U.S. patent application number 11/175765 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-26 for interactive messaging system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Vocel, Inc.. Invention is credited to Carl Washburn.
Application Number | 20060240851 11/175765 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46322224 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060240851 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Washburn; Carl |
October 26, 2006 |
Interactive messaging system
Abstract
The interactive messaging system of the present invention
provides for an interactive communication process between users,
both senders and recipients. The sender composes a message by
filling in a template stored in data services. Once completed, the
sender pushes the message to a recipient's wireless device if the
wireless device contains a WAP browser, which is capable of
receiving pushed messages. Typically the message includes a
question along with answers for the recipient to choose from. Each
answer corresponds with a pre-assigned response key and the
recipient answers the question by selecting one of the pre-assigned
response keys. The recipient's response is available to the sender
in the form of an e-mail, WAP Push, on-line access or interactive
message that is shown to the sender on an on-line status
screen.
Inventors: |
Washburn; Carl; (San Diego,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KLEIN, O'NEILL & SINGH, LLP
43 CORPORATE PARK
SUITE 204
IRVINE
CA
92606
US
|
Assignee: |
Vocel, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
46322224 |
Appl. No.: |
11/175765 |
Filed: |
July 5, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11128039 |
May 11, 2005 |
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11175765 |
Jul 5, 2005 |
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11103114 |
Apr 11, 2005 |
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11128039 |
May 11, 2005 |
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10395187 |
Mar 21, 2003 |
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11103114 |
Apr 11, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/466 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 1/7243 20210101;
H04L 12/189 20130101; H04L 67/04 20130101; H04L 12/1859 20130101;
H04L 67/20 20130101; H04L 67/26 20130101; H04L 12/1813 20130101;
H04L 51/38 20130101; H04L 51/04 20130101; H04M 1/72427
20210101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/466 |
International
Class: |
H04Q 7/20 20060101
H04Q007/20 |
Claims
1. A method of using interactive messaging to send interactive
messages to a user's wireless device, the method comprising the
steps of: sending an interactive message to a user's wireless
device informing the user of at least one opportunity that the user
can participate in; requesting a response for participating in the
at least one opportunity by the user selecting a pre-assigned
message key; sending an alert invitation to the user requesting
instructions on whether to purchase the at least one opportunity;
and deciding whether to purchase the at least one opportunity by
selecting a pre-assigned message key from the screen pushed to the
user's wireless device.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one opportunity is
selected from the group comprising a ringtone, a wallpaper,
application, survey and hardware device.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the interactive message is sent
to the user using any enabling push technology.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of requesting
the user enter personal information if the user agrees to
participate in the at least one opportunity.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the at least one opportunity
pushed to the user's wireless device is determined by the user's
personal information.
6. The method of claim 4, wherein the at least one opportunity
pushed to the user's wireless device is determined by priorities
determined by a dashboard user.
7. A method of customizing an alert invitation to send interactive
messages to a user's wireless device, the method comprising the
steps of: sending an interactive message to a user's wireless
device informing the user of at least one opportunity that the user
can participate in; entering information into the interactive
message to define characteristics of the user; creating a set of
criteria from information the user has entered into the interactive
message; and sending the alert invitation to the user based upon
the set criteria.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the information comprises, the
user's age range, the users, sex, the user's type of wireless
device and the frequency the user would like to receive the alert
message.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein the alert invitation is selecting
from the group comprising an invitation to purchase a ringtone, an
invitation to purchase a wallpaper, an invitation to purchase an
application, an invitation to purchase a hardware device and an
invitation to participate in a survey.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the user receives compensation
for participating in the survey.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the compensation is selected
from the group consisting of money off a bill, free minutes, free
products and free features.
12. The method of claim 7, wherein the interactive message is sent
to the user using any enabling push technology.
13. A dashboard user creating an invitation based alert system, the
method comprising the steps of; defining a group of dashboard
users; defining a security role for each of the set of dashboard
users; creating a profile for at least one user; using the profile
of the at least one user to determine when to send an alert
invitation to the at least one user.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the group of dashboard users
comprises a carrier, a provider, a publisher and an agreggator.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the group of dashboard users
creates a 3.sup.rd party survey to obtain users opinion of specific
questions.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the users receive compensation
for participating in the 3.sup.rd party survey.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the compensation is selected
from the group consisting of money off a bill, free minutes, free
products and free features.
18. The method of claim 13, wherein the alert invitation is sent to
the user using any enabling push technology.
19. The method of claim 13, wherein the profile of the at least one
user a carrier survey opt-in invitation comprises, the user's age
range, the user's sex, the user's wireless device, which alert
invitations the user would like to receive and the frequency in
which the user would like to receive the alert invitations.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the alert invitations are
selected from the group consisting of an invitation to purchase a
ringtone, an invitation to purchase a wallpaper, an invitation to
purchase an application, an invitation to purchase a hardware
device and an invitation to participate in a 3.sup.rd party survey.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application of
U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 11/128,039 filed May 11,
2005, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.
non-provisional application Ser. No. 11/103,114 filed Apr. 11, 2005
which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. non-provisional
application Ser. No. 10/395,187 filed Mar. 21, 2003.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of text
messaging. More particularly, the present invention relates to an
interactive messaging system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Today, wireless or mobile devices are becoming more common
as wireless carriers build out their networks, rates decrease and
device technology increases. Users of the wireless devices have
been able to send a message to a wireless device using Short
Message Service (SMS) messaging. SMS messaging was introduced in
the first phase of GSM during 1991 as a simple store-and-forward
text message system. Using SMS messaging, a user can use a computer
or a wireless phone to compose a text message and send it to a
wireless device. SMS messaging has enjoyed steady growth and it is
estimated that a total of 360 billion messages were sent in the
year 2002.
[0004] Despite the popularity of text messaging, SMS messaging
growth in the United States has been somewhat slower compared to
growth in Europe. The difference in growth can be attributed to the
technology limitations of SMS messaging on wireless devices. Users
composing a text message, or a reply, on a mobile device must use a
somewhat awkward Man Machine Interface (MMI) which requires users
to press multiple keys or buttons (multi-tapping) on the wireless
device for each letter. For example, to type the letter "s", a user
needs to press the number 7 key on the device 4 times (i.e.
PQRS).
[0005] Text on nine keys (T9.RTM.) was then developed as a faster
alternative to multi-tapping. It enables users to type letters with
a single key tap per letter and then uses predictive software to
guess the word the user intended to type. However, many users find
predictive text entry somewhat frustrating when the software
guesses the incorrect word and still tedious as each letter still
requires a single key tap. Furthermore, both the SMS messaging and
T9.RTM. required numerous presses of keys or buttons. The user may
be required to press keys or buttons over 100 times with SMS
messaging and over 300 times using T9.RTM..
[0006] Another technology that enables the delivery of data to
wireless devices is Wireless Application Protocol (WAP). WAP is a
global specification and open standard that enables wireless device
users to interact and access services and information. WAP is both
a communications protocol and application environment that can be
built on numerous operating systems and provides interoperability
between different device families. WAP is used by a variety of
devices including mobile phones, mobile pagers, two-way radios,
smartphones and communicators. WAP is designed to work with
multiple wireless networks such as CDPD, CDMA, GSM, PDC, PHS, TDMA,
FLEX, ReFLEX, iDEN, TETRA, DECT, DataTAC, Mobitex and GPRS.
[0007] One of the recent technology advances with WAP is the
development of the WAP Push. A push can be a WAP browser session
that appears on the screen of a mobile device without an explicit
request from the user at the time the session is initiated. In the
normal client/server model, a client requests a service or
information from a server, which responds by providing the
information to the client. This is known as "pull" technology, i.e.
the client pulls the information from the server. An example of
pull technology is the Internet, a user enters a URL which is sent
to a server and the server responds by sending a web page to the
user. Although WAP Push is also based on the client/server model,
it provides the means to initiate a WAP application session on the
user's device without an explicit request from the user.
[0008] With WAP Push, a user can receive a pushed message and can
immediately respond to the message by pressing a key. For example,
a user can subscribe to a service which will cause a pushed message
to be sent to the user's wireless device for predetermined events
and times. At predetermined times during the day, a stock quote can
be pushed to the user's wireless device giving the user the option
to purchase stock by selecting a buy button. WAP Push, however,
does not provide for a sender composing an interactive message by
filling in a template with a question with a recipient responding
by selecting at least one answer corresponding to a pre-assigned
response key. Furthermore, WAP Push does not provide for brokering
an event among multiple parties.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is an object of the present invention to compose an
interactive message by filling in a template and pushing the
interactive message to a wireless device user.
[0010] It is another object of the present invention to package
complex data and messages into a format for wireless devices
wherein the user can easily respond by selecting at least one
pre-assigned response key.
[0011] It is yet another object of the present invention to broker
an event among multiple parties by sending out an invitation and
re-sending the invitation after user indicated pause intervals
until all parties are available.
[0012] It is yet another object of the present invention for an
application server to manage an interactive workflow and
collaboration between users, including both a sender and a
recipient.
[0013] It is yet another object of the present invention to send
data and messages to multiple users and summarize the responses
received from all users.
[0014] It is yet another object of the present invention to
maintain profile settings for each user, the settings include
filtering, blocking, prioritization and level of intrusion.
[0015] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a web services framework allowing third party applications to
access the application framework.
[0016] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
verification to an interactive message by assigning and storage of
a time and date stamp to record the time of the transaction,
assigning and storing of an electronic signature to verify the
identity of the respondent and assigning and storing a hash code to
verify the content of the message.
[0017] In the present invention, an application framework is used
to integrate data systems to wireless devices. A web services
platform, located on the application framework, shares business
logic, data and process through a programmatic interface across a
network amongst core services. Core services are comprised of data
services, messaging services, brokering services and learning
services. The core services are utilized by users to send
interactive messages to other users.
[0018] The interactive messaging system of the present invention
provides for an interactive communication process between users,
both senders and recipients. The sender composes a message by
filling in a template stored in data services. Once completed, the
sender pushes the message to a recipient's wireless device if the
wireless device contains a WAP browser which is capable of
receiving pushed messages. Typically the message includes a
question along with answers for the recipient to choose from. Each
answer corresponds with a pre-assigned response key and the
recipient answers the question by selecting one of the pre-assigned
response keys. The recipient's response is available to the sender
in the form of an e-mail, WAP Push, on-line access or interactive
message that is shown to the sender on an on-line status
screen.
[0019] The interactive messaging system of the present invention
can be utilized in many ways including to propose a question to a
recipient and receive the recipient's response, to broker an event
such as a call, a conference call a game, etc., as an interactive
learning tool, as an interactive reminder and to receive approval
for a specified event or purchasing of an item.
[0020] The foregoing, together with other features and advantages
of the present invention, will become more apparent when referring
to the following specification, claims and accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The present invention will be better understood from the
following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
which like reference numerals refer to like parts and in which:
[0022] FIG. 1a illustrates an application framework showing core
services;
[0023] FIG. 1b illustrates a web application server sending
information to a mobile access gateway utilizing BREW.RTM.
technology;
[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates a work flow diagram of a method of the
present invention for pushing an interactive message to a wireless
device;
[0025] FIG. 3a illustrates a method of pushing an interactive
message to a wireless device;
[0026] FIG. 3b illustrates an example of an interactive based
system of the present invention utilizing electronic
authentication;
[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates a work flow diagram for an interactive
call invitation method of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the interactive call
invitation method of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 6 illustrates a work flow diagram for an interactive
birthday or holiday reminder of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of the interactive birthday or
holiday reminder of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 8 illustrates a work flow diagram for an interactive
multi-player game invitation method of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of the interactive
multi-player game invitation method of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 10 illustrates the process logic used for an
interactive learning method;
[0034] FIG. 11 illustrates a work flow diagram for the interactive
learning method of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 12a illustrates a method of pushing an interactive
question to the wireless device of a user;
[0036] FIG. 12b illustrates a method of pushing or downloading
additional test questions to the wireless device of a user;
[0037] FIG. 12c illustrates a method of uploading test scores
achieved from answering the test questions to the wireless device
of a user;
[0038] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of the interactive
multi-player game invitation method combined with the interactive
learning method;
[0039] FIG. 14 illustrates a user registration and profile forms of
the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a turn based interactive
game utilizing the interactive messaging system of the present
invention;
[0041] FIG. 16 illustrates a method of utilizing the template based
interactive system of the present invention in clinical trials;
[0042] FIG. 17a illustrates an example of utilizing the interactive
messaging system of the present invention to create a fan club;
[0043] FIG. 17b illustrates an example of utilizing the interactive
messaging system of the present invention to view a blog from an
artist;
[0044] FIG. 17c illustrates an example of utilizing the interactive
messaging system of the present invention to interacting with an
artist during a live event;
[0045] FIG. 17d illustrates an example of utilizing the interactive
messaging system of the present invention to purchase items
on-line;
[0046] FIG. 17e illustrates an example of utilizing the interactive
messaging system of the present invention to find out information
about an artist;
[0047] FIG. 17f illustrates an example of utilizing the interactive
messaging system of the present invention to add a new artist to
the user's fan club;
[0048] FIG. 18a illustrates a method of utilizing the template
based interactive system of the present invention to remind users
to take medication;
[0049] FIG. 18b illustrates the prescription reminder feature that
has been turned on;
[0050] FIG. 18c illustrates a prescription reminder history
displaying the medication the user has taken as well as when the
medication was taken and any adverse effects;
[0051] FIG. 19a illustrates an example of utilizing the interactive
messaging system of the present invention to sign up users for the
ability to purchase wallpaper for downloading to a wireless
device;
[0052] FIG. 19b illustrates an example of utilizing the interactive
messaging system of the present invention to notify users of
available wallpaper for downloading to a wireless device;
[0053] FIG. 19c illustrates an example of utilizing the interactive
messaging system of the present invention to sign up users for the
ability to purchase games for downloading to a wireless device or
new products for the wireless device or a new wireless device;
[0054] FIG. 19d illustrates another example of utilizing the
interactive messaging system of the present invention to purchase
products and to participate in a survey of a service of the
wireless carrier;
[0055] FIGS. 19e-f illustrate another example of utilizing the
interactive messaging system of the present invention to
participate in a survey of the service of a wireless carrier and
editing the user's alert settings;
[0056] FIG. 20a illustrates an example of utilizing the interactive
messaging system of the present invention to allow dashboard users
to access a mobile alerts dashboard;
[0057] FIG. 20b illustrates options the dashboard user can access
from the mobile alerts dashboard, including opt-in invitations;
[0058] FIG. 20c illustrates screens of the invitations that the
dashboard users can access from the mobile alerts dashboard;
[0059] FIG. 20d-f illustrates screens of additional invitations
that the dashboard user can access from the mobile alerts
dashboard;
[0060] FIG. 21a illustrates options the dashboard user can access
from the admin screen of the mobile alerts dashboard;
[0061] FIG. 21b illustrates a do not call list screen and an add to
do not call list screen that the dashboard user can access from the
admin screen of the mobile alerts dashboard;
[0062] FIG. 21c illustrates a dashboard users screen and a
dashboard user screen that the dashboard user can access from the
admin screen of the mobile alerts dashboard;
[0063] FIG. 21d illustrates a wallpaper type screen and an add
wallpaper type screen that the dashboard user can access from the
admin screen of the mobile alerts dashboard;
[0064] FIG. 21e illustrates an application type screen and an add
application type screen that the dashboard user can access from the
admin screen of the mobile alerts dashboard;
[0065] FIG. 21f illustrates a hardware type screen and a hardware
type screen that the dashboard user can access from the admin
screen of the mobile alerts dashboard;
[0066] FIG. 21g illustrates a ringtone genre screen and an add
ringtone genre screen that the dashboard user can access from the
admin screen of the mobile alerts dashboard;
[0067] FIG. 21h illustrates a publishers screen and an add
publisher screen that the dashboard user can access from the admin
screen of the mobile alerts dashboard;
[0068] FIG. 21i illustrates a handsets screen and an add handset
screen that the dashboard user can access from the admin screen of
the mobile alerts dashboard;
[0069] FIG. 22a illustrates options the dashboard user can access
from the ringtones screen of the mobile alerts dashboard;
[0070] FIG. 22b illustrates a ringtone screen and a ringtone
handset screen that the dashboard user can access from the
ringtones screen;
[0071] FIG. 22c illustrates an upload ringtone file screen and a
ringtone sequencing screen that the dashboard user can access from
the ringtones screen;
[0072] FIG. 22d illustrates a ringtones statistics screen and a
ringtones opt-in invitation screen that the dashboard user can
access from the ringtones screen;
[0073] FIG. 22e illustrates a ringtones sales message screen that
the dashboard user can access from the ringtones screen;
[0074] FIG. 23a illustrates options the dashboard user can access
from the wallpapers screen of the mobile alerts dashboard;
[0075] FIG. 23b illustrates a wallpaper inventory screen and a
wallpaper screen that the dashboard user can access from the
wallpapers screen;
[0076] FIG. 23c illustrates a wallpaper handset table screen and an
upload wallpaper file screen that the dashboard user can access
from the wallpapers screen;
[0077] FIG. 23d illustrates a wallpaper sequencing screen and a
wallpaper statistics screen that the dashboard user can access from
the wallpapers screen;
[0078] FIG. 23e illustrates a wallpapers opt-in invitation screen
and a wallpapers sales message screen that the dashboard user can
access from the wallpapers screen;
[0079] FIG. 24a illustrates options the dashboard user can access
from the applications screen of the mobile alerts dashboard;
[0080] FIG. 24b illustrates an applications screen and an
application handset table screen that the dashboard user can access
from the applications screen;
[0081] FIG. 24c illustrates an upload application screen and an
applications sequencing screen that the dashboard user can access
from the applications screen;
[0082] FIG. 24d illustrates an applications statistics screen and
an applications opt-in invitation screen that the dashboard user
can access from the applications screen;
[0083] FIG. 24e illustrates an applications sales message screen
that the dashboard user can access from the applications
screen;
[0084] FIG. 25a illustrates options the dashboard user can access
from the hardware screen of the mobile alerts dashboard;
[0085] FIG. 25b illustrates a hardware inventory screen and a
hardware screen that the dashboard user can access from the
hardware screen;
[0086] FIG. 25c illustrates a hardware handset table screen and a
hardware device screen that the dashboard user can access from the
hardware screen;
[0087] FIG. 25d illustrates a hardware sequencing screen and a
hardware statistics screen that the dashboard user can access from
the hardware screen;
[0088] FIG. 25e illustrates a hardware opt-in screen and a hardware
sales message screen that the dashboard user can access from the
hardware screen;
[0089] FIG. 26a illustrates options the dashboard user can access
from the carrier surveys screen of the mobile alerts dashboard;
[0090] FIGS. 26b-c illustrates a carrier surveys screen, a carrier
surveys and a carrier survey opt-in invitation results screen that
the dashboard user can access from the survey screen;
[0091] FIG. 27a illustrates options the dashboard user can access
from the 3.sup.rd party surveys screen of the mobile alerts
dashboard;
[0092] FIG. 27b illustrates a 3rd party survey screen and a
3.sup.rd party surveys screen that the dashboard user can access
from the 3.sup.rd party surveys screen;
[0093] FIG. 27c illustrates a 3rd party survey results screen and a
3.sup.rd party surveys opt-in invitation screen that the dashboard
user can access from the 3.sup.rd party surveys screen;
[0094] FIG. 28a illustrates options the dashboard user can access
from the opt-in subscribers screen of the mobile alerts dashboard;
and
[0095] FIG. 28b illustrates a subscriber screen and an opt-in
subscriber statistics screen that the dashboard user can access
from the opt-in subscribers screen.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0096] FIG. 1 illustrates an application framework 3 of the present
invention for allowing communication with wireless device users,
both senders and recipients, by sending or pushing interactive
messages to the wireless devices. Messages are composed by filling
in a pre-formed template and the application framework 3 pushes the
messages to carriers A-N 26, which are connected to the framework 3
via a network connection 5, the messages are then sent to wireless
devices. Although four carriers are shown, additional carriers may
to connected to the framework 3. A messaging protocol on the
application framework 3 allows both local applications and outside
or third party applications to talk to core services. Core
services, located on the application framework, facilitate the
delivery of messages by providing essential details and information
that the framework uses to send or push the messages to wireless
devices. In the preferred embodiment, the core services are
comprised of data services 6, messaging services 8, brokering
services 10 and learning services 12, although additional services
may be defined and utilized. The core services are exposed via web
services 16.
