Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of free delivery to create a new system, method, and apparatus used for uploading, listening, voting, organizing, and downloading of music, and/or video, which optionally may be used in conjunction with a hybrid hard copy/soft copy advertising and marketing that also includes a coupon exchange system. The present invention also includes a novel “flush” vote system for rating music, and/or video.

Abstract: Techniques are described for providing location-based information and functionality to people and computing devices in various ways. In at least some situations, the techniques include enabling multiple people in a common geographic area to interact in various ways, such as via devices capable of communications (e.g., cellular telephones, computing devices with wired and/or wireless communications capabilities, etc.). In addition, the techniques include enabling the creation and maintenance of location-based virtual groups of users (also referred to as “clouds”), such as for users of mobile and/or fixed-location devices. Such clouds may enable various types of interactions between group members, and may be temporary and/or mobile.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for locating, filtering, ranking and then providing a selection of potential “meet-up” venue(s) and time(s) recommendations to a group of users of a device having an interface and a display (e.g., a smart phone or a tablet) based on the geographic area delineated by a user and the user's contacts who are invited to the “meet-up”. The methods and systems calculate, filter and rank the most convenient “meet-up” venue and time based on the current location of group members, taking into account a plurality of factors, such as time, distance, schedule, group member's interests, availability, and the like. The methods and systems then provide a selection of the top ranking “meet-up” venues to the group members. Thereafter, the group members vote for the most suitable location among the ranked “meet-up” venues.

Abstract: Techniques are described for capturing text (e.g., SMS) messages and multimedia (e.g. MMS) messages along with messages and data sent with other communication modalities. The captured information may be used for performing social networking-related, data processing and auditing operations in real-time.

Abstract: A poll definition comprising a plurality of poll questions and a phone list comprising a plurality of phone list entries is received over the network from a user. Each phone list entry comprises a phone number for one of a first plurality of poll targets. A first poll run is conducted as a dial-out poll run using the poll definition and the phone list, such that a first set of answers to the plurality of poll questions is received from at least some of the first plurality of poll targets. A second poll run is conducted as a call-in poll run, using the poll definition, such that a second set of answers to the plurality of poll questions is received from a second plurality of poll targets. A third poll run is conducted as a web survey, using the poll definition, such that a third set of answers to the plurality of poll questions is received from a third plurality of poll targets.

Abstract: A telephone network voting system receives telephone ballots cast by voters by dialing a telephone number. The telephone number is dialed by voters spread over a large geographic area. The voting calls are routed to points of presence local to or otherwise identified with the caller by using the caller's ANI or other originating number identification. The points of presence then accumulate votes and periodically forward tallies to a centralized location over a data network. Instructions may be transmitted from the centralized location to the points of presence.

Abstract: The invention is an SMS distribution method for inquiries, invitations and proposals in which inquiries are sent to mobile telephone numbers included in a distribution list and their replies are collected as text messages via the SMS service (7) provided by the telecommunications network by means of a software program (1) installed on a server (2). The problem in distributing inquiries with existing SMS services has been the limited possibility of replying to the sending telecommunications operator and separating replies to several inquiries from one another. In the method embodied by this invention, universally reachable mobile network numbers (11) are used as reply addresses for the inquiries, invitations and proposals, and replies are separated from one another by means of reply addresses consisting of public mobile communication network numbers and SMS service numbers and automatically generated reply symbols.

Abstract: A telephone network voting system receives telephone ballots cast by voters by dialing a telephone number. The telephone number is dialed by voters spread over a large geographic area. The voting calls are routed to points of presence local to or otherwise identified with the caller by using the caller's ANI or other originating number identification. The points of presence then accumulate votes and periodically forward tallies to a centralized location over a data network. Instructions may be transmitted from the centralized location to the points of presence.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for processing calls. A call is received at a softswitch or other call processing system from a caller intended for a first subscriber. The first call is associated with signaling information, the signaling information including a phone number associated with the caller. A determination is made as to whether the first subscriber has previously received a call associated with the caller phone number at the softswitch. If the first subscriber has not previously received a call associated with the caller phone number at the softswitch, a first message is played to the caller. An indication that the first message was played to the caller is stored in association with an account record associated with the first subscriber.

