Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02426708 2005-11-09
TELECOMMUNICATIONS INITIATED DATA FULFILLMENT SYSTEM
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates generally to a telecommunications initiated data
fulfillment system in which a telecommunications input sequence including a
mufti-
function code sequence, such as a"star-pound" (i.e., *#) sequence, initiates
an
automatic data fulfillment service. The system can be used for a wide variety
of
applications including but not limited to mobile vending, mobile data
delivery, mobile
Intemet access, mobile WAP communications, on-demand delivery of promotional
information, and many others.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Due to the communications boom brought on by the popularization of wireless
communication devices and the Internet, there presently exists an increasing
opportunity for telecommunications initiated services involving these
increasingly
prominent media. However, the configuration and operation of the existing
telephone
networks, wireless data networks, and the Internet inhibits the implementation
of
many new services that would rely on the integrated operation of these
systems.
Therefore, there presently exists an opportunity for improving the integration
of the
telecommunications system, the wireless data system, and the Intemet to
provide a
wide range of new services that can be conveniently and cost effectively
provided
through these media.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention meets the needs described above in a system for
providing a wide range of telecommunications initiated data fulfillment
services in
which a multi-function code, such as (star, pound), input into an originating
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telecommunications device, such as a conventional land-line or wireless
telephone,
triggers the treatment of the input telephone sequence as a multi-function
code
service request rather than a dialed directory number. The multi-function code
is
followed by an input data string to complete the multi-function code service
request,
which the user typically enters into the telecommunications device just like a
conventional telephone call, except that the input string begins with the
rriulti-function
code (e.g., *#).
The telecommunications system recognizes the multi-function code as a
trigger, and in response takes one or more acfiions in response to the
trigger, such as
automatically terminating the call to an announcement and routing a data
message to
a data fulfillment center. This data message typically includes the multi-
function code
service request and data string input by the customer along with identifying
information for the initiating telecommunications device, such as the
directory number
assigned to the originating telecommunications device. The data message may
include location information pertaining to the originating telecommunications
device,
such as information identifying the originating MTSO and cell tower. The
message is
typically transmitted to the data fulfillment center using the
telecommunications
system's signaling system, such as the SS7 signaling system currently deployed
for
most land-based telephone systems, or the X-25 signaling system currently
deployed
for most mobile telephone systems in the United States and Canada. Analogous
signaling systems are deployed in telecommunications systems worldwide.
The data fulfillment center responds to the message by implementing a
response action indicated by the multi-function code service request. For
example,
the data fulfillment center may respond by transmitting a message over a
wireless
data network or the Internet to implement a service, such as activation of a
vending
machine, remote control of device, delivery of a message over the lntemet,
delivery of
a message over a wireless data network, initiation of an interactive lnternet
session
with the originating device, or a wide range of other services. In addition, a
charge for
this service, if appropriate, may be automatically charged to an account
associated
with the originating telecommunications device, which may be billed separately
or
incorporated on the user's conventional monthly telecommunications invoice.
Those
skilled in the art will appreciate that the range of telecommunications
initiated services
that may be implemented in this manner is virtually limitless, and many
different
services will become apparent once the fundamental principles of the invention
are
understood.
Generally described, the invention includes a method for implementing a
telecommunications initiated data fulfillment service. A telecommunications
switch that
is enabled to recognize a multi-function trigger, receives a communication
from a
telecommunication device that has not been preprogrammed to implement the data
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fulfillment service. The communication comprises an input sequence including a
multi-
function trigger. The telecommunications switch recognizes the multi-function
trigger and
identifies an identification code associated with the telecommunication
device, such as
the directory number, MIN or EIN assigned to the telecommunication device. In
response to the detected trigger event, the telecommunications switch looks up
a pre-
defined data address associated with the input sequence, the identification
code, or a
combination of the input sequence and the identification code. The
telecommunication
switch then assembles a data message associated with the input sequence, the
identification code, or a combination of these items, and transmits the data
message to
the data address. The data fulfillment platform associated with the data
address can
then implement an appropriate response action in response to the data message.
Another aspect of the invention pertains to a system for implementing a data
fulfillment service comprising a telecommunications switch that is configured
to:
receive a communication from a telecommunications device that has not
been preprogrammed to implement the data fulfillment service, the
communication
comprising an input sequence including a multi-function trigger;
recognize the multi-function trigger;
identify an identification code associated with the telecommunication device;
look up a pre-defined data address associated with the input sequence, the
identification code, or a combination of the input sequence and the
identification code;
assemble a data message associated with the input sequence, the
identification code, or a combination of the input sequence and the
identification code;
and
transmit the data message to the data address.
Typically, the data message includes at least the input sequence and the
identification code associated with telecommunication device, and may also
include
location information associated with the originating telecommunications
device, such as
information identifying the MTOS and cell tower where the multi-function code
service
request was initially received. In addition, the data address to which the
message is
sent is typically associated with a data fulfillment center or Internet
service provider
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operated by a provider of the telecommunications initiated data fulfillment
service. This
enables the service provider to respond to the message by implementing the
appropriate
telecommunications initiated data fulfillment service, such as activating a
vending
machine and charging an account associated with the originating
telecommunications
device for the delivered product, sending an e-mail to an address associated
with the
originating telecommunications device, remotely controlling a device,
initiating an
interactive Internet session with the originating telecommunications device,
or performing
any other suitable service.
In a mobile vending application, for example, the idenfification code may be
ip used to identify an account associated with the telecommunications device,
and the
data fulfillment center may remotely activate the vending machine and charge a
cost
associated with the data message to the account associated with the
telecommunications device. In particular, the data fulfillment center may
identify a
product code from a pre-defined set of digits in the input sequence; and may
activate
the vending device to deliver a product associated with the product code in
response
to the data message. To implement security, the data fulfillment center may
also look
up a pre-defined PIN associated with the telecommunications device, identify a
PIN-
sequence from a predefined set of digits in the input sequence, and compare
the
personal identification number to the PIN-sequence.
