JP2002520707A - Information access with marketing capabilities by purpose - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Summary Communication architecture and services allow subscribers to wirelessly access information providers and allow advertisers to target targeted individuals to specific demographic profiles. The services provided by this architecture allow mobile phone subscribers (13) to talk to content servers (10) that provide access to a wide variety of information not normally exposed to mobile subscribers. I do. Through this architecture, individually targeted advertisements can also be provided to receivers of broadcast information or entertainment content. The advertising spots selected by the system for each user are transferred in large segments for insertion at the right time when the content is broadcast or in place of the regularly transmitted advertising spots, Can be inserted when is stored locally in the selected receiver. This architecture consists of a central content and data processing center that receives information for the subscriber and any advertisers, and a receiver device for each subscriber's receiver, equipped to provide the necessary logic, memory and switching. And Communication between the various systems incorporated in this architecture is provided by a combination of wired (20), wireless (13), and satellite (15) transmission facilities.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION-The present invention relates to the field of information distribution. 2. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART PCS and mobile phones are basically used for two-way voice communication, but for more limited use, to access a computer network or the Internet using a mobile modem. However, it is possible to provide an entrance to more general information access. In addition, distribution by mass media,
It is convenient to combine targeted marketing capabilities with the ability to accurately measure subscriber access to these services.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The novel communication architecture and services disclosed herein allow subscribers, among other services, wireless mobile access to information providers and enable advertiser capabilities to meet specific demographic profiles. Enables targeted advertising to be applied to individuals who apply. With the services provided by this architecture,
Mobile phone (analog mobile or digital PCS) subscribers can dial into a server that provides access to various information and entertainment content that mobile subscribers typically cannot obtain. The server has access to the calling subscriber's identity using caller ID technology and access to the caller's demographic information as determined by the caller's mobile phone subscription, so that the called information The advertising content of the service can be tailored for each caller. The types of information services accessed range from real-time news, sports, weather, traffic, and real-time financial information to various entertainment media. Elements of specific information can also be accessed by telephone. If the mobile phone is mounted on a mobile PC, the subscriber can access the Internet via a wireless modem and receive voice and low-speed scan video.

[0003] Through this architecture, personalized advertising can also be provided to recipients of broadcast information or entertainment content. The advertising spot selected by the system for each user is determined when the content is broadcast, or more realistically,
Instead of being sent periodically, it can be transmitted in larger segments for insertion at just the right time instead of being advertised, and inserted when stored locally in the receiver selected by the user. Knowing the specific services accessed and the time taken for each session allows advertisers and content providers to receive accurate information about the user's listening patterns. Also,
A user can specify specific information or entertainment material to insert into a normal program. For example, a user can request an hourly insertion of portfolio stock quotes or a portion of the top 10 record hits. It is conceivable that free broadcast time is provided to provide a wide variety of services, but it is also conceivable to charge subscribers for access to premium services.

[0004] Through this architecture, subscribers can have mobile access to information that would otherwise be inaccessible, or fixed radio access to information that would not be accessible to radio listeners. The phone's text display indicates which service is being accessed. This architecture includes core content, a data processing center to receive subscriber and advertiser information, and a receptor device in each subscriber's receiver with equipment to provide the necessary logic, memory and switching. Communication between the various systems built into the architecture is provided by a combination of wired, wireless, and satellite communication facilities.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0005] The overall architecture and information flow for a PCS / mobile phone, for example, is shown in FIG. The national or international master server 1 receives news and entertainment content from content providers and receives advertising messages from advertisers. The advertiser also provides instructions such as the geographic and demographic targets for each advertisement. The master server communicates with the mobile carrier 2 directly or via a terrestrial or satellite link 6, 7 via a regional or local server 3. The regional or local server
Local news and traffic, weather, or geographically or demographically focused advertisements can be inserted. A mobile phone or other mobile transmitting / receiving device 4
For example, a desired service such as voice from a sports channel is called via the mobile network 5 to the mobile carrier and the master server 1. The outgoing call can be made using a code controlled by the mobile carrier, such as, for example, #INFO. If the caller receives a call while connected to the information service, a busy signal allows the caller to exit the service and answer the call.

In FIG. 1, link “A” indicates that the content provider can uplink content to satellites or use landline services.
Link "B" indicates that the satellite or terrestrial facility accesses a local or regional server to customize the content to the personal listening habits.
"C" indicates interaction between the customer and the local / regional server based on listening habits. The link "D" indicates a customer listening habit that is fed back to advertisers and content providers to indicate the exact listening pattern. In addition, a charge can be made for a paid service.