Abstract: Whilst partaking in a traditional electronic questionnaire survey, responses given by any one respondent are almost always influenced by that person's emotional state due to the survey format. This emotional content skews the results thus obtained making them inaccurate, so that statistical methods become necessary to interpret the results. Such a statistical analyses requires not only a minimum sample size but also to be interpreted, which can also lead to false, non repeatable results. However, by structuring the system and method of the electronic questionnaire survey in accordance with a strict set of guidelines, it is possible to measure a respondent's views on any subject matter both emotionally and rationally, together with the respondent's level of conviction. By comparing the emotional responses with the rational responses, a truly quantifiable and repeatable measure of respondent satisfaction towards the subject matter can be achieved, which also allows benchmarking as an added benefit.

Abstract: User polling associated with an interactive broadcasting platform includes maintaining a list of one or more existing request posts associated with content. The existing request posts are posted by one or more users associated with an interactive broadcast platform. A new request post is received from another user associated with the interactive broadcasting platform with the new request post being associated with the interactive broadcasting platform. Votes are received from a group of users. The group of users include any of the one or more users, the another user, and other non-posting users associated with the online broadcasting platform. The votes are associated with at least one of the one or more existing request posts and the new request post. A score is determined for the existing request posts and for the new request post according to a function that includes the votes received from the group of users.

Abstract: A multicast transmission system includes a server and a plurality of terminal devices, the servers and the terminal devices connected through a network. Each terminal device includes data transmission means for transmitting data to the server during a PTT call, and output means for receiving counting result data from the server and outputting the counting result data. The server includes counting means for counting or tallying up data received from the terminal devices, and counting data transmission means for transmitting the counting result data to the terminal devices used by members of the PTT call.

Abstract: A telephone network voting system receives telephone ballots cast by voters by dialing a telephone number. The telephone number is dialed by voters spread over a large geographic area. The voting calls are routed to points of presence local to or otherwise identified with the caller by using the caller's ANI or other originating number identification. The points of presence then accumulate votes and periodically forward tallies to a centralized location over a data network. Instructions may be transmitted from the centralized location to the points of presence.

Abstract: A telephone network voting system receives telephone ballots cast by voters by dialing a telephone number. The telephone number is dialed by voters spread over a large geographic area. The voting calls are routed to points of presence local to or otherwise identified with the caller by using the caller's ANI or other originating number identification. The points of presence then accumulate votes and periodically forward tallies to a centralized location over a data network. Instructions may be transmitted from the centralized location to the points of presence.

Abstract: A new and improved method for marketing to customers based upon incoming telephone calls is herein disclosed. A marketing method for use with a broadcast featuring multiple performers for whom at least one audience member may vote, the vote being based upon a performer's performance, the vote being communicated by an electronic device includes receiving the vote from at least one audience member, the vote being cast for at least one of the performers, capturing contact information for the audience member who cast the vote, identifying the contact information with the performer, and communicating a marketing offer to the audience member, the marketing offer related to the performer.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method that includes receiving an electronic voting request from an originating mobile device at a recipient mobile device. Each mobile device is associated with a member of a voting group. The electronic voting request includes a voting ballot and instructions, that when executed by a processor, perform operations including generating a vote based on information in the voting ballot and transmitting the voting request to at least a portion of other members of the voting group that have not received the voting request. The operations also include receiving votes from the portion of the other members to which the voting request was transmitted and transmitting a tally of the received votes to the originating mobile device.

Abstract: The invention is an SMS distribution method for inquiries, invitations and proposals in which inquiries are sent to mobile telephone numbers included in a distribution list and their replies are collected as text messages via the SMS service (7) provided by the telecommunications network by means of a software program (1) installed on a server (2). The problem in distributing inquiries with existing SMS services has been the limited possibility of replying to the sending telecommunications operator and separating replies to several inquiries from one another. In the method embodied by this invention, universally reachable mobile network numbers (11) are used as reply addresses for the inquiries, invitations and proposals, and replies are separated from one another by means of reply addresses consisting of public mobile communication network numbers and SMS service numbers and automatically generated reply symbols.