1)0 In addition, the telecommunications switch typically delivers an audio or
data
response to the telecommunications device indicating that the multi-function
code
service request has been received. The telecommunications switch then
discontinues
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the communication, which frees the originating telecommunications device to
receive
an incoming data or telecommunications message associated with the requested
data
fulfillment service. For example, the telecommunications device may receive an
incoming wireless data network communication, telephone call, or e-mail
message as
part of the data fulfillment service. In one alternative, the input sequence
includes a
directory number associated with an Internet site, and the data message
initiates an
Internet session between the telecommunications device and the Internet site.
In this
alternative, the telecommunications switch may forward the communication to a
platform operated by an Internet service provider, and an incoming the
wireless data
network communication may initiate an interactive Internet session with the
telecommunications device. In addition, the Internet service provider may
automatically link the telecommunications device to the Internet site
associated with
the directory number included in the input sequence at the onset of the
Internet
session.
The data fulfillment center may also receive location data associated with the
telecommunications device, and customize an action taken in response to the
data
message based on the location information. For example, the location data may
indicate the MTSO and cell tower that initially received the multi-function
code service
request from the telecommunications device, and the data fulfillment center
may
customize its response by sending a mobile vending activation message to a
vending
machine located in the coverage area of the identified cell tower. This
feature
advantageously allows reuse of the vending codes in multiple locations served
by
different cell towers.
The data fulfiflment center may also look up customer profile data
corresponding to the identification code associated with the
telecommunications
device, and implement a response in accordance with this profile. For example,
the
customer profile may implement spending limits, location use limits,
alternative
addresses for routing responses, and so forth. Typically, the customer profile
may be
altered by the user, for example through Internet access. For this reason, the
pre-
defined data address may be a user-defined portion of the customer profile
data. The
data fulfillment center may also detect that the telecommunications device
does not
correspond to a subscriber of the telecommunications initiated data
fulfillment service,
and automatically link the telecommunications device to a platform configured
to
register the user of the telecommunications device as a subscriber of the
telecommunications initiated data fulfillment service.
The telecommunications device may retrieve the pre-defined data address,
typically the address for the data fulfillment center or an Internet service
provider,
from a home location register associated with a mobile telecommunication
system. In
addition, the data message is typically delivered to the data address through
a
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signaling system message, such as an SS7 or X-25 message. In addition, the
identification code associated with the telecommunications device may be
extracted
from a call detail record created by a telecommunications switch receiving the
communication. The pre-defined data address may be retrieved from a
proprietary
database maintained by a provider of the telecommunications initiated data
fulfillment
service.
In addition, the data fulfillment center may respond to the data message by
transmitting a control signal to operate a remote device. For example, the
response
action may open a car lock or garage door, activate or deactivate a security
system,
program a remote device, or perform a wide range of other remote control
operations.
In another alternative, the input sequence may include a displayed item code
associated with a product or service offered for sale. In this case, the data
fulfillment
center may respond to the data message by: looking up an e-mail address
associated
with the telecommunications device, and transmitting an electronic message
including
promotional information concerning the product or service offered for sale to
the
address associated with the telecommunications device.
In this specification, certain actions are described as being performed by a
telecommunications switch and others are described as being performed by a
data
fulfillment platform. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that
these
devices could be combined into a single device or system of devices, and the
invention defined by the method and steps described herein is not limited to
performance by any particular devices. For example, some or all of the steps
described as performed by the switch may be performed by the data fulfillment
platform, and vice versa. In addition, a third device may be deployed to
implement
certain steps. These types of variations are within the scope of the present
invention.
In addition, the originating telecommunications device is shown in certain
figures and described as being a wireless or land-line telephone device.
However,
those skilled in the art will appreciate that the originating
telecommunications device
may be any type of device, known at present or developed in the future,
capable of
initiating telecommunications. In particular, wireless telephones, land-line
telephones,
desktop computers, portable computers, personal digital assistants, pagers,
and so
forth are within the scope of the term "telecommunications device" as used in
this
specification. Further, the methods and systems described herein are not
limited to
any particular type of telecommunication initiation, such as dialing or keypad
input.
Rather, the methods and systems described in this specification may work with
any
type of telecommunication initiation, known at present or developed in the
future,
such as voice recognition, auto dialing, e-mail, message relay, and the like.
In view of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the present invention
greatly
improves the integration of the telecommunications system, the wireless data
system,
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and the Internet to provide a wide range of new services that can be
conveniently and
cost effectively provided through these media. The specific techniques and
structures
employed by the invention as improvements over the drawbacks of the present
telecommunications infrastructure and accomplish the advantages described
above
will become apparent from the following detailed description of the
embodiments of
the invention and the appended drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a functional diagram of a mobile vending service implemented by a
telecommunications initiated data fulfillment system.
FIG. 2 is a functional diagram of a mobile web access service implemented by
a telecommunications initiated data fulfillment system.
FIG. 3 is a functional diagram of a mobile remote control service implemented
by a telecommunications initiated data fulfillment system.
FIG. 4 is a functional diagram of a streamlined Internet access service
implemented by a telecommunications initiated data fulfillment system.
FIG. 5 is an instruction set diagram illustrating advanced intelligent network
(AIN) and call detail record (CDR) alternative implementation methodologies
for
implementing a telecommunications initiated data fulfillment system.
FIG. 6 is a functional diagram of a telecommunications initiated data
fulfillment
system illustrating features of a data fulfillment database.
FIG. 7 is a functional diagram of a telecommunications initiated data
fulfillment
system illustrating features of implemented by an SCP or HLS.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
The present invention may be embodied in a telecommunications initiated data
fulfillment system that typically involves a number of telecommunications
switches
and one or more data fulfillment platforms. The telecommunications switches
are
configured to recognize a multi-function code, such as "*#" (star, pound), as
a trigger
event. In response to a detected trigger event, the receiving
telecommunications
switch typically holds the call and looks up an instruction set associated
with the
trigger, and implements that instruction set. The multi-function code may
include the
"star, pound" initiation code followed by an instruction index indicating an
instruction
set to be implemented. For example, *#1 may indicate a mobile vending
instruction
set, *#2 may indicate a mobile data delivery instruction set, *#3 may indicate
an
Internet access instruction set, *#4 may indicate a remote control instruction
set, and
so forth.