[0097] The learning services 12 are used to facilitate learning by
sending or pushing study material, such as in the form of multiple
choice questions, to recipients, such as students. For example,
vocabulary questions can be sent to the recipient when studying for
the SAT.RTM.. A word with four possible definitions can be pushed
to the student's wireless device. The learning services 12
accomplishes this by managing a process for the user learning new
information including concept presentation, pre-testing, mastery
drilling, final testing and follow up review. Furthermore, learning
services 12 allows external applications and third parties to add
data or additional learning curriculum to learning modules stored
in the learning services 12. Learning services also reports on
learning status by user and by curriculum module. Additionally,
learning services can also present curriculum to users in a game
context wherein players compete on response time and accuracy.
[0098] The data services 6 stores information, including profiles
of the users, which determine if and when the interactive message
is to be sent to the recipient. Information stored within the
profiles can include an access control list that filters or blocks
specific senders, photographs and sounds which may be included in
the message and a do not disturb window specifying when the
recipient does not want to be disturbed with an interactive
message. Additional information in the profiles can include a
priority profile where the user can specify the level of intrusion
for receiving the interactive message by the sender (i.e. do not
interrupt if on a call) and also stores ID and password
information, frequently used response lists to be included in the
message, a list of birthdays and anniversaries of friends and
family and other holidays. Other information, such as pending
messages and system information is stored in data services.
Furthermore, the data services 6 can store learning profiles for
storing user progress across learning modules and learning module
setup, learning curriculum and responses. Each user creates his
profile and stores the profile on a database 2 located on the
application framework 3. Other information contained in the
profiles includes a list of people whose messages should be
immediately sent, a picture of the user and times when a user does
not want to receive a message. These profiles can be accessed
through a web portal 22 allowing senders and recipients to update
their profile.
[0099] The messaging services 8 pushes the interactive message to
the wireless device of a recipient. Before the message can be
pushed, messaging services 8 first determines if the recipient's
wireless device is capable of receiving a pushed message. If the
wireless device is capable of receiving the message, messaging
services 8 converts the message into a format readable by the
wireless device and in turn pushes the message to the wireless
device. If the wireless device is not capable of receiving a pushed
message, message services 8 converts the message to a short message
service (SMS) message and sends as a SMS message. Furthermore,
messaging services 8, if necessary, is capable of formatting the
message into a format that includes multimedia capabilities such as
text, sound, graphics, W. L., MIME, video or a turn based
interactive game. Messaging services 8 also has the capability of
providing the sender with a status of the message, i.e. if the
recipient has responded and what the response is. The status of the
message can be delivered to the sender with electronic data
exchange, e-mail, instant messaging, on-line access (i.e. check the
status via a web site) and WAP Push, including BREW.RTM. and J2ME
(JAVA). The sender can set the form that the status of delivery is
sent in his profile or when filling out the template to send the
message.
[0100] The brokering services 10 manage the coordination of users,
both senders and recipients, and the delivery of messages to
wireless devices. Senders can specify a day and time for the
messages to be delivered to the recipients. (Senders can include
both people and devices/servers.) Recipients have the option of
re-scheduling the response of messages to their wireless devices by
selecting a "snooze" feature. The "snooze" feature terminates the
interactive message and schedules a future time when the message
will be resent to the recipient. Once this feature is selected, the
brokering services 10 will resend the message at a later time such
as in 10 minutes, 30 minutes, an hour or any other time specified
by the recipient. Brokering services also manages the level of
intrusion of the message based on receiver-maintained profile
criteria via the web portal 22 with settings by originator, data
type, priority and access control list. Additionally, if the
interactive messaging system is being used to send invitations to
invited parties or participants for an event, brokering services
negotiates a time among multiple parties when all can participate
in the event, such as a conference call, game, etc. Upon receiving
the message, recipients have the option of indicating if they are
available or hitting the snooze button. The message is resent to
all participants at the end of the snooze period. The status of all
invitees is shown to all participants. Brokering services manages a
snooze or ready responses until all participants are ready and
available.
[0101] The application framework 3 utilizes application logic to
define how the business policies, rules and required services of
the interactive messaging system of the present invention function.
Local applications 20 store the application logic and call web
services 16 using SOAP messaging 18 and instruct or trigger the
construction and delivery of the interactive messages. Web services
16 shares business logic, data and process through a programmatic
interface across a network amongst the core services. Since web
services 16 are not tied to any one operating system or programming
language, different applications from different sources communicate
with each other without time consuming custom coding since all
communication is in XML. As a result, web services 16 provides a
platform for exposing or making accessible the core services to
third party applications using software that is running on
different operating systems and devices, written using different
programming languages and tools from multiple vendors, all
potentially developed and deployed independently. As a result, an
open architecture for third parties is created. Furthermore, web
services 16 enables the interactive messaging system of the present
invention to be used with or without a browser.
[0102] Also located on the framework 3 is a web application server
4. The web application server 4 is comprised of software that runs
on the framework 3, answers web calls from (1) a wireless device
(2) via web portal 22 and (3) third parties and local applications.
When answering a call, web services looks up the requested
information in a database 2, databases such as Oracle.RTM. may be
utilized. The database 2 is used to store data, information and
rules for pushing the interactive messages to a wireless device.
Specifically, stored within the database are user preferences,
photographs, sounds, drop down menus, learning curriculum,
birthday/anniversary lists and other holidays. Upon receiving a
call, the web application server 4 retrieves the information in the
database 2 via data services 6.
[0103] The application framework 3 discussed with reference to FIG.
1a enables users to send various types of interactive messages. The
various types of messages include scheduling a meeting, sending a
reminder, initiating a multi-player game on a wireless device and
interactive learning. These and other embodiments are discussed
below.
[0104] In addition to utilizing WAP push technology, the present
invention can also utilize application-directed SMS messaging
within BREW.RTM. or JAVA technologies. BREW.RTM. and JAVA are other
technologies analogous to WAP push allowing non-solicited messages
to be sent to users. BREW.RTM. and JAVA wake-up using SMS provides
the same ability to push messages to users, as does WAP push. In
WAP push, a SMS message containing a URL address is sent to the
user. Upon receiving the SMS message, the device loads the web
page, which contains interactive response messages. With BREW.RTM.
and JAVA, an application is pre-loaded on a wireless device. An
application directed SMS message "wakes up" the application on the
phone providing interactive response options. FIG. 1b illustrates
web application server 480 sending information to a mobile access
gateway 482, which sends the information to a wireless device 484,
which displays the information on a display screen of the wireless
device 486. Although FIG. 1b illustrates a question from the
learning curriculum being displayed, this is by way of example only
and any information can be pushed to the wireless device.
[0105] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow diagram of a method of the present
invention for pushing interactive messages to a wireless device. In
preparing and pushing an interactive message to a recipient's
wireless device, a sender composes questions and responses on a
pre-formed template 28. The template, located in the data services
6 of the framework 3, is typically accessed by the sender by using
a computer connected to the internet. Once the message has been
composed, the interactive message is sent to a mobile access
gateway 30. Upon receiving the interactive message, the mobile
access gateway pushes the interactive message to the recipient's
wireless device 32. The recipient's wireless device receives the
interactive message and a browser session is started by a session
initiation application (SIA). The SIA displays a screen with the
question and response options composed by the sender.
[0106] Once the question and responses appear on the screen of the
recipient's wireless device, the recipient may select a response
corresponding to a pre-assigned response key 34. Furthermore, the
recipient may select a snooze message key which closes the
interactive messaging system 40 and causes a pre-defined delay to
occur before the interactive message is again pushed to the
recipient's wireless device. The status of the recipient's
response, i.e. selecting the snooze key, is shown to the sender on
an on-line status screen or any other method, such as e-mail
defined in the template. The interactive message is then paused for
the length of time specified by the snooze key 44. After this
specified time period is over, the question and responses are
resent by the mobile access gateway and steps 30, 32 and 34 are
repeated.
[0107] The recipient can also choose to cancel the interactive
messaging session by selecting a pre-assigned response key
corresponding to a dismiss feature 46. By dismissing the
interactive message, the message will not be resent to the
recipient and the interactive messaging session is closed 48. The
result or status of this session, i.e. the session is closed, is
sent back to the sender in the form of an e-mail, WAP Push, on-line
access or interactive message 50 that is shown to the sender or an
on-line status screen 52.
[0108] If the recipient chooses to respond to the interactive
message 36, the response is made available to the sender via an
e-mail and on-line. Furthermore, the interactive messaging session
will be closed 48 as mentioned previously. The result of the
interactive messaging session, i.e. the selected response, is sent
to the sender 50 in the form of an e-mail, WAP Push, on-line access
or interactive message that is shown to the sender on an on-line
status screen 52. After the recipient has selected a pre-assigned
response key, the sender, based upon the response, may compose a
new message with a new question and response choices that are sent
to the recipient to clarify or follow-up on the response 54. If the
sender chooses to push a new message to the recipient 56, the whole
process is repeated starting with step 28. If the sender chooses
not to push a new message to the recipient the transaction has been
completed and the interactive messaging session is closed 58.
[0109] FIG. 3a illustrates a method of pushing an interactive
message to the wireless device of a recipient. A template 60 is
utilized by a sender to compose the interactive message, including
the question and responses, that will be pushed to a recipient's
wireless device. A computer connected to the Internet or a wireless
device can be used to access the template. Several fields are
included on the template, including drop down menus from which the
sender can select from a variety elements to be included in the
message. Elements can include the type of template and the priority
of the message to be sent. Other fields to be filled in by the
sender can include the recipient of the message, the sender of the
message, the question included in the message, several responses
corresponding to pre-assigned response keys for the recipient to
choose from, the method of notification of the response to selected
individuals and the priority of the message. In the preferred
embodiment, a send time default is immediate, however, a sender can
schedule to have the message sent at a specific data and time in
the future.
[0110] Templates can vary, such as requiring a varying amount of
response options to be entered (i.e. 4 response options, 6 response
options, etc.) as well as the type of data used for the question
and response options. The question and response options can be a
graphic image, a sound, animation, WML, MIME, a video clip or a
turn based interactive game. The priority option allows the sender
to indicate the priority and specify the level of intrusiveness for
the message to be delivered. For example, do not interrupt the
recipient if he is on the phone.
[0111] If the sender chooses to cancel the interactive messaging
session prior to sending the message, the sender selects a quit
button 63 located on the template 60. However, if the sender
chooses to send the message, the sender selects a send button 62
located on the template 60 after the template 60 has been filled
in. After selecting the send button 62, the interactive message is
sent to a web application server 64 which immediately sends the
message to a mobile access gateway 66 or holds the message to be
sent in the future time and date specified by the sender in the
template. The mobile access gateway 66 is a server in the carrier's
network that allows messages to be transformed into a WAP Push over
the carrier's network to the recipient's wireless device, if the
recipient's wireless device contains a WAP browser 68. If the
recipient's wireless device does not contain a WAP browser 68 or
the WAP browser 68 does not have the capability of receiving pushed
messages, the message is sent to the wireless device in the form of
a SMS message.
[0112] Once the message is pushed to the recipient's wireless
device, a browser session is started by the Session Initiation
Application (SIA) which displays a screen 70 with the question and
response options corresponding to pre-assigned response keys. The
sender has the option of selecting one of the pre-assigned response
keys in response to the question, selecting the dismiss button 72
or selecting the snooze button 74. If the recipient selects one of
the pre-assigned response keys 76, the interactive messaging
session is completed and the browser session is closed. Selecting
the dismiss button 72 cancels the interactive messaging session and
selecting the snooze button 74 temporarily terminates the
interactive message and schedules the message to be resent at a
later time.
