WO2015002549A1

WO2015002549A1 - Method and system for communicating a message

Info

Publication number: WO2015002549A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2014/000134
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kerry Sean Davis; Julius Martin Victor SPENCER
Original assignee: Callerads Limited
Priority date: 2013-07-03
Filing date: 2014-07-03
Publication date: 2015-01-08

Abstract

A method is provided for communicating at least one message to a user device prior to connection of a call between the user device and a second user device initiating the call. The method includes detecting an incoming call and replacing an incoming call interface of the user device with a replacement incoming call interface. A request from a user of the user device to answer the incoming call is received via the replacement incoming call interface, and a message communicated to the user of the user device. On completion of the message the incoming call is answered.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR COMMUNICATING A MESSAGE

STATEMENT OF CORRESPONDING APPLICATIONS

This application is based on the specification filed in relation to New Zealand Patent Application Number 612795 and the specification filed in relation to New Zealand Patent Application Number 612798, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for communicating a message - particularly communication of a message prior to connecting a user device to an incoming call.

BACKGROUND

Advances in technology have resulted in communications devices such as mobile phones becoming a ubiquitous element of an individual's interaction with others in both a personal and professional capacity, regardless of location.

Such devices present an opportunity for advertisers to gain direct access to individuals.

Systems are known for playing messages to users on hold, replacing the dial tone or ringback tone of a caller's device with a message, or playing the message to the caller prior to connecting the call. Such systems do not typically target users receiving the call, which limits the audience to which the message is delivered.

US Patent Application No. 2007/0116227 discusses delivering an audible advertisement as a ringtone to a call recipient, playing the advertisement to attract the call recipient's attention to the fact that they are receiving a call.

However, such a method has several shortcomings. If the call recipient is out of earshot of the phone, or has the phone on silent, the advertisement may be delivered without being heard. An advertiser paying for delivery of a quota of advertisements would ideally like some assurance that the advertisements are received.

The applicant's International Application No. PCT/NZ2012/000166 describes a method and system by which the advertisement is delivered to the call recipient on answering the call, and requires positive indication by the call recipient that completion of the advertisement has been observed before connecting the communication link. In the case of delivery of messages over a communication link, if this process is to be managed in conjunction with a communications provider (such as a cellular network operator) then changes to the infrastructure of the communications provider may be required. This may be a complex process with significant cost implications. It may be desirable for such messages could be delivered without interaction with the communications provider beyond connection of the communication link.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

All references, including any patents or patent applications, cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the reference states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents forms parts of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

SUMMARY

According to an exemplary embodiment there is provided a method for communicating at least one message to a user device prior to connection of a call between the user device and a second user device initiating the call, the method including the steps of: detecting an incoming call; replacing an incoming call interface of the user device with a replacement incoming call interface; receiving, via the replacement incoming call interface, a request from a user of the user device to answer the incoming call; communicating a message to the user of the user device; and answering the incoming call on completion of the message.

According to another exemplary embodiment there is provided a user device capable of receiving a call from a second user device, the user device including: a processor configured to: detect an incoming call; replace an incoming call interface of the user device with a replacement incoming call interface; receive, via the replacement call answer interface, a request from a user of the user device to answer the incoming call; communicate a message to the user of the user device; and answer the incoming call on completion of the message.

According to another exemplary of the present invention there is provided a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing one or more programs, the one or more programs comprising instructions, which when executed by a processor of a user device capable of receiving a call from a second user device, cause the user device to: detect an incoming call; replace an incoming call interface of the user device with a replacement incoming call interface; receive, via the replacement call answer interface, a request from a user of the user device to answer the incoming call; communicate a message to the user of the user device; and answer the incoming call on completion of the message.

