(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2007/0155411 A1
`Morrison
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Jul. 5, 2007
`
`US 2007015541 1A1
`
`(54) INTERACTIVE MOBILE MESSAGING
`SYSTEM
`
`(76) Inventor: James Morrison, Las Vegas, NV (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`JONES DAY
`222 EAST 41ST ST
`NEW YORK, NY 10017 (Us)
`
`(21) Appl' NO"
`(22) Filed:
`
`11/648,947
`Jam 3, 2007
`
`Related U_s_ Application Data
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/756,588, ?led on Jan.
`4, 2006
`
`Publication Classi?cation
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`(2006-01)
`H04Q 7/20
`(52) US. Cl. .......................................... .. 455/466; 709/206
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`An 1nteract1ve mobile messaging system (IMMS) for mobile
`telephone marketing and promotional campaigns integrates
`interactive voice response (IVR), SMS, fast analysis of
`shared multidimensional information, and online analytical
`processing. Online interactive message communication pro
`tocols are managed through mobile-originated, short code
`based message platforms Which are interfaced With an IVR
`query system. Automatic con?guration of multiformat mes
`Sages Can be performed directly inIO multiple telecommu
`nications carrier networks to all supported mobile handsets.
`
`f‘ 100
`
`120
`
`40
`
`10
`/
`
`|||||||||| 112
`]24‘\ Memory
`126 _\
`Operating System — CPU
`
`\_.
`
`System
`
`— IIIIIIIIII
`
`130‘ \1 IVR System
`132 \\ Content Generator
`134\ \- Messaging System
`
`“ llMS Control Center
`'
`-
`-
`136 \
`138 \ Data Modules
`
`140 _ \r— Message Data
`\U m -
`set a a
`I
`
`(_114
`_ User
`Interface
`
`116
`r’
`
`_ Communications l
`
`Clrcultry
`
`\118
`
`20
`
`v22
`Telephone System ‘\/ 24
`
`Messaging System \/ 26
`
`User Device
`
`Exhibit 1034
`IPR2015-01219
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Jul. 5, 2007 Sheet 1 0f 8
`
`US 2007/0155411 A1
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`Patent Application Publication Jul. 5, 2007 Sheet 2 0f 8
`
`US 2007/0155411 A1
`
`200
`\\
`
`r204
`
`Prompt user to call
`
`F208
`+
`Receive call from user and
`present user with options
`}
`F212
`
`F216
`
`Receive user request for
`message
`+
`Generate message in
`accordance with user request
`+
`r220
`Send message to user
`
`FIG. 2
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Jul. 5, 2007 Sheet 3 0f 8
`
`US 2007/0155411 A1
`
`20\
`USER
`
`I
`|
`:
`r_ 310
`Call to Request Message ——t-———->
`|
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`Make Selection of One or
`More Offers / Opt-in
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`Information
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`
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`/
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`Detect Number
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`r_ 322
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`Send a Message
`
`F Process Selection
`
`r_ 330
`
`334
`
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`User-Speci?c
`nformation‘7
`
`338
`ser-Speci?e
`Information in
`Database?
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`
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`Information
`
`f_ 350
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`Information
`r_ 354
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`
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`
`r_ 362
`
`r 358
`Send Message to User and
`Log Transaction
`<-—i-——
`.
`
`FIG. 3
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Jul. 5, 2007 Sheet 4 0f 8
`
`US 2007/0155411 A1
`
`f“ 136
`
`Data Modules
`
`Message Call f- 404
`Templates
`
`Message Format! ,/-~ 408
`Formation
`
`MIN/Carrier /~ 412
`Lookup Table
`Message
`Composition “F416
`
`User-Speci?c /-—140
`Data
`
`FIG. 4
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Jul. 5, 2007 Sheet 5 0f 8
`
`US 2007/0155411 A1
`
`530
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`Network
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`

`
`Patent Application Publication Jul. 5, 2007 Sheet 6 0f 8
`
`US 2007/0155411 A1
`
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`

`
`Patent Application Publication Jul. 5, 2007 Sheet 7 0f 8
`
`US 2007/0155411 A1
`
`g MONDRAIL
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`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication Jul. 5, 2007 Sheet 8 0f 8
`
`US 2007/0155411 A1
`
`MMP Components
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`
`

`
`US 2007/0155411Al
`
`Jul. 5, 2007
`
`INTERACTIVE MOBILE MESSAGING SYSTEM
`
`[0001] The present application claims priority to US.
`Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/756,588, ?led
`Jan. 4, 2006, Which is hereby incorporated by reference
`herein in its entirety.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002] The present invention relates to mobile communi
`cations over integrated Wide-area netWorks, and more par
`ticularly to interactive messaging systems and methods for
`delivering messages, applications and other content to
`mobile users.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0003] In business interactions, information may be com
`municated to customers or potential customers at various
`stages in the sales, service and support cycles. In some cases,
`it may be desirable to deliver messages through one or more
`electronic channels, such as, for example, E-mail, fax, Web
`pages, or automated voice calls. As mobile telephones and
`other handheld devices have become more ubiquitous, text
`messaging, e.g., in the form of short message service (SMS)
`or premium short message service (PSMS) messages, has
`become an increasingly desirable communications medium
`for alloWing businesses to interact With customers. For
`example, in situations Where timing is critical and/or Where
`immediate information is desired, SMS messaging can be
`used as a “hotline”, e.g., for marketing of time-sensitive
`promotions, or to notify a customer of events such as
`shipments or electronic transactions.
`
`[0004] A shortcoming of current Wireless SMS and PSMS
`marketing systems, hoWever, is that mounting a successful
`marketing campaign, such as a contest, voting, promotion,
`coupon program or the like requires that the marketer
`request and collect the mobile telephone numbers from the
`consumer so that they can receive their text message or
`mobile application. This has proven dif?cult to accomplish
`through traditional marketing efforts such as signing up
`through online or paper forms, or trying to collect phone
`numbers in surveys or traditional information gathering
`promotions. People are generally reluctant to provide their
`cell phone numbers through such channels, for fear of
`receiving unWanted materials or communications, such as
`SPAM, SPIT or telemarketing calls.
`
`[0005] Even using “short codes”, e.g., Where a consumer
`sends a key Word to a particular short code number and
`receives a message back to the telephone, and Where the
`phone number is automatically captured from the consum
`er’s transmission, has seen limited consumer acceptance and
`use, and therefore little success, in the United States. Most
`such campaigns require that a consumer Wanting to partici
`pate in a mobile marketing or messaging campaign knoW
`hoW to text a message to a particular 3, 4, or 5 digit short
`code in order to participate, and for the marketing or
`promotional company to capture the incoming number. After
`that is done the consumer must then receive back an initial
`con?rmation message requesting further permission to alloW
`the marketing or promotion company to send them a mes
`sage. In many cases the consumer must provide their handset
`and carrier information in order to receive a message,
`service or doWnload to their phone.
`
`[0006] Another problem faced by companies Wanting to
`reach mobile consumers is that they must folloW a strict
`Wireless carrier opt-in/opt-out process, Where the consumer
`must opt-in, or consent, to receive messages from a particu
`lar marketer before the marketer may send such messages.
`Once a user opts-in, the user can opt-out at any time, e.g., by
`sending a text message back to the marketer. Thus, the SMS
`marketer must send not only the authoriZation message to
`the consumer, but typically must also send opt-out instruc
`tions to the consumer along With terms and conditions
`related to the promotion.
`
`[0007] Despite the above-identi?ed draWbacks, there have
`been some successful tWo-Way SMS campaigns Where
`people text a message or code to a short code system. One
`example of this is the American Idol voting process, Where
`a customer is charged a fee to send a text message that
`counts as a vote for a particular contestant. In such cases,
`When the promotion is presented, e.g., on television or by
`other media advertisements, to potential voters/customers,
`all charges are disclosed along With the rules. Because the
`message is initiated by the consumer and no “offer” is made
`to the customer, no opt-in/opt-out procedures are required.