[0113] Once the recipient has selected a response, notification of
the response selected is sent via e-mail, WAP Push, instant
messaging or on-line access as specified in the template 60. The
notification can show the question, the response options, the
response selected and the date the selection was made. As specified
in the template 60, notification of the selected response can be
sent to at least one third party in addition to the sender of the
message. As shown in FIG. 3, third party notification can be
automatically sent in the form of an e-mail 78, a message pushed to
a wireless device 80 or an instant message 84 as specified in the
template. When the notification is pushed to a wireless device 80,
the interactive messaging system can be cancelled by selecting an
OK button 82. The sender can also receive the recipient's response
by accessing the status of the message on-line 86. On-line
notification or status illustrates the question sent by the sender,
a drop down box 87 allows the sender to select previous questions
sent as well as the responses received. The on-line status 86 also
illustrates a summarization table 88 showing status, time and
response by user. This table is useful in summarizing results from
multiple respondents. An export button 90 can be selected for
exporting into a comma delimited text file so that it can be
imported into a spreadsheet for further analysis. Selecting a new
question button 92 allows the sender to access the original
template to compose or edit a new question to follow up or clarify
the question based on the recipient's response.
[0114] An example of an interactive message is shown in FIG. 3a. A
sender, Bill Smith, composes a message to Frank Hollingsworth by
filling in a template with a question, four possible responses and
the names of those to receive the response. The question, who will
be the presenter for a presentation, is pushed to Frank along with
the four possible answers to the question. Upon receiving this
message, Frank selects the presenter by selecting a pre-assigned
response key corresponding to name of the presenter. Once selected,
a status is sent to all people identified in the template to
receive the response. The interactive message of the present
invention can also be used to confirm appointments, such as a
doctor's appointment, a dentist appointment, a hair appointment,
etc. Furthermore, a message can be pushed to a recipient asking if
the recipient can still make the appointment. The recipient
responds to the question by either selecting a "yes" key or a "no"
key. If the recipient is unable to make the appointment, that time
can be allocated to another person. Interactive messaging can also
be used for opinion surveys and by schools to send information to
parents about their children.
[0115] To provide additional security, non-repudiation and
authentication to the template-based secure messaging architecture
of the present invention, a post mark such, as the United States
Postal Service Electronic Postmark (USPS.RTM. EPM) can be utilized.
The electronic authentication is a Web based security service that
enables users to verify authenticity, provide tamper detection and
date and time stamp to electronic messages. Evidence of content
authenticity can be stored in a repository to ensure trusted
non-repudiation of content. Additionally, the electronic
authentication provides a tracking number whereby all parties
involved in an electronic transaction can access the transaction
record on the authentication server and verify the electronic
signature, time stamp and content. The electronic authentication
enables transactions to comply with the ESIGN legislation, enacted
in June 2000, which made electronic signatures a legally viable
option for conducting business.
[0116] FIG. 3b illustrates an example of an interactive template
based system of the present invention utilizing the electronic
authentication. First, a user or sender selects one of many
pre-defined templates to send a message to a recipient. In the
example illustrated in FIG. 3b, a template 400 designed for a
company for sending a message to a recipient is illustrated. The
sender fills in the template 400 by selecting the message type,
enters the name and telephone number of the recipient, the name of
the project, the prior terms of the project, the new terms of the
project to be approved by the recipient, any comments the sender
has and the name, telephone number and email of the sender. Once
this information has been entered into the template, the sender
selects a send button 402 (or the clear button 403 to clear the
template) and the message is sent to a web application server 404
that sends the message to an authentication server 406 and assigns
a date and time stamp to the message. After a date and time stamp
has been assigned to the message, the message is sent back to the
Web application server 404, which then immediately sends the
message to a mobile access gateway 406. The mobile access gateway
406 is a server in the carrier's network that allows messages to be
transformed into a WAP Push, including BREW.RTM. and JAVA, over the
carrier's network to the recipient's wireless device 408.
[0117] Once the message is pushed to the recipient's wireless
device, a user session is started which displays a screen 410 with
information provided by the sender and response options
corresponding to pre-assigned response keys. In the example
illustrated in FIG. 3b, the pre-assigned response keys are (1)
accept, (2) reject, or (3) to-do list. Selecting the accept key
authorizes the change order, selecting the reject key rejects the
change order and selecting the to-do list which places the request
on hold until the recipient makes a decision. Once the recipient
has selected a pre-assigned response key, notification of the
response selected is sent to the sender on-line 412 or via email
414.
[0118] FIG. 4 illustrates a work flow diagram for an interactive
call invitation method of the present invention. In the interactive
call invitation method, a sender uses a WAP browser, a computer
connected to the Internet or a JAVA application located on a
wireless device to compose an invitation by filling in a template
94. In the template, the sender fills in the name or names of the
recipients of the invitation or the invitees, the topic of the call
and the priority of the call. Alternatively, the sender can fill in
the phone number of number of the invitees instead of their names.
Once the invitation has been composed, the invitation is sent to an
application server as described with reference to FIG. 2. Upon
receipt of the invitation, the application server sends the
invitation to the mobile access gateway 96 which immediately sends
the invitation to an invitee's wireless device or holds the
invitation until a specified time and date indicated in the
template. If the invitee's wireless device has a WAP browser the
invitation is pushed to the invitee's wireless device 98. However,
if the invitee's wireless device does not contain a WAP browser or
the WAP browser does not have the capability of receiving pushed
messages, the invitation is sent to the invitee's wireless devices
in the form of a SMS message.
[0119] When the invitee receives the invitation, the invitee has
the option of selecting a snooze button 100 or a call button 108.
If the snooze button is selected 102, the invitee has the option of
selecting the duration of the pause or delay 104 before the
invitation is resent to the invitee or to dismiss the invitation
and close the messaging session. If the snooze button is selected,
the sender is notified 106 that the invitee has delayed responding
to the invitation as well as the length of the delay. Furthermore,
the interactive session is closed 107 until the length of the delay
109 has been completed and the invitation is resent, repeating
steps 96 and 98. If the call button is selected, the invitee has
accepted the invitation, the invitee's wireless device
automatically auto dials the sender 111 and the interactive session
is completed 113. Although sending the invitation to only one
invitee has been described, the interactive call invitation method
can be used to invite more than one invitee. Brokering services
manages the responses from all invitees until all invitees are
either ready to participate in the call or have selected the
dismiss key.
[0120] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the interactive call
invitation method as described with reference to FIG. 4. In this
method, a sender fills in a template 112 to invite the recipient or
invitee to participate in a telephone call. The sender enters the
name or telephone number of the invitee, the topic to be discussed
in the call and the priority of the message. The invitee can be
entered manually or selected from the sender's address or phone
book. Once this information has been filled in, the sender selects
an invite button 114 and the invitation is sent to the recipients
as a WAP Push message or a SMS message if the invitee's wireless
device does not contain a WAP browser or the WAP browser does not
have the capability of receiving pushed messages. As described with
reference to FIG. 4, the invitation can be sent to more than one
invitee.
[0121] After selecting the invite button 114, the invitation is
sent to a web application server 116, which immediately sends the
message to a mobile access gateway 118 or holds the message to be
sent in a future time and date specified by the sender. The mobile
access gateway verifies that the invitee's wireless device has a
WAP browser 120 and pushes the invitation to the invitee's wireless
device. If the invitee's wireless device does not contain a WAP
browser 120 or the WAP browser 120 does not have the capability of
receiving pushed messages, the invitation is sent to the wireless
device in the form of a SMS message. Once sent to the invitee's
wireless device, a browser session is initiated by the Session
Initiation Application (SIA) and displays a screen showing the
invitation 122. Upon receipt of the invitation, the invitee has the
option of selecting a call button 124 or a snooze button 126. If
the invitee selects the call button 124, the invitee's wireless
device automatically dials the sender. If the invitee does not want
to talk to the sender at the present moment, or does not want to
talk to the sender at any time, the invitee selects the snooze
button 126.
[0122] Upon selecting the snooze button 126, a display screen 128
with several pre-assigned response keys and a dismiss button 130
are displayed on the invitee's wireless device. Selecting the
dismiss button 130 closes the interactive session and the invitee
will not receive the invitation again. The pre-assigned response
keys correspond to the length of snooze or delay before the message
is resent to the recipient. Selecting one of the pre-assigned
response keys will terminate or pause the interactive session for a
period of time that the invitee selected. When an invitee selects
the snooze button 126 and selects the length of pause, a status
screen 132 is sent to the sender indicating that the invitee has
selected the snooze button 126 and the length pause that the
invitee has selected. Upon receiving this screen, the sender can
select a dismiss key 134 and close the interactive session or
select an OK button 136 accepting the invitee's delay and the pause
selected by the invitee occurs 137.
[0123] After the length of pause selected by the invitee, a display
screen showing the invitation 138 is pushed to the invitee's
wireless device. The invitee now has the option of selecting a
ready button 140 or another snooze button 142. If the invitee still
does not want to talk to the sender at the present moment, the
invitee selects the snooze button 142 and the process as described
with reference to screen 128 is repeated. If the recipient selects
the ready button 140, a display screen 144 is sent or pushed to the
sender advising the sender that the recipient is available to talk.
Upon receiving this screen 144, the sender can select a snooze key
148 and the process as described with reference to screen 128 is
repeated or the sender can select a call button 146 and the
sender's wireless device automatically dials the invitee initiating
the call 147.
[0124] An example of an interactive message is shown in FIG. 5.
Eric Johnson pushes a message to Laura Cox inviting her to dinner.
Laura communicates with Eric as to a best time to talk to finalize
dinner plans. Furthermore, this interactive message can be utilized
to schedule calls to take place in the future where messages are
pushed to all parties at the time of the call to determine if it is
a good time to talk. If any party selects snooze, all parties are
reminded of the call at a later time until both parties indicate
they are available and the event can take place.
[0125] The interactive messaging system can also be used for
sending interactive reminders at pre-defined times. FIG. 6
illustrates a work flow diagram for an interactive birthday
reminder of the present invention. In the interactive birthday
reminder method, a sender or congratulator schedules a birthday
reminder to be sent to their wireless device by using a computer
connected to the Internet or by using a wireless device to fill in
a template 150. In the template, the congratulator enters the name
of the person having a birthday (celebrator) and the date and time
that the reminder will be pushed to the congratulator's wireless
device. Once the template has been completed, the reminder is
stored in the application server until the scheduled time for
delivery.
[0126] On the scheduled day and time, the application server pushes
the reminder to the congratulator's wireless device 152. Upon
receiving the reminder, the congratulator can send an invitation
using a WAP browser, as described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5,
to the celebrator. If the congratulator sends an invitation to the
celebrator, the application server sends the invitation to the
mobile access gateway 156. If the celebrator's wireless device has
a WAP browser the invitation is pushed to the celebrator's wireless
device 158. However, if the celebrator's wireless device does not
contain a WAP browser or the WAP browser does not have the
capability of receiving pushed messages, the invitation is sent to
the celebrator's wireless devices in the form of a SMS message.
[0127] When the celebrator receives the invitation, the celebrator
has the option of selecting a snooze button 160 or a call button
168. If the snooze button is selected 162, the celebrator has the
option of selecting the duration of the pause or delay 164 before
the invitation is resent to the celebrator or to dismiss the
invitation and close the messaging session. If the snooze button is
selected, the congratulator is notified 166 that the celebrator has
delayed responding to the invitation as well as the length of the
delay. Furthermore, the interactive session is closed 167 until the
length of the delay 169 has been completed. After the delay is
over, the invitation is resent and steps 150-160 are repeated. If
the call button 168 is selected, the celebrator has accepted the
invitation, the congratulator is notified 170, the celebrator's
wireless device automatically dials the sender 171 and the
interactive session is completed 173. Although an interactive
birthday reminder has been illustrated, the interactive birthday
reminder of the present invention can also be utilized for
additional holidays such as Mother's Day, Father's Day, Valentine's
Day and Christmas,
[0128] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of the interactive birthday
reminder or reminders of other holidays of the present invention.
In this method, a congratulator fills in a template 172 to set up
reminders and reminder types for acquaintances. This template can
be accessed on a computer connected to the Internet or on a
wireless device. The congratulator can enter information about the
celebrator such as his name, his phone number and wireless device
carrier. Furthermore, the congratulator enters the day and time to
push the reminder of the event (such as a birthday) to the
congratulator's wireless device, whether to remind the
congratulator to buy a gift and whether to initiate an interactive
call invitation as described previously with reference to FIG. 5.
Once this information has been filled in, the congratulator selects
a submit button 175 and the reminder is sent to a web application
server 176 until the scheduled time for delivery.
[0129] At the time scheduled for delivery, the reminder is sent to
the congratulator's wireless device 174. The congratulator has the
option of selecting an invite button 177. Selecting the invite
button 177 immediately sends an invitation to a mobile access
gateway 178. The mobile access gateway 178 pushes the reminder to
the celebrator's wireless device. If the celebrator's wireless
device does not contain a WAP browser 180 or the WAP browser 180
does not have the capability of receiving pushed messages, the
message is sent to the wireless device in the form of a SMS
message. Once sent to the celebrator's wireless device, a browser
session is initiated by the Session Initiation Application (SIA)
and a screen showing the reminder 182 is displayed on the wireless
device. Upon receiving the display screen, the celebrator has the
option of selecting a call button 181 or a snooze button 183. If
the celebrator selects the call button 181, the celebrator's
wireless device automatically dials the congratulator. If the
celebrator does not want to talk to the congratulator at the
present moment, or does not want to talk to the congratulator at
any time, the celebrator selects the snooze button 183.
[0130] Upon selecting the snooze button 183, a display screen 184
with several pre-assigned response keys and a dismiss button 185
are displayed on the celebrator's wireless device. Selecting the
dismiss button 185 closes the interactive session and the
celebrator will not receive the invitation again. The pre-assigned
response keys correspond to the length of snooze or delay before
the invitation is resent to the celebrator. Selecting one of the
pre-assigned response keys will terminate or pause the interactive
session for a period of time that the celebrator selected. When a
celebrator selects the snooze button 183 and selects the length of
pause, a status screen 186 is sent to the congratulator indicating
that the celebrator has selected the snooze button 183 and the
length pause that the celebrator has selected. Upon receiving this
screen 186, the congratulator can select a dismiss key 187 and
close the interactive session or select an OK button 189 accepting
the celebrator's delay and the pause selected by the celebrator
occurs 191.
[0131] After the length of pause selected by the celebrator, a
display screen showing the invitation 188 is pushed to the
celebrator's wireless device. The celebrator now has the option of
selecting a ready button 193 or another snooze button 195. If the
celebrator still does not want to talk to the sender at the present
moment, the sender selects the snooze button 195 and the process as
described with reference to screen 184 is repeated. If the
celebrator selects the ready button 193, a display screen 190 is
sent or pushed to the congratulator advising the congratulator that
the celebrator is available to talk. Upon receiving this screen
190, the congratulator can select a snooze key 197 and the process
as described with reference to screen 184 is repeated or select a
call button 199 and the congratulator's wireless device
automatically dials the celebrator initiating the call 201.
[0132] The present invention can also be used for an interactive
multi-player game. FIG. 8 illustrates a work flow diagram for an
interactive multi-player game invitation method. In the
multi-player game invitation method, a sender uses a WAP browser or
a computer connected to the Internet to compose a game invitation
by filling in a template 192. In the template, the sender fills in
the name of the invitee, the name of the game and the desired
number of people required to play the game. Once the invitation has
been composed, the invitation is sent to an application server as
described with reference to FIG. 2. Upon receipt of the invitation,
the application server sends the invitation to the mobile access
gateway 194 which immediately sends the invitation to the player
via his wireless device. If the player's wireless device has a WAP
browser the invitation is pushed to the player's wireless device
196. However, if the player's wireless device does not contain a
WAP browser or the WAP browser does not have the capability of
receiving pushed messages, the invitation is sent to the player's
wireless device in the form of a SMS message.
[0133] When the player receives the invitation, the player has the
option of selecting a snooze button 198 or a ready button 204. If
the snooze button is selected, the player has the option of
selecting the duration of the pause or delay 200 before the
invitation is resent to the player or to dismiss the invitation and
close the messaging session. If the snooze button is selected, the
sender is notified 202 that the player has delayed responding to
the invitation as well as the length of the delay. Furthermore, the
interactive session is closed 203 until the length of the delay 205
has been completed and the invitation is resent. If the ready
button 204 is selected, the player has accepted the invitation and
now must select a play button 206. The multi-player game is
initiated if the desired number of player are available 208 and the
transaction is completed 209. Although sending the invitation to
only one player has been described, the interactive multi-player
game method can be used to invite more than one player. Brokering
services manages the responses from all players until the desired
number of players ready to play the game has been reached.
