U.S. patent application number 12/191580 was filed with the patent office on 2009-03-26 for method and system for automatically generating a message flow diagram.
Invention is credited to Britton Michael Holland, Christopher Rhodes, Matthew SILK, Craig Stoe.
Application Number | 20090083154 12/191580 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40472173 |
Filed Date | 2009-03-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090083154 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SILK; Matthew ; et
al. |
March 26, 2009 |
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATICALLY GENERATING A MESSAGE FLOW
DIAGRAM
Abstract
A method and system automatically generate entries for a
campaign message flow. The method comprises, responsive to a
customer request, initiating a campaign, wherein the campaign
includes interacting with subscribers via messages. The method
comprises receiving customer-inputted parameters defining the
campaign. The method comprises automatically generating campaign
message flow entries, wherein each campaign message flow entry
corresponds to an interaction between a server and a subscriber.
The method comprises displaying the campaign message flow entries
to the customer.
Inventors: |
SILK; Matthew; (Santa
Monica, CA) ; Stoe; Craig; (San Francisco, CA)
; Holland; Britton Michael; (San Francisco, CA) ;
Rhodes; Christopher; (San Francisco, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PERKINS COIE LLP
P.O. BOX 1208
SEATTLE
WA
98111-1208
US
|
Family ID: |
40472173 |
Appl. No.: |
12/191580 |
Filed: |
August 14, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60973842 |
Sep 20, 2007 |
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
705/14.14 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 4/14 20130101; H04L
51/38 20130101; G06Q 30/0212 20130101; H04L 12/1895 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/14 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/00 20060101
G06Q030/00 |
Claims
1. A method for generating a campaign message flow, comprising:
responsive to a customer request, initiating a campaign, wherein
the campaign includes interacting with a subscriber via messages;
responsive to receiving customer-inputted parameters defining the
campaign, generating campaign message flow entries in substantially
real time from the customer-inputted parameters, wherein each
campaign message flow entry corresponds to an interaction with the
subscriber; displaying each campaign message flow entry to the
customer when generated.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: pre-populating the
parameters and the campaign message flow from a template
campaign.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: storing the
parameters in an accessible storage medium.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: executing the
campaign responsive to a subscriber request, wherein subscriber
inputs and server outputs correspond to the campaign message
flow.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein a campaign message flow entry is
at least one of: subscriber-inputted keywords, subscriber-inputted
short numbers, server-outputted menus, and server-outputted
confirmations.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the parameters include at least
one of: a keyword, opt-in message, scheduling, content to be sent,
confirmation message, menu items, and pointers to other
sub-words.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the customer request and
parameters are received via a web interface and the campaign
message flow is displayed via the web interface.
8. A system for generating a campaign message flow, comprising: a
server in communication with a client over a network, the server
configured to responsive to a customer request, initiate a
campaign, wherein the campaign includes interacting with
subscribers via messages, receive customer-inputted parameters
defining the campaign, automatically generate campaign message flow
entries, wherein each campaign message flow entry corresponds to an
interaction between a server and a subscriber, display the campaign
message flow entries to the customer.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the server is further configured
to pre-populate the parameters and the campaign message flow from a
template campaign.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein the server is further configured
to store the parameters in an accessible storage medium.
11. The system of claim 8, wherein the server is further configured
to execute the campaign responsive to a subscriber request, wherein
subscriber inputs and server outputs correspond to the campaign
message flow.
12. The system of claim 8, wherein a campaign message flow entry is
at least one of: subscriber-inputted keywords, subscriber-inputted
short numbers, server-outputted menus, and server-outputted
confirmations.
13. The system of claim 8, wherein the parameters include at least
one of: a keyword, opt-in message, scheduling, content to be sent,
confirmation message, menu items, and pointers to other
sub-words.
14. The system of claim 8, wherein the customer request and
parameters are received via a web interface and the campaign
message flow is displayed via the web interface.
15. A computer-readable medium including instructions adapted to
execute a method for generating a campaign message flow, the method
comprising: responsive to a customer request, initiating a
campaign, wherein the campaign includes interacting with
subscribers via messages; receiving customer-inputted parameters
defining the campaign; automatically generating campaign message
flow entries, wherein each campaign message flow entry corresponds
to an interaction between a server and a subscriber; displaying the
campaign message flow entries to the customer.