`In such one-time voting processes, no return messages are
`sent to the consumer’s phone number, except perhaps a
`con?rmation that a vote or other message Was received.
`Some such campaigns may be considered successful. HoW
`ever, beyond the revenue generated from standard text
`messaging charges, they have little marketing value, par
`ticularly since the user’s number cannot be used for future
`marketing or promotional campaigns Without folloWing the
`opt-in process or other notice and consent procedures.
`
`[0008] Thus there remains a need in the art for an inter
`active mobile messaging and data distribution system and
`method for mobile telephone marketing and distribution
`campaigns.
`
`[0009] Discussion or citation of a reference herein Will not
`be construed as an admission that such reference is prior art
`to the present invention.
`
`SUMMARY OF INVENTION
`
`[0010] The present invention addresses many of the short
`comings and draWbacks found in the prior art. For example,
`the present invention overcomes the various limitations of
`prior mobile marketing systems by providing an interactive
`intelligent messaging and data distribution system for
`mobile telephone marketing and promotional campaigns.
`
`[0011] In one embodiment, an interactive mobile messag
`ing system (IMMS) of the present invention is a complete
`communications platform that integrates interactive voice
`response (IVR), SMS, fast analysis of shared multidimen
`sional information, and online analytical processing. Inter
`active voice response is a telephony technology in Which a
`caller uses touch-tone or voice commands to interact during
`a telephone call With a database to acquire information from
`the database or to enter data into the database. Online
`interactive message communication protocols are managed
`through mobile-originated, short code-based message plat
`forms Which are interfaced With an IVR query system.
`Automatic con?guration of multiformat messages can be
`performed directly into multiple telecommunications carrier
`netWorks to all supported mobile handsets.
`
`

`
`US 2007/0155411Al
`
`Jul. 5, 2007
`
`[0012] In another embodiment, an interactive mobile mes
`saging system comprises an IVR system, a message content
`generator, a messaging system, an IMMS control center, and
`one or more data modules. The IVR system, content gen
`erator, messaging system, control center and data modules
`may be stored in one or more memories on one or more
`computers. The system also preferably includes communi
`cations circuitry for communicating With one or more
`devices over a Wide area netWork, and a central processing
`unit for controlling overall operation of the system in
`accordance With the instructions stored in memory. The Wide
`area netWork may be the Internet, one or more Wired or
`Wireless telecommunications netWorks, or any other com
`munications netWork.
`
`[0013] Amethod of using an interactive mobile messaging
`system for a marketing campaign comprises (a) prompting a
`consumer, or user, to call a particular telephone number to
`participate in a speci?c mobile promotion, contest, cam
`paign, or the like; (b) interacting With the user through an
`interactive voice response system; (c) generating a prede
`termined or unique message based upon the interaction With
`the user; and (d) sending the predetermined or unique
`message to the user. In preferred embodiments, the message
`may comprise an SMS, PSMS and/ or other type or format of
`message (e.g., E-mail, multimedia messaging system mes
`sages, HTML, XML, JAVA, etc.) conveying information to
`the user’s mobile telephone, for example, regarding an offer,
`prize, coupon or other reWard for use by the user.
`
`[0014] In some embodiments, the SMS or other message
`from the system to the user device is triggered by the user’s
`telephone call to an IVR or similar interactive telephone
`system (or SMS/PSMS origination message), Where the
`caller or consumer may select from one or more IVR menu
`prompts for a particular service, product, information, pro
`motion, coupon and/or priZe. The message may be dynami
`cally generated speci?cally for the caller based upon speci
`?ed information such as, for example, a user ID number or
`other identi?er, user preferences, business rules related to
`the message campaign, or any combination thereof. In some
`embodiments, user-speci?c information is stored in the
`system or in another computer system in communication
`With the system, and such user-speci?c information may be
`used to generate and/or send customiZed or individualized
`messages targeted for the particular user.