When the master server receives a call, it recognizes the information service that received the call and the identity of the caller. Since the identity of the caller is known, the master server can connect to an information file containing demographic information from subscription to mobile service and additional information provided by the caller in connection with this service. . This allows access to that "channel" and signals to the network, for example, to mute the caller's voice reply input. Since it is basically a “receive only” service, this mute feature saves battery and bandwidth. The server continues to control the flow of information, and when an advertising spot is detected by detecting a cue signal inserted by the content provider, the server, under its software control, focuses on the advertiser's geographic or demographic. Advertising spots can be selected for a targeted subscriber or group of subscribers. The transmission to each subscriber is
It can be handled individually or comprehensively. This focused advertising capability can be an economic power to service free mobile airtime for various information and entertainment services. Thus, subscribers can listen to advertisements that are more interested and advertisers can reach subscribers that are more likely to respond to the advertisements. In addition, the user of the service can direct the insertion of specific information or entertainment content through normal programming.

[0008] The subscriber can also access a premium service to which he has agreed to pay the fee. By "dialing" a number corresponding to such a service,
It provides billing information to the billing system and signals the master server to publish its programming to the subscriber. One example of such a premium service is an investment portfolio monitoring service, which monitors a subscriber's portfolio,
A call is made after the set trigger position, and when the subscriber answers, the information is transferred to the text information display of the subscriber's telephone or the subscriber. Then
The subscriber can switch to the transmission mode and execute a sell / buy order, for example, by pressing an "action" button. If the phone is a digital input to a personal computer (PC) or the PCS chip is integrated into a PC or other device, the subscriber will receive limited graphics or text or slow motion video can do. Mobile PC
Feeding the S-telephone signal to a low-power FM modulator allows reception over any FM radio, so that information that would not normally be received via radio equipment can be fixed and mobile (eg, car radio) reception To be able to
Playback can be performed directly through a speakerphone device. Most preferably, a receptor unit having the necessary communication, recording and control functions is incorporated in each receiving device.

The national or international master server 1 can communicate with one or more regional or local servers 3 via a terrestrial link 6 or a satellite link 7. The software in the local or local server allows the server to insert local information and local advertisements.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the architecture of the present invention. Master server 1 receives information from content provider 8 and advertiser 9. Advertiser 9 provides advertising spots and target information including geographic and demographic refinements of each spot. The master server 1 returns usage information to the advertiser. The subscriber 4 dials the wireless carrier 2 via the mobile network 5. As shown in FIG. 3, the master server 1 operates via an area / local server 3 that communicates with the mobile provider 2 in each area. With such an arrangement, the international master server can provide services in several languages, and each regional server handles advertisements, for example, in its local language.

FIG. 4 shows a somewhat small but sufficiently valuable architecture in which callers 4 “dial” directly to each content provider. Since the content provider knows the identity of the caller 4, the content provider can provide a focused advertisement and obtain program evaluation information directly.

Example—Service can be performed in the following manner. 1. When subscribing to the service, the subscriber receives the receiving method, receiver (telephone, mobile or P
Select a CS phone, satellite, conventional radio (AM / FM) or other receiving scheme or a combination thereof and answer questions regarding demographics and categories of interest. The questions can be answered by hand or preferably on the web, where the parameters entered by the subscriber can be changed periodically. According to some possible configurations, the subscription may be a paid subscription for the service. According to another configuration, a user of the service is provided with free access.

[0013] 2. The information is processed by an information server and loaded into a database. The subscriber is assigned an access code number.

[0014] 3. The access number is used as an access identifier to address returning the appropriate material to the subscriber. Also used for immediate trading.

[0015] 4. The receiver may include code-accessed storage and a processing receptor to periodically download commercial or other subscriber-oriented content along with a series of information. Downloading is usually automatic while the least number of specific systems are used or performing a few operations. The download may be from a PCS phone, a conventional radio or television satellite subcarrier, a paging company, or a digital signal from a television station.
It can be used for complex telephones including voice mail, and for applications to such complex telephones.)

[0016] 5. The downloaded material can then be seamlessly integrated and switched to real-time programming by the receptor. The real-time programmer sends a start code (or cue) to a downstream, receptor that triggers and plays back the stored material. Each module of stored material may have a corresponding stored identifier code. Appraisal of the time a subscriber spends listening to real-time programming and downloaded material is usually (but not necessarily limited to) using a wireless technology such as a PCS telephone to evaluate the listener. Recorded in the storage device for uploading to the server. Such services allow the audio media business to be run "over the night."