16. The medium of claim 15, the method further comprising:
pre-populating the parameters and the campaign message flow from a
template campaign.
17. The medium of claim 15, the method further comprising: storing
the parameters in an accessible storage medium.
18. The medium of claim 15, the method further comprising:
executing the campaign responsive to a subscriber request, wherein
subscriber inputs and server outputs correspond to the campaign
message flow.
19. The medium of claim 15, wherein a campaign message flow entry
is at least one of: subscriber-inputted keywords,
subscriber-inputted short numbers, server-outputted menus, and
server-outputted confirmations.
20. The medium of claim 15, wherein the parameters include at least
one of: a keyword, opt-in message, scheduling, content to be sent,
confirmation message, menu items, and pointers to other sub-words
and the customer request and parameters are received via a web
interface and the campaign message flow is displayed via the web
interface.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to provisional application No.
60/973,842 entitled "MOBILE DOMAIN REGISTRY AND CONTENT PLATFORM",
filed Sep. 20, 2007, and which is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0002] This application is related to provisional application No.
60/800,276 entitled "MESSAGING APPARATUS AND METHOD", filed May 12,
2008, and which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Mobile device subscribers represent a large potential market
for businesses. Businesses can market content, products, and
services to mobile device subscribers. Such marketing efforts can
include a Short Message Service (SMS) or Multimedia Message Service
(MMS) message campaign.
[0004] A campaign begins with the business publicizing an
activation step of the campaign. For example, the business can
arrange for all messages received at a predetermined short code
with a predetermined keyword to trigger a campaign message
flow.
[0005] The campaign message flow can include an introductory
message with a menu of options sent to the subscriber as a reply
message. The subscriber can select one or more of the options in a
message. Options can include subscribing to a list, purchasing
media content (including video, pictures, software, and ring
tones), participating in a poll, requesting a coupon, donating to
charity, activating a mobile service, or similar options.
[0006] The business can configure a server in communications with
the mobile devices over a wireless network to manage and
administrate the campaign. The server replies to subscriber
activation requests and also interacts with subscribers after the
campaign is initiated.
[0007] The campaign is defined with parameters received from a
customer, for example, a business or a media owner. Parameters can
be inputted by the customer via a web interface at the server. It
can be difficult for a customer to visualize a message flow between
the subscriber and the server.
[0008] Thus, there is a need for automatically generating a message
flow for a customer defining campaign.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates an example server for generating a
message flow diagram.
[0010] FIG. 2A illustrates an example screenshot of a campaign
management webpage.
[0011] FIG. 2B illustrates an example screenshot of a campaign
setup webpage, including a message flow diagram of a campaign.
[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates an example procedure for generating a
message flow diagram of a campaign.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] A method and system automatically generate a campaign
message flow for display to a customer creating a campaign. The
campaign defines interactions between a server and a subscriber,
where the server provides a product or service from the customer to
the subscriber responsive to a subscriber request. The campaign
message flow visually illustrates the interactions between the
server and the subscriber for the customer during campaign
creation, allowing the subscriber to easily visualize the campaign
message flow.
[0014] A short code is a special telephone number accessible to
mobile phones, fixed phones, SMS, and MMS messages. The short code
can be shorter than a full telephone number and selected for ease
of communication and memorization. The short code appears similar
to a regular telephone number and is serviced by a
telecommunications operator.
[0015] Keywords are collections of characters transmitted to the
server by the subscriber. Each keyword can be associated with a
campaign. Sub-words are collections of characters transmitted to
the server by the subscriber, for example, to select a menu option
from a menu. Each sub-word can be associated with a keyword.
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates an example server 100 for generating a
message flow diagram. The server 100 is configured to initiate and
provide a campaign of interactions with subscribers. For example,
the server 100 can be a standard computing server configured to
communicate over a plurality of networks and execute a campaign
manager module 116. Alternatively, the server 100 can be any
computing device.
[0017] The server 100 includes a display 102. The display 104 can
be equipment that displays viewable images, graphics, and text
generated by the server 100 to a user. For example, the display 102
can be a cathode ray tube or a flat panel display such as a TFT
LCD. The display 102 includes a display surface, circuitry to
generate a viewable picture from electronic signals sent by the
server 100, and an enclosure or case. The display 102 can interface
with an input/output interface 108, which converts data from a
central processor unit 112 to a format compatible with the display
102.