The instruction set for different services may vary, but typically includes
instructions or directions to the telecommunications switch to route the call
to an
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announcement, assemble a data message of predefined structure, and transmit
the
data message to an address associated with a data fulfillment platform. For
example,
the announcement may state, "Your mobile vending request has been received and
will be acted on immediately. Thank you." The data message typically includes
the
identifying information for the originating telecommunications device, such as
the
directory number assigned to that device, and the multi-function code service
request,
which is the input string entered into the telecommunications device to
initiate the
service. The data message may also include location data pertaining to the
originating telecommunications device, such as information identifying the
MTSO and
cell tower that initially received the communication from the
telecommunications
device. The data message is typically delivered to the data fulfillment
platform using
the conventional signaling system, such as the SS7 signaling system used for
most
land-line systems, or the X-25 signaling system used for most mobile systems
in the
United States and Canada.
The data fulfillment platform typically looks up a customer profile associated
with the identifying information for the originating telecommunications
device, which
may be programmed by the customer using an Internet interface or other
suitable
access method. The customer profile specifies the customer's desired delivery
terms,
such as an account to charge for vending services, an e-mail address for
delivering
data messages, addresses for devices to be remotely controlled, and so forth.
The
customer profile may also include service-limiting terms, such as spending
limits,
security procedures, geographical use limits, and the like. In addition, the
data
fulfillment platform may look up information for responding to the data
request based
on the input sequence. For example, in an Internet access service, the input
sequence may correspond to a desired Internet address, and the data
fulfillment may
initiate an Internet session between the originating telecommunications device
and a
machine associated with the desired Internet address. In particular, the
directory
number assigned to a person's wireless telephone may be associated with that
same
person's Internet address, so that the input of an appropriate multi-function
code
followed by the directory number assigned to a person's wireless telephone may
automatically cause an Internet session to be initiated between the
originating
telecommunications device and the machine associated with the desired Internet
address.
Thus, in one embodiment, the telecommunications system recognizes the
multi-function code as a trigger, and in response automatically terminates the
call to
an announcement and routes a message to a data fulfillment center. This
message
typically includes the multi-function code service request input by the
customer along
with identifying information for the initiating telecommunications device
(e.g.,
originating directory number, MIN, EIN or another suitable identifier), and
may include
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additional information, such as location information (e.g., information
identifying the
originating MTSO and cell tower) pertaining to the originating
telecommunications
device. The message is typically transmitted to the data fulfillment center
using the
telecommunications system's signaling system, such as the advanced intelligent
network (AIN), the SS7 signaling system currently deployed for most land-based
telecommunications systems, or the X-25 signaling system currently deployed
for
most mobile telecommunications systems.
The data fulfillment center responds to the message by implementing a service
connoted by the multi-function code service request. For example, the data
fulfillment
center may respond by transmitting a message over a wireless data network or
the
Internet to implement a service, such as activation of a vending machine,
remote
control of a device, delivery of a message over the Internet, delivery of a
message
over a wireless data network, or initiation of an interactive Internet session
with the
originating device. A charge for this service, if appropriate, may be
automatically
charged to an account associated with the originating telecommunications
device,
which may be billed separately or incorporated on the user's conventional
monthly
telecommunications invoice.
Although a virtually limitless number of service options may be initiated and
billed for, if desired, in this manner, several particularly strategic
services are
described in this specification to illustrate this technology. A first example
is mobile
vending, in which a series of product codes may be displayed on a vending
machine.
To make a purchase, the customer enters the multi-function code, such as "*#"
(star,
pound), into his or her wireless telecommunications device, optionally
followed by a
service index (e.g., "1" to indicate mobile vending), followed by the
displayed product
code (e.g., a six digit numeric code represented as "xxx yyy") followed by his
or her
personal identification number (PIN) (e.g., a four digit numeric code
represented as
"zzzz"). This thirteen digit data entry (e.g., *#1 xxx yyy zzzz) resembles a
three digit
multi function code (e.g., *#1) followed by a conventional ten digit directory
number
(xxx yyy zzzz). In response to this multi-function code, the data fulfillment
center
transmits a wireless data message to the vending machine to activate delivery
of the
indicated product, and charges an account associated with the originating
telecommunications device for the purchase. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate
that the process described above may be used to implement a nationwide or
worldwide cashless, secure and convenient telecommunications initiated mobile
vending system.
A second example of this technology is mobile data acquisition. For example,
an advertiser may display an advertising code rather than a vending code. A
different
service index may be used to distinguish mobile data acquisition from mobile
vending
(e.g., "*#2" indicates mobile data acquisition, whereas "*#1" indicates mobile
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vending). In addition, if the user is not to be charged for this service, the
user's PIN
may not be required as part of the multi-function code service request. Thus,
the
advertising code may be up to a ten digit code, which results in up to a
thirteen digit
multi-function code service request similar in format to that used for mobile
vending.
In response to the multi-function code service request, the data fulfillment
center
typically sends an e-mail message to an e-mail address stored in association
with the
customer's originating directory number. For example, a restaurant may display
an
advertising code, and the data fulfillment center may respond to receipt of a
multi-
function code service request containing the restaurant's advertising code by
e-
mailing the restaurant's menu to an e-mail address associated with the
directory
number assigned to the originating telecommunications device.
The system described above may be used to deliver virtually any type of data
associated with a displayed advertising code, such as product information,
driving
directions, coupons, financial prospectus, inventory listing, safety
guidelines, repair
instructions, schematic diagram, event ticketing or access credentials,
photograph,
weather forecast, music file, and the like. The proprietor simply displays in
any
appropriate media a message to the effect of, "To obtain more information dial
*#2
xxx yyy zzzz." Of course, the multi-function code service request may be
altered to
provide PIN security and transaction-based billing for the delivered data if
desired.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the process described above may
be used
to implement a nationwide or worldwide telecommunications initiated data
delivery
system to aid in billboard, print media, broadcast and other types of
advertising and
sale of information.