[0134] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of the interactive
multi-player game invitation method as described with reference to
FIG. 8. In this method, a sender fills in a template 210 to invite
at least one player to participate in a game. The sender enters the
name of the player, the name of the game and the desired number of
people required to play the game. The player's name can be entered
manually or selected from the sender's address or phone book. Once
this information has been filled in, the sender selects an invite
button 211 and the invitation is sent to the player as a WAP Push
message or a SMS message if the player's wireless device does not
contain a WAP browser or the WAP browser does not have the
capability of receiving pushed messages.
[0135] After selecting the invite button 211, the invitation is
sent to a web application server 212 which immediately sends the
message to a mobile access gateway 214 or holds the message to be
sent in a future time and date specified by the sender. The mobile
access gateway verifies that the player's wireless device has a WAP
browser 216 and pushes the invitation to the player's wireless
device. If the player's wireless device does not contain a WAP
browser 216 or the WAP browser 216 does not have the capability of
receiving pushed messages, the message is sent to the wireless
device in the form of a SMS message. Once sent to the player's
wireless device, a browser session is initiated by the Session
Initiation Application (SIA) and displays a screen showing the
invitation 218. The player has the option of selecting a play
button 220 or a snooze button 222. If the player selects the play
button 220, a message is sent to the sender indicating the player
is ready to play. If the player does not want to play the game at
the present moment, or does not want to play the game at any time,
the player selects the snooze button 222.
[0136] Upon selecting the snooze button 222, a display screen 224
with several pre-assigned response keys and a dismiss button 234
are displayed on the player's wireless device. Selecting the
dismiss button 234 closes the interactive session and the player
will not receive the invitation again. The pre-assigned response
keys correspond to the length of snooze or delay before the
invitation is resent to the player. Selecting one of the
pre-assigned response keys will terminate or pause the interactive
session for a period of time that the player selected. When a
recipient selects the snooze button 222 and selects the length of
pause, a status screen 228 is sent to the sender indicating that
the player has selected the snooze button 222 and the length of
pause that the player has selected. Upon receiving this screen 228,
the sender can select a dismiss key 230 and close the interactive
session or select an OK button 232 accepting the player's delay and
the pause selected by the player occurs 233.
[0137] After the length of pause selected by the player, a display
screen showing the invitation 263 is pushed to the player's
wireless device. The player now has the option of selecting a ready
button 238 or another snooze button 240. If the player still does
not want to play the game at the present moment, the player selects
the snooze button 240 and the process as described with reference
to screen 224 is repeated. If the recipient selects the ready
button 238, a display screen 242 is sent or pushed to the sender
advising the sender that the player is available to play. Upon
receiving this screen 242, the sender can select a snooze key 246
and the process as described with reference to screen 224 is
repeated or select a play button 244 and the game is initiated
245.
[0138] As an example of the multi-player game invitation method is
shown in FIG. 9. In this example, Eric Johnson sends an invitation
to Laura Cox to play the game Star Fighter on their wireless
devices. When Laura is ready to play, the game is initiated on each
of their wireless devices.
[0139] As described previously, the interactive messaging system of
the present invention can be used as a learning tool. As
illustrated in FIG. 10, the interactive learning method uses
process logic which is comprised of several steps to complete the
learning process. The first step in the precess logic is a concept
presentation 248 step where the application server uses WAP Push to
send the question and correct answer to the wireless device user to
review. Afterwards, the web application server uses WAP Push to
sequentially send all questions to the wireless device user to
determine competency in a pre-testing step 250. Furthermore,
questions that are answered incorrectly are marked by the web
application server to be used in the mastery drilling step 256.
[0140] After the pre-testing is complete, the web application
server determines if the specified completion has been made. For
example, a 95% completion threshold could be set so that the user
must answer 95% of the questions correctly to achieve competency
252. If the user has achieved competency, the application next
moves to a follow up review 264. In the follow up review, questions
are sent to the wireless device user for a time period specified in
the system to reinforce long term retention. When the competency
has not been achieved the user moves to the mastery drilling step
256. In the mastery drilling step 256, the web application server
maintains a pool of questions that will be sent to the wireless
device user. Questions are randomly selected from the pool and
pushed to the user using WAP Push until the pool is depleted.
Incorrectly answering questions during the mastery drilling phase
adds additional questions to the pool. Correctly answering
questions during the mastery drilling phase deletes questions from
the pool. Questions that have been correctly answered during the
pre-testing step initially establish the pool. For example, if the
user incorrectly answered three questions during the pre-test
phase, the pool would contain an initial volume of nine questions,
or three instances of each question incorrectly answered during the
pre-test phase.
[0141] During the mastery drilling step 256, the pool of questions
increases or decreases based on the performance of the wireless
device user. For example, if the pool had a beginning volume of
nine questions and the user correctly answered the first question,
the pool would be decreased by one resulting in a remaining volume
of eight questions. However, if the mobile device user incorrectly
answered the next question, three instances of the incorrectly
answered question are added to the pool resulting in a new volume
of ten total questions in the pool. During the mastery drilling
step, the user increments or decrements the total number of
questions until the pool is depleted which initiates the next step,
post-testing 258. In the post-testing phase, all questions in the
module are sent to the user using WAP Push. After the post-testing
phase, the system determines if competency has been achieved 262 as
described above. If competency has not been achieved, steps 252,
256 and 258 are repeated. If competency has been achieved, the user
is sent to the follow-up review 264 as described above.
[0142] FIG. 11 illustrates a work flow diagram for an interactive
learning method of the present invention. In the interactive
learning method, a user selects from various learning modules
stored in learning curriculum in the learning services 266 of the
application framework. Learning modules can include vocabulary
lessons, science lessons, history lessons, math lessons, social
science lessons or any other lesson defined by the user. Lessons
typically consist of a question with multiple responses that the
recipient can select from, however, the lessons can be in the form
of a statement. Once the curriculum is selected, questions or
statements are scheduled to be sent to the user using WAP Push
based on the scheduling criteria set up by the user. At the
scheduled time, the next question in the module is sent to the
user's wireless device from the web application server to the
mobile access gateway 268. Upon receiving the interactive message,
the mobile access gateway pushes the interactive message to the
user's wireless device 270. The user's wireless device receives the
interactive message with the question and possible answers and a
browser session is started by a session initiation application
(SIA). The SIA displays a screen with the question and possible
answers.
[0143] Once the question and possible answers appear on the screen
of the user's wireless device, the user may select an answer
corresponding to a pre-assigned response key 272. If the user
selects an answer 274, feedback is given to the user showing
whether the selected answer was correct or incorrect 276. If the
incorrect answer was selected, feedback given to the user includes
the correct answer that should have been selected. After receiving
feedback, the user may select to have the next scheduled question
pushed to their wireless device and continue the session or
terminate the session 278. If the user elects to continue the
session, the process is repeated starting with step 268. If the
user elects to terminate the session 280, the WAP session is closed
294. The summary of the user's session, i.e. which questions were
and were not answered correctly, is available using a computer
accessing the Internet 296 and the transaction has been completed
298.
[0144] If the user does not want to answer the question, the user
may respond to the question by selecting a pre-assigned response
key corresponding to a snooze feature 282. Selecting the snooze
message key 284 closes the interactive learning method and a
pre-defined delay occurs before the question is again pushed to the
user's wireless device. After selecting the snooze key, the
interactive learning method is closed 286. The status or results of
the user's responses/answers are available on-line 288. The
interactive learning method is then paused 290 for the length of
time specified by the snooze key. After a specified time period is
over, the question and answers are resent by the mobile access
gateway and steps 268, 270 and 272 are repeated.
[0145] The recipient can choose to cancel the interactive learning
session by selecting a pre-assigned response key corresponding to a
dismiss feature 292. By dismissing the interactive learning
session, the question will not be resent to the user and the
session is closed 294. The summary of the user's session, i.e.
which questions were and were not answered correctly, is available
using a computer accessing the Internet 296 and the transaction has
been completed 298.
[0146] FIG. 12a illustrates a method of the interactive learning
method of the present invention. A template 300 is utilized by a
user to enter curriculum. A computer connected to the Internet or a
wireless device can be used to access the template. In the template
is a drop down box that allows the user to select from a variety of
templates. Templates can vary, such as requiring a varying amount
of response options to be entered (i.e. 4 response options, 6
response option, etc.) as well as the type of data used for the
question and response options. The question and response options
can be a graphic image, a sound, animation, WML, MIME, a video clip
or a turn based interactive game.
[0147] The user enters the question, response choices and specifies
which response is correct. One of the template forms that can be
specified is random incorrect responses wherein the web application
server randomly picks incorrect responses to a question by randomly
selecting from a pool of correct responses entered for other
questions in the module and presenting them as incorrect response
choices to the current question. This method greatly simplifies
developing a module because instead of having to input up to three
incorrect answers per question, the user needs to only specify each
question and its correct response.
[0148] Once the curriculum has been entered, the user uses a
curriculum set up screen 302 to select the curriculum as well as
the timing and frequency for questions to be pushed to his wireless
device. The start and end time defines the time when questions will
periodically be pushed to the user's wireless device and the
frequency defines how many times the questions are pushed to the
user's wireless device during the start and end time. For example,
the user can select to have a question sent to his wireless device
twice per day. Furthermore, the user can specify if the questions
are to be presented in a game mode. When game mode is selected,
time between presentation of the question and response choices and
user response can be set so that if the question is not answered
within the specified window of time, it is considered a wrong
answer. Also, during game mode, the wireless device can vibrate,
play a specific sound and scoring can be utilized to give points
for quickness and accuracy so a total score is calculated at the
end of the module. In the curriculum set up screen 302, the user
can also select a completion threshold which sets the percentage of
accuracy that is required in review, mastery drilling and
post-testing before moving onto the next module. The set up screen
302 also allows the user to select a follow-up time period which is
a period after competency is reached that questions will be
randomly sent to the user for follow-up review.
[0149] If the user chooses to cancel the interactive learning
session prior to sending the set up screen to the application
server 306, the user selects the quit button 303 located on the set
up screen 302. However, if the user chooses to send the set up
screen to the application server 306, the user selects an apply
button 304 located on the set up screen after being filled in.
After selecting the apply button 304, the user settings are saved
on the web application server 306 and questions are scheduled to be
sent to the user's wireless device. At the scheduled time, the
questions are pushed to the mobile access gateway 308 which the
pushes the question and responses to the wireless device via a WAP
browser 310.
[0150] Once the question is pushed to the user's wireless device, a
browser session is started by the Session Initiation Application
(SIA) which displays a screen 312 with the question and response
options corresponding to pre-assigned response keys. The user has
the option of selecting one of the pre-assigned response keys in
response to the question or selecting a snooze button 314. If the
user selects the snooze button 314, the session is terminated and
the question and responses are resent to the user at a later time,
such as in 60 minutes. If the user selects one of responses
corresponding to one of the pre-assigned response keys, the user
receives instant feedback whether the response selected was correct
or incorrect 316. When receiving the feedback, the user is given
the option of selecting a dismiss button 318 or a next button 320.
Selecting the dismiss button 318 cancels the session and selecting
the next button 320 the user is requesting the additional questions
in the curriculum be pushed to his wireless device.
[0151] Users can access a summary using a computer connected to the
Internet. The summary shows and status and results by module 322
and as well as by users 328. The summary by module 322 allows the
user to select various modules by using a drop down list 324. Once
selected, user summary information is displayed for the selected
module. An export button 236 allows the summary information to be
exported to a comma delimited text file for use in a spreadsheet
application for further analysis. A quit button 327 exits the user
out of the summary. The summary by user 328 allows the user to
select various users by using a drop down list 330. Once selected,
module summary information is displayed for the selected user. As
with the summary by module, an export button 332 allows the summary
information to be exported to a comma delimited text file for use
in a spreadsheet application for further analysis. A quit button
333 exits the user out of the summary.
[0152] An example of the interactive learning method is shown in
FIG. 12a. A vocabulary word, peruse, is entered along with four
possible answers. Several vocabulary words with respective answers
can be stored on the application server to be later sent to help a
person study. This method is not related to vocabulary and can also
include questions relating to math, history, a foreign language,
geography, trivia etc.
[0153] FIG. 12b illustrates a method of pushing or downloading
additional content to the wireless device of a user. After users go
through all the questions in the original download, new questions
can be downloaded without having to install a new application on
the wireless device 416. To download additional test questions, the
users select an update key from a menu 418 displayed on the user's
wireless device. After selecting the update key, a message 420 is
displayed requesting the user to confirm that an update of test
questions is requested and informing the user that the flashcards
and test questions will be replaced with new questions. The user
confirms the update by selecting an "OK" button which causes a
message to be displayed on the user's device indicating that a list
of available question packs are being retrieved 422 from the server
424. Next the current questions pack installed on the user's
wireless device is displayed along with a list of available
question packs that can be installed 426. From this list, the user
selects the question pack to download and selects and "OK" button.
Upon selection of the "OK" button, a message is displayed
indicating that the question pack selected is being retrieved 428.
The selected question pack is retrieved from the server 424 and
once the question pack has been downloaded, a message is displayed
indicating the download is successful 430. The user then selects an
"OK" button to continue.
[0154] FIG. 12c illustrates a method of uploading test scores
achieved from answering the test questions to the wireless device
of a user. The ability to provide the test scores of users allows a
user to chart progress from a personal computer using a Web
browser. For example, parents whose children are studying for
tests, such as the SAT.RTM., can obtain feedback and updates on the
progress of their children. From the wireless device 432, a user
can display a main menu 434 from which the user can select various
services including setup where the user can instruct the
application to automatically upload test and drill scores to the
Web as tests and drills are completed. With this option turned on,
scores are automatically uploaded to the Web and parents and
students can access a history of prior scores using a personal
computer and Web browser When a user answers a series of test
questions, the test scores can be sent to the user or another user,
such as the user's parents from the server 442 storing the
information. The test scores are sent either via an SMS message
444, via email 446 or via on-line or web browser 448.
[0155] FIG. 13 illustrates an example or the interactive
multi-player game invitation method combined with the interactive
learning method. In this method, an invitation can be composed to
join a game 328. The sender enters the phone number, activity or
game and the desired number of players required to play the game by
accessing a template on his wireless device. Once this information
has been filled in, the sender selects an invite button 329 and the
invitation is sent to the invitee or player as a WAP Push
message.
[0156] After selecting the invite button 329, the invitation is
sent to a web application server 330 which immediately sends the
message to a mobile access gateway 332. The mobile access gateway
verifies that the invitee's wireless device has a WAP browser 334
and pushes the invitation to the invitee's wireless device. Once
sent to the invitee's wireless device, a browser session is
initiated by the Session Initiation Application (SIA) and displays
a screen showing the invitation 336. The invitee has the option of
selecting a play button 335 or a snooze button 337. If the invitee
selects the play button 335, a message is sent to the sender
indicating that the invitee is ready to play. If the invitee does
not want to play at the present moment, or does not want to play
the game at any time, the sender selects the snooze button 337.
[0157] Upon selecting the snooze button 337, a display screen 338
with several pre-assigned response keys and a dismiss button 339
are displayed on the invitee's wireless device. Selecting the
dismiss button 339 closes the interactive session and the invitee
will not receive the invitation again. The pre-assigned response
keys correspond to the length of snooze or delay before the
invitation is resent to the invitee. Selecting one of the
pre-assigned response keys will terminate or pause the interactive
session for a period of time that the invitee selected. When an
invitee selects the snooze button 337 and selects the length of
pause, a status screen 340 is sent to the sender indicating that
the player has selected the snooze button 337 and the length of
pause that the invitee has selected. Upon receiving this screen,
the sender can select a dismiss key 341 and close the interactive
session or select and OK button 343 accepting the invitee's delay
and the pause selected by the invitee occurs 345.