[0018] The server 100 includes one or more output devices 104. The
output device 104 can be any hardware used to communicate outputs
to the user. For example, the output device 104 can be audio
speakers and printers or other devices for providing output.
[0019] The server 100 includes one or more input devices 106. The
input device 106 can be any computer hardware used to receive
inputs from the user. The input device 106 can include keyboards,
mouse pointer devices, microphones, scanners, video and digital
cameras, etc.
[0020] The server 100 includes an input/output interface 108. The
input/output interface 108 can include logic and physical ports
used to connect and control peripheral devices, such as output
devices 104 and input devices 106. For example, the input/output
interface 108 can allow input and output devices 104 and 106 to
communicate with the server 100.
[0021] The server 100 includes a network interface 110. The network
interface 110 includes logic and physical ports used to connect to
one or more networks. For example, the network interface 110 can
accept a physical network connection and interface between the
network and the workstation by translating communications between
the two. Example networks can include Ethernet, or other physical
network infrastructure. Alternatively, the network interface 110
can be configured to interface with wireless network.
Alternatively, the server 100 can include multiple network
interfaces for interfacing with multiple networks.
[0022] As depicted, the network interface 110 communicates over a
wired network and a cellular network. It will be appreciated that
the server 100 can communicate over any combination of wired,
wireless, or other networks.
[0023] The server 100 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 112.
The CPU 112 can be an integrated circuit configured for
mass-production and suited for a variety of computing applications.
The CPU 112 can sit on a motherboard within the server 100 and
control other workstation components. The CPU 112 can communicate
with the other workstation components via a bus, a physical
interchange, or other communication channel.
[0024] The server 100 includes memory 114. The memory 114 can
include volatile and non-volatile memory accessible to the CPU 112.
The memory can be random access and provide fast access for
graphics-related or other calculations. In an alternative, the CPU
112 can include on-board cache memory for faster performance.
[0025] The server 100 includes a campaign manager module 116 stored
in memory 114. For example, the campaign manager module 116 can be
as discussed below and be configured to initiate, manage, and
administrate campaigns on a wireless network. Campaigns involve
interactions between the server 100 and subscribers of the wireless
network.
[0026] The server 100 includes mass storage 118. The mass storage
118 can be volatile or non-volatile storage configured to store
large amounts of data. The mass storage 118 can be accessible to
the CPU 112 via a bus, a physical interchange, or other
communication channel. For example, the mass storage 118 can be a
hard drive, a RAID array, flash memory, CD-ROMs, DVDs, HD-DVD or
Blu-Ray mediums.
[0027] The server 100 communicates with a network 120 via the
network interface 112. The network 120 can be any network
configured to carry digital information. For example, the network
114 can be an Ethernet network, the Internet, a wireless network, a
cellular data network, or any Local Area Network or Wide Area
Network.
[0028] A terminal 122 communicates with the server 100 over the
network 120. The terminal 122 can be a computing device such as a
workstation, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or any other
computing device. The terminal 122 can execute software
applications configured to communicate with the server 100.
Alternatively, the terminal 122 can execute a web browser, and
communicate with the server 100 through a web-based interface.
[0029] The terminal 122 is accessible to a customer 124. The
customer 124 can be an authorized administrator of a media owner or
a party seeking to execute a message campaign to subscribers of a
network. The customer 124 can be associated with a user account on
the server 100. Each user account on the server 100 can be
associated with sub-accounts.
[0030] The server 100 can also communicate with a cellular network
126 via the network interface 112. The cellular network 126 can
include infrastructure supporting a wireless carrier's coverage
area, including servers, communication trunks, cellular towers,
etc. The cellular network 126 can be operated and maintained by a
wireless carrier.
[0031] A subscriber 130 can access the cellular network 126 via a
mobile device 128. For example, the mobile device 128 can be a
cellular phone, a wireless personal digital assistant, or any other
device configured to wirelessly communicate with the cellular
network 126.
[0032] The customer 124 can initiate and manage a message campaign
involving the subscriber 130 of a cellular network 126. In one
example, the campaign can include an initial notification text
message sent to the mobile device 128 with an offer to purchase a
new ring tone. The subscriber 130 replies with an affirmative
response, such as a text message with "Y" in the body. The server
100 receives the reply, processes a payment, and transmits the
purchased ring tone to the mobile device 128.