Additional applications of this technology, and specific implementation
details,
are described below with reference to the appended figures. Turning now to the
drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements throughout the several
figures,
FIG. 1 is a functional diagram of a mobile vending service implemented by a
telecommunications initiated data fulfillment system 10. In this type of
system, the
products to be sold are typically located within a vending machine 12 that
includes
data receiving device 14, such as a paging unit, short messaging system (SMS),
wireless data, or other suitable wireless data receiving device. Although a
wireless
data receiving device should be preferred for most applications, the data
receiving
device 14 may alternatively be a land-line device, such as a telephone device,
Internet connection, e-mail receiving device, or any other suitable data
receiving
device. The only requirement for the data receiving device 14 is that is be
operational
for receiving control commands from a remote location for operating the
vending
machine 12. The vending machine may be operable to sell a wide variety of
products, such as food, drinks, tokens for operating other machines, cameras,
movie
tickets, clothing, gasoline and so forth.
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The vending machine 12 also includes a controller 16, a product delivery
apparatus 18 and a product code display 20. The controller 16 is operationally
interfaced with the wireless data device 14 and the product delivery apparatus
18,
which allows the product delivery apparatus 18 to be operated in response to
control
commands from a remote location by the data receiving device 14. Typically,
the
product code display 20 includes a different displayed product code for each
type of
product that may be sold through the vending machine 12. In this particular
example,
the displayed product code is a six digit numeric code in the form "xxx yyy."
It will be
appreciated, however, that the mobile vending system 10 could utilize any
other type
of code that can be entered into a telecommunications device.
To make a purchase from the vending machine 12, a customer of the
telecommunications initiated data fulfillment system 10 simply enters an
easily
ascertained multi-function code service request into an originating
telecommunications device, such as his or her mobile telephone. For example,
the
multi-function code service request may include a predefined multi-function
code,
such as *# (star, pound), which may optionally include an index connoting
mobile
vending (e.g., index = 1 for mobile vending), followed by the displayed
product code
for the desired product, followed by the customer's personal identification
number
(PIN), into his or her mobile telephone. Thus, the multi-function code service
request
in this instance may be "*#1 xxx yyy zzz" where "*#" is the predefined multi-
function
code, "1" is an index indicating mobile vending, "xxx yyy" is the displayed
product
code for the desired product, and "zzzz" is the customer's PIN number.
In response to receiving this multi-function code service request, the mobile
vending system 10 validates the customer's PIN, may apply conditions based on
a
customer profile and/or location data associated with the originating
telecommunications device, and makes a determination whether the requesting
vending purchase is authorized. If the vending purchase is authorized, the
mobile
vending system 10 remotely activates the vending machine 12 to deliver the
purchased product, and charges an account associated with the originating
telecommunications device for the cost of the purchase. This cost may be
separately
billed, or it may be incorporated on the customer's monthly telecommunications
invoice.
More particularly, FIG. 1 illustrates the steps implemented to complete the
mobile vending transaction described above. In step one, the customer enters
the
appropriate input string 22, namely the multi-function code service request
described
above, into his or her telecommunications device 24. The input string 22 is
received
at a trigger-enabled telecommunications switch 26, such as an advanced
intelligent
network (AIN) enabled system switching point (SSP) or mobile telephone
switching
office (MTSO). Although this will typically be the first telecommunications
switch to
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receive the input string 22, it is possible that a prior switching device,
such as a non-
trigger-enabled switch, will initially receive and route the call to the
trigger-enabled
telecommunications switch 26. This switch is configured to detect and
recognize the
'*#" (star, pound) multi-function code as a trigger event. In response to
detecting the
star, pound trigger event, the switch 26 holds the call and looks up an
instruction set
to implement. Typically, the switch 26 may be configured to look up and
implement
ten different multi-function code instruction sets, as indicated by an index
included in
the first digit following the multi-function code. For example *#1 may
indicate a mobile
vending instruction set. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that AIN
enabled SSP
and MTSO devices are conventionally equipped to recognize trigger events, to
look
up instruction sets, and to implement those instruction sets. In this manner,
the
mobile vending system 10 anticipates the use of presently existing
telecommunications system features to implement this new service.
The mobile vending instruction set typically instructs the switch 26 to
terminate
the call to an appropriate announcement. For example, the announcement may
state, "Your mobile vending request has been received and will be acted on
immediately. Thank you." At the end of the announcement, the call is
discontinued,
which frees the customer's telecommunications device to engage in a subsequent
communication. The mobile vending instruction set also instructs the switch 26
to
look up a data address, assemble a data message 28, and send the data message
to
the data address. For example, the data address may identify a data
fulfillment
platform 30 operated by the proprietor of the mobile vending system 10. The
data
message typically includes the identifying information for the originating
telecommunications device 24, such as the directory number assigned to that
device,
and the multi-function code service request, which is the input sequence 22
entered
into the telecommunications device to initiate the service.
In a mobile vending application, the data message should also include location
data pertaining to the originating telecommunications device, such
;information
identifying the MTSO and cell tower that initially received the communication
from the
telecommunications device. This allows the data fulfillment platform 30 to
customize
its response by sending a mobile vending activation message to the appropriate
vending machine 12, which is located in the coverage area of the identified
cell tower.
This feature advantageously allows reuse of the vending codes in multiple
locations
served by different cell towers.
In step 2, the switch 26 delivers the data message 28 to the data fulfillment
platform 30. The data message is typically delivered to the data fulfillment
platform
using the conventional signaling system, such as the SS7 signaling system used
for
most land-line systems, or the X-25 signaling system used for most mobile
systems in
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the United States and Canada. However, another type of data system could be
used,
such as the Internet, an intranet, or another suitable communications medium.
For example, the information needed to create the data message 28 may be
obtained from a conventional call detail record (CDR) created by the switch
26. It will
be appreciated that virtualiy all telecommunications switches create CDRs as
part of
their normal operations. These CDRs include the input sequence and the
originating
directory number for all telecommunications calls originated by the switch,
and for
MTSO systems include location information regarding the originating location
of the
call, and therefore contain the information necessary to assemble the data
message
28. Accordingly, a proprietary device may read the information necessary to
assemble the data message 28 from a completed CDR, and the proprietary device
may, in turn, assemble the data message 28. This may be advantageous to shift
the
processing burden associated with assembling the data message 28 frorri the
switch
26 to the proprietary device. A completed CDR record may be read directly from
the
switch 26, or from another device, such as a mediation device used to
integrate the
switch 26 with a billing system computer in some applications. In addition, to
reduce
latency in creation of the data message 28, it may also be advantageous to
read the
in-process CDRs as they are created by the switch 26, so that the data message
28
may be assembled contemporaneously with the handling of the incoming call by
the
switch. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a "sniffer" circuit or
similar type of
data tap may be installed on the switch 26 to read and pass on in-process CDR
information to the proprietary device.