Abstract: A computer system has a CPU, a registration terminal and a plurality of telephones. The CPU has an office registration section, an initial phone-in registration section and a vote section. A registration office contains the registration terminal whereat a voter provides appropriate identification and proof of citizenship, if necessary, and then enters a personal identification number into the office registration section through the registration terminal. A first link is between one of the plurality of telephones and the initial phone-in registration section, preferably through a computer, whereby the voter enters into the initial phone-in registration section the personal identification number, an identifying name and a password. A second link is between one of the plurality of telephones and the vote section, preferably through a computer, whereby the voter enters into the vote section the personal identification number and provides the identification name and the password and then votes.

Abstract: A method, system, and article of manufacture that improves the chance of getting an answer to a broadcast chat by sending the messages in subscribers in periodically delayed groups. If a group of subscribers does not produce enough suitable answers, the present invention will then rebroadcast the inquiry to another group of subscribers. This process will continue until enough suitable answers are received.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a presence management system comprises a server unit and a plurality of terminal devices. The server unit controls a plurality of presentities and a plurality of watchers. The terminal devices may be set to any of the presentities and the watchers for other terminal devices. The server unit includes a database, a reading module and a notification processing module. The database stores a relationship table in which parameters showing relationships to each watcher for each presentity in a table form. The reading module reads each of the parameters of the watchers for presentities of their change sources from the database when changes in presence of the presentities working under the server unit. The notification processing module notifies the presences of the presentities to each watcher for the presentities of the change sources at timing in accordance with the read parameters.

Abstract: A telephone network voting system receives telephone ballots cast by voters by dialing a telephone number. The telephone number is dialed by voters spread over a large geographic area. The voting calls are routed to points of presence local to or otherwise identified with the caller by using the caller's ANI or other originating number identification. The points of presence then accumulate votes and periodically forward tallies to a centralized location over a data network. Instructions may be transmitted from the centralized location to the points of presence.

Abstract: A method, system, and article of manufacture that improves the chance of getting an answer to a broadcast chat by sending the messages in subscribers in periodically delayed groups. If a group of subscribers does not produce enough suitable answers, the present invention will then rebroadcast the inquiry to another group of subscribers. This process will continue until enough suitable answers are received.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for vote processing in concert with a PSTN. In accordance with the present invention, a method for vote processing in a PSTN can include receiving a vote from a calling party over the PSTN. Caller information for the calling party can be retrieved from the PSTN. Subsequently, the vote can be validated based upon the caller information. Finally, the vote can be processed based upon the validation. For instance, the vote can be tallied if the calling party is validated as not having previously voted. In contrast, the vote can be rejected if the calling party is determined to have previously voted.

Abstract: This patent concerns a system and method for detecting a mass calling event in a telephone system and to regulate telephone calls to a call destination for which a mass calling event has been detected where a packet transport network and Call Server is integrated into the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). A packet transport network and a central Call Server implement switching functionality traditionally provided by numerous Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) switches within the PSTN. A credit bucket mechanism is used for call regulation in a mass calling event. The packet network may be based on (but is not limited to) ATM, Frame Relay, or IP packet protocols.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for digital subscriber line (xDSL) communications between one or more digital signal processors (DSPs) and analog front ends (AFEs) each coupled to corresponding subscriber line(s). The apparatus transports channels of data between subscribers and the DSP(s). The apparatus includes a bus for the transport of digital data, a DSP AFE interfaces. The DSP interfaces couples the DSP to the bus. The DSP interface accepts downstream channels of digital data from the DSP and transmits packets each associated with a corresponding one of the downstream channels to the bus. Each of the packets identifies a targeted AFEs coupled to a selected one of the subscriber lines. The AFE interfaces each couple an associated one of the AFEs to the bus. Each of the AFE interfaces transmits selected packets to a selected one of the subscriber lines for the transport to the subscriber.