[0033] FIG. 2A illustrates an example screenshot of a campaign
management webpage. A campaign manager module, as discussed above,
can provide a web-accessible interface. The campaign management
webpage can be displayed to a customer, displaying information on
existing campaigns. The customer, as discussed above, can be any
party wishing to initiate and manage a message campaign to wireless
subscribers.
[0034] The screen shot includes a title 200. The title 200 can
reflect the campaign management webpage and include text, graphics,
or other visible portions.
[0035] The screen shot includes menu tabs 202. The menu tabs 202
allow the customer to navigate functionality offered by the
campaign manager module. Example functionality includes campaign
manager, subscribers & messaging management, premium content
management, and reporting management. Other functionality includes
browsing available support and account information. The campaign
manager, as depicted in FIG. 2A, allows the customer to manage
existing campaigns and create new campaigns.
[0036] The screen shot includes sub-menu choices 204. The sub-menu
choices 204 offer additional functionality associated with the
selected menu tab. Example functionality offered by the sub-menu
choices 204 includes managing campaigns, widgets, and pages.
[0037] The screen shot includes a campaign section 206. The
campaign section includes existing campaigns and groups.
[0038] The screen shot includes campaign options 208. Campaign
options 208 include functionality related to campaigns, such as
creating a new campaign and creating a new group.
[0039] The screen shot includes a campaign column 210. The campaign
column 210 lists all current campaigns accessible by the user. For
example, current campaigns can be created by the user or another
user. Each campaign involves a campaign message flow corresponding
to messages and interactions between the server and the subscriber.
FIG. 2A illustrates a campaign named "At Concert."
[0040] The screen shot includes a campaign type 212. For example,
campaign type 212 can be one of: subscribing to a list, purchasing
media content (including video, pictures, software, and ring
tones), participating in a poll, requesting a coupon, donating to
charity, activating a mobile service, or similar options. For
example, campaign type 212 can be depicted as an icon.
[0041] The screen shot includes a campaign keyword 214. The
campaign keyword 214 can be the keyword that is monitored by the
server. As discussed above, in response to an invitation message,
the subscriber can reply with a keyword included in the invitation
message. The keyword is sent to a predetermined short code. The
server monitors the short code for messages from the subscriber,
and activates the campaign corresponding to the keyword.
[0042] The screen shot includes campaign actions 216. Campaign
actions 216 include functionality available to individual
campaigns. For example, campaign actions 216 can include viewing
the campaign, editing the campaign, displaying campaign reports,
initiating the campaign, and deleting the campaign. The campaign is
initiated by the user or at a predetermined trigger after it has
been created, as discussed below. After initiation, the campaign is
executed by the server and the initial invitation message is
transmitted to subscribers. The server monitors the associated
short code for the associated keyword, and processes any further
interactions with the subscribers pursuant to campaign
parameters.
[0043] The screen shot includes groups 218. For example, groups
include one or more related subscribers of a wireless carrier.
Subscribers can be related if they have opted into a subscriber
list related to an interest or hobby. Subscriber lists can relate
to music groups, a geographical location, a particular product or
service, a club or other affiliated subscribers, or any other
logical relation. Groups facilitate management of subscribers in
creating and administrating a message campaign by defining the
recipients of the message campaign.
[0044] The screen shot includes a group hierarchy 220. Each group
in groups 218 can be associated with a group hierarchy 220 that is
displayed on customer-request. The group hierarchy 220 displays
content and other options associated with each group. The group
hierarchy 220 includes a group name of the associated group, any
media or content associated with the group, a subscription fee
charged to each subscriber, an edit button and a delete button.
[0045] It will be appreciated that additional fields and
information can be displayed under any of the above headings.
Additional headings can also be used to convey other information to
the customer. Additional functionality can be added to improve the
customer experience in managing campaigns.
[0046] FIG. 2B illustrates an example screenshot of a campaign
setup webpage, including a message flow diagram of a campaign. A
campaign manager module, as discussed above, can provide a
web-accessible interface to set up a new message campaign. The
campaign setup webpage can be displayed to a customer responsive to
a customer desire to create a new message campaign. The customer,
as discussed above, can be any party wishing to initiate and manage
a campaign to wireless subscribers.
[0047] The screen shot includes a title 250. The title 250 can
reflect the campaign setup webpage and include text, graphics, or
other visible portions.