The data fulfillment platform 30 receives the data message 28, and readily
identifies the originating telecommunications device 24 from the directory
number
assigned to that device, which is included as part of the data message. The
data
fulfillment platform 30 also identifies the product code and the customer's
PIN from
the input sequence, which is also part of the data message 28. The data
fulfillment
platform 30 also identifies the location of the originating telecommunications
device
24, which corresponds to the location of the vending machine 12, from the
location
data included in the data message 28. From the information, the data
fulfillment
platform 30 processes the multi-function code service request to complete the
transaction.
More specifically, the data fulfillment platform 30 maintains a client data
base
32 containing customer profiie data indexed to the directory number assigned
to each
customer's telecommunications device. Of course, another data item may be used
as
the indexing parameter so long as the information contained in the data
message 28
is sufficient to identify the correct customer profile record in the client
data base 32.
This customer profile record typically includes the directory number assigned
to the
corresponding customer's telecommunications device (or other indexing
parameter),
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the customer's PIN, payment authority (e.g., credit account, debit account,
wire
transfer, or other payment authority), and may include other customer profile
data to
implement security or other types of purchasing limits. For example, the
customer
profile data may include spending limits, geographical use limits, and other
suitable
parameters for the data fulfillment platform 30 to use in determining whether
to
validate and execute a received multi-function code service request. The
customer
may preferably access his or her customer profile data to change the
parameters,
including the customer's PIN and other security parameters, on an as-needed
basis.
Additional security measures, such as encryption keys and other types of
electronic
identification (e.g., storage and receipt of "mother's maiden name" and other
techniques familiar to those skilled in the art), may be implemented at the
data
fulfillment platform 30 to prevent unauthorized access and alteration of
customer
profile data.
In step 3, the data fulfillment platform 30 validates the received multi-
function
code service request, typically verifying that the correct PIN is included in
the input
sequence 22. The data fulfillment platform 30 also determines whether to
execute
the purchase based on the customer profile data, and by checking whether
payment
authority is presently valid for the amount of the requested purchase. If the
request is
valid and authorized, the data fulfillment platform 30 charges the cost of the
purchase
to the customer's account. In step 4, the data fulfillment platform 30 credits
the
vendor's account for the amount of the purchase, which is typically entered
into a
customer database 34 maintained or contacted by the data fulfillment platform
30.
That is, the data fulfillment platform 30 completes the financial portion of
the
transaction by charging the customer's account, and crediting the vendor's
account,
for the amount of the purchase.
In step 5, the data fulfillment platform 30 implements the response action,
namely, remote activation of the vending machine 12 to deliver the purchased
product
to the customer. This is typically implemented by sending a wireless data
message
from the data fulfillment platform 30 to the vending machine 12 over a
wireless data
network 36. Alternatively, a paging system, short messaging system associated
with
a mobile telephone system, or other type of wireless data message may be used.
In
addition, if the vending machine 12 has some type of land-line connection, a
land-line
telephone, Internet or similar type of message may be used to activate the
vending
machine. The only requirement is that the data fulfillment platform 30 be
capable of
remotely activating the vending machine 12, either directly or indirectly,
after it has
verified the multi-function code service request and validated the payment
authorization, and in connection with completing the financial portion of the
transaction.
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Although the mobile vending system 10 is described above in connection with
a remotely operated vending machine 12, it should be appreciated that an
analogous
system could be used to implement a cashless vending system without the use of
physical vending machines. That is, the vending machine could be effectively
replaced by a "cashless register" operated by a vendor, in which the
activation
message is replaced by a payment confirmation message. For example, a
purchaser
may enter a product code into his or her telecommunications device in a store
environment, and the data fulfillment platform 30 may send a payment
confirmation
message back to the vendor's telecommunications device, after the data
fulfillment
platform 30 has verified the multi-function code service request and validated
the
payment authorization, and in connection with completing the financial portion
of the
transaction. In this manner, the vendor's telecommunications device acts as a
"cashless register" in a cashless vending system.
In another alternative, the originating telecommunications device 24 may serve
as the receiving device for the response action to the multi-function code
service
request. Similarly, another machine, such as a home computer identified in the
customer' profile, could serve as the receiving device. This alternative is
particularly
useful for implementing a delivery system for electronic information, such as
news,
music, multimedia, literature, and so forth. In addition, if the data delivery
is free, the
PIN code and financial steps are not necessary, which simplifies the data
fulfillment
process. In this type of application, the customer may simply enter a multi-
function
code service request including an advertising code, and automatically receive
a data
transmission corresponding to the advertising code. The system described above
may be used to deliver virtually any type of data associated with a displayed
advertising code, such as product information, driving directions, coupons,
financial
prospectus, inventory listing, safety guidelines, repair instructions,
schematic diagram,
event tickets and access credentials, photograph, weather forecast, music
file, and
the like. In addition, the customer may specify the receiving device for the
information
in his or her customer profile maintained in the client database 32. For
example, a
first device may be identified for receiving music, another device may be
identified for
receiving literature, and a third device may be identified for receiving
weather or
driving instructions. Because the customer may alter his or her customer
profile "on
the fly" using his or her telecommunications device to access the data
fulfillment
platform 30, the system described has a great flexibility and may be used for
many
types of data fulfillment services.