[0017] 6. Assuming that a PCS or similar link is used, the subscriber can, for example, obtain additional information, place an immediate order (the server has the subscriber's information on file), or answer a question. By returning a reply, such as pressing a button,
Immediately respond to commercial or other content immediately.

[0018] 7. Once the downloaded information has been played, the end of message (EOM) code recombines the "local" content into the basic programming. When downloaded material is not available in memory, the default mode will continue with a basic program consisting of general content or commercials during such periods.

[0019] 8. By newly downloading, depending on the instruction set, all or a part of the previously stored content is erased and prepared for the next reproduction. The subscriber can also manually store the content.

[0020] 9. The service may be charged for playback, or may be free when data is supplied in order to encourage provision of usage data to a content provider, or may be a combination of these. .

FIG. 5 illustrates the application of the disclosed communication architecture to include broadcast information for entertainment programming and access via a wired telephone. here,
The master server 1 in the content and data processing center includes a content server 10, a statistical data server 11, and a database linked to the two servers. The functions of the content server 10 and the statistical data server 11 can be realized as a plurality of software-defined parts in a single server device. The content server 10 receives and processes insertion material such as advertising spots from advertisers or information content requested by users. The insert material is assembled into modules and an identifier code is attached to each module.

In a service using a PCS / mobile phone or the like, main information and entertainment contents pass through a master server. The individually selected insertion material is inserted by either the content server 10 or the receptor device of the receiver 13. Content server 10 communicates with mobile base station 14 via either satellite 15 or telephone terrestrial network 16. T1 and DS3 rates are examples.

The architecture shown in FIG. 5 is a content module for insertion during a broadcast transmission received by a mobile listener such as a car radio 17 or an installed broadcast receiver such as a radio 18 or a television 19. Can also be used to select To be incorporated into the service, the broadcast receiver must have a receptor unit as shown below. These receptors are, for example, PCS
/ Includes a two-way communication facility for returning communications to the context server 10 and the statistics server 11 via a portable mobile radio or direct satellite link. The terrestrial base phone 20 equipped with a receptor unit dials the information or entertainment provider desired by the user and replaces the individually selected content module, i.e., a normal commercial spot, or at a time pre-selected by the user, for example. , You can have a content module inserted into your normal programming.

An operation button 21 for starting a reply to the content server 10 is provided to each receiver.
Can also be equipped. The action button 21 can initiate a response to the inserted commercial spot, for example, by ordering a product or requesting additional information. The database has user names and connection information (addresses, email addresses, etc.) and, in some cases, the user's credit card number, which facilitates such orders. For example, various encoding schemes can be used depending on whether the operation button 21 is pressed once or twice.

FIG. 6 shows various functions and information flows incorporated in the receptor unit.
The receptor unit performs various information processing, communication, and switching processes required for each receiver to enable the receiver to participate in the disclosed service.
These functions are performed under the control of a stored program from the microprocessor 22. In order to input normal information or entertainment content 25 or auxiliary insertion content 26 to an audio output device 27, a communication device such as an RF transceiver 23 receives an input from a data multiplexer 24 controlled by the microprocessor 22. Done. The receptor may be equipped with a return audio channel 28 or a return data channel 29. The return data channel 29 incorporates, for example, a storage function of storing usage information for periodically downloading to the statistical data server 11 of the master server. In the case of FM radio broadcasting, the RDF data broadcast together with the FM radio signal can be stored and used for further services.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a communication architecture of the present invention realized using a PCS service.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the architecture of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the architecture of FIG. 1, illustrating the use of a master server and a regional server.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the architecture of the present invention when the master server function is implemented in each content provider.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of the communication architecture of the present invention incorporating broadcast transmission and various possible receiver technologies.

FIG. 6 is a functional conceptual diagram showing an example of a functional unit in a receiving unit, showing a path through which information flows.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of front page (81) Designated country EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE ), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, SD, SL, SZ, UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AE, AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR , BY, CA, CH, CN, CU, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS , JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, UA, UG, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZW (71) Applicant 1210 Remsen Mill Road, Neptune, NJ 07753 U.S. S. A. F term (reference) 5C064 BA07 BB10 BC06 BC10 BC16 BC20 BC27 BD02 BD08 BD16 5K067 AA34 BB04 BB21 DD16 DD53 EE00 EE02 EE07 EE10 EE16 FF02 FF04 FF23 HH23 HH24 Includes the [Continued Summary] receptor device. Communication between the various systems incorporated in this architecture is through a combination of wired (20), wireless (13), and satellite (15) transmission facilities.

