Abstract: An advertisement delivery system by a telephone service utilizing IP telephone communication technology. The system comprises at least a call control apparatus controlling calling between a sending side terminal provided with a reproduction device and a receiving side terminal, and an advertisement delivery apparatus delivering advertisement video information to the terminal. The call control apparatus comprises a monitoring function unit monitoring the “voice media state” and “video media state” of the terminal and a delivery connection function unit delivering the advertisement video information based on the results of monitoring.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is directed to a server computer comprising a processor and a computer readable medium coupled to the processor. The computer readable medium comprises code for receiving transaction data indicating that a payment transaction associated with a primary account number has occurred and matches a trigger record, code for determining whether the payment transaction qualifies for a credit, code for initiating a credit to an account associated with the primary account number, if the payment transaction qualifies for a credit, and code for sending an electronic notification message to a consumer associated with the primary account number substantially contemporaneously with receiving the transaction data. The electronic notification message includes information about a first offer and that the primary account was credited the amount of the first offer. For example, transaction data is received indicating that a consumer made a purchase with his credit card.

Abstract: A broker node is provided, acting as an intermediate administrator for all operators during service content distribution. A content provider has a single relation to the broker. This broker has in turn relations to a number of other operators. The content provider provides the communication content. A list of targeted users or subscribers is compiled by the broker. Preferably, the broker collects necessary subscriber attributes, such as position, device information and access properties, from the other operators. The communication content is preferably modified according to the collected attributes and the content can subsequently be delivered to the subscribers in a best possible way. The broker collects payment from the subscribers and reimburses the media content supplier. In a first aspect, the broker is a distributor and payment administrator for service content. In another aspect, the broker is a mediator of use of inter-operator relations to a third-party content provider.

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. An advertiser may target its own telephone number so that consumer requests for information that return the advertiser's telephone number are controlled, thereby preventing competitors of the advertisers from directing advertisements to those consumers. The advertisements are selected from a databank, which may include any number advertisements categorized within the category associated with the service, according to selection criteria. 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 system and method for obtaining a personal identification number (PIN) from a client terminal is disclosed herein. The method includes storing, at the client terminal, PINs for plural prepaid services. The method also includes receiving, at the client terminal, a request for a PIN associated with a desired prepaid service corresponding to one of the plural prepaid services. A PIN request is then sent, from the client terminal, to a server when less than a predefined number of PINs associated with the desired prepaid service are stored at the client terminal. In response, one or more PINs associated with the desired prepaid service are received at the client terminal. The method further includes dispensing at least one PIN corresponding to the desired prepaid service from the client terminal.

Abstract: A system for customizing a communications network, the system including a first communications station associated with a calling party, a second communication station associated with a called party, a storage device containing at least one announcement, and a communications device for initiating a forked or forwarded call to locate the called party at the second communications station. The forked or forwarded call is initiated by the calling party whereby at least a portion of a call signal is replaced with at least a portion of the announcement. The announcement is associated with the calling party and is chosen by the called party and played to the calling party after initiation of the call but prior to active communication with the called party. Also, the call signal is selected from one of ringback signals, busy signals, network redirect signals, call progress signals, network announcement signals, or dial tone signals.

Abstract: A billing system that allows a consumer to order products from computers connected to the Internet, wherein the consumer is automatically billed for the ordered product by its telephone service provider. When a product is ordered over the Internet, a plug-in component of the consumer's computer establishes an Internet connection to a billing server. A billing server component transfers an encrypted version of the product to the plug-in component. The plug-in component then disconnects from the Internet and establishes a point-to-point (PPP) connection with the billing server. During the PPP connection, the billing server component transfers an access key assigned to the order to the plug-in component so that the plug-in component may decrypt the product. The consumer is charged a unit rate or “drop-charge” for the product by the telephone service provider using a premium telephone number assigned and administered by the telephone service provider.

