wireless network for sending messages to mobile users under conditions specified by the users and sellers. Users provide profile information specifying categories and conditions for which they will receive messages. Sellers also provide profile information specifying conditions under which they want messages to be sent. A multicast message is sent and processed by target users in response to a predetermined event, e.g., location update, conveying information related to a seller for which the target users have expressed an interest in receiving.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an efficient system for communicating with a broadcast audience. To achieve this and other objects of the present invention, there is a method for a system having a transmitter (811) that broadcasts a first signal (450). The method comprises receiving the first signal (450); decoding (810) the first signal into the second signal (659), the second signal being human perceptible; decoding the first signal into the third signal (660), the third signal being digital; receiving an input from a user (712), after the decoding steps (802); generating the fourth signal (806), responsive to the input (712); generating a fifth signal (750) by appending the fourth signal (806) to the third signal (660); and sending the fifth signal (750).

Abstract: Transmitting by a public service provider an audio message to the calling party instead normal ring back tones when a call is placed by a calling party to a called party. This audio message is an advertisement that is paid for by a third party. If the calling party wishes more information concerning the advertisement, the calling party indicates this desire either by a spoken command or by accuation of a multi-frequency key on the telephone hand set during the message. If the calling party has indicated a desire to obtain more information with respect to the advertisement, when the call to the called party is completed, the public service provider will automatically connect the calling party to a system that will provide additional information concerning the advertisement. A data terminal placing a data call will receive advertisements in a similar manner.

Abstract: A method, system, and program for controlling advertising output during hold periods are provided. A context for a call on hold is detected. An advertisement is selected for output during a hold space a hold period of the call according to the context. Output of the advertisement during the hold space is controlled, wherein the advertisement is specified according to the context. The advertisement may include text messages, audio messages, video messages, for advertising a product or service or making an announcement.

Abstract: Broadcasting of different tariff periods in a telephone system. Subscribers of a telecommunication system are advised of service charging tariffs of services to said subscribers. In the telecommunication system, a service charging tariff message is sent to subscriber stations operated by the subscribers. The service charging tariff message comprises a starting time of a future tariff period and a tariff indication of the future tariff period. A subscriber station receiving such a service charging tariff message processes the starting time and the tariff indication. The service charging tariff information is stored and retrieved, and is displayed on a display of the subscriber station. The tariff indication comprises an early indication of off-peak time charge free minutes, usually forming part of a calling plan of a subscriber, which off-peak time free charge minutes can be spent during peak time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a caller identification display service method and apparatus for providing caller identification and additional information like an advertisement or an official announcement on a recipient's telephone. According to the present invention the method of displaying the caller identification and the additional information on the recipient's telephone comprises the steps of receiving a call request from a caller's telephone terminal, extracting the additional information corresponding to the caller identification from a database in response to the call request, and transmitting a paging signal comprising the additional information and the caller identification to the recipient's telephone terminal, wherein the additional information and the caller identification are displayed on the recipient's telephone terminal.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and a system for placing and reading an advertisement. In order to place and read advertisements without undue delay and to reach the largest possible group of interested people with a published advertisement, a process is proposed that is characterised by the following steps: dialling of a specified directory number of a service computer in a telecommunications (TC) network (1) and making a connection to the service computer (2); selection of a desired category of advertisement (4); and input of advertising copy (6) into or output of advertising copy (12) from an advertisement memory (10) allocated to the selected category.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to facilitate a communication associated with a destination identifier. According to one embodiment, a request to facilitate a communication in association with a destination identifier is received from a party, the destination identifier having a primary purpose other than communication. The destination identifier may comprise, for example, an automobile license plate number or a Social Security number. Information is then transmitted to enable the requested communication. For example, a message from a requesting party may be forwarded to an electronic mail address associated with a license plate number.

Abstract: A telecommunications environment includes a switch for connecting calls placed by a caller in response to an advertising campaign. The advertising campaign is identified by a particular directory number (the “campaign number”). The switch monitors calling information related to the call and forwards that calling information to a data recorder. The calling information includes the directory number of the party placing the call, the directory number called, whether the call was connected, the duration of the call, and other information. The data recorder passes the calling information for each advertising campaign to a web server where the calling information is accessible over the Internet. In this manner, a subscriber may connect to the web server over the Internet and request a report on the effectiveness of the advertising campaign.

Abstract: A system subsidizes telephone calls over a network. The system includes a service provider 120 that establishes a telephone call between a calling party terminal 130 and a called party terminal 140 over the network 110. During the telephone call, the service provider causes at least one advertisement 312 to be displayed at the calling, or called party terminal. At any time during, or after, the telephone call, the service provider generates a bill based on a subsidized billing rate related to the display of the at least one advertisement.