[0048] The screen shot includes menu tabs 252. The menu tabs 252
allow the customer to navigate functionality offered by the
campaign manager module. Example functionality includes campaign
manager, subscribers & messaging management, premium content
management, and reporting management. Other functionality includes
browsing available support and account information. The campaign
setup webpage, as depicted in FIG. 2B, allows the customer create a
new campaign.
[0049] The screen shot includes sub-menu choices 254. The sub-menu
choices 254 offer additional functionality associated with the
selected menu tab. Example functionality offered by the sub-menu
choices 254 includes managing campaigns, widgets, and pages.
[0050] The screen shot includes an edit campaign section 256. The
edit campaign section 256 includes functionality to display input
fields to receive customer-specified parameters defining a new
campaign. For example, the input fields can be as discussed
below.
[0051] The screen shot includes a campaign name 258. The campaign
name 258 can be a text field for receiving a name of the campaign
to be created.
[0052] The screen shot includes a campaign description 260. The
campaign description 260 can be a text field for receiving a
description of the campaign to be created.
[0053] The screen shot includes a campaign structure 262. The
campaign structure 262 can be a hierarchical view of the campaign.
For example, each campaign can be associated with a keyword, which
activates a campaign message flow when received by the server. Each
campaign can also be associated with one or more subwords. Subwords
can initiate other campaign message flows, for example, by offering
other campaigns. As discussed above, a campaign can offer content
such as files for a mobile device, a poll, or other services.
[0054] The screen shot includes campaign controls 264. The campaign
controls 264 include customer-specified parameters associated with
the campaign, keyword, or subword.
[0055] The screen shot includes a campaign keyword 266. The
campaign keyword 266 is associated with the new campaign set up by
the customer.
[0056] The screen shot includes a subscription 268. The
subscription 268 is an option set by the customer defining whether
a subscriber can subscribe to a group in response to the campaign.
In one example, the subscription option forces users to opt-in to a
campaign for future mobile messaging. A subscriber must reply to an
opt-in message to be added to a group or list.
[0057] The screen shot includes an opt-in message 270. The opt-in
message 270 is displayed to a subscriber if the campaign allows
subscription to a group or list, as defined by subscription 268
above. The opt-in message can describe the group and display
subscription information. For example, a subscriber can reply with
a text message including "Y" in the body.
[0058] The screen shot includes settings 272. The settings 272
further specify parameters that define the new campaign. The
settings 272 can include a checkbox that specifies no content is
sent when a subscriber opts-in to the group or list. The settings
272 can include a limit on a number of subscribers that will be
accepted into the group or list.
[0059] The screen shot includes a schedule 274. The schedule 274
allows the customer to specify when content of the campaign will be
sent. For example, the content can include a text message,
multimedia files (backgrounds, ring tones, mobile device
applications, etc.), or any other file that can be sent to the
user's mobile device.
[0060] The screen shot includes a content type 276. The content
type 276 can be a drop down box with possible content types. For
example, a campaign can provide an interactive menu responsive to a
subscriber opt-in. Alternatively, the campaign can provide media
content or a set of poll questions responsive to a subscriber
opt-in.
[0061] The screen shot includes a welcome message 278. If the
subscriber has opted-in to a group, the welcome message 278 can
include information on the group.
[0062] The screen shot includes a number of menu items 280. If the
campaign includes a menu, as specified in 276, the campaign will
transmit an interactive menu to the subscriber responsive to an
opt-in. The number of menu items 280 allows the customer to specify
a quantity of menu items in the interactive menu transmitted to the
subscriber.
[0063] The screen shot includes a menu 282. For each item in the
menu, specified by 280, a menu item and a menu keyword is
specified. For example, the menu item can be a title of content
such as ring tones, audio files, graphics, or other files. For
example, the menu keyword can be transmitted to the server by the
subscriber to select the associated menu item. The menu keyword can
be automatically generated from the campaign keyword and the menu
item name.
[0064] The screen shot includes a campaign message flow 284. The
campaign message flow 284 visually depicts interactions between the
server and the subscriber during the campaign.
[0065] The screen shot includes a campaign message flow entry 286.
Entry 386 states that a subscriber transmits the campaign keyword
to a predetermined short code. Entry 286 can be generated from the
campaign keyword 266, discussed above.
[0066] It will be appreciated that a campaign can be initiated by
other actions. For example, the subscriber can call a predefined
phone number that is configured to capture the subscriber's
cellular phone number and an initiation request.