Abstract: In an electronic procurement system having a portal server, an Extensible Markup Language (XML) content integration and transformation method and system. The XML content integration and transformation system includes logic for retrieving an “Open Buying on the Internet (OBI)” compliant XML file from a database which is then formatted in response to an electronic purchasing request over the Internet. In one embodiment of the present invention, the client aware XML content transformation system receives an OBI XML file and uses this information to automatically search for data objects related to the OBI XML file content from a database on the Internet and translates the content into a format suitable for internal processing by the XML content integration and transformation logic and delivers it to the purchasing requisitioner over the Internet.

Abstract: A method and a system for person/speaker verification via different communications systems. The system may include a control logic (SL) having access to a voice-controlled dialog system (DS) having verification dialogs stored for querying, a biometrics customer profile (BK), in which the personal biometric data of customers are stored and a provider database (PD), which contains information regarding protected database areas and services in conjunction with the biometric methods authorized for verification. The method for person/speaker verification is designed to ascertain, transmit, analyze and evaluate via telecommunications systems the different personal biometric data that are suitable to establish unequivocally the access authorization of a customer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements of member management and business efficiency so that order information received through a customer's wired or wireless telephone can be used to write an order slip and then output through a print output unit while being displayed on a LCD screen window.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for providing a personal identification number (PIN) in the form of a receipt displayed and/or printed by a client terminal are disclosed. A method includes storing, at the client terminal, receipt templates, received from a server, for plural prepaid services from a plurality of prepaid service providers. The method further includes receiving, at the client terminal, a request for a PIN associated with one or more of the plural prepaid services. Requested PINs and other information associated with one or more of the plural prepaid services is then displayed and/or printed, in accordance with one or more of the receipt templates associated with the plural prepaid services, upon the receipt and dispensed by the client terminal. Related systems and apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A business contact center for interfacing customers with a business is described. The business contact center includes a plurality of media handlers and a conference controller. Each of the plurality of media handlers includes a corresponding control link. Each of the plurality of media handlers is configurable via the corresponding control link to define a plurality of media services including at least one of; routing media between selected media endpoints, recording media from a selectable media source, and playing selectable media to a selected media endpoint. The conference controller is coupled with each of the plurality of media handlers via the corresponding control link. The conference controller is responsive to a customer contact to configure via the corresponding control link an available one of the plurality of media handlers to define selected ones of the media services, media sources and media endpoints for handling the customer contact.

Abstract: A method of telephone soliciting charitable contributions comprises identifying prior contributors to or members of an entity desiring funding, identifying a telephone number associated with each prospective contributor, creating a series of suggested donations each associated with a specific touch tone telephone key, creating a recorded contribution solicitation including suggested donation amounts and the touch tone telephone key associated with each suggested amount, placing a telephone call comprising the recorded contribution solicitation to each identified prospective contributor to the entity, and charging a selected contribution amount to the telephone bill associated with the contributor that responded to the recorded contribution solicitation.

Abstract: The invention disclosed comprises a method and device for receiving an order request from a first party along with contact information for the first party, routing at least some communication made using, or to, second contact information, such as may be provided to the first party, and providing at least part of the order request and first contact information to a third party. The contact information may be a phone number or an e-mail address or a plurality of same.

Abstract: A method for delivering targeted promotional announcements comprising: associating a financial card account with a subscriber; receiving an instruction to connect a call from the subscriber to a called party; selecting a promotional announcement from a plurality of promotional announcements based on information derived from the financial card account; delivering the promotional announcement to the subscriber; and connecting the subscriber to the called party.

Abstract: A communications method for transmitting additional information relating to a call process using a first subscriber's station to set up a communications context with a second subscriber's station for the transmission of data or information. Additional information including at least one of audio, image and video data is transmitted to the second subscriber's station. The additional information is defined by the first subscriber's station and is transmitted to the second subscriber station before or during the call process. The additional information is output on the second subscriber's station in the form of a signal for indicating the call.