By waiting until receiving a request to answer the call by delivering the message, it is envisaged that the likelihood of the message being viewed and/or listened to by the user may be increased. This may be for a number of reasons. Firstly, by acknowledging the incoming call, the user confirms that they are presently in control of and paying attention to the user device. Further, the user is aware that another party has placed a telephone call to them, and may be motivated to pay attention to the message in the knowledge that completion of the message will result in connection to that party. There is a further potential benefit in that accurate data may be obtained regarding the success rate of the message being received by the user of the user device. It is envisaged that the present invention may have particular application to mobile telephones operating over the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). Firstly, it enables the delivery of messages to the user without requiring interaction with the systems of communications service providers managing the connection, which may require costly modifications to those systems - or at the very least interfere with well-established processes. Further, charges to users are primarily determined based on the length of connection. By maintaining the calling status while the message is delivered and reviewed by the callee, the caller is not charged for the connection. While it is envisaged that the time of delivery of the message may be less than 10 seconds, thereby incurring a minimal cost if delivered after connection of the call, this may be viewed negatively by consumers and thus service providers concerned with public perception. Avoiding this situation may be particularly useful in encouraging uptake of embodiments described herein.

However, it should be appreciated that this is not intended to be limiting, as the user device may receive calls using other communication technologies such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Further, the user device may be any other device capable of receiving calls and answering same on request from a user. Detection of the incoming call may be achieved using any method known in the art. For example, on the Android™ mobile operating system, the TelephonyManager' class and its method 'listen' may be used to determine call state information.

In an exemplary embodiment the user device may include a touchscreen, and the incoming call interface may be a graphical user interface displayed on the touchscreen - including soft keys providing options for the user to accept or reject the call.

Reference to a replacement incoming call interface should be understood to mean an interface presented to the user in place of the standard incoming call interface, effectively controlling the timing of the connection of the call without modifying the program associated with handling calls on the device. In an exemplary embodiment the replacement incoming call interface substantially replicates the incoming call interface, particularly with regard to inputs available to the user. For example, the replacement incoming call interface may include a call answer option, and a call reject option - potentially in the form of soft keys displayed on a touchscreen of the device. It should be appreciated that reference to replacement of the incoming call interface is not intended to exclude embodiments in which the incoming call interface continues to run in the background, but is overlaid by the replacement incoming call interface. It is envisaged that call handling may be passed back to the standard call handling routines of the device once the steps of exemplary embodiments have been performed. Further, the replacement incoming call interface may permit interaction with components of the incoming call interface - for example, a key ignoring or rejecting the incoming call.

In an exemplary embodiment, an incoming call notification associated with the incoming call interface may be suppressed after receiving the request from the user of the user device to answer the incoming call. Reference to an incoming call notification should be understood to be any means by which the user device or associated call handling software is configured to notify the user that they are receiving a call. The notification may be any suitable means known in the art for indicating that initiation of a communication link has been requested - for example broadcasting of a ring tone, display of a visual alert, vibration of the second user device, and so on. By suppressing the incoming call notification, the likelihood of the user being distracted during delivery of the message may be reduced, and if the message includes an audio component this may be delivered without interference. Further, the user experience of answering an incoming call may be substantially unaltered. It should be appreciated that this is not intended to be limiting, and that the incoming call notification may be suppressed and substituted, or controlled, prior to receiving the request. Alternatively, the notification may be permitted to continue until the call is connected or disregarded - although it is possible the volume of that channel may be reduced.

In an exemplary embodiment the message may be an advertisement. An advertisement should be understood to mean the presentation of information for the purpose of promotion, typically in connection with the provision of goods and/or services. From here on in the message may be referred to as an advertisement. However, it should be appreciated that this is not intended to be limiting, and that the message may be contain effectively any information for communication to the user of the user device. For example, the message may used as an information service, for educational purposes, or to deliver information regarding services. In an exemplary embodiment the message may be an audio message. It is envisaged that this may be particularly effective where embodiments are implemented using telephonic user devices. The advertisement may be communicated over voice channels regardless of whether the device has the capability to display visual messages.

Further, the user of the device may be more likely to listen to the advertisement in order to ensure that they are alert when communication with the other party is enabled. In the case of a visual message on a mobile phone, the user could simply hold the phone to their ear waiting for the call to be connected, effectively ignoring the advertisement. It is envisaged that this may result in greater conversion rates (i.e. where the user acts on the advertisement), which is a key objective in advertising. However, it should be appreciated that this is not intended to be limiting, and that the advertisement (or other messages) may be visual, audible, tactile, or a combination thereof. For example, user devices such as personal computers may be better suited to a visual or multimedia advertisement than pure audio.