FIG. 2 is a functional diagram of a mobile web access service implemented by
the telecommunications initiated data fulfillment system 10. This system is
similar to
the system described above, except that a displayed advertising code is
associated
with an Internet, mobile browser or WAP address, and as the response action,
the
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data fulfillment platform 30 initiates an interactive Internet session between
the
originating telecommunications device 24 and the Internet, mobile browser or
WAP
site identified by the advertising code. In other words, the customer simply
enters the
appropriate multi-function code service request into his or her wireless
telecommunications device, the data fulfillment platform 30 responds by
initiating an
interactive Internet session with the originating telecommunications device 24
and
pushing a WAP, mobile browser or Internet page back to the ' originating
telecommunications device 24 to initiate the session. It should be noted that
the
multi-function code service request may be entered with the originating
telecommunications device 24 in an analog "normal telephone" mode. That
communication is terminated to an announcement and then discontinued to free
the
originating telecommunications device 24 to receive the incoming Internet,
mobile
browser or WAP page, which will typically be received in a digital or
"Internet" mode.
Thus, this application may be implemented on most WAP, mobile browser or
Internet
enabled wireless telecommunications devices without having to alter the device
to
include a modem or to accommodate on-line mode switching.
More particularly, in step one, the customer enters the appropriate input
string
22, namely the multi-function code service request described previously, into
his or
her telecommunications device 24. The input string 22 is received at a trigger-
enabled telecommunications switch 26, such as an advanced intelligent network
(AIN)
enabled system switching point (SSP) or mobile telephone switching office
(MTSO).
This switch is configured to detect and recognize the "*#" (star, pound) multi-
function
code as a trigger event. In response to detecting the star, pound trigger
event, the
switch 26 holds the call and looks up an instruction set to implement. For
example
*#2 may indicate a mobile web access instruction set.
The mobile web access instruction set typically instructs the switch 26 to
terminate the call to an appropriate announcement. For example, the
announcement
may state, "Your mobile web access has been received and will be acted on
immediately. Please place your device in an Internet mode, if appropriate, and
keep
it idle for a few moments. Thank you." At the end of the announcement, the
call is
discontinued, which frees the customer's telecommunications device to receive
an
incoming or "pushed" WAP, mobile browser or Internet page, and engage in an
Interactive Internet session. The mobile web access instruction set also
instructs the
switch 26 to look up a data address, assemble a data message 28, and send the
data
message to the data address. For example, the data address may identify a data
fulfillment platform 30 operated by the proprietor of the telecommunications
initiated
data fulfillment system 10. The data message typically includes the
identifying
information for the originating telecommunications device 24, such as the
directory
number assigned to that device, and the multi-function code service request,
which is
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the input sequence 22 entered into the telecommunications device to initiate
the
service. In a mobile web access application, the data message may not include
the
customer's PIN or location data. However, these parameters may be included if
financial and/or location-based processing is implemented. This might be the
case,
for example, if the accessed Internet site is a commercial site, such as an on-
line
shopping venue.
In step 2, the switch 26 delivers the data message 28 to the data fulfillment
platform 30. The data message is typically delivered to the data fulfillment
platform
using the conventional signaling system, such as the SS7 signaling system used
for
most land-line systems, or the X-25 signaling system used for most mobile
systems in
the United States and Canada. However, another type of data system could be
used,
,
such as the Internet, an intranet, or another suitable communications medium.
For
example, the information needed to create the data message 28 may be obtained
from a conventional call detail record (CDR) created by the switch 26, as
described
previously.
The data fulfillment platform 30 receives the data message 28, and readily
identifies the originating telecommunications device 24 from the directory
number
assigned to that device, which is included as part of the data message. The
data
fulfillment platform 30 also identifies the advertised code, and optionally
the
customer's PIN from the input sequence, which is also part of the data message
28.
From the information, the data fulfillment platform 30 processes the multi-
function
code service request to complete the transaction.
In step 3, the data fulfillment platform 30 obtains the appropriate Internet,
mobile browser or WAP address from a customer data base 40, which indexes the
displayed advertising code to an Internet address and an initial page
location. In step
4, the data fulfillment platform 30, which in this application is operating as
an Internet
Service Provider, links to the Internet, mobile browser or WAP address. In
step 5, the
data fulfillment platform 30 pushes the appropriate page back to the
originating
telecommunications device 24 to initiate an interactive Internet session.
In a variation of this service, a directory number assigned to a person's
wireless telecommunications device may serve as a "star, pound" WAP or mobile
browser access code. That is, the input directory number may implement a voice-
channel telephone call to the person's wireless telecommunications device,
whereas
the input of "star, pound" may implement a digital WAP or mobile browser
communication to the same device. In this manner, any type of analog or
digital
information may be conveyed to a telecommunications device using the same
directory number. Is should be appreciated that this dual-use directory number
concept will greatly facilitate the integration of wireless telecommunications
and
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wireless data functionality, and has the potential to greatly expand mobile
computing
capabilities.
FIG. 3 is a functional diagram of a mobile remote control service implemented
by a telecommunications initiated data fulfillment system. This system is
virtually the
same as the mobile vending system described with reference to FIG. 1, except
that
the customer's equipment may be remotely controlled with the system. For
example,
this system may be used to open car or garage doors, activate or deactivate
security
systems, program devices, and so forth. For example, this type of system could
be
used to remotely disable a stolen automobile, activate an alarm in the
automobile, or
to deter theft and aid in the apprehension of the thief. Alternatively, this
type of
system could be used to remotely activate a GPS tracking system and/or alarm
system to help track and locate missing persons or pets. On a different note,
the
system could be used to remotely disable telephones and televisions in a
teenager's
room at a specified hour, disable vehicles or other appliances while a
homeowner is
away, and so forth. Or it could be used to remotely activate pet or livestock
feeding
equipment, or turn on lawn sprinklers, or initiate data downloads, on demand
or
according to a set schedule. Indeed, the variety of useful applications for
remotely
controlling devices using this technology is virtually limitless.
FIG. 4 is a functional diagram of a streamlined Internet access service
implemented by a telecommunications initiated data fulfillment system 10. This
system is similar to the mobile web access system described with reference to
FIG. 2,
except that the originating telecommunications device 24 includes a modem 42,
which allows the device to receive computer data over an analog telephone
connection. In addition, the switch 26 does not terminate the incoming call to
an
announcement, but instead looks up a directory number associated with the
input
"star, pound" string, and routes the telecommunications call using that
directory
number in the usual way. The switch 26 also places the input sequence (e.g.,
*#4 xxx
yyy zzzz) in an available field in the routing message header, where it can be
retrieved by the data fulfillment platform 30 when it receives the
telecommunications
call.