[0067] The screen shot includes a campaign message flow entry 288.
Entry 288 states that the server transmits the opt-in message to
the subscriber responsive to receiving the campaign keyword
discussed in entry 286. Entry 288 can be generated from the opt-in
message 270, discussed above.
[0068] The screen shot includes a campaign message flow entry 290.
Entry 290 states that the server transmits an interactive menu to
the subscriber after transmitting the opt-in message. Entry 290 can
be generated from the welcome message 278, the number of menu items
280, and the menu 282.
[0069] The screen shot includes a campaign message flow entry 292.
Entry 292 states that the subscriber replies with a menu item
selection after receiving the interactive menu from the server,
discussed above. Entry 292 can be generated from the menu 282.
[0070] The screen shot includes a campaign message flow entry 294.
Entry 294 states that the server transmits a confirmation message
with the subscriber's selection and any pricing information. Entry
294 can be generated from the subscriber's selection in 292 and
subscription pricing information.
[0071] The screen shot includes a campaign message flow entry 296.
Entry 296 states that the subscriber replies with a text message
with "Y" in the body. The subscriber thus confirms the selection
and accepts the charges.
[0072] The screen shot includes a campaign message flow entry 298.
Entry 298 states that the selected content is transmitted to the
subscriber's mobile device.
[0073] The screen shot includes a campaign message flow entry 299.
Entry 299 states that a confirmation of the charges associated with
the selected content is transmitted to the subscriber.
[0074] FIG. 3 illustrates an example procedure for generating a
message flow diagram of a campaign. The procedure can execute on a
server as depicted in FIG. 1. The procedure can execute in
real-time responsive to a customer creating or setting up a new
campaign and display a visual representation of a campaign message
flow, including campaign message flow entries to the customer. The
campaign message flow can be as depicted in FIG. 2B.
[0075] In 300, the server determines whether a customer request was
received to set up or create a new campaign. The server provides a
web interface to a campaign manager module via a network to the
customer. For example, the web interface can be initiated when the
customer logs into the web interface and selects an option to
create a new campaign.
[0076] If the request was received, the server proceeds to 302. If
no request was received, the procedure remains at 300 to wait.
[0077] In 302, the server optionally pre-populates the new campaign
from a template campaign. The customer can select a provided
template campaign from which the new campaign will be created. For
example, template campaigns can include frequently-used campaigns
such as an offer to sell a ring tone or other media content, a poll
or survey, a notification of a new product or service, a coupon
offer, or any other potential campaigns.
[0078] In 304, the server initiates the new campaign. The new
campaign is created in memory accessible to the server and the
campaign parameters are initialized.
[0079] In 306, the server determines whether parameters were
received from the customer. The customer is prompted for campaign
parameters via the web interface from the server. The customer
inputs campaign parameters via the web interface.
[0080] The template campaigns from above can be associated with
campaign parameters that are copied into the new campaign. The
customer can then customize the new campaign by modifying the
campaign parameters.
[0081] Alternatively, a campaign parameter can be a predefined
default value when the new campaign is initiated. The customer can
modify the default campaign parameter.
[0082] If parameters were received, the server proceeds to 308. If
parameters were not received, the server remains at 306 to
wait.
[0083] In 308, the server generates campaign message flow entries
responsive to parameters entered by the customer. As discussed
above, a campaign message flow visually depicts the campaign
interactions with subscribers. Each campaign message flow entry is
generated from a default or from customer-inputted parameters as
discussed above.
[0084] In 310, the server displays the campaign message flow
entries to the customer. The campaign flow entries are displayed
via the web interface. For example, the web interface can be a Java
applet, and dynamically display new campaign message flow entries
are the entries are generated responsive to customer-inputted
parameters.
[0085] In one embodiment, the campaign message flow entries can be
automatically generated as campaign parameters are entered. Each
campaign message flow entry can be generated in real-time as
parameters are received from the customer.
[0086] Thus, the entries can be displayed substantially in real
time responsive to the customer inputs. This allows the campaign
message flow to evolve as the customer adds steps, deletes steps,
or otherwise edits the campaign. The campaign message flow thus
changes in real time responsive to customer-inputs.
[0087] In another embodiment, the campaign message flow entries can
be generated responsive to a customer submission of campaign
parameters.
[0088] In 312, the server optionally stores the campaign parameters
in an accessible storage medium. The campaign parameters define the
new campaign and can be saved to volatile and non-volatile memory.