Abstract: A system and method to enable dynamic partner selection and subsequent order fulfillment by a service provider is presented. The system and method has an order entry device for obtaining an order, a service specification corresponding to the order, a flow execution engine, a partner selector mechanism, at least one partner, and at least one component obtained from the service specification, the component being broadcast from the partner selector mechanism to the partner, who responds to the broadcast, such that all of the partner responses are optimized by the partner selector mechanism for execution by said flow execution engine to fulfill the order.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system and method for providing a personal identification number (PIN) to a client terminal over a computer network. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a server receives a request for a PIN over a network, the request originating from a user at a client terminal. The request is associated with a requested monetary unit and a requested provider. The server retrieves from a database a PIN associated with the requested monetary unit and requested provider. The server transmits the retrieved PIN to the client terminal over the network, wherein the PIN is transmitted to the client terminal on-demand in response to the customer's request.

Abstract: A system for ordering events comprising a switch for receiving calls, the switch adapted to receive the caller's calling number and the called number; an interactive voice response unit for providing recorded voice response, the interactive voice response unit configured with multiple applications; a data storage component configured with customer information and event information, said customer information including account number and calling number data and the event information including event title; a temporary data container for storing customer data received from the data storage component for use in call processing; and wherein the system is configured to retrieve the customer data from the data storage component based on the calling number and to store the customer data in the temporary data container for use in subsequent call processing applications.

Abstract: A telecommunications advertising means is disclosed. The telecommunication advertising means includes an advertisement database coupled to a processing means. The advertisement database stores subscriber specific or third party advertisements that are selectively associated with communications in a telecommunications network. The selective association is carried out by the processing means. In one embodiment, a router is coupled to the advertisement database. The router routes communications from source to destination within the telecommunications network. The router also routes advertisements that have been associated with the communications to the sources and destinations of the communications. A telecommunications system is also disclosed. The telecommunications system comprises a network subsystem, which includes a telecommunications advertising means. The telecommunications advertising means comprises an advertisement database and a processing means.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided that use resources more efficiently for calls originating and terminating in a first address space that use services in an IP address space. A call is established from an originator in a first address space to an IP device within an IP address space. The IP device sends a message to a switch in the first address space indicating a new destination in the first address space. The established call is released and a second call is established from the originator in the first address space to the new destination in the first address space. In another implementation, a first leg of a call is established to an IP device from a first address space. The IP device establishes a second leg of a call to a destination in the first address space. The calls are bridged and resources released.

Abstract: A database having information sought by a consumer, a database containing consumer attributes, and a database of advertising messages are made responsive to telephone calls placed to an interactive voice response (IVR) system. Alternatively, the databases can be linked to a web site responsive to consumer input. Either system can deliver the advertising messages to the consumer. The database of consumer attributes contains information already known about the consumer that can be used to decide on which advertising message to deliver. The consumer initiates activity by calling the interactive voice response system or accessing the web site. Software identifies the consumer via the consumer-inputted identification and delivers an advertising message likely appeal to the consumer. The advertising message can include an offer to purchase a product or service. The offer can be taken during the advertising period and recorded so as to be sent to a sponsor.

Abstract: A method and system for quoting, pricing, configuring, and ordering telecommunications services is disclosed. The method includes the steps of allowing a purchaser of services to custom-configure the services through an interface with several relevant service characteristics and options. A purchaser may then input service configurations into a database-driven pricing configurator that can instantly generate an indicative pricing quote for the configured services. A purchaser also has the option of submitting the quote to a service order form generator, which interfaces with a service provider's provisioning system, thereby allowing a purchaser to quote, price, and order telecommunications services in a fast, easy, and flexible manner.