The switch 26 then routes the retrieved directory number, which is assigned to
the data fulfillment platform 30. In this alternative, the data fulfillment
platform 30
operates as a conventional ISP, except that it initiates the Internet session
by linking
the originating telecommunications device to an Internet page indicated by the
input
sequence. That is, the data fulfillment platform 30 receives the
telecommunications
call, maintains an open analog communication with the originating
telecommunications device 24, and initiates an Internet session between the
originating telecommunications device and the Internet site identified by the
input
sequence. This is the same method in which analog telephones are used to
access
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the Internet, except that this streamlines the link to the Internet site
identified by the
input sequence.
For the user of the originating telecommunications device 24, this streamlined
Internet access service makes it easier to initiate an Internet session and
link to a
desired address. That is, the user simply enters an input sequence comprising
the
appropriate multi-function code service request, and the Internet session
automatically initiates with a link established to the Internet site
identified by the input
sequence. This system may also be modified to provide streamlined access to
location-specific data. For example, a predefined "star, pound" code may be
used to
obtain a road map, weather report, traffic report, or list of restaurants
based on the
current location of the originating telecommunications device 24.
FIG. 5 is an instruction set diagram illustrating an advanced intelligent
network
(AIN) and call detail record (CDR) alternative implementation methodologies
for
implementing a telecommunications initiated data fulfillment system. This
diagram
illustrates the steps that are implemented by specific pieces of equipment to
implement the telecommunications initiated data fulfillment system 10 using
currently
deployed telecommunications infrastructure.
In instruction set 1, the AIN capability of SSP and MTSO telecommunications
devices is used to implement the telecommunications initiated data fulfillment
system.
Specifically, an SSP or MTSO receives the incoming communication from the
originating telecommunications device 24, and recognizes the multi-function
code
trigger event. The SSP or MTSO may then make an optional query to a service
control point (SCP) or home location register (HLR) to determine whether the
originating telecommunications device 24 is authorized to utilize the "star,
pound"
system, typically with reference to a subscriber database indexed by the
originating
directory number (i.e., the directory number assigned to the originating
telephone
device 24). If the originating telecommunications device 24 is not authorized
to utilize
the "star, pound" system, the SSP or MTSO terminates the call to an
announcement,
such as, "You will now be routed to a site where you can register for the
star, pound
service," and then routes the call to an appropriate registration platform.
If the originating telecommunications device 24 is authorized to utilize the
"star,
pound" system, the SSP or MTSO terminates the call to an announcement, such
as,
"Your data request has been received and will be acted on immediately. Thank
you."
The SCP or HLR then looks up a data address for the data fulfillment platform,
assembles the appropriate data message, and transmits the data message to the
data fulfillment platform over the SS7 or X-25 signaling system.
Instruction set 2 is similar to instruction set 1, except that a proprietary
device
reads information from CDRs or in-process CDRs to create the data message.
That
is, the processing performed by the SCP or HLR in instruction set is shifted
to a
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proprietary device. Specifically, an SSP or MTSO receives the incoming
communication from the originating telecommunications device 24, and
recognizes
the multi-function code trigger event. The SSP or MTSO may then make an
optional
query to a service control point (SCP) or home location register (HLR) to
determine
whether the originating telecommunications device 24 is authorized to utilize
the "star,
pound" system, typically with reference to a subscriber database indexed by
the
originating directory number (i.e., the directory number assigned to the
originating
telecommunications device 24). If the originating telecommunications device 24
is not
authorized to utilize the "star, pound" system, the SSP or MTSO terminates the
call to
an announcement, such as, "You will now be routed to a site where you can
register
for the star, pound service," and then routes the call to an appropriate
registration
platform.
If the originating telecommunications device 24 is authorized to utilize the
"star,
pound" system, the SSP or MTSO terminates the call to an announcement, such
as,
"Your data request has been received and will be acted on immediately. Thank
you."
The SSP or MTSO then discontinues the communication in the usual way, which
triggers the creation of a CDR record. The proprietary device, referred to in
FIG. 5 as
the "*# AIN processor" extracts information from the CDR or an in-process CDR
at the
switch or at a mediation device. The proprietary device then looks up a data
address
for the data fulfillment platform, assembles the appropriate data message, and
transmits the data message to the data fulfillment platform over the SS7 or X-
25
signaling system.
FIG. 6 is a functional diagram of a telecommunications initiated data
fulfillment
system illustrating features of a data fulfillment database. In particular,
the
telecommunications initiated data fulfillment system shown in FIG. 6
illustrates a*#
ISP and data fulfillment center 30 that includes a fulfillment database 60, a
client
database 62, and Internet interconnection facilities with a plurality of
customer web
sites 64. In this embodiment, the ISP and data fulfillment center 30 includes
all of the
intelligence required to implement the telecommunications initiated data
fulfillment
system, except *# trigger and messaging capability implemented, which is
implemented at the SSP and MTSO devices that initially receive the multi-
function
code service requests. In addition, this SSP or MTSO based functionality may
be
unnecessary if another type of messaging system is used to deliver the multi-
function
code service requests from the originating telecommunications device 24 to the
ISP
and data fulfillment center 30, such as a wireless data network, e-mail,
intranet, or
any other suitable type of messaging system. The only requirement for
implementing
the telecommunications initiated data fulfillment system is that the message
that
reaches the data fulfillment center 30 include two pieces of information, the
input
sequence (i.e., multi-function code service request initiated by the
originating
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telecommunications device 24) and identification information for the
originating
telecommunications device 24, such as the directory number assigned to the
device.
FIG. 7 is a functional diagram of a telecommunications initiated data
fulfillment
system illustrating features implemented by an SCP or HLS. In this
alternative, a
large portion of the intelligence necessary to implement the
telecommunications
initiated data fulfillment system illustrating features of a data fulfillment
database is
implemented by the SSP and MTO devices through a switch-based translation
table
72 and SCP (e.g., for SSP land-line systems) or HLR (e.g., for MTSO wireless
systems). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the location of the
intelligence is
a design choice for the telecommunications initiated data fulfillment system,
and will in
most applications be driven by the type of entity that is implementing the
system. In
particular, regional telephone operating companies will most likely prefer the
deployment shown in FIG. 7, whereas independent service providers will most
likely
prefer the deployment shown in FIG. 6.