Abstract: The invention relates to making a questionnaire-based survey in a cellular radio system including a central device and a number of independent terminal devices, where between the terminal devices and the central device, data transmission connections can be made. In the method, the central device receives an inquiry message and/or an inquiry table from the terminal device of the researcher, said message defining the survey group that the inquiry message relates to. The central device investigates which predetermined terminal device group and/or inquiry table stored in the central device the received inquiry message relates to, and transmits a notice of the received inquiry message, or at least part of the received inquiry message, and/or a questionnaire to those terminal devices that belong in the terminal device group that the received inquiry message relates to.

Abstract: A method and system for voting by telephone utilizing multiple layers of security, including a first security method of receiving a telephone call from a caller, receiving an identification number entered by the caller and comparing the entered identification number to a plurality of stored identification numbers. A second security level includes comparing a telephone number from which the call originates to a stored telephone number. A third security level includes entering a second identification number and comparing the second identification number to a second stored identification number. A fourth security level includes entering a voice sample and comparing the entered voice sample to a stored voice sample.

Abstract: An interactive method of voting wherein the voter is issued a voter-specific identification code which allows the voter to call an interactive telephone system which asks the voter questions and then checks a database to confirm the correctness of the answers. If the answers are correct the person calling is confirmed as the person identified in the voter-specific-identification code. The interactive telephone system polls the voter and records the voter preference on issues or candidates. Once the vote is completed the link between the voter identification information and the vote is severed thereby ensuring the secrecy of the ballot while still maintaining a record of who has voted.

Abstract: In an audio-digital telephone interface system, selective operation prompts a caller with oral instructions to provide: digital control signals, digital data signals (numeric) or audio signals. Inbound and outbound operations are involved and inbound callers are qualified as by automatic number identification (ANI) signals and consumable key operation. A data cell is loaded in accordance with an operating program and the resulting data packet is flagged depending on the presence of audio signals. Data packets are returned to storage, as for subsequent addressing to call up, as to process or cue a caller. The illustrative format receives and organizes order data for goods or services or to isolate a subset or a sub-subset of callers.

Abstract: An audience participation system is disclosed, in which the users are invited to initiate a voting process by dialling a predetermined number using one of the conventional short code memory keys on a DECT cordless telephone 1, or specialized equipment incorporating DECT technology, are connected to a Computer/Telephony Interface (CTI) unit 4 via a wireless Private Branch Exchange (WPBX) 2. The Computer/Telephony Interface Unit can use calling line identity to identify any attempted callers who are not eligible to vote, e.g. calling from remote lines. Some remote lines may be authorised to allow votes to be contributed from authorized parties elsewhere than in the local auditorium. To vote, the users transmit DTMF tones using the keys of their telephone handsets, or speak into their handsets if voice prompts are to be used. A separate channel is provided between the Computer/Telephony Interface unit 4 and each cordless telephone or remote user.

Abstract: The invention is an SMS distribution method for inquiries, invitations and proposals in which inquiries are sent to mobile telephone numbers included in a distribution list and their replies are collected as text messages via the SMS service (7) provided by the telecommunications network by means of a software program (1) installed on a server (2). The problem in distributing inquiries with existing SMS services has been the limited possibility of replying to the sending telecommunications operator and separating replies to several inquiries from one another. In the method embodied by this invention, universally reachable mobile network numbers (11) are used as reply addresses for the inquiries, invitations and proposals, and replies are separated from one another by means of reply addresses consisting of public mobile communication network numbers and SMS service numbers and automatically generated reply symbols.

Abstract: The invention is an SMS distribution method for inquiries, invitations and proposals in which inquiries are sent to mobile telephone numbers included in a distribution list and their replies are collected as text messages via the SMS service (7) provided by the telecommunications network by means of a software program (1) installed on a server (2). The problem in distributing inquiries with existing SMS services has been the limited possibility of replying to the sending telecommunications operator and separating replies to several inquiries from one another. In the method embodied by this invention, universally reachable mobile network numbers (11) are used as reply addresses for the inquiries, invitations and proposals, and replies are separated from one another by means of reply addresses consisting of public mobile communication network numbers and SMS service numbers and automatically generated reply symbols.