Abstract: A method of using a telecommunications network cashless transaction service is provided, in which a user accesses the service using a network access instrument, such as a mobile phone which produces a signal. The signal is forwarded to an interface device of the network, which extracts service and user identity data therefrom, and passes the data to a processing unit for the service of the network. The service processing unit processes the data, instructs the interface device to forward the access instrument signal to an input output device of the network, and instructs the input output device to request transaction details from the user. The details are sent to the input output device, which passes them to the service processing unit which processes the details and decides whether or not the transaction can proceed, causes output of a signal conveying acceptance or rejection of the transaction to the user, and, if the transaction can proceed, arranges for the transaction to be carried out.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for providing service availability information to a waiting customer using the customer's wireless device are generally introduced herein.

Abstract: A method of providing services in a communication system. The method comprises: establishing a call instance from a caller terminal to a service provider terminal in the communication system; transmitting from the service provider terminal a service proposal in the form of an electronic document via the established call instance to the caller terminal; selectively accepting or rejecting the service proposal at the caller terminal; and in the case of acceptance of the service proposal, transmitting a request for money to a backend server in the communication system from the caller terminal; transmitting electronic cash tokens from the backend server to the caller terminal in response to the request to receive money; forwarding the electronic cash tokens from the caller terminal to the service provider terminal, whereafter the service provider provides services in accordance with the service proposal.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a telecommunications network and which may let a user monitor and control the user's network telephone services is disclosed. The system may include a CEO Dashboard, a Migration Module, and a Trouble Ticket Wizard. Additionally, the system may include backend processes that periodically run, ensuring that everything is being done to retrieve, and store, the user's available resources on the network. The system may be provided by an integrated platform that is available through online web access and that includes functions such as provisioning, billing, line management, and account management.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for providing a personal identification number (PIN) in the form of a receipt displayed and/or printed by a client terminal are disclosed. A method includes storing, at the client terminal, receipt templates, received from a server, for plural prepaid services from a plurality of prepaid service providers. The method further includes receiving, at the client terminal, a request for a PIN associated with one or more of the plural prepaid services. Requested PINs and other information associated with one or more of the plural prepaid services is then displayed and/or printed, in accordance with one or more of the receipt templates associated with the plural prepaid services, upon the receipt and dispensed by the client terminal. Related systems and apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: Digital process for authentication of a user of a telecommunications or data network for access to protected data or a service reserved for a defined circle of users or for the use of data currently entered by the user, wherein a voice sample currently enunciated during an access attempt by the user on a telecommunications or VoIP terminal device is routed to a voice analysis unit and, herein, a current voice profile is computed and this is compared in a voice profile comparison unit against a previously stored initial voice profile and, in response to a positive comparison result, the user is authenticated and a first control signal enabling access, but in response to a negative comparison result a second control signal disabling access or triggering a substitute authentication procedure is generated.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to connect telephone calls and track information about the telephone calls resulting from advertisements for groups of advertisers. In one embodiment, a method includes: determining a geographic area after receiving a telephone call to a first telephone number publicized in an advertisement; determining a telephone number of a first advertiser; and connecting the telephone call to the telephone number of the first advertiser, the first advertiser billed for the advertisement based on telephonic connections made to connect the first advertiser and telephone calls to the first telephone number.

Abstract: A method, system, and program for billing for service provided to an origin device according to the current caller billing plan. A trusted telephone network, including at least one service provider, receives a request for service from an origin device. The origin device is associated with a line number to be billed for according to a line subscriber billing plan. An identity of a caller requesting the service from the origin device is authenticated. Then, a billing plan associated with the authenticated caller identity is accessed and utilized to replace or supplement the line subscriber billing plan, such that billing for service provided at an origin device is specified according to the caller currently utilizing the origin device.

Abstract: Access to information related to a client terminal is provided to a first web server, the information being stored by a second web server. The first web server is connected to the client terminal via a proxy server. The second web server sends a message, including a cookie, to the proxy server, wherein the cookie comprises a network address of the second web server. The cookie, related to the client terminal, is stored in the proxy server. The proxy server receives a message from the client terminal addressed to the first web server and the proxy server inserts the stored cookie into the received message. The proxy server forwards the received message to the first web server, which uses the cookie to request information from the second web server.