`
`[0015] In other embodiments, a user can input user-spe
`ci?c information that may be used to generate a customiZed
`message and/or associated reWards or other content. The
`reWard message sent to a user may comprise a text message,
`an application, a bar code, a con?rmation code, a ticket, or
`other application, link, device, or any other ful?llment
`mechanism that may be associated With the reWard. The
`message ful?llment mechanism may be sent, for example,
`via SMS, PSMS, or multimedia messaging service (MMS),
`via a broWser, e.g., utiliZing a Wireless application protocol
`(WAP) or through a JAVA virtual private netWork (V PN)
`broWser client. When a customer redeems a coupon, reWard,
`ticket, or the like at a redemption center, information regard
`ing the transaction may be captured, either manually or
`automatically, and sent to the marketer or another database
`related to the marketer, the user or the campaign.
`
`tion on a client device. The computer system comprises a
`client device comprising a central processing unit, a user
`interface and a memory coupled to the central processing
`unit. The memory stores a logic engine. The computer
`system further comprises a server in communication With
`the client device. The server comprises a server central
`processing unit and a server memory. The server memory is
`coupled to the server central processing unit and stores one
`or more instructions for (i) identifying a caller based upon a
`unique identi?er, (ii) presenting an interactive voice
`response menu of options to the caller, (iii) generating a
`message in response to an option selected by the caller from
`the menu of options and in accordance With information
`related to the unique identi?er; and (iv) sending the gener
`ated message to the user. In some embodiments, the message
`is a text message. In some embodiments, the message
`comprises a promotion. In some embodiments, the message
`comprises a softWare application. In some embodiments, the
`unique identi?er is the MIN of a mobile device. In some
`embodiments, the unique identi?er relates to a reWards
`account of the user. In some embodiments, the server further
`comprises instructions for tracking redemption of the pro
`motion.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0017] The invention and further developments of the
`invention are explained in even greater detail in the folloW
`ing exemplary draWings. The present invention can be better
`understood by reference to the folloWing draWings, Wherein
`like references numerals represent like elements. The draW
`ings are merely exemplary to illustrate certain features that
`may be used singularly or in combination With other features
`and the present invention should not be limited to the
`embodiments shoWn.
`
`[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an interactive
`intelligent messaging system according to the present inven
`tion.
`
`[0019] FIG. 2 is a How chart illustrating a method of
`delivering customiZed messages to a user according to an
`embodiment of the present invention.
`
`[0020] FIG. 3 is a How chart illustrating another method of
`delivering customiZed messages to a user according to an
`embodiment of the present invention.
`
`[0021] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating exem
`plary data module components according to an embodiment
`of the present invention.
`
`[0022] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an interactive
`intelligent messaging system for promotional campaigns.
`[0023] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a promotional
`message received by a user according to an embodiment of
`the present invention.
`
`[0024] FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of another pro
`motional message received by a user according to an
`embodiment of the present invention.
`
`[0025] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a mobile pub
`lishing architecture according to one embodiment of the
`present invention.
`
`[0016] Another aspect of the present invention provides a
`computer system for generating a customiZed Web applica
`
`[0026] Like reference numerals refer to corresponding
`parts throughout the several vieWs of the draWings.
`
`

`
`US 2007/0155411Al
`
`Jul. 5, 2007
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0027] FIG. 1 details an exemplary system 10 that sup
`ports the functionality described above and detailed in
`sections below. System 10 comprises a user device 20 in
`communication over one or more networks 40 with an
`interactive messaging system 100. User device 20 can
`comprise one or more communications devices, and prefer
`ably includes a user interface 22 for input and output of
`information and/or instructions, a telephone system 24 for
`voice communications over a wired or wireless telephone
`network, and a messaging system 26 for sending and/or
`receiving messages, e.g., text messages (such as, for
`example, SMS, PSMS and/or MMS messages), E-mail
`messages, etc.