[0158] After the length of pause selected by the invitee, a display
screen showing the invitation 342 is pushed to the invitee's
wireless device. The invitee now has the option of selecting a
ready button 347 or another snooze button 349. If the invitee still
does not want to play the game or activity at the present moment,
the player selects the snooze button 349 and the process as
described with reference to screen 338 is repeated. If the invitee
selects the ready button 347, a display screen 344 is sent or
pushed to the sender advising the sender that the invitee is
available to play. Upon receiving this screen 344, the sender can
select a snooze key 351 and the process as described with reference
to screen 338 is repeated or select a play button 353 and the game
is initiated. Upon initiating the game, the first question is
pushed to the wireless device of both the sender 346 and the
invitee 348. Both the sender and invitee have the option of again
selecting snooze keys 355, 357. If either the sender or invitee
select the snooze key, the process as described with reference to
screen 338 is repeated. If both the sender and invitee opt to play,
each choose a response to the question and display screens 350 are
pushed to the wireless device of each indicating whether each
selected the correct response to the question. Upon receiving the
display screens 350, both the sender and invitee have the option of
selecting a snooze button 359 or a next button 361. If either the
sender or the invitee select the snooze button 359, the process as
described with reference to screen 336 is repeated. If the next
button 361 is selected by both the sender and invitee, a new
question is sent to both the sender and the invitee and the game
continues.
[0159] An example of the interactive multi-player game method
combined with the interactive learning method is shown in FIG. 13.
In this example, Jordan sends an invitation to Laura Cox to an
activity, SAT.RTM. Vocab 1, on their wireless devices. When Laura
is ready to play, the game relating to learning vocabulary is
initiated on each of their wireless devices.
[0160] Each user must fill out a registration form and profile
settings to participate in an interactive messaging session. FIG.
14 illustrates an example of a user registration form 352 and
profile settings 354. In the user registration, the user can enter
information such as their wireless phone number, password, security
question, answer to security question, email address, birthday,
name, address, wireless phone carrier, etc. In the profile
settings, the user can add a photo of themselves, sounds,
conference call number, conference code, a list of blocked users, a
list of VIP users, etc.
[0161] Turning to FIG. 15, an example of a turn based interactive
game utilizing the interactive messaging system of the present
invention is illustrated. An invitation can be composed to initiate
a turn based interactive game 356. The sender enters the phone
number, the type of game and the desired number of players required
to play the game by accessing a template on his wireless device.
Once this information has been filled in, the sender selects an
invite button 357 and the invitation is sent to the invitee or
player as a WAP Push message.
[0162] After selecting the invite button 357, the invitation is
sent to a web application server 358, which immediately sends the
message to a mobile access gateway 360. The mobile access gateway
verifies that the invitee's wireless device has a WAP browser 362
and pushes the invitation to the invitee's wireless device. Once
sent to the invitee's wireless device, a browser session is
initiated by the Session Initiation Application (SIA) and displays
a screen showing the invitation 364. The invitee has the option of
selecting a play button 359 or a snooze button 361. If the invitee
selects the play button 359, a message is sent to the sender
indicating that the invitee is ready to play. If the invitee does
not want to play at the present moment, or does not want to play
the turn based interactive game at any time, the sender selects the
snooze button 361.
[0163] Upon selecting the snooze button 361, a display screen 366
with several pre-assigned response keys and a dismiss button 363
are displayed on the invitee's wireless device. Selecting the
dismiss button 363 closes the interactive session and the invitee
will not receive the invitation again. The pre-assigned response
keys correspond to the length of snooze or delay before the
invitation is resent to the invitee. Selecting one of the
pre-assigned response keys will terminate or pause the interactive
session for a period of time that the invitee selected. When an
invitee selects the snooze button 361 and selects the length of
pause, a status screen 368 is sent to the sender indicating that
the player has selected the snooze button 361 and the length of
pause that the invitee has selected. Upon receiving this screen,
the sender can select a dismiss key 365 and close the interactive
session or select and OK button 367 accepting the invitee's delay
and the pause selected by the invitee occurs 369.
[0164] After the length of pause selected by the invitee, a display
screen showing the invitation 370 is pushed to the invitee's
wireless device. The invitee now has the option of selecting a
ready button 371 or another snooze button 373. If the invitee still
does not want to play the turn based interactive game at the
present moment, the invitee selects the snooze button 373 and the
process as described with reference to screen 366 is repeated. If
the invitee selects the ready button 371, a display screen 372 is
sent or pushed to the sender advising the sender that the invitee
is available to play. Upon receiving this screen 372, the sender
can select a snooze key 377 and the process as described with
reference to screen 366 is repeated or select a play button 375 and
the turn based interactive game is initiated. Upon initiating the
turn based interactive game, the turn based interactive game is
pushed to the wireless device of the sender 379. Although chess is
illustrated as the turn based interactive game in FIG. 15, any
other type of turned based game, such as checkers, can be
utilized.
[0165] Upon receiving the turn based interactive game, the sender
has the option of again selecting a snooze key 381. If the sender
selects the snooze key 381, the process as described with reference
to screen 364 is repeated. If the sender opts to play the turn
based interactive game, the sender selects a turn or location to
move the chess piece by using a rocker switch on the sender's
wireless device. Once the rocker switch positions a cursor on the
location that the chess piece is to be moved to, the sender selects
the OK button 379 and the senders move is sent to the invitee.
Sending the move causes the turn based interactive game to initiate
376 on the invitee's wireless device and illustrate the sender's
move. After receiving the sender's first move, the invitee has the
option of again selecting a snooze key 385. If the invitee selects
the snooze key 385, the process as described with reference to
screen 366 is repeated. If the invitee opts to play the turn based
interactive game, the invitee selects a move or location to move
the chess piece by using a rocker switch and sends his move to the
sender by selecting the OK button 383. Upon selecting the OK button
383, the invitee's move appears on the wireless device 378 of the
sender. As described previously, the sender again has the option of
selecting a snooze button 389 or continuing to play the turn based
interactive game and selecting an OK button 387 after deciding upon
his move. If the OK button 387 is selected by the sender, the
sender's move appears on a screen 380 on the invitee's wireless
device. The invitee again has the option of selecting a snooze
button 393 or continuing to play the turn based interactive game
and selecting an OK button 391 after deciding upon his next move.
This process continues until the completion of the game. Playing a
turn based interactive game utilizing the present invention allows
player to play at their leisure and respond with their next move at
their convenience.
[0166] FIG. 16 illustrates a method of utilizing the template based
interactive system of the present invention in clinical trials. In
clinical trials, patients typically keep a paper diary of
medication administration and adverse events caused by the
medication. An electronic diary on a wireless device would improve
the accuracy of the data and alerts sent to the patient's wireless
device improve patient compliance. Transactions can originate as a
clinical alert generated by a Web server on a pre-defined schedule.
The alert is stored in an application server 445 and is pushed to a
messaging gateway 449 which then sends it to the patient's wireless
device 450 from and upon receiving the alert; the patient's
wireless device emits a special ring tone or a vibration. A message
is displayed on the patient's wireless device 450 asking the
patient if the patient took the study medication the night before
452. Next the patient is requested to identify the amount of relief
provided by the study medication 454, the peak flow reading 456 and
PIN number 458. The patient next sends the responses and a thank
you message is sent to the patient for responding 460. To encourage
participation in the study, the patient is provided with a wireless
device and is rewarded with calling minutes to be used for personal
use at the end of each template based interactive message
transaction. At the end of the transaction, the screen displays,
"Thank you for your input, an additional 10 minutes has been added
to your account." In alternative embodiments, the reward of
additional minutes can be used in other ways such as rewarding
minutes for responding to game show quiz questions, parents
rewarding minutes of use for a child's completing a test question
properly and a survey sponsor rewarding minutes for responding to
survey questions. Once the responses have been sent, the electronic
authentication, described above, authenticates the message. The
authentication server 443 creates a digital signature, timestamp
and a recorded fingerprint of the data and a returned receipt. The
electronic authentication receipt is a tracking number whereby all
parties involved in an electronic transaction can access the
authentication server 445 and verify the electronic signature, time
stamp and content. After the patient enters the data, the data is
sent back to application server and then sent to a global study
database 447 for storage.
[0167] In addition to following intake of medication of a patient,
the method also allows the patient to indicate any adverse event
the patient is experiencing, such as joint pain, mouth scores,
muscle cramping, muscle pain and muscle weakness 462. Once the
patient has indicated the event, the patient is asked to indicate
where the pain is 464, the severity of the pain 468 and PIN number
470 to verify the patient. The patient next sends the responses and
a thank you message is sent to the patient for responding 472. As
indicated above, once the responses have been sent, the electronic
authentication and the authentication server creates a digital
signature, timestamp and a recorded fingerprint of the data and a
returned receipt. Again, the patient enters the data, the data is
sent back to application server 445 and then sent to a global study
database 447 for storage.
[0168] FIG. 17a illustrates a method of utilizing the template
based interactive system of the present invention to create artist
fan clubs, that is follow the career of a famous individual or
other topic of interest. In this method, a fan or user can utilize
a wireless device to select an artist, such as a singer, band, or
actor, or other topic of interest to add to the user's personal
settings on the user's wireless device. First the user selects the
artist fan club menu 502 from a wireless device and then chooses an
artist that has already been selected by the user, adds new artists
or changes the setting for the information displayed about the
selected artist from another menu 504. Once the user has selected
an artist, a menu appears with a list of options that the user can
select from 506. In the example shown in FIG. 17a, the user selects
the media option and a media option menu 508 appears on the
wireless device with a list of options that the user can select
from, such as songs, gallery, ringtones, wallpaper, blogs and go to
store. If the user selects songs from the menu, a songs menu 510 is
displayed on the wireless device and the user can select one of the
artist's songs to listen to. Once a song has been selected, a menu
appears on the wireless device and the song is played over the
wireless device 512. From this menu the user can select another
song, see the lyrics of the song or delete the song from the user's
wireless device. If the user selects gallery from the menu, a
gallery menu 514 is displayed which allows user to scroll through
additional menus of images of the artist 516, 518, 520 or the user
can delete the artist from the gallery. If the user selects the
ringtones menu 522, the user can select a ringtone or song to
download to the user's wireless device 524. If the user selects the
wallpapers menu 526, the user can select wallpaper to download to
the user's wireless device 528. If the user selects the blogs menu
530, the user can select a blog from a particular date to download
to the user's wireless device and then delete the blog if desired
532.
[0169] FIG. 17b illustrates an example of a blog from an artist
534. In this example, personal messages from the artist to the user
are illustrated. The blogs allow the artist to interact with the
user such as asking what dress the artist should where to the
Grammy's 536, allowing a user to preview a new song and give an
opinion 538, display a personal message 540, or have a trivia
contest 542 which allows the user to win gifts such as tickets to
attend the artist's concerts 544.
[0170] FIG. 17c illustrates an example of a fan club that a user
can utilize to select an artist, such as a singer, band, or actor,
to add to the fan's personal settings on the fan's wireless device.
First the user selects the fan club menu 546 from a wireless device
and then chooses an artist or topic of interest that has already
been selected by the user, adds new artists or topics of interest
or changes the setting for the information displayed about the
selected artist from another menu 548. Once the user has selected
an artist, a menu appears with a list of options that the user can
select from 550. In the example shown in FIG. 17c, the user selects
the live events option 552 and a live events menu 554 appears on
the wireless device illustrating the dates of concerts the artist
is playing. Next, the user selects a concert that the artist will
be performing and the user is given the option of registering for
the event 554. The user can register for an event or concert that
the artist is currently performing at 556 and select a song for the
artist to sing next 557. It is possible for the user to win prizes
by participating in the live event such as winning backstage passes
to meet the artist 558. The user is also given the opportunity to
judge the song 560, voting the next outfit for the artist to where
562, or taking a picture to add to the user's concert scrapbook if
the user's wireless device has a camera 564.
[0171] FIG. 17d illustrates an example of a fan club that a user
can utilize to select an artist, such as a singer, band, or actor,
to add to the user's personal settings on the user's wireless
device. First the user selects the fan club menu 566 from a
wireless device and then chooses an artist that has already been
selected by the user, adds new artists or changes the setting for
the information displayed about the selected artist from another
menu 568. Once the user has selected an artist, a menu appears with
a list of options that the user can select from 570. In the example
shown in FIG. 17d, the user selects the alerts option 552 and an
alerts option menu 572 appears. The user can select two options
from the menu 568, in FIG. 17d, the user also selects the store
option 574 and a store options menu will also appear 576. If the
user selects store from the menu, a store menu 576 is displayed on
the wireless device and the user can select an item to purchase.
Once an item to purchase has been selected, a menu appears on the
wireless device giving the user particular items to purchase, such
as songs 578, photos 582, ringtones 586 and wallpaper 590. Upon
selecting an item to purchase a menu appears illustrating the cost
of the item 580, 584, 588, 592. As discussed previously, the user
selected the alerts options. As the alerts option has been
selected, any time the artist has a new song, a new ringtone or
song or new wallpaper 594, 596, 598, a message is immediately sent
to the user of the new item and given the option to purchase. If an
event is about to begin, an alert is sent to the user and the user
who is given the opportunity to register for an event 600.
[0172] FIG. 17e illustrates an example of a fan club that a user
can utilize to select an artist, such as a singer, band, or actor,
or other topic of interest to add to the user's personal settings
on the user's wireless device. First the user selects the fan club
menu 602 from a wireless device and then chooses an artist that has
already been selected by the user, adds new artists or changes the
setting for the information displayed about the selected artist
from another menu 604. Once the user has selected an artist, a menu
appears with a list of options that the user can select from 606.
In the example shown in FIG. 17e, the user selects the information
option and an information options menu 608 is displayed on the
user's wireless device. Next the user selects between news of the
artist, a biography of the artist and a discography of the artist.
If the user selects news from the menu, a news menu 610 is
displayed on the wireless device and the user selects a news item
to read about the artist which then is displayed on the wireless
device 612. If the user selects biography from the menu, a
biography of the artist is displayed on the wireless device 614. If
the user selects discography from the menu, a discography menu 616
is displayed listing the artist's albums and the user selects an
album to receive information about such as the fan rating and the
songs on the album, this information is displayed on menu 618. If
the user selects fan rating, a fan-rating menu is displayed
allowing the user to enter the user's person rating of the album.
If the user select song list, the list of songs on the album is
displayed on the song list menu 622.
[0173] FIG. 17f illustrates an example of a fan club that a user
can utilize to select an artist, such as a singer, band, or actor
or topic of interest, to add to the user's personal settings on the
user's wireless device. First the user selects the fan club menu
624 from a wireless device and then chooses an artist that has
already been selected by the user, adds new artists or changes the
setting for the information displayed about the selected artist
from another menu 626. If the user wants to add a new artist, the
user select add artist and an add artist menu is displayed 628
asking the user to select a genre such as pop, rock, pop and
R&B. Once a genre is selected, the user selects an artist from
menu 630. After selecting an artist, a display menu is displayed
632 and the user enters the user's phone number 634, selects the
carrier being used 636, enters the user's birthday, month and day
638, 640 and filing set the alert settings 642. Alert settings
include whether or not there will be any alerts, the time zone, if
it is daylight savings, the start and end times of the alerts and
the number of alerts per day.
[0174] FIG. 18a illustrates a method of utilizing the template
based interactive system of the present invention to remind users
to take medication by sending an alert. To utilize the prescription
reminder feature, the user selects the prescription reminder option
from the user's wireless device 644. Next, an options menu 646 is
displayed on the wireless device and the user can choose from
amongst several choices, such as daily log to record taking
required mediation, adverse event to record any adverse reactions
to medications, Rx reminders to view, add or delete reminders to
take medication, set up to enter information into the prescription
reminder, such as a guardian who is informed if the user does not
take the medication or exit to exit the prescription reminder. If
at any time the user needs help, the user can select a help button,
which will guide the user through the prescription reminder. Once
the user selects the Rx reminders, the user is presented with an Rx
reminders menu 648, which displays each alert or reminder the user
has set up, and the option to add another reminder. If the user
selects a reminder that has already been entered, the information
relating to the reminder is displayed on the user's wireless device
650. The user then has the option of changing information relating
to the reminder by highlighting the information and pressing the
select button. Next the user updates the information and then
presses the back button. If the user selects new reminder, a menu
displaying the required information to be entered is displayed 650.
The user highlights the information to enter, presses the select
button, enters the information, presses the back button, highlights
the next piece of information to enter and repeats the process
until all the information is entered.
[0175] When entering a new reminder, the user first is required to
enter the text that will be displayed in the reminder 652, such as
"Have you taken your prednisone?" Next the user selects the
frequency that the reminder is to be sent, i.e. a reminder for each
dose of a particular medication that is to be taken. After
selecting the frequency, the user is shown the dosing schedule 656
and can select the hour that the reminder is to be sent 660 as well
as the minute that the reminder is to be sent 662. Finally the user
can select whether to turn on or off the reminder 658.