In an exemplary embodiment, determination of whether it is appropriate to deliver the message may be performed. In particular, it is envisaged that the message may not be delivered where the time between detecting the incoming call and receiving the request to answer the incoming call exceeds a predetermined time. In doing so, the likelihood of the caller disconnecting the call, or the call going to a voice message, prior to the advertisement completing may be reduced. In an exemplary embodiment, completion of the message may include receiving a user initiated acknowledgement from the user of the user device that the message has completed. In requiring this acknowledgement, it is envisaged that the user may be required to pay attention to the progress of the message in order to note its completion and be connected to the caller. In an exemplary embodiment, soft keys may be presented to the user once delivery of the message has completed, or the message has been presented for a predetermined period of time. However, this is not intended to be limiting and the user initiated acknowledgement may be received though any suitable user input means known in the art, such as voice commands or gesture recognition. It is envisaged that the user input event may be required to be mapped to an otherwise unused input in order to avoid overlap with the call handling process.

In an exemplary embodiment, the user initiated acknowledgement may be received through determining user activation of physical input devices of the user device. For example, the volume controls may be monitored in the period after completion of the message and used to control the next step - i.e. connection to the call or delivery of further information. It is envisaged that this may be particularly useful in the case of mobile telephones, where the user typically holds the phone to their ear and would have to lower the phone to see prompts on the screen.

On completion of the message the user may be presented with an option to conduct a further action in relation to the message, or be connected to the call. The further action may include, for example, requesting further information (either at the time or in a subsequent message), or placing a call to a party associated with the message (thereby rejecting the incoming call).

Reference to an advertiser should be understood to mean the party for whom the advertisement is created or delivered. It is envisaged that advertisers may be charged per advertisement communicated to the user of the user device. By communicating the advertisement only once the request to answer the call has been received, the advertiser may have greater confidence as to the effectiveness of that advertisement.

In an exemplary embodiment the message to be communicated to the user of the user device is selected from a plurality of messages. It should be appreciated that the user device may communicate with other elements, such as a server, in order to perform at least one of the steps associated with the present invention. For example, the user device may communicate with a server in order to retrieve an advertisement stored in a database for delivery to the user. However, it should also be appreciated that this is not intended to be limiting. In an exemplary embodiment the user device may store at least one message in local memory, for example in the event that the advertising server is not available at that time.

Selecting the message may include selecting the message based at least in part on criteria derived from a user profile associated with the user device. It is envisaged that the user profile may be obtained from a service provider associated with the user device, such as a telecommunications service provider. Alternatively, the user of the user device may subscribe to receive the messages/advertisements of the present invention, and enter such details in the process of subscribing. The user profile may include demographic information such as age, gender, profession, education, interests or preferred subject matter for the message, or effectively any other information by which an advertiser may decide to target that user. It is envisaged that advertisements having criteria selected by the advertiser which most closely matches the user details may be selected for communication to the user of the user device.

In exemplary embodiments, selecting the message may include selecting the message based at least in part on the location of the user device. Location of the device may be obtained by any suitable means known in the art. For example, many handheld devices have GPS functionality. Alternatively, location may be approximated using the cell of the communications network in which the device is operating, or derived using techniques such as triangulation or Wifi™ hotspots. In the case of a landline, the location may be derived from records associated with the landline.

In knowing the location of the device, even more targeted advertising may be achieved. For example, advertisers having multiple store locations can direct users to the closest store, target specific localities in which they wish to build their profile or expect best returns from, or target locations in which competitors are located or active in order to divert customers to the advertiser.

According to an exemplary embodiment there is provided a method for communicating at least one message after connection of a communication link between a user device including a microphone input and a second user device, the method including the steps of: receiving a request to initiate the communication link at the user device; receiving, at the user device, confirmation to initiate the communication link; disabling transmission of data received from the microphone input; intercepting incoming data from the second user device; and causing a message to be communicated to a user of the user device. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a user device configured to enable communication with a user of a second user device over a communication link, the user device including: a microphone input; and a processor configured to: receive a request to initiate the communication link; receive confirmation to initiate the communication link; disable transmission of data received from the microphone input; intercepting incoming data from the second user device; and communicate a message to a user of the user device.