Abstract: An interface for an electronic classified advertising system. The interface includes a feature which allows an advertiser to enter the system and input an access number to hear all of the advertisements which the advertiser has on the system. The advertiser is then prompted to indicate satisfaction or dissatisfaction after each ad is played.

Abstract: A telecommunications environment includes a switch for connecting calls placed by a caller in response to an advertising campaign. The advertising campaign is identified by a particular directory number (the “campaign number”). The switch monitors calling information related to the call and forwards that calling information to a data recorder. The calling information includes the directory number of the party placing the call, the directory number called, whether the call was connected, the duration of the call, and other information. The data recorder passes the calling information for each advertising campaign to a web server where the calling information is accessible over the Internet. In this manner, a subscriber may connect to the web server over the Internet and request a report on the effectiveness of the advertising campaign.

Abstract: System and method for providing advertisements to a telephony device. The advertisements are presented by an advertisement server which stores the advertisements, manages their presentation through the device, and provides for reduction or elimination of charges for telecommunication services delivered through the device. The advertisements may be presented to the user upon activation of the device and may include a recorded message promoting products, stores, sales, or public services, after which the user places the telephone call at reduced or no charge. Alternately, when the user initiates a telephone connection to place a call, a charge option message is presented providing the user with an option to listen to an advertisement before placing the call. If the user declines the option, the call is placed at normal cost, otherwise, an advertisement is presented to the user, after which the user places the call at a reduced or no cost.

Abstract: A calling party may receive an audio logo or an audible announcement during a telecommunications call. Upon receipt of the call, a switch (30) within a network (10) accesses a service database (40) to determine if the call should receive an audio logo or audible announcements during call set-up. This determination is based on call attribute information such as the calling party number, the dialed number, the carrier identification code, trunk group characteristics, and/or “II” digits; and pre-provisioned data arrays, such as lists of originating numbers, destination numbers, carrier identification codes, trunk group characteristics, and/or II digits that should or should not receive an announcement or announcements. An announcement frame (50) in the switch (30) plays the announcement(s) to the calling party, while the switch simultaneously sets up the call to the called party (70).

Abstract: In existing “voice personal” ads, users are not charged for “browsing” the voice mail messages on the system. Consequently, a large percentage of users of the telephone lines required for such a system are using the system free of charge by merely browsing, which causes an uneconomic use of the majority of the lines. “Live connection systems” can charge for time on the system but require more expensive equipment and monitoring than a basic “voice personals” system, and so most newspapers utilize only the standard “voice personals” arrangement. There is therefore a need to increase the revenue of such voice personals systems by encouraging users to switch to a “live connection system”.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for placing and receiving voice calls using the conventional telephone network or the Internet are disclosed. A caller initiates a call by lifting a handset and dialing a toll-free telephone number. The call is routed over through a local telephone switch or through an Internet Service Provider. A credit or payment is issued to the caller for each minute the call continues. Brief commercial messages are played to the participants of the call to promote goods or services offered by a sponsor. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a Speech Recognition Engine deploys a sponsor's precisely targeted promotion when key words spoken during the call are detected.

Abstract: An on-hold activity selection apparatus and method that allows an on-hold party to select an on-hold activity, from a menu of on-hold activities, with which to be entertained and/or informed. The on-hold activity selection apparatus detects the occurrence of an on-hold condition in a communication between a first party terminal and a second party terminal. In response to detecting the on-hold condition, the on-hold activity selection apparatus provides a menu of available on-hold activities to the terminal which is placed on-hold. If a reply is received from the on-hold terminal identifying a selected on-hold activity, the on-hold activity selection apparatus then provides the on-hold terminal with the selected activity. The menu of available on-hold activities may be based on profile information, corresponding to the on-hold terminal, stored in a database.

Abstract: A telephone communication method and system for retrieving and providing advertisement information that matches a communication terminal user's preference as to advertisement information. The telephone communication method of the invention is a method of providing the communication terminal with one or more pieces of advertisement information via a telephone network. This method obtains a plurality of pieces of advertisement information from an advertiser terminal prior to provision of the advertisement information on one hand, and obtains user-related information from the user's communication terminal as a retrieval condition for retrieval of the advertisement information on the other hand. The method then transmits to the communication terminal at least one piece of advertisement information retrieved from a plurality of pieces of advertisement information on the basis of the user-related information.