In another application, the system described herein may be used to implement
an abbreviated dialing system. For example, using a double function dialing
prefix
with a single or multi-digit identifier code that enables individual coding
which can be
used in both wireless, data, and PSTN networks to create a super ID that is
tagged to
an individual and super-imposes over all device IDs the individual may
possess, but is
short enough to memorize for the general population (less than 10 digits
beyond
dialed prefix). This is unique in that it can represent both messaging and
real-time
communications contacts so that voice, data, video, text, and other forms of
communications can reach an individual represented by this ID, not just
wireless and
PSTN calls or voice messages. Additionally, this number can be entered into a
myriad of devices such as a wireless phone, PDA, PSTN phone, 2-way pager, web
or
IP - enabled device, or video-phone.
In another application, the system described herein may be used to implement
a personal directory number system in which a single multi-function code
directory
number may link to multiple devices or device addresses used by the customer
assigned that particular personal directory number. For example, entry of the
designated multi-function code plus the customer's personal directory number
(i.e.,
Individual ID) from an originating telecommunication device triggers the
launch of the
customer's personal contact web page (i.e., individual homepage) and automatic
link
or push of that page back to the originating, telecommunication device. This
personal
contact web page, which is customizable by the customer, includes the data
addresses for multiple communications devices, prioritized contact addresses,
time-
of-day based contact instructions, and so forth, for communicating with the
customer.
In addition, the identity of the originating telecommunication device may be
used as a
prioritizing or indexing parameter by the customer's personal contact web
page. For
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example, the page may display the specific addresses, trigger a conference
call,
trigger an e-mail instant messaging session, or accept a voice or data message
mail,
a document, a picture, a music file, or any other suitable type of electronic
information.
In particular, a user may enter someone else's Individual ID via manual,
directory, or voice, into their cell phone and have that person's individual
homepage
be delivered via but, not limited to email, web, XML, or WAP. The individual's
homepage can contain any information the individual wanted to present, but
will also
contain a "communications cockpit" which will enable the user to contact the
individual
through both voice and data means and through any device the individual has
tagged
under his/her universal ID communications umbrella which may include printers,
vehicle communication, or home communication devices. These device IDs can be
hidden from the user thereby eliminating need to list multiple contact numbers
or
addresses and protects anonymity.
The individual will also have the capability of determining rules for
prioritizing,
filtering, screening, and routing real-time communications and messaging via,
but not
limited to voice, email, fax, instant messaging, data, WAP, XML, HTML, and
file
transfer. This is unique in that universal messaging and single number
services exist,
but are not combined to provide a complete communications and messaging
solution
for individuals.
The system described herein combines the capabilities of both one number
services and integrated messaging, and covers both voice and data
communications,
enables rules to be built governing when, where, how, and who can communicate
with the individual using a myriad of different communications and messaging
capabilities while being able to prioritize and select the best method
available with the
technology to reach to individual from any device that is connected to a
wireless,
wired voice, data, or IP network.
For example, an individual is sitting at a ball game at six o'clock in the
afternoon on a Wednesday. A user decides to contact an individual for the
first time
by entering the Universal ID for the individual. The data fulfillment platform
enables a
WAP screen pop of the customer's homepage on the user's originating
telecommunications device, in this example a WAP enabled wireless device. This
WAP screen offers the user the ability to communicate with the individual in a
myriad
of ways through wireless interaction with the customer's homepage, such as:
tag
delivery as urgent, normal, or later delivery; real-time via voice, video, or
instant
messaging; messaging via voice, email, fax; video, or text. In addition, the
customer
will have the capability of setting rules within his or her homepage to
implement the
following: time based filtering and screening; priority filtering and
screening; automatic
number identification (ANI) based filtering and prioritizing; recognition of
universal ID
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of individual contacting filtering and screening; real-time filtering and
screening;
dynamic routing of contact; translation text to speech, speech to text, and
video to
voice; prioritization of reception device based upon all above. For example,
one
possible prioritization scheme might be: after 6PM all contacts are messaging
to 2-
way pager, but if "wife" (Universal ID *#1234567891) or recognized universal
IDs
marked "urgent" contacts, send to cell phone, if that does not answer send to
home
phone, if no answer, send to 2-way pager. Of course, a virtually unlimited
number of
different customer definable prioritization and screening schemes may be
implemented using the systems and methods described herein.
In another application, the system described herein may be used to implement
a geographic positioning and mapping system using wireless networks, wireless
cell
towers, and other GPS-like mapping systems to determine location of objects.
In
particular, the emergency "911" laws are forcing carriers to map the location
of users
for emergency services using GPS and speed/distance from cell tower location
based
mapping systems, but this only locates users and does not map objects. By
labeling
objects with a specific code and using a multi-function code prefix, objects
can be
coded and the specific object that the user desires can be mapped. By (abefing
a
fixed location object, a user can then identify their location to that object
for further
action. By mapping an object to a specific location or grid, the object
identifier grid
system can be much smaller that traditional grid systems such as area or zip
code.
By localizing object mapping and using the wireless infrastructure, the grid
system
can shorten the object identifier to less than 5 digits, but remain universal
throughout
the planet.
In another application, the system described herein may be used to implement
user-determined soft switching using a wireless network, separating routing
over
network based on the presence or absence of a multi-function code dialing
prefix. For
example, by entering a multi-function code dialed prefix or key word via
manual,
directory, or voice, the user can select the purpose of usage over a wireless
provider's network; internet, communication via voice, communication via text,
or
voice, video, or text messaging using the same data or voice network. This is
unique
in that today, the methodology is to complete a call or to specifically enable
a data
connection via the wireless device, but not to be able to allow the user to
determine
the format and method of information delivery (messaging) and real-time
communication. By enabling user requested functionality, legacy switches can
route
special function "information actions" through a data network to a platform to
fulfill the
user requested function while maintaining the existing wireless network for
voice
traffic.
It should be understood that the foregoing relates only to the exemplary
embodiments of the present invention, and that numerous changes may be made
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therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as
defined by the
following claims.
23