`
`[0028] Network 40 can comprise one or more wired or
`wireless networks, e.g., the Internet or other wide area
`network (WAN), one or more local area networks, wired or
`wireless telephone networks (e.g., a telephone network, a
`voice over integrated packet (VOIP) network, or a GSM,
`PCS, mobitex, CDMA, IDEN, or other network for voice
`and/or data communications).
`[0029] In a preferred embodiment, interactive messaging
`system 100 may comprise a central processing unit 112, a
`user interface 114, communications circuitry 116, a memory
`120 and a bus 118 to connect the aforementioned compo
`nents. Memory 120 may comprise volatile and non-volatile
`storage units, for example hard disk drives, random-access
`memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), ?ash memory
`and the like. In preferred embodiments, memory 120 com
`prises high-speed RAM for storing system control programs,
`data, and application programs, e.g., programs and data
`loaded from non-volatile storage. User interface 114 may
`comprise one or more input devices, e.g., keyboard, key pad,
`mouse, scroll wheel, and the like, and a display or other
`output device. A network interface card or other communi
`cation circuitry 116 provides for connection to any wired or
`wireless communications network 40, which may include
`the Internet and/or any other wide area network, and in
`particular embodiments comprises a telephone network such
`as a mobile telephone network.
`[0030] Operation of messaging system 100 is controlled
`primarily by operating system 124, which is executed by
`central processing unit 112. Operating system 124 can be
`stored in system memory 120. In addition to operating
`system 124, a typical implementation of system memory
`120 may comprise any combination of:
`[0031] a ?le system 126 for controlling access to the
`various ?les and data structures used by the present
`invention;
`[0032] an IVR system 128 for interacting with a user
`calling via telephone system 24, the IVR system con
`?gured to present the user with a menu of options and
`respond to the selections or commands made by the
`user;
`[0033] a content generator 130 for generating content
`for messages to be sent to the caller, for example in
`response to selections made by the user and/or user
`speci?c information stored in or retrieved by the sys
`tem;
`[0034] a messaging system 132 for sending and receiv
`ing messages, including text messages (e.g., SMS,
`
`PSMS, MMS, and the like), E-mail messages, and/or
`other types of electronic messages;
`
`[0035] an IMMS control center 134 for controlling
`communications with a user, including, for example,
`real-time updating of message contents and parameters
`to message and control con?gurations such a as IVR
`systems prompts, responses and audio messages; and
`
`[0036] data modules 136 including databases and other
`data structures comprising, e.g., message data, user
`data, and other information that may be used in during
`operation of the system and/or for generating and
`recording messages.
`
`[0037] In some embodiments, a dual tone multi-frequency
`hybrid system is used instead of or in addition to IVR system
`128. In some embodiments, each of the aforementioned data
`structures that are stored or accessible to messaging system
`100 is a single data structure. In other embodiments, any or
`all such data structures may comprise a plurality of data
`structures (e.g., databases, ?les, archives) that may or may
`not all be stored on messaging system 100. For example, in
`some embodiments, data modules 136 comprise a plurality
`of structured and/ or unstructured data records that are stored
`on messaging system 100 and/or on computers that are
`addressable by messing system 100 across the network 40.
`
`[0038] User device 20 may also be a processor-based
`computer system, comprising a CPU for controlling overall
`operation of the device, communications circuitry for com
`municating over one or more networks and/or a memory
`storing an operating system and various other application
`modules, data modules, data structures, and the like. In
`particular embodiments, user device 20 is a mobile tele
`phone comprising a user interface 22, a telephone system 24
`and a messaging system 26. User interface 22 may comprise
`a display for displaying text messages, graphics, and or other
`information to the user, and a user input device such as a
`keypad, soft keys, buttons, a scroll wheel, or any other
`device for inputting user instructions and commands. Tele
`phone system 24 comprises a speaker, a receiver, and other
`circuitry and/or software commonly known and used in the
`art for telephone communications. Messaging system 26
`may comprise text messaging software, an E-mail applica
`tion, pager software, or any other hardware or software
`modules for conveying text or graphical messages to a user.