[0176] FIG. 18b illustrates the prescription reminder feature that
has been turned on. The prescription reminders are stored in a
server 664 and are pushed to a wireless device 666, such as a cell
phone, and the reminder is displayed on the wireless device. Upon
receiving the reminder, the user is prompted to answer by selecting
a yes button, a snooze button, a no button 668 or a cancel reminder
button 668. If the user answers yes, the data is sent to the server
and the reminder is completed out 670. If the user selects the no
button or the snooze button, the user is asked to resend the
reminder at a later time by selecting snooze or canceling the
reminder by selecting the cancel button. If the user selects
snooze, the user is prompted to select a time to resend the
reminder 672. If the user cancels the reminder or fails to respond
to the reminder a message is sent to a guardian, such as a child
caring for aging parents or a parent that the user has chosen so
that the guardian can follow up with the user to make sure the user
is OK. The reminder to the guardian can be in the form of (1) an
interactive message, which allows the additional user to call the
user by selecting a pre-assigned response key or dismissing the
reminder; (2) a SMS text message; or (3) an email to the guardian's
email address. The user can also see a history of the medication
that has been taken. FIG. 18c illustrates a prescription reminder
history displaying the medication the user has taken as well as
when the medication was taken and any adverse effects.
[0177] FIG. 19a illustrates an example of utilizing the interactive
messaging system of the present invention to sign up or enroll
users for the ability to purchase wallpaper for downloading to a
wireless device. Upon the user indicating that the user would like
to be notified of purchasing newly available wallpaper for wireless
devices, a screen is pushed to the user's wireless device asking
how often the user would like to be notified of new wallpaper 700.
After selecting a time frame, such as anytime, daily, weekly,
monthly, quarterly and never; additional screens are pushed to the
user's wireless device asking what the user's age range is 702,
what sex the user is 704 and the zip code the user lives in 705.
This information is utilized by the wireless carrier selling the
wallpaper (or opportunity wherein opportunity can include the
option to purchase any product including but not limited to
wallpaper, video clips, ringtones, hardware devices, digital media,
applications and participation in surveys) to identify wallpaper
that the user will be most likely interested in. For example, if
the user is 11 and under, the user would more likely be interested
in cartoons while a user who is a male and over 20 would most
likely be more interested wallpaper of action movies. Although FIG.
19a illustrates an example of purchasing wallpaper, this is by way
of example only and any product can be purchased using the method
of the present invention.
[0178] As shown in FIG. 19b, after being set up in the system,
messages are pushed to the user when new wallpaper is available
that user might be interested in based on the information or
characteristics the user provided to the wireless carrier 706. The
user can choose to purchase the wallpaper, not purchase the
wallpaper, request to be reminded later by selecting a snooze
button or edit the alert settings. If the user chooses the snooze
option, a message is pushed to the user's wireless device asking
the user to select when the alert invitation or message should be
reset or if the user wants to edit the alert settings 708. Upon
selecting edit alert settings from either message, the user can
change when messages or alerts are pushed to the user's phone. FIG.
19b also illustrates an example of utilizing the interactive
messaging system of the present invention to sign up users for the
ability to purchase ringtones for downloading to a wireless device.
Upon the user indicating that the user would like to be notified of
newly available ringtones for purchase for wireless devices, a
screen is pushed to the user's wireless device asking how often the
user would like to be notified of new ringtones 710. The user then
selects a time frame, such as anytime, daily, weekly, monthly,
quarterly and never. After being set up in the system, alert
invitations or messages are pushed to the user when new ringtones
are available 712. The user can choose to listen to the ringtone or
song by pressing the # button, purchase the ringtone or song, not
purchase the ringtone or song, request to be reminded later by
selecting a snooze button or edit the alert settings.
[0179] FIG. 19c also illustrates an example of utilizing the
interactive messaging system of the present invention to sign up
users for the ability to purchase games for downloading to a
wireless device or new products for the wireless device or a new
wireless device. Upon the user indicating that the user would like
to be notified of purchasing newly available games for wireless
devices, a screen is pushed to the user's wireless device asking
how often the user would like to be notified of new games 714. The
user then selects a time frame, such as anytime, daily, weekly,
monthly, quarterly and never. After being set up in the system,
alert invitations or messages are pushed to the user when new games
are available 716. The user sees a brief clip of the game and then
can choose store the game on the user's wireless device, not
purchase the game, request to be reminded later by selecting a
snooze button or edit the alert settings.
[0180] Next, an alert invitation or message is pushed to the user's
wireless device asking the user if the user would like to be
notified about new products, such a new phone, or accessories, that
are available for purchase 718. If the user requests to be notified
about new products, alert invitations or messages are pushed to the
user's wireless device advising the user of the new product and
providing information about the new product 720. The user can then
choose to purchase the product, not purchase the product, request
to be reminded later by selecting a snooze button or edit the alert
settings.
[0181] FIG. 19d illustrates another example of utilizing the
interactive messaging system of the present invention to purchase
products or to participate in a survey of the service of a wireless
carrier. Alert invitations or messages are pushed to the user's
wireless device advising the user of an improved battery and a new
phone that is available for purchase 722, 724. The user can then
choose to purchase the product, not purchase the product, request
to be reminded later by selecting a snooze button or edit the alert
settings. Although FIG. 19d illustrates an example of purchasing a
battery or phone, this is by way of example only and any product
can be purchased using the method of the present invention. The
user can also participate in a survey that will enable wireless
carriers to improve customer service. First, an invitation or
message is pushed to the user's wireless device asking if the user
would be willing to occasionally answer questions about the user's
satisfaction with the wireless carrier 726. If the user selects the
OK button, messages will be occasionally pushed to the user's
wireless device. For example, if the user purchased a game, a
question could be pushed to the user's wireless device asking the
user to rate the game 728. The user can select from various levels
of satisfaction, select the snooze button to answer the question
later or edit the alert settings. Although FIG. 19d illustrates an
example a survey relating to the purchase of a game, this is by way
of example only and a survey relating to any product or matter can
be utilized by the method of the present invention. In an
alternative embodiment, surveys can be pushed to the wireless
devices of user based on the user's demographics, such as age,
race, zip code, state, etc. The survey allows a carrier to get
reactions to TV shows, politics, products, services, brands, and
etc. instantaneously and inexpensively. As a reward for answering
the survey, the user may receive a reward of money off the user's
next month's bill, additional minutes, features or products.
[0182] FIG. 19e illustrates another example of utilizing the
interactive messaging system of the present invention to
participate in a survey of the service of a wireless carrier and
editing the user's alert settings. Additional questions that can be
asked by the carrier are the user's satisfaction with the carrier's
customer service center 730 and in general how satisfied the user
is with the carrier's network coverage 732. These questions are
merely examples and the carrier could ask numerous additional
questions. Upon being presented with a question, the user is asked
to select his satisfaction from highly satisfied to highly
dissatisfied. The user can also select the snooze button so the
question will be asked later or the user can select the edit alert
settings button. In an additional embodiment, the user could be
pushed an opinion survey and receive free items, such as minutes,
feature and products for participating. First the user is pushed an
invitation to participate in the survey. The user can respond by
selecting a pre-assigned response key for anytime, daily, weekly,
quarterly and never 731. If the user agrees to participate, the
user is pushed survey questions with information about the free
item for participating, such as free minutes. In the example shown
in screen 733, the user is asked who would be the best candidate
for president. Although screen 733 illustrates a question on
presidential candidates, this is by way of example only and any
question or opinion poll can be pushed to the wireless device. Upon
receiving the survey question, the user is asked to respond by
selecting candidate 1, candidate 2, candidate 3, someone else,
snooze and edit alert settings. If the user selects the edit alert
settings button, the alert setting screen is pushed to the user's
wireless device 734. See FIG. 19f. The user can select a different
frequency to receive alerts for ringtones, wallpaper, new products,
surveys or the user can change the age or sex. Once all the changes
have been made, the user saves the information.
[0183] FIG. 20a illustrates an example of utilizing the interactive
messaging system of the present invention to allow dashboard users,
such as carriers, providers, publishers or aggregators, to access a
mobile alerts dashboard. The mobile alerts dashboard allows the
dashboard user to view various statistics about purchases from
users, to view survey results, to alter what can be purchased by
adding or removing products and to alter the survey by adding or
removing questions. To access the mobile alerts dashboard, the
dashboard user must enter a dashboard user name and a password 736.
This screen is accessed via the Internet. Upon accessing the
dashboard, the dashboard user is provided with a table illustrating
the role-based security of the system 738. See FIG. 20b. The table
identifies the security role, such as the administrator, the
promotion scheduler, the aggregator, the surveyor, etc., the rights
that are included with the security role, the description of the
services provided by the security role and who has access to this
role.
[0184] FIG. 20b illustrates options the dashboard user can access
from the mobile alerts dashboard. As can be seen from screen 740,
dashboard users, such as the carrier, provider, publisher or
aggregator, can choose between ringtones, wallpapers, applications,
hardware, carrier surveys, opt-in invitations, opt-in subscribers,
3.sup.rd party surveys, admin or log out. If the dashboard user
selects the opt-in invitations, an opt-in invitations screen is
displayed 742. See FIG. 20c. The opt-in invitation screen displays
the types of invitations that can be provided to users. Alert
invitations or messages are pushed to the wireless devices of user
and can an invitation to participate in a survey, the invitation to
purchase a ringtone or song, the invitation to purchase wallpaper,
the invitation to purchase applications and the invitation to
purchase hardware. This screen also displays which invitations are
active, the number of days before the invitation is sent out, the
number of opt-in subscribers and the percentage of the opt-in
subscribers that have opted in. From this screen, the dashboard
user can select a main button to return to the main screen or
select a log out button to log out of the dashboard.
[0185] FIG. 20c illustrates screens of the invitations that the
dashboard users (carrier, provider, publisher or aggregator) can
access from the mobile alerts dashboard. A carrier surveys opt-in
invitations screen is displayed 744. From the carriers surveys
opt-in invitations screen, dashboard users can change the number of
days before sending the invitations, change the status of the
invitation, view a bar graph of the number of opt-in subscribers
and a bar graph of the percentage of opt-in subscribers that are
participating in the survey. Also displayed are the numerical
number of opt-in subscribers and the numerical percentage of opt-in
subscribers that are participating in the survey. The screen also
displays an audit trail so that the dashboard user can view who
made the last change, what the change was and when the change took
place. From this screen 744, the dashboard users can select a main
button to return to the main screen, select an opt-in invitations
button to return to the opt-in invitations screen or select a log
out button to log out of the dashboard.
[0186] FIG. 20d illustrates screens of additional invitations that
the dashboard users can access from the mobile alerts dashboard. A
3.sup.rd party surveys opt-in invitations screen 745 is displayed.
From the 3.sup.rd party surveys opt-in invitations screen 745, the
dashboard users (carrier, provider, publisher or aggregator) can
change the number of days before sending the invitations, change
the status of the invitation, view a bar graph of the number of
opt-in subscribers and a bar graph of the percentage of opt-in
subscribers that are participating in the option to receive
messages to participate in the 3.sup.rd party survey. Also
displayed are the numerical number of opt-in subscribers and the
numerical percentage of opt-in subscribers that are participating.
The screen also displays an audit trail so that the dashboard user
can view who made the last change, what the change was and when the
change took place. From this screen 745, the dashboard user can
select a main button to return to the main screen, select an opt-in
invitations button to return to the opt-in invitations screen or
select a log out button to log out of the dashboard. Also
illustrated in FIG. 20d is a hardware opt-in invitations screen
746. From the hardware opt-in invitations screen 746, the dashboard
user can change the number of days before sending the invitations,
change the status of the invitation, view a bar graph of the number
of opt-in subscribers and a bar graph of the percentage of opt-in
subscribers that are participating in the option to receive
messages to purchase hardware. Also displayed are the numerical
number of opt-in subscribers and the numerical percentage of opt-in
subscribers that are participating. The screen also displays an
audit trail so that the carrier, provider, publisher, or aggregator
can view who made the last change, what the change was and when the
change took place. From this screen 746, the dashboard user can
select a main button to return to the main screen, select an opt-in
invitations button to return to the opt-in invitations screen or
select a log out button to log out of the dashboard.
[0187] FIG. 20e illustrates screens of additional invitations that
the dashboard user can access from the mobile alerts dashboard. An
applications opt-in invitations screen is displayed 748. From the
applications opt-in invitations screen 748, the dashboard user can
change the number of days before sending the invitations, change
the status of the invitation, view a bar graph of the number of
opt-in subscribers and a bar graph of the percentage of opt-in
subscribers that are participating in the option to purchase an
application. Also displayed are the numerical number of opt-in
subscribers and the numerical percentage of opt-in subscribers that
are participating in the application invitation. The screen also
displays an audit trail so that the dashboard user can view who
made the last change, what the change was and when the change took
place. From this screen 748, the dashboard user can select a main
button to return to the main screen, select an opt-in invitations
button to return to the opt-in invitations screen or select a log
out button to log out of the dashboard.
[0188] A wallpapers opt-in invitations screen is also displayed 750
in FIG. 20e. From the wallpapers opt-in invitations screen, the
dashboard user can change the number of days before sending the
invitations, change the status of the invitation, view a bar graph
of the number of opt-in subscribers and a bar graph of the
percentage of opt-in subscribers that are participating in the
option to receive messages to purchase wallpaper. Also displayed
are the numerical number of opt-in subscribers and the numerical
percentage of opt-in subscribers that are participating. The screen
also displays an audit trail so that the dashboard user can view
who made the last change, what the change was and when the change
took place. From this screen 750, the dashboard user can select a
main button to return to the main screen, select an opt-in
invitations button to return to the opt-in invitations screen or
select a log out button to log out of the dashboard.
[0189] FIG. 20f illustrates a screen for ringtones invitations that
the dashboard user can access from the mobile alerts dashboard. A
ringtones opt-in invitations screen is displayed 752. From the
ringtones opt-in invitations screen 752, the dashboard user can
change the number of days before sending the alert invitations,
change the status of the invitation, view a bar graph of the number
of opt-in subscribers and a bar graph of the percentage of opt-in
subscribers that are participating in the option to purchase a
ringtone or song. Also displayed are the numerical number of opt-in
subscribers and the numerical percentage of opt-in subscribers that
are participating in the ringtones invitation. The screen also
displays an audit trail so that the dashboard user can view who
made the last change, what the change was and when the change took
place. From this screen 752, the dashboard user can select a main
button to return to the main screen, select an opt-in invitations
button to return to the opt-in invitations screen or select a log
out button to log out of the dashboard.
[0190] FIG. 21a illustrates options the dashboard user can access
for the admin screen of the mobile alerts dashboard. As can be seen
from screen 754, the dashboard user can choose between user,
publisher, handsets, do not call list, ringtones genre, wallpaper
type, application type, hardware type, main or log out. If the
dashboard user selects the do not call list, a do not call screen
is displayed 756. See FIG. 21b. The do not call screen displays a
list of users who have requested that they not be called. The list
displays the phone number of the user, the date the user was added,
who added the user and the reason the user was added. From this
screen 756, additional users can be added or deleted and the
dashboard user can select a main button to return to the main
screen, select an admin button to return to the admin screen or
select a log out button to log out of the dashboard.
[0191] If the dashboard user selects the add button from the do not
call list screen 756, an add to do not call list screen is
displayed 758. See FIG. 21b. The add do not call screen allows the
dashboard user to enter the phone number of a user who wants to be
added to the do not call list as well as the reason why the user
wanted to be added to the list. Upon selecting the save button, the
user is added to the do not call list. The screen displays an audit
trail so that the dashboard user can view who added the user and
when the user was added. From this screen 758, the dashboard user
can select a main button to return to the main screen, select a do
not call list button to return to the do not call list screen or
select a log out button to log out of the dashboard.
[0192] If the dashboard user selects the users button from the
admin screen, the dashboard users screen 760 displays a list of
dashboard users of the system, such as the administrator, the
scheduler, the provider, the carrier and the aggregator. From this
screen 760, additional dashboards users can be added or deleted by
selecting the add button on dashboard user screen 762 and entering
the name of the person; the person's email address, the persons
password and the person's role in the system. The screen 762
displays an audit trail so that the dashboard user can view who
made the addition or deletion and when the addition or deletion was
made. The dashboard can select a main button to return to the main
screen, select an admin button to return to the admin screen or
select a log out button to log out of the dashboard. See FIG.