Abstract: A method and system for easily storing logo data in a target printer. A data storage file for storing the logo data in the target printer is produced by creating the print data, generating a set of commands for storing the print data in the non-volatile storage of the target printer, compiling the data storage file containing the print data and command data set, and outputting the data storage file. When a host terminal accesses this data storage file, it runs the commands in the detected command data set, thereby sending a storage command data set to the target printer. The target printer then runs the storage commands and locally stores the logo data.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a method and apparatus for taking advantage of the always-on nature of a broadband VoIP network connection to provide enhanced services triggered by the off-hook event, bypassing a dial tone. In use, a caller triggers a network based greeting upon the off-hook event of picking up the phone. The greeting can be used for unique branding purposes by speaking a greeting to the caller. After the greeting, the caller can be immediately connected to an array of network-based services. A voice recognition system is employed to permit the caller to use voice dialing. A network interactive voice response unit (VRU) is used with the voice recognition system to allow the user to access services from a menu. The VRU can respond to an affirmative statement from the caller by using a table to lookup the phone number of requested services closest to the caller based on the caller's phone number (i.e., ANI).

Abstract: A method for conducting credit card transactions at a business having a plurality of remote customer interfaces includes the steps of electronically transmitting a customer's order from one of the plurality of remote customer interfaces to a transaction hub, entering the customer's order into the transaction hub, transmitting payment information for the customer's order from the transaction hub to a credit card interface at the one of the plurality of remote customer interfaces, electronically transmitting credit card information from the credit card interface to the transaction hub and conducting a credit card approval procedure. A presently preferred apparatus includes a system that includes a remote customer interface and a transaction hub. The remote customer interface preferably includes a credit card interface and a radio client. The transaction hub preferably includes a central server and a radio client.

Abstract: A method and system for automating customer slamming and cramming complaints includes an automated reporting system having one or more receiving devices and a complaint module. Customers who want to report a slam or cram access the automated reporting system and report the complaint without having to speak with a customer service representative. The complaint module obtains the customer telephone number and retrieves customer account information using the customer telephone number. Using the customer account information, the complaint module extrapolates a type of complaint for the customer complaint and prompts the customer for information regarding the customer complaint and the type of the complaint. The customer provides customer responses to the prompts and the complaint module provides an indication to the customer regarding each customer response.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enabling discussions among people about physical objects are provided. Each physical object, of a plurality of physical objects, is associated with a unique corresponding identifier and with at least one person interested in the physical object. When an input including a unique identifier is received that input identifies one of the plurality of physical objects as a specific physical object of interest. A conversational element about the specific physical object of interest is eventually captured. This conversational element is likely produced by a person located at or near the specific physical object of interest. At this point at least one person interested in the specific physical object of interest is identified. This can be based on associations that were produced and the input received. The conversational element about the specific physical object of interest can then be provided to the at least one person interested in the specific physical object of interest.

Abstract: A modem and secure communications method for the modem is disclosed in which the modem is capable of storing identifying indicia unique to the modem. The identifying indicia may include graphics data such as an image of a credit card, a signature, and/or an account holder to assist in user authentication. Software stored in the modem enables transmission of the identifying indicia to a communication line. Additional embodiments and variations are also disclosed.

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: A disclosed method provides automated scripting to guide a customer service representative (CSR) in handling a call from a customer. Operations within the method may include displaying products and two or more purpose classifications for selection by the CSR. The purpose classifications may include (a) an add classification for customer requests to add a new product to an account and (b) a remove classification for customer requests to remove an existing product from the account. A page generator may receive input from the CSR selecting one of the purpose classifications and one of the products as pertinent to the call. In response, the page generator may automatically displaying a customized page with scripted text for the CSR to read to the customer. The scripted text may correspond specifically both to the selected purpose classification and to the selected product.

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: Method with which a mobile user in a mobile network can order products, with the following steps: recording an image corresponding to the product to be ordered, linking the image data with a personal identification of the mobile user, transmitting the linked order message to a server in said mobile radio network, comparing said image data with images stored in a product database, each of said image in said database being linked with an identification of the product provider, sending a message containing an identification of the ordered product and of the ordering mobile user to said product provider.