Reference to a communication link should be understood to be any means by which a connection between two or more electronic devices may be established for the transfer of data between the devices or users of the devices. For example, in the situation where the user devices are mobile telephones, the communication link may be a channel within a cellular network over which the users call each other. In the context of telecommunications it should be appreciated that this may include physical links, or wireless links, as well known in the art. It should further be appreciated that the precise nature of the communication link will vary with the type of user device being utilized with the present invention. For example, many mobile telephones have the capability to connect to wireless communication networks other than their assigned cellular network. This may be done in order to access Voice over Internet Protocol software to place a call to a personal computer utilizing compatible software.

The communication link may enable at least telephonic communication between the users of the user devices. However, it should be appreciated that this is not intended to be limiting, and the communication link may enable transfer of any number of forms of communication - whether text, audio, or video. As such, the request to initiate the communication link may be received directly from the second user device, or via an intermediary such as the provider of the communication link.

For example, in the case of a telephone the confirmation to initiate the communication link may be created on the user picking up or turning on the handset, or pressing an "answer" key, in response to an incoming call alert. In the case of a messaging application associated with a computer, confirmation to initiate the communication link may include selecting an "answer" icon using a user input device such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch sensitive device.

As discussed above in relation to the replacement incoming call interface, by requiring confirmation that the link is to be initiated, it is envisaged that the likelihood of the message being viewed and/or listened to by the user of the user device may be increased. By disabling transmission of data received from the microphone input, the user is not able to circumnavigate the requirement to pay attention to the message being played to them before communicating with the user of the second device.

It should be appreciated that the precise method by which this may be achieved may depend on the configuration of the user device hardware and software. One exemplary means by which this may be achieved in a cellular phone is outlined below.

The operating system of the phone may allow for an application installed on the phone to be registered in order to be notified of telephony events - in particular an "off-hook" status in response to the user answering an incoming call.

On receiving notification of the event, the application may communicate with a driver for an audio device of the phone. It is envisaged that this communication may occur via an application programming interface (API). In particular, the driver may control operation of one or more mixers. Mixers are responsible for combining the signals on the audio device. A mixer may also provide a means of controlling which signals are mixed and characteristics such as gain, attenuation, and/or muting. As such, in order to disable communication between the users, the application may cause the driver to mute voice streams, both from and to the audio device. Conversely, enabling communication over the communication link may involve restoring the standard settings of the audio device. Intercepting incoming data from the caller may mean that the callee is not distracted by communication from the caller while the message is being played. It should be appreciated that reference to intercepting incoming data does not necessarily include capturing or recording that data. Interception may include any suitable means known to a person skilled in the art for preventing the data from being communicated to the user of the device. For example, if the communication is a voice call, the channel receiving the voice data may be muted at the user device.

Together, these functions effectively simulate the communication link not being established - which would otherwise require interaction with the communication link provider. In doing so, exemplary embodiments may be operated independently from a communication link provider. Referring to the exemplary embodiment of an application on a cell phone controlling aspects of operation, the application may further cause the driver to activate various elements of the audio device of the phone in order to allow transmission of data to the user from a source selected by the application. For example, the message may be played to the user via an existing media player application on the phone. In exemplary embodiments an audio message may be transmitted to the second user device. For example, it is envisaged that the message to the user of the user device receiving the call may be an advertisement, while the message to the caller is a notification that the callee will be available shortly.

In an exemplary embodiment the message to the second user device is inserted into the communication link. For example, the application may control the driver to route an audio message to an output typically reserved for data received from the microphone input.

The provision of a message to the user initiating the communication link may prevent confusion as to whether communication with the other party is possible at that time. Specifically, the user of the second user device may be made aware that the user of the user device does have access to the device, and has answered their request.