21c.
[0193] If the dashboard user selects the wallpaper type button from
the admin screen, the wallpaper type screen 764 displays a list of
wallpaper currently available for purchase. From this screen 764,
additional wallpaper can be added by selecting the add button on
the wallpaper type screen 764. Selecting the add button causes an
add wallpaper type screen 766 to be displayed where new wallpaper
can be added by entering the name of the wallpaper and selecting
the save button. The dashboard user can select a main button to
return to the main screen, select an admin button to return to the
admin screen or select a log out button to log out of the
dashboard. See FIG. 21d.
[0194] If the dashboard user selects the application type button
from the admin screen, the application type screen 768 displays a
list of applications currently available for purchase. From this
screen 768, additional applications can be added by selecting the
add button on display screen 768. Selecting the add button causes
an add application type screen 770 to be displayed where new
applications can be added by entering the name of the application
and selecting the save button. The dashboard user can select a main
button to return to the main screen, select an admin button to
return to the admin screen or select a log out button to log out of
the dashboard. See FIG. 21e.
[0195] If the dashboard user selects the hardware type button from
the admin screen, the hardware type screen 772 displays a list of
hardware currently available for purchase. From this screen 772,
additional hardware can be added by selecting the add button on
display screen 772. Selecting the add button causes an add hardware
type screen 774 to be displayed where new hardware can be added by
entering the name of the hardware and selecting the save button.
The dashboard user can select a main button to return to the main
screen, select an admin button to return to the admin screen or
select a log out button to log out of the dashboard. See FIG.
21f.
[0196] If the dashboard user selects the ringtone genre button from
the admin screen, the ringtone genre screen 776 displays a list of
ringtones currently available for purchase. From this screen 776,
additional ringtones can be added by selecting the add button on
display screen 776. Selecting the add button causes an add ringtone
genre screen 778 to be displayed where new ringtones can be added
by entering the name of the ringtone or song and selecting the save
button. The dashboard user can select a main button to return to
the main screen, select an admin button to return to the admin
screen or select a log out button to log out of the dashboard. See
FIG. 21g.
[0197] If the dashboard user selects the publishers button from the
admin screen, the publishers screen 780 displays a list of current
publishers. From this screen 780, publishers can be added by
selecting the add button on display screen 780. Selecting the add
button causes an add publisher screen 782 to be displayed where,
new publishers can be added by entering the name publisher
selecting the save button. The dashboard user can select a main
button to return to the main screen, select an admin button to
return to the admin screen or select a log out button to log out of
the dashboard. See FIG. 21h.
[0198] If the dashboard user selects the handsets button from the
admin screen, the handsets screen 784 displays a list of available
handsets. From this screen 784, additional handsets can be added by
selecting the add button on display screen 784. Selecting the add
button causes an add handset screen 786 to be displayed where new
handsets can be added by entering the new handset and selecting the
save button. The dashboard user can select a main button to return
to the main screen, select an admin button to return to the admin
screen or select a log out button to log out of the dashboard. See
FIG. 21i.
[0199] FIG. 22a illustrates options the dashboard user can access
from the ringtones screen of the mobile alerts dashboard. As can be
seen from screen 788, the dashboard user can choose between
inventory, sequencing, statistics, opt-in invitation, sales
message, main or log out. If the dashboard user selects the
inventory, an inventory screen is displayed 790. See FIG. 22a. The
inventory screen 790 displays a list of ringtones or songs in the
system. The list displays the ringtone or song, the artist, the
status of the ringtone or song, when the ringtone or song will be
available for downloading, the age range of the user that would
most likely be interested in the ringtone or song, the sex of the
user that would most likely be interested in the ringtone or song,
the id of the ringtone or song and how many of each ringtone or
song has been sold. From this screen 790, additional ringtones or
songs can be added or the ringtones or songs can be exported to an
excel spreadsheet. The dashboard user can select a main button to
return to the main screen, select a ringtones button to return to
the ringtones screen or select a log out button to log out of the
dashboard.
[0200] From the ringtones inventory screen 790, the dashboard user
can select a ringtone or song for viewing specific details. As
shown in FIG. 22b, upon selecting a specific ringtone or song, a
ringtone screen 792 is displayed. The ringtone screen 792 allows
the status of the ringtone or song to be changed, lists the genre,
the artist, the price for downloading, the publisher and the number
(types) of handsets or wireless devices the ringtone or song will
support. Also listed are the age range for the most likely user and
the sex of the most likely user. Furthermore, this screen 792
allows the dashboard user to view a bar graph of the gross revenue
by month generated from the sales of a specific ringtone or song,
the number of the ringtone or song sold, the total gross revenue
and the date the ringtone or song was activated. The dashboard user
can also type in a specific telephone number to send a test message
to ensure the system is working properly. The screen 792 also
displays an audit trail so that the dashboard user can view who
made the last change, what the change was and when the change took
place. From this screen 792, the dashboard user can select a main
button to return to the main screen, select ringtones button to
return to the ringtones screen or select a log out button to log
out of the dashboard.
[0201] From the ringtone screen 792, the dashboard user can select
a handset table button to view a ringtone handset table screen 794.
The ringtone handset table screen 794 allows the dashboard user to
custom load inventories by handset model for each product or
ringtone, so that users will only receive (purchase) alert
invitations for ringtones or songs that are compatible with the
model of handsets or wireless devices the user owns. This
information includes the genre of the ringtone or song, the artist
and the number (types) of handsets or wireless devices the ringtone
or song will support. It also lists the types of files available
for downloading, such as MIDI, mp3, etc. From this screen 794, the
dashboard user can select a main button to return to the main
screen, select the ringtone button to return to the ringtone screen
or select a log out button to log out of the dashboard.
[0202] From the ringtone handset table screen 794, the dashboard
user can select an add file button to add a new ringtone. Upon
selecting the add file button, an upload ringtone file screen 796
is displayed. See FIG. 22c. The upload ringtone file screen 796
allows a new ringtone or song to be added by first selecting the
file to upload, filling in the description of the file and
selecting the handsets that the ringtone or song will support. Upon
uploading the ringtone or song and saving it, the dashboard user
can select a main button to return to the main screen, select a
ringtone button to return to the ringtone screen or select a log
out button to log out of the dashboard.
[0203] If the dashboard user selects the sequencing button from the
ringtones screen 788 (See FIG. 22a), a ringtones sequencing screen
798 is displayed. See FIG. 22c. This screen 798 displays the
sequence or priority that the messages to users about purchasing
ringtones or songs will be sent, so the dashboard user can increase
or decrease the priority of particular ringtones in the scheduled
list. When sending out a purchase or alert invitation, the
dashboard automatically sends a message to the user showing the
highest priority ringtone or song available for purchase that has
not previously been sent. From this screen 798, the dashboard user
can select a main button to return to the main screen, select a
ringtones button to return to the ringtones screen or select a log
out button to log out of the dashboard.
[0204] If the dashboard user selects the statistics button from the
ringtones screen 788 (See FIG. 22a), a ringtones statistics screen
800 is displayed. See FIG. 22d. This screen 800 displays the
statistics of the sales of the ringtones. Specifically, the screen
800 displays a bar graph of the inventory coverage of sales
opportunities by month, a bar graph of the purchases vs. the offers
by month and a bar graph of the sales by month. Additionally, this
screen 800 shows the number of available ringtones, the number or
opt-in subscribers and the total sales amount by dollars. From this
screen 800, the dashboard user can select a main button to return
to the main screen, select a ringtones button to return to the
ringtones screen or select a log out button to log out of the
dashboard.
[0205] If the dashboard user selects the opt-in invitation button
from the ringtones screen 788 (See FIG. 22a), a ringtones opt-in
invitation screen 802 is displayed. See FIG. 22d. This screen 802
allows the dashboard user to enter a message or invitation to be
sent to users inviting the users to purchase a ringtone or song.
The dashboard user can also type in a specific telephone number to
send a test message to ensure the system is working properly. The
screen 802 also displays an audit trail so that the dashboard user
can view who made the last change, what the change was and when the
change took place. From this screen 800, the dashboard user can
select a main button to return to the main screen, select ringtones
button to return to the ringtones screen or select a log out button
to log out of the dashboard.
[0206] If the dashboard user selects the sales message button from
the ringtones screen 788 (See FIG. 22a), a ringtones sales message
screen 804 is displayed. See FIG. 22e. This screen 804 allows the
dashboard user to enter a sales message be sent to users inviting
the users preview the ringtone or song for purchase. The screen 804
also displays an audit trail so that the dashboard user can view
who sent the message and when it was sent. From this screen 804,
the dashboard user can select a main button to return to the main
screen, select ringtones button to return to the ringtones screen
or select a log out button to log out of the dashboard.
[0207] FIG. 23a illustrates options the dashboard user can access
for the wallpapers screen of the mobile alerts dashboard. As can be
seen from screen 806, the dashboard user can choose between
inventory, sequencing, statistics, opt-in invitation, sales
message, main or log out. If the dashboard user selects the
inventory button, a wallpapers inventory screen is displayed 808.
See FIG. 23b. The wallpaper inventory screen 808 displays a list of
available wallpaper in the system. The list displays the wallpaper,
the status of the wallpaper, when the wallpaper will be available
for downloading, the age range of the user that would most likely
be interested in the wallpaper, the sex of the user the would most
likely be interested in the wallpaper, the id of the wallpaper and
how many of each wallpaper has been sold. From this screen 808,
additional wallpapers can be added or the wallpaper can be exported
to an excel spreadsheet. The dashboard user can select a main
button to return to the main screen, select a wallpapers button to
return to the wallpapers screen or select a log out button to log
out of the dashboard.
[0208] From the wallpapers inventory screen 808, the dashboard user
can select a wallpaper to view specific details of. As shown in
FIG. 23b, upon selecting specific wallpaper, a wallpaper screen 810
is displayed. The wallpaper screen 810 allows the status of the
wallpaper to be changed, lists type of wallpaper, the price for
downloading, the publisher and the number (types) of handsets or
wireless devices the ringtone or song will support. Also listed are
the age range for the most likely user and the sex of the most
likely user. Furthermore, this screen 810 allows the dashboard user
to view a bar graph of the gross revenue by month generated from
the sales of a specific wallpaper, the number of the wallpaper
sold, the total gross revenue and the date the wallpaper was
activated. The dashboard user can also type in a specific telephone
number to send a test message to ensure the system is working
properly. The screen 810 also displays an audit trail so that the
dashboard user can view who made the last change, what the change
was and when the change took place. From this screen 810, the
dashboard user can select a main button to return to the main
screen, select wallpapers button to return to the wallpapers screen
or select a log out button to log out of the dashboard.
[0209] From the wallpaper screen 810, the dashboard user can select
a handset table button to view a wallpaper handset table screen
812. See FIG. 23c. The wallpaper handset table screen 794 allows
the dashboard user to custom load inventories by handset model for
each product or wallpaper, so that users will only receive purchase
or alert invitations for wallpapers that are compatible with the
model of handsets or wireless devices they own. This information
includes the type of wallpaper and the number (types) of handsets
or wireless devices the wallpaper will support. It also lists the
types of files available for downloading, such as bmp, jpeg, gif,
etc. From this screen 812, the dashboard user can select a main
button to return to the main screen, select a wallpaper button to
return to the wallpaper screen or select a log out button to log
out of the dashboard.
[0210] From the wallpaper handset table screen 812, the dashboard
user can select an add file button to add a new wallpaper. Upon
selecting the add file button, an upload wallpaper file screen 814
is displayed. See FIG. 23c. The upload wallpaper file screen 814
allows a new wallpaper to be added by first selecting the file to
upload and selecting the handsets that this wallpaper will support.
Upon uploading the wallpaper and saving it, the dashboard user can
select a main button to return to the main screen, select a
wallpaper button to return to the wallpaper screen or select a log
out button to log out of the dashboard.
[0211] If the carrier, provide, publisher or aggregator selects the
button from the wallpapers screen 806 (See FIG. 23a), a wallpapers
sequencing screen 816 is displayed. See FIG. 23d. This screen 816
displays the sequence or priority that the messages to users about
purchasing wallpaper will be sent so the dashboard user can
increase or decrease the priority of particular wallpaper in the
scheduled list. When sending out a purchase invitation, the
dashboard automatically sends a message to the user showing the
highest priority wallpaper available for purchase that has not
previously been sent. From this screen 816, the dashboard user can
select a main button to return to the main screen, select a
wallpapers button to return to the wallpapers screen or select a
log out button to log out of the dashboard.
[0212] If the dashboard user selects the statistics button from the
wallpapers screen 806 (See FIG. 23a), a wallpapers statistics
screen 818 is displayed. See FIG. 23d. This screen 818 displays the
statistics of the sales of the wallpaper. Specifically, the screen
818 displays a bar graph of the inventory coverage of sales
opportunities by month, a bar graph of the purchases vs. the offers
by month and a bar graph of the sales by month. Additionally, this
screen 818 shows the number of available wallpapers, the number or
opt-in subscribers and the total sales amount by dollars. From this
screen 818, the dashboard user an select a main button to return to
the main screen, select a wallpapers button to return to the
wallpapers screen or select a log out button to log out of the
dashboard.
[0213] If the dashboard user selects the opt-in invitation button
from the wallpapers screen 806 (See FIG. 23a), a wallpapers opt-in
invitation screen 820 is displayed. See FIG. 23e. This screen 820
allows the dashboard user to enter a message or invitation to be
sent to users inviting the users to purchase wallpapers. The
dashboard user can also type in a specific telephone number to send
a test message to ensure the system is working properly. The screen
820 also displays an audit trail so that the dashboard user can
view who made the last change and when the change took place. From
this screen 820, the dashboard user can select a main button to
return to the main screen, select wallpapers button to return to
the wallpapers screen or select a log out button to log out of the
dashboard.
[0214] If the dashboard user selects the sales message button from
the wallpapers screen 806 (See FIG. 23a), a wallpapers sales
message screen 822 is displayed. See FIG. 23e. This screen 822
allows the dashboard user to enter a sales message be sent to users
inviting the users preview the wallpapers for purchase. The screen
822 also displays an audit trail so that the dashboard user can
view who sent the message and when it was sent. From this screen
822, the dashboard user can select a main button to return to the
main screen, select wallpapers button to return to the wallpapers
screen or select a log out button to log out of the dashboard.
[0215] FIG. 24a illustrates options the dashboard user can access
for the applications screen of the mobile alerts dashboard. As can
be seen from screen 824, the dashboard user can choose between
inventory, sequencing, statistics, opt-in invitation, sales
message, main or log out. If the dashboard user selects the
inventory button, an applications inventory screen is displayed
826. See FIG. 24a. The applications inventory screen 826 displays a
list of available applications or games for purchase. The list
displays the application, the status of the application, when the
application will be available for downloading, the age range of the
user that would most likely be interested in the wallpaper, the sex
of the user the would most likely be interested in the application,
the id of the application and how many of each application has been
sold. From this screen 826, additional applications can be added or
the applications can be exported to an excel spreadsheet. The
dashboard user can select a main button to return to the main
screen, select an applications button to return to the applications
screen or select a log out button to log out of the dashboard.
[0216] From the applications inventory screen 826, the dashboard
user can select an application to view specific details of the
application. As shown in FIG. 24b, upon selecting a specific
application, an applications screen 828 is displayed. The
applications screen 828 allows the status of the application to be
changed, lists type of application, the price for downloading, the
publisher and the number (types) of handsets or wireless devices
the application will support. Also listed are the age range for the
most likely user and the sex of the most likely user. Furthermore,
from this screen 828 the dashboard user can view a bar graph of the
gross revenue by month generated from the sales of a specific
application, the number of the applications sold, the total gross
revenue and the date the application was activated. The dashboard
user can also type in a specific telephone number to send a test
message to ensure the system is working properly. The screen 828
also displays an audit trail so that the dashboard user can view
who made the last change, what the change was and when the change
took place. From this screen 828, the dashboard user can select a
main button to return to the main screen, select an applications
button to return to the applications screen or select a log out
button to log out of the dashboard.