`Various other aspects, details and functions of device 20 are
`described below.
`
`[0039] Referring now to FIG. 2, in an exemplary method
`200 of providing messages to a user, a user is ?rst prompted
`204 to call a particular telephone number associated with
`messaging system 100. The user may be prompted to call the
`telephone number, for example, by an advertisement appear
`ing on television, radio, a website, E-mail message, text
`message, mail, or any other communications or advertising
`medium. In some embodiments, the user is prompted to
`make the call by an E-mail or a text message to which the
`user can reply, or which contains a link or icon that can be
`selected by the user to initiate the call.
`
`[0040] When a user responds to the prompt and calls the
`designated number, the call is received at step 208. After the
`call from the user is received, messaging system 100 pre
`sents the user with a menu of options, e.g., using IVR system
`128. For example, at least one of the options comprises one
`
`

`
`US 2007/0155411141
`
`Jul. 5, 2007
`
`or more selections for the user to request to receive a
`message from messaging system 100. In some embodi
`ments, a number of options may be presented, for example
`in a tree of IVR options that provide for customized requests
`and/ or selections by the user. The user may also be prompted
`to enter additional information, such as a personal identi?
`cation number, an account number, a name, or other data or
`information that may be used by the system to select or
`customiZe a desired text message, promotion, reWard, appli
`cation or other message to the user.
`
`[0041] In step 212, messaging system 100 receives from
`user device 20 a selection or request, Which may comprise,
`for example, a voice command, one or more touch-tones, or
`other commands that correspond to a particular selection or
`request from the user, e.g., a request to receive a message
`from messaging system 100. In step 216 of exemplary
`method 200, messaging system 100 generates a message in
`accordance With the request received from the user in step
`212. In some embodiments, other information received from
`the user, the user’s device 20 and/ or from external sources
`or databases (including, for example, third-party databases)
`may also be used in generating and/or customiZing the
`message; e. g., a user identi?er, user pro?le information, user
`preferences, the user’s calling area and/or area of residence,
`a member ID number, an account number or other account
`information, previous usage information or parameters, his
`torical data associated With the user or a user group. In step
`220, the message is sent to the user.
`
`[0042] FIG. 3 is a ?owchart providing additional details of
`a method 300 for interactive mobile messaging betWeen a
`user device and messaging system 100 of FIG. 1, according
`to an embodiment of the present invention. In step 310, a
`user contacts messaging system 100 to request that a mes
`sage be sent to the user. As With method 200, the user’s call
`may be made in response to an advertisement, promotion, a
`Website, an E-mail message, a text message, post mail
`message, or any other communication means that prompts
`the user to contact messaging system 100, for example in
`order to receive a promotion, aWard, gift, credit, or the like.
`In the example 300 shoWn in FIG. 3, the call to request a
`message 310 preferably comprises a telephone call from
`user device 20 to a dedicated telephone number that may be
`speci?c to a particular promotion or advertising campaign.
`User device 20 may be, for example, a cellular telephone or
`other mobile device capable of making telephone calls over
`a Wired or Wireless netWork and receiving electronic mes
`saged such as, for example, text messages or E-mail mes
`sages. In other embodiments, the call by the user comprises
`an electronic message, e. g., a text message, E-mail, or a Web
`link selection.
`
`[0043] In step 314, messaging system 100 processes the
`call from user device 20. In one embodiment, IVR system
`128 comprises a call center for ansWering telephone calls to
`be processed by the IVR system. In other embodiments, a
`call center may or may not be part of IVR system, and may
`receive and/or route calls to IVR system 128 or to a dual tone
`multi-frequency DTMF system or other interaction module
`or system for processing telephone calls that is in electronic
`communication With messaging system 100. In some
`embodiments a commercially available IVR system may be
`customiZed for use as IVR system 128. Examples of com
`mercially available IVR systems include those provided by
`
`Voxeo (Orlando, Fla.) and IVR Software Development
`(Vancouver, British Columbia).