Claims (24)

[Claims] 1. A system for providing a user with access to information and entertainment content, including individually selected insertion content, via a receiver equipped with an interactive receptor, comprising: (a) (i) insertion; Means for receiving the inserted content and demographic target information from the content source and storing the inserted content and demographic target information in a database; and (ii) receiving demographic information and receiver selection information from the subscriber. Means for storing said information in a database; (iii) means for receiving a user insertion instruction from a user and storing said instruction in a database; and (iv) demographic information, user insertion instruction and demographic target information. Selecting a portion of the inserted content that includes at least one insertion module, (B) (i) means for receiving usage information from the user and storing the usage information in a database, and (ii) usage for evaluation and billing purposes. A statistical data server having means for transmitting information to the inserted content source and the information and entertainment content provider; and (c) a database having means for communicating with the content server and the statistical data server. system. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein each insertion module includes an identifier code used by an interactive receptor to affect insertion of the insertion module.
System. 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising means for receiving information and entertainment content from a content provider and transmitting the information and entertainment content to a user. 4. The system according to claim 3, further comprising means for inserting the insertion module into information and entertainment content. 5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the receiver is a PCS or portable mobile telephone or a personal computer equipped for PCS or portable mobile communication. 6. A means for transmitting a plurality of insertion modules in series to a receiver for storage at a receptor and signaling information for inserting the first insertion module into information and entertainment content. The system according to claim 4, wherein 7. The system according to claim 4, wherein the receiver is a telephone that accesses the content server via a landline link. 8. The receiver is a broadcast receiver for receiving broadcast programming, the system comprising means for integrating a portion of the advertising information with the broadcast programming. The system of claim 1, wherein: 9. A means for transmitting a plurality of advertising spots in series to a receiver for storage in a receptor and signaling information for replacing normal advertising information included in broadcast programming with a first advertising spot. The system of claim 8, comprising: 10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the insertion module is an advertisement spot and the insertion content source is an advertiser. 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the insertion module includes information selected based on a user insertion instruction. 12. An interactive receptor incorporated in a receiver, comprising: (a) a processor for controlling the receptor and the receiver; and (b) communicating with the processor to store a control program, usage information, and an insertion module. (C) audio output means for communicating with the memory and processor to convert the stored insertion module to an analog audio output; and (d) converting the analog audio output to information and entertainment content received by the receiver. And a switch to be inserted. 13. The interactive receptor according to claim 12, further comprising means for transmitting usage information to a statistical data server. 14. The interactive receptor according to claim 12, further comprising means for transmitting a user-generated command to the content server. 15. The interactive receptor of claim 12, further comprising means for transmitting a user generated command received from the action button. 16. A method of operating a communication system to provide a user with access to information and entertainment content and individually selected insertion content, comprising: (a) at a content server, insertion content from an insertion content source; (B) receiving demographic information and information selected by a receiver from a user at a content server, storing the information in a database, c) selecting a portion of the inserted content based on demographic information, a user insertion command from the user, and demographic target information from the inserted content source; and (d) transmitting a portion of the inserted content to the subscriber. A method characterized in that: 17. The method of claim 16, wherein said portion includes at least one selected insertion module. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein at least one insertion module is transmitted to a user along with information and entertainment content. 19. A plurality of insertion modules are transmitted to the user separately from the information and entertainment content for storage in the user's receiver for later integration with the information and entertainment content. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the method comprises: 20. The method according to claim 17, wherein utilization information of the statistical data server is received and stored in a database. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein usage information is sent to advertisers and content providers for evaluation and billing purposes. 22. The method of claim 20, wherein usage information is transmitted to a content provider for billing purposes. 23. A system for providing subscriber access to advertising content individually selected for information and entertainment content via a receiver equipped with an interactive receptor, comprising: (a) (i) an advertiser; Means for receiving advertisement information and demographic target information from a database and storing the advertisement information and demographic target information in a database; and (ii)
Means for receiving demographic information and receiver selection information from a subscriber and storing said information in a database; and (iii) a portion of advertising information having a plurality of advertising spots based on demographic information and demographic target information. And (b) (i) receiving usage information from the subscriber and storing the usage information in a database; and (ii) receiving the usage information from the subscriber. A statistical data server having means for transmitting usage information to advertisers and content providers for evaluation and billing purposes; and (c) a database having means for communicating with the content server and the statistical data server. A system characterized by the following. 24. The system according to claim 23, wherein the receiver is a digital PCS or an analog portable mobile phone.