The campaign parameters can further be backed up for
redundancy.
[0089] In 314, the server optionally executes the campaign for a
subscriber responsive to subscriber input. The customer can
activate the new campaign for execution by the server. The server
interacts with the subscriber in a manner defined by the campaign
parameters, for example, by beginning with an opt-in or
introductory text message, as discussed above. The subscriber can
respond with a request to subscribe, and the server will service
the request.
[0090] In 316, the server exits the procedure.
[0091] As discussed above, one embodiment of the present invention
can be a method for generating a campaign message flow. The method
comprises, responsive to a customer request, initiating a campaign,
wherein the campaign includes interacting with a subscriber via
messages. The method comprises, responsive to receiving
customer-inputted parameters defining the campaign, generating
campaign message flow entries in substantially real time from the
customer-inputted parameters, wherein each campaign message flow
entry corresponds to an interaction with the subscriber. The method
comprises displaying each campaign message flow entry to the
customer when generated. The method comprises pre-populating the
parameters and the campaign message flow from a template campaign.
The method comprises storing the parameters in an accessible
storage medium. The method comprises executing the campaign
responsive to a subscriber request, wherein subscriber inputs and
server outputs correspond to the campaign message flow. The
campaign message flow entry can be at least one of:
subscriber-inputted keywords, subscriber-inputted short numbers,
server-outputted menus, and server-outputted confirmations. The
parameters can include at least one of: a keyword, opt-in message,
scheduling, content to be sent, confirmation message, menu items,
and pointers to other sub-words. The customer request and
parameters can be received via a web interface and the campaign
message flow is displayed via the web interface.
[0092] Another embodiment of the present invention can be a system
for generating a campaign message flow. The system can include a
server in communication with a client over a network. The server
can be configured to, responsive to a customer request, initiate a
campaign, wherein the campaign includes interacting with
subscribers via messages. The server can be configured to receive
customer-inputted parameters defining the campaign. The server can
be configured to automatically generate campaign message flow
entries, wherein each campaign message flow entry corresponds to an
interaction between a server and a subscriber. The server can be
configured to display the campaign message flow entries to the
customer. The server can be configured to pre-populate the
parameters and the campaign message flow from a template campaign.
The server can be configured to store the parameters in an
accessible storage medium. The server can be configured to execute
the campaign responsive to a subscriber request, wherein subscriber
inputs and server outputs correspond to the campaign message flow.
A campaign message flow entry can be at least one of:
subscriber-inputted keywords, subscriber-inputted short numbers,
server-outputted menus, and server-outputted confirmations. The
parameters include at least one of: a keyword, opt-in message,
scheduling, content to be sent, confirmation message, menu items,
and pointers to other sub-words. The customer request and
parameters can be received via a web interface and the campaign
message flow is displayed via the web interface.
[0093] Another embodiment of the present invention can be a
computer-readable medium including instructions adapted to execute
a method for generating a campaign message flow. The method
comprises, responsive to a customer request, initiating a campaign,
wherein the campaign includes interacting with subscribers via
messages. The method comprises receiving customer-inputted
parameters defining the campaign. The method comprises
automatically generating campaign message flow entries, wherein
each campaign message flow entry corresponds to an interaction
between a server and a subscriber. The method comprises displaying
the campaign message flow entries to the customer. The method
comprises pre-populating the parameters and the campaign message
flow from a template campaign. The method comprises storing the
parameters in an accessible storage medium. The method comprises
executing the campaign responsive to a subscriber request, wherein
subscriber inputs and server outputs correspond to the campaign
message flow. The campaign message flow entry can be at least one
of: subscriber-inputted keywords, subscriber-inputted short
numbers, server-outputted menus, and server-outputted
confirmations. The parameters can include at least one of: a
keyword, opt-in message, scheduling, content to be sent,
confirmation message, menu items, and pointers to other sub-words.
The customer request and parameters can be received via a web
interface and the campaign message flow is displayed via the web
interface.
[0094] It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art that the
preceding examples and embodiments are exemplary and not limiting
to the scope of the present invention. It is intended that all
permutations, enhancements, equivalents, combinations, and
improvements thereto that are apparent to those skilled in the art
upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings are
included within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.
It is therefore intended that the following appended claims include
all such modifications, permutations and equivalents as fall within
the true spirit and scope of the present invention.
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