`[0044] In step 318, the telephone number of the user
`device 20 is preferably automatically determined Without
`any requirement that the user provide the number. If the
`telephone number can be determined automatically, e.g., it is
`not blocked, the caller telephone number, or a corresponding
`identi?er, is processed to determine if the number is a mobile
`telephone number or not. If the number is a mobile tele
`phone number, the caller mobile phone number carrier is
`determined in a look-up process. The system places the
`number into an information processing database, Which may
`include other information, including identi?ers, classi?ca
`tion information, or other information or parameters that
`may be user-speci?c and/or promotion speci?c.
`
`[0045] If the detected number is not a mobile number,
`messaging system 100 may store the non-mobile number,
`and prompt the user to enter a mobile number to Which a
`return message (e.g., a text message comprising a promo
`tion, coupon, reWard, etc.) should be sent. Optionally, mes
`saging system 100 may retrieve additional information
`related to the caller’s telephone number from data modules
`136 or other data sources Which may be external to mes
`saging system 100.
`
`[0046] In some embodiments, the number that is detected
`in step 318 is the mobile identi?cation number (MIN)
`number of device 20. The MIN number is a unique 24-bit
`number that is assigned by the Wireless service provider
`(carrier) to each phone included in the services plans of the
`carrier. Unlike the electronic serial number (ESN) provided
`With each mobile phone, a MIN is changeable because
`device 20 may change hands or device 20 oWners may move
`to another coverage region, requiring a different, requiring a
`different service plan. The MIN and ESN are automatically
`transmitted to the Wireless netWork each time the device 20
`is used.
`
`[0047] After automatically determining or otherWise
`receiving the caller’s telephone number, messaging system
`100 in step 322 prompts the user to approve the sending of
`a message, eg an SMS message or E-mail message. For
`example, IVR system 128 of messaging system 100 can
`present the user With an opt-in prompt to authoriZe the
`sending of the message to the user’s device 20, e.g., using
`the detected mobile telephone number. In preferred embodi
`ments, messaging system 100 noti?es the user, e.g., through
`IVR system 128 or recorded message, of any charges, if any,
`to the caller for using messaging system 100 or for partici
`pating in the promotion or campaign. Optionally, IVR
`system 128 or other module or system of messaging system
`100 presents other prompts or a menu of items that may be
`selected by the user. For example, a menu of one or more
`offers may be presented to the caller, and the caller is
`requested to select one or more of the presented offers, e.g.,
`by a voice command, key entry, or other input or command,
`e.g., using user interface 22 of device 20 in step 326.
`
`[0048] Before, after, or in conjunction With the prompt
`322/selection 326 process, messaging system 100 may also
`collect other identi?cation information, such as, for
`example, mobile station identi?er (MSID), E-mail address,
`broWser con?guration, handset model, mobile equipment
`identi?er (MEID), electronic serial number (ESN), device
`operating system (OS), etc. Messaging system 100 may also
`
`

`
`US 2007/0155411Al
`
`Jul. 5, 2007
`
`collect user location information, for example so that it can
`provide appropriate location sensitive o?fers, promotions or
`priZes to the caller. Such user location information may be
`collected, for example, by using the caller’s area code, the
`location of the mobile station corresponding to the MSID or
`location based services (LBS) data, or by having the user
`enter or speak location information in response to a prompt.
`Location based services are offered by some cell phone
`netWorks as a Way to send custom advertising or other
`information to device 20 subscribers based on their current
`location. The service provider gets the location from an
`optional global positioning system (GPS) chip built into user
`device 20, or using radiolocation and trilateration based on
`signal-strength of the closest cell-phone toWers (for user
`devices Without GPS capability). In some countries, such as
`England, netWorks do not use trilateration; LBS uses a single
`base station, With a “radius” of inaccuracy, to determine a
`user device’s location.
`
`[0049] Messaging system 100 may also include an age
`veri?cation system (AVS), Which may, for example, create
`age based identi?ers for speci?c numbers so that parents can
`restrict calls to campaigns that m