[0217] From the applications screen 828, the dashboard user can
select a handset table button to view an application handset table
screen 830. The application handset table screen 830 allows the
dashboard user to custom load inventories by handset model for each
product, so that users will only receive purchase invitations for
products that are compatible with the model of handsets or wireless
devices they own. This information includes the type of application
and the number (types) of handsets or wireless devices the
application will support as well as the URL for downloading the
application. From this screen 830, the dashboard user can select a
main button to return to the main screen, select an application
button to return to the application screen or select a log out
button to log out of the dashboard.
[0218] From the application handset table screen 830, the dashboard
user can select an add file button to add a new application. Upon
selecting the add file button, an upload application URL screen 832
is displayed. See FIG. 24c. The upload application URL screen 832
allows a new application to be added by first entering the URL
where the application can be uploaded from and selecting the
handsets that this application will support. Next, the dashboard
user can select a main button to return to the main screen, select
an admin button to return to the admin screen or select a log out
button to log out of the dashboard.
[0219] If the dashboard user selects the sequencing button from the
applications screen 824 (See FIG. 24a), an applications sequencing
screen 834 is displayed. See FIG. 24c. This screen 834 displays the
sequence or priority that the messages to users about purchasing an
application will be sent so the dashboard user can increase or
decrease the priority of a particular application in the scheduled
list. When sending out a purchase invitation, the dashboard
automatically sends a message to the user showing the highest
priority application available for purchase that has not previously
been sent. From this screen 834, the dashboard user can select a
main button to return to the main screen, select an applications
button to return to the applications screen or select a log out
button to log out of the dashboard.
[0220] If the dashboard user selects the statistics button from the
applications screen 824 (See FIG. 24a), an applications statistics
screen 836 is displayed. See FIG. 24d. This screen 836 displays the
statistics of the sales of the applications. Specifically, the
screen 836 displays a bar graph of the inventory coverage of sales
opportunities by month. Additionally, this screen 836 shows the
number of available applications, the number or opt-in subscribers
and the total sales amount by dollars. From this screen 836, the
dashboard user can select a main button to return to the main
screen, select an applications button to return to the applications
screen or select a log out button to log out of the dashboard.
[0221] If the dashboard user selects the opt-in invitation button
from the applications screen 824 (See FIG. 24a), an applications
opt-in invitation screen 838 is displayed. See FIG. 24d. This
screen 838 allows the dashboard user to enter a message or
invitation to be sent to users inviting the users to purchase an
application. The dashboard user can also type in a specific
telephone number to send a test message to ensure the system is
working properly. The screen 838 also displays an audit trail so
that the dashboard user can view who made the last change and when
the change took place. From this screen 838, the dashboard user can
select a main button to return to the main screen, select an
applications button to return to the applications screen or select
a log out button to log out of the dashboard.
[0222] If the dashboard user selects the sales message button from
the applications screen 824 (See FIG. 24a), an applications sales
message screen 840 is displayed. See FIG. 24e. This screen 840
allows the dashboard user to enter a sales message to be sent to
users inviting the users to preview the application for purchase.
The screen 840 also displays an audit trail so that the dashboard
user can view who sent the message and when it was sent. From this
screen 840, the dashboard user can select a main button to return
to the main screen, select an applications button to return to the
applications screen or select a log out button to log out of the
dashboard.
[0223] FIG. 25a illustrates options the dashboard user can access
from the hardware screen of the mobile alerts dashboard. As can be
seen from screen 842, the dashboard user can choose between
inventory, sequencing, statistics, opt-in invitation, sales
message, main or log out. If the dashboard user selects the
inventory button, a hardware inventory screen is displayed 844. See
FIG. 25b. The wallpaper inventory screen 844 displays a list of
available hardware for purchase. The list displays the hardware,
the status of the hardware, when the hardware will be available for
purchase, the age range of the user that would most likely be
interested in the hardware, the sex of the user the would most
likely be interested in the hardware, the id of the hardware and
how many of each piece of hardware has been sold. From this screen
844, additional hardware can be added or information about the
hardware can be exported to an excel spreadsheet. The dashboard
user can select a main button to return to the main screen, select
a hardware button to return to the hardware screen or select a log
out button to log out of the dashboard.
[0224] From the hardware inventory screen 844, the dashboard user
can select a piece of hardware to view specific details about. As
shown in FIG. 25b, upon selecting the specific hardware, a hardware
screen 846 is displayed. The hardware screen 846 allows the status
of the hardware to be changed, lists type of hardware, the
provider, the number (types) of handsets or wireless devices the
hardware will support and the number of days left for the user to
opt-in. Also listed are the age range for the most likely user and
the sex of the most likely user. Furthermore, from this screen 846
the dashboard user can view the date the hardware was activated.
The dashboard user can also type in a specific telephone number to
send a test message to ensure the system is working properly. The
screen 846 also displays an audit trail so that the dashboard user
can view who made the last change, what the change was and when the
change took place. From this screen 846, the dashboard user can
select a main button to return to the main screen, select a
hardware button to return to the hardware screen or select a log
out button to log out of the dashboard.
[0225] From the hardware screen 842, the dashboard user can select
a handset table button to view a hardware handset table screen 848.
The hardware handset table screen 848 allows the dashboard user to
custom load inventories by handset model for each product or
hardware, so that users will only receive purchase invitations for
hardware that are compatible with the model of handsets or wireless
devices they own. This information includes the type of hardware
and the number (types) of handsets or wireless devices the hardware
will support. From this screen 848, the dashboard user can select a
main button to return to the main screen, select a hardware button
to return to the hardware screen or select a log out button to log
out of the dashboard.
[0226] From the hardware handset table screen 848, the dashboard
user can select an add file button to add a new piece of hardware.
Upon selecting the add file button, a hardware device screen 850 is
displayed. See FIG. 25c. The hardware device screen 850 allows a
new piece of hardware to be added by indicating the hardware device
to add and selecting the handsets that this hardware device will
support. Next the dashboard user enters a description of the
hardware device that will be sent to a user along with a picture of
the hardware device. Upon selecting the new hardware device and
saving it, the dashboard user can select a main button to return to
the main screen, select hardware button to return to the hardware
screen or select a log out button to log out of the dashboard.
[0227] If the dashboard user selects the sequencing button from the
hardware screen 842 (See FIG. 25a), a hardware sequencing screen
852 is displayed. See FIG. 25d. This screen 852 displays the
sequence or priority that the messages to users about purchasing
hardware devices will be sent, so the dashboard user can increase
or decrease the priority of particular hardware device in the
scheduled list. When sending out a purchase invitation, the
dashboard automatically sends a message to the user showing the
highest priority hardware device available for purchase that has
not previously been sent. From this screen 852, the dashboard user
can select a main button to return to the main screen, select a
hardware button to return to the hardware screen or select a log
out button to log out of the dashboard.
[0228] If the dashboard user selects the statistics button from the
hardware screen 842 (See FIG. 25a), a hardware statistics screen
854 is displayed. See FIG. 25d. This screen 854 displays the
statistics of the sales of the hardware devices. Specifically, the
screen 854 displays a bar graph of the inventory coverage of sales
opportunities by month, a bar graph of the purchases vs. the offers
by month and a bar graph of the sales by month. Additionally, this
screen 854 shows the number of available hardware devices, the
number of opt-in subscribers and the total sales amount by dollars.
From this screen 854, the dashboard user can select a main button
to return to the main screen, select a hardware button to return to
the hardware screen or select a log out button to log out of the
dashboard.
[0229] If the dashboard user selects the opt-in invitation button
from the hardware screen 842 (See FIG. 25a), a hardware opt-in
invitation screen 856 is displayed. See FIG. 25e. This screen 856
allows the dashboard user to enter a message or invitation to be
sent to users inviting the users to purchase a piece of hardware.
The dashboard user can also type in a specific telephone number to
send a test message to ensure the system is working properly. The
screen 856 also displays an audit trail so that the dashboard user
can view who made the last change and when the change took place.
From this screen 856, the dashboard user can select a main button
to return to the main screen, select a hardware button to return to
the hardware screen or select a log out button to log out of the
dashboard.
[0230] If the dashboard user selects the sales message button from
the hardware screen 842 (See FIG. 25a), a hardware sales message
screen 858 is displayed. See FIG. 25e. This screen 858 allows the
dashboard user to enter a sales message to be sent to users
inviting the users purchase the hardware device. The screen 858
also displays an audit trail so that the dashboard user can view
who sent the message and when it was sent. From this screen 858,
the dashboard user can select a main button to return to the main
screen, select a hardware button to return to the hardware screen
or select a log out button to log out of the dashboard.
[0231] FIG. 26a illustrates options the dashboard user can access
from the survey screen of the mobile alerts dashboard. As can be
seen from screen 860, the dashboard user can choose between
surveys, opt-in invitation, main or log out. If the dashboard user
selects the surveys button, a surveys screen is displayed 862. See
FIG. 26a. The surveys screen 862 displays a list of available
surveys in the system. The list displays the survey, the status of
the survey, the type of survey, the id of the hardware and results
of each survey. From this screen 862, additional surveys can be
added or the surveys can be exported to an excel spreadsheet. The
dashboard user can select a main button to return to the main
screen or select a log out button to log out of the dashboard.
[0232] From the surveys screen 862, the dashboard user can select a
survey to view specific details about. Upon selecting the specific
survey, a carrier surveys screen 864 is displayed. See FIG. 26b.
The carrier surveys screen 864 allows the survey to be changed,
including the questions asked, the responses to the questions and
the number of days left for the user to opt-in. Furthermore, from
this screen 864, the dashboard user can view the date the survey
was activated. The dashboard user can also type in a specific
telephone number to send a test message to ensure the system is
working properly. The screen 864 also displays an audit trail so
that the dashboard user can view who made the last change, what the
change was and when the change took place. From this screen 864,
the dashboard user can select a main button to return to the main
screen, select a carrier surveys button to return to the carrier
surveys screen or select a log out button to log out of the
dashboard.
[0233] From the survey screen 864, the dashboard user can select a
results button to view a carrier survey results screen 866. The
survey results screen 866 shows the results of the survey. As shown
in the example in FIG. 26b, the satisfaction of users for a
particular application is illustrated. This will allow the
dashboard user to make decisions as to whether an application
should remain available for purchase. The survey results screen
also lists the number of respondents and indicates the age range of
the respondents and the sex of the respondents. The survey results
shown in FIG. 26b are by way of example and various other types and
forms of carrier survey results can be displayed. From this screen
866, the dashboard user can select a main button to return to the
main screen, select a carriers survey buttons to return to the
carrier surveys screen or select a log out button to log out of the
dashboard.
[0234] If the dashboard user selects the opt-in invitation button
from the surveys screen 860 (See FIG. 26a), a survey opt-in
invitation screen 868 is displayed. See FIG. 26c. This screen 866
allows the dashboard user to enter a message or invitation to be
sent to users inviting the users to participate in a survey. The
dashboard user can also type in a specific telephone number to send
a test message to ensure the system is working properly. The screen
868 also displays an audit trail so that the dashboard user can
view who made the last change and when the change took place. From
this screen 856, the dashboard user can select a main button to
return to the main screen, select a survey button to return to the
survey screen or select a log out button to log out of the
dashboard.
[0235] FIG. 27a illustrates options the dashboard user can access
from the 3.sup.rd party surveys screen of the mobile alerts
dashboard. As can be seen from screen 878, the dashboard user can
choose between 3.sup.rd party surveys and opt-in invitation. If the
dashboard user selects the 3.sup.rd party surveys' button, a
3.sup.rd party surveys screen is displayed 880. See FIG. 27b. The
3.sup.rd party surveys screen 880 displays a list of available
3.sup.rd party surveys in the system. The list displays the
3.sup.rd party survey, the status of the 3.sup.rd party survey, the
type of 3.sup.rd party survey, the id of the hardware and results
of each 3.sup.rd party survey. From this screen 880, additional
3rdd party surveys can be added or the 3.sup.rd party surveys can
be exported to an excel spreadsheet. The dashboard user can select
a main button to return to the main screen, a 3.sup.rd party
surveys button to return to the 3.sup.rd party surveys screen or
select a log out button to log out of the dashboard.
[0236] From the 3.sup.rd party surveys screen 880, the dashboard
user can select a 3.sup.rd party survey to view specific details
about. Upon selecting the specific 3.sup.rd party survey, a
3.sup.rd party surveys screen 882 is displayed. See FIG. 27b. The
3.sup.rd party surveys screen 882 allows the 3.sup.rd party survey
to be changed, including the questions asked and the responses to
the questions. Furthermore, from this screen 882, the dashboard
user can view the date the 3.sup.rd party survey was activated. The
dashboard user can also type in a specific telephone number to send
a test message to ensure the system is working properly. The screen
882 also displays an audit trail so that the dashboard user can
view who made the last change, what the change was and when the
change took place. From this screen 882, the dashboard user can
select a main button to return to the main screen, select a carrier
surveys button to return to the carrier surveys screen or select a
log out button to log out of the dashboard.
[0237] From the 3.sup.rd party surveys screen 882, the dashboard
user can select a results button to view a 3.sup.rd party survey
results screen 884. The 3.sup.rd party survey results screen 884
shows the results of the 3.sup.rd party survey. As shown in the
example in FIG. 27c, the results of a particular 3.sup.rd party
survey are illustrated. The 3.sup.rd party survey results screen
884 also lists the number of respondents and indicates the age
range of the respondents and the sex of the respondents. The
3.sup.rd party survey results shown in FIG. 27c are by way of
example and various other types and forms of 3.sup.rd party survey
results can be displayed. From this screen 886, the dashboard user
can select a main button to return to the main screen, select a
3.sup.rd party surveys button to return to the 3.sup.rd party
surveys screen or select a log out button to log out of the
dashboard.
[0238] If the dashboard user selects the opt-in invitation button
from the surveys screen 878 (See FIG. 27a), a 3.sup.rd party
surveys opt-in invitation screen 886 is displayed. See FIG. 27c.
This screen 886 allows the dashboard user to enter a message or
invitation to be sent to users inviting the users to participate in
a survey. The dashboard user can also type in a specific telephone
number to send a test message to ensure the system is working
properly. The screen 886 also displays an audit trail so that the
dashboard user can view who made the last change and when the
change took place. From this screen 886, the dashboard user can
select a main button to return to the main screen, select a
3.sup.rd party surveys button to return to the 3.sup.rd party
surveys screen or select a log out button to log out of the
dashboard.
[0239] FIG. 28a illustrates options the dashboard user can access
from the opt-in subscribers screen of the mobile alerts dashboard.
As can be seen from screen 870, the dashboard user can choose
between subscribers and statistics. If the dashboard user selects
the subscribers' button, a subscribers screen is displayed 872. See
FIG. 28a. The subscribers screen 872 displays a list of subscribers
in the system. The list displays the telephone number of the
subscriber, whether the subscriber has opted-in to receive messages
about surveys, ringtones, wallpapers, applications and hardware,
the age range and sex of the subscriber, the opt-in date of the
subscriber and the number of sales to the subscriber. The screen
874 also displays an audit trail so that the dashboard user can
view who made the last change and when the change took place. From
this screen 874, the dashboard user can select a main button to
return to the main screen, select a survey button to return to the
survey screen or select a log out button to log out of the
dashboard.
[0240] From the subscribers screen 872, the dashboard user can
select a subscriber to view additional details about the particular
subscriber. Upon selecting a specific subscriber, a subscriber
screen 874 is displayed. See FIG. 28b. The subscriber screen 874
shows what purchases the subscriber or user has made. Upon
selecting the new hardware device and saving it, the dashboard user
can select a main button to return to the main screen, select
hardware button to return to the hardware screen or select a log
out button to log out of the dashboard.
[0241] If the dashboard user selects the statistics button from the
opt-in subscribers screen 870 (See FIG. 28a), an opt-in subscribers
statistics screen 876 is displayed. See FIG. 28b. This screen 876
displays the statistics of the subscribers. Specifically, the
screen 876 shows the total number of opt-in subscribers and
displays a pie chart of the number of female and male subscribers
and a bar graph of the females and males broken down by month. From
this screen 876, the dashboard user can select a main button to
return to the main screen, select a opt-in subscribers button to
return to the opt-in subscribers screen or select a log out button
to log out of the dashboard.
[0242] Although an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been
described above by way of example only, it will be understood by
those skilled in the field that modifications may be made to the
disclosed embodiment without departing from the scope of the
invention, which is defined by the appended
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