Abstract: A content delivery system for delivering digital multimedia content to a premise appliance of a user comprises an intelligent voice response (IVR) unit which is responsive via a public switched telephone network to a premise telephone of the user. The IVR unit presents a predetermined menu for selecting a transaction to receive the digital multimedia content. The IVR unit also obtains an identification of the user (such as the user's telephone number via automatic number identification or caller ID). A content server is coupled to the IVR unit for transferring the digital multimedia content to the premise appliance. A telephone billing system is coupled to the IVR unit or the content server. The telephone billing system creates a call record corresponding to the selected transaction and to a telephone billing account corresponding to the user identification. The call record contains usage information for the transaction which can later be used by the billing system to determine a charge for the transaction.

Abstract: An improved processing system for tracking commerce on the Internet provides for subvariable processing and includes web page scanning to discern fraud or improper content to insure proper promotion of select products within the network environment.

Abstract: A battery pack for a wireless communication device comprises a housing, at least one battery disposed within the housing and an optical reader disposed within the housing. The housing is adapted to be removably attachable to a wireless communication device. The housing includes an external shell defining an optical port therethrough and has an operational power interface and a data interface disposed on an exterior surface. The battery is electrically connected to the operational power interface. The optical reader can scan an optical indicia through the optical port and produce signals indicative of information encoded in the optical indicia. The optical reader is operably connected to the data interface. A wireless communication device attached to the battery pack can obtain operational power from the operational power interface and can access signals indicative of the information encoded in the optical indicia from the data interface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for processing phone-in prescription requests. The apparatus is in the form of a prescription processing network that includes a prescription processing system and a communication device remotely located from the prescription processing system. The communication device is used to establish a communication channel with the prescription processing system and submit a prescription request over the communication channel. A pharmacist, associated with the prescription processing system, prepares a completed prescription form based, at least in part, on the submitted prescription request. The prescription processing network also includes a pharmacy for receiving the completed prescription form, and filling the prescription request based on the completed prescription form.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the negotiability of checks drawn on any account from any bank or other financial institution based on a comparison against stored information on whether or not checks previously drawn on that account have cleared and were paid includes a database having two related tables. A table of active accounts at any bank is generated by recording account information from checks presented for negotiation at a second bank. If the check is not returned after a predetermined number of days (i.e., the check is paid), the record is updated to show that the account is “in good standing”. A separate table of accounts that are not in good standing is generated from returned unpaid checks. For each new entry in the table of accounts that are not in good standing, a corresponding record in the active account table is updated to show a status of “not in good standing”.

Abstract: A fast train protocol for use by a high-speed point of sale (POS) modem is disclosed. In one aspect, the fast train protocol may include he following exemplary steps: receiving an instruction to connect to a remote modem; transmitting a tonal signal to the remote modem for a pre-determined period of time in response to receiving the instruction, where the tonal signal identifies the POS modem as being capable of supporting the fast train protocol; receiving an S signal from the remote modem in response to transmitting the tonal signal; receiving an S\ signal from the remote modem following receiving the S signal; receiving one or more remote PP signals from the remote modem following receiving the S\ signal; and receiving a remote parameter sequence from the remote modem following receiving the one or more remote PP signals.

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 method and system for receiving, logging, answering, controlling, and forwarding calls from radio or other promoter call-in contestants, wherein said method provides an efficient means for controlling call-in contests. Radio call-in contests are the most typical, but the method applies to other types of promotions, such as direct mail, store banners and print ads. The system consists of a voice vendor, web server, database, telecommunications, and application software to control and count the calls and to provide administrative functions. Every caller receives a positive response, acknowledgement and notification of the caller number, and an opportunity to obtain other benefits, such as discounted items. Only the winning caller is forwarded to the radio station. The radio station only needs to answer to the winning caller.