For a firmware and/or software (also known as a computer program) implementation, the techniques of the present invention may be implemented as instructions (for example, procedures, functions, and so on) that perform the functions described. It should be appreciated that the present invention is not described with reference to any particular programming languages, and that a variety of programming languages could be used to implement the present invention. The firmware and/or software codes may be stored in a memory, or embodied in any other processor readable medium, and executed by a processor or processors. The memory may be implemented within the processor or external to the processor. In particular, it is envisaged that in exemplary embodiments methods described herein may be embodied in an application to be installed on a user device, where the application interacts with existing control functions and routines to implement the present invention.

A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a digital signal processor (DSP) and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. The processors may function in conjunction with servers and network connections as known in the art. The steps of a method, process, or algorithm described in connection with the present invention may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. The various steps or acts in a method or process may be performed in the order shown, or may be performed in another order. Additionally, one or more process or method steps may be omitted or one or more process or method steps may be added to the methods and processes. An additional step, block, or action may be added in the beginning, end, or intervening existing elements of the methods and processes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary user device for use with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary system in which embodiments of the present invention may be implemented;

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrates exemplary user interfaces for a user device in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process for communicating at least one message to a user device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating another exemplary process for communicating at least one message to a user device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a user device 100, such as a mobile telephone. It should be appreciated that the device 100 may have more or fewer components than shown, may combine two or more components, or may have a different configuration or arrangement of the components. The various components shown in FIG. 1 may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both hardware and software, including one or more signal processing and/or application specific integrated circuits.

The device 100 includes a touch screen 101. The device 100 includes a memory 102 (which may include one or more computer readable storage mediums), one or more processing units (CPU's) 103, a speaker 104, a microphone 105, RF circuitry 106, and other physical input means such as volume adjustment buttons 107a and 107b. The one or more processors 103 run or execute various software programs and/or sets of instructions stored in memory 102 to perform various functions for the device 100 and to process data. Software components stored in memory 102 may include an operating system and various modules or applications for controlling operation of the device 100.

The RF (radio frequency) circuitry 106 communicates with communications networks and other communications devices via electromagnetic signals - as well known in the art.

The touch screen 101 provides an input interface and an output interface between the device 100 and a user. The visual output may include graphics, text, icons, video, and any combination thereof (collectively termed "graphics"). In some embodiments, some or all of the visual output may correspond to user-interface objects, further details of which are described below.

A touch screen 101 has a touch-sensitive surface, sensor or set of sensors that accepts input from the user based on contact. The touch screen 101 detects contact and associated movement, and determines whether that contact to intended to be interaction with user- interface objects displayed on the touch screen 101. FIG. 2 illustrates a system (generally indicated by arrow 200) in which the present invention may be implemented.

The system 200 interacts over a network 201 over which various communication links between devices within the system 200. While the network 201 is illustrated as a single component, it should be appreciated that it may be composed of a number of sub-networks, potentially operating using distinct technologies - e.g. wired or wireless, fibre optic or radio.

A number of user devices may be connected through the network 201 , including a user device 100, and a mobile phone 202. An advertising server 203 is also connected to the network 201 , along with a storage unit 204. The storage unit 204 stores advertisements to be sent in accordance with the present invention, as will be described further below.

FIG. 3A-3D illustrate the device 100 in use, which will herein be described with reference to the method 400 of FIG. 4. In FIG. 3A, a standard incoming call interface is displayed on the touchscreen 101. The interface displays an answer softkey 300 and a reject softkey 301 , which are displayed on detection of an incoming call. Call information 302 - for example the number of the incoming call, a contact name if the number is associated with a contact saved to the device 100, and/or an image associated with the contact - is displayed simultaneously. A display advertisement may be included within, or in place of, the call information 302.

In step 401 of method 400, the processor 103 determines that a call is incoming to the device 100.

In step 402, a replacement incoming call interface is displayed over top of the standard incoming call interface shown in FIG. 3A. As seen in FIG. 3B, the replacement answer softkey 303 and replacement reject softkey 304 are positioned at the same, or similar, positions as the standard answer and reject softkeys 300 and 301 (illustrated in ghosted lines), in order to maintain the user experience.

In step 403, the processor 103 determines which key 303 or 304 has been selected.

If the user has rejected the call, control is returned to the standard call handling software in step 404.

If the user accepts the call, in step 405 the processor 103 determines whether a predetermined time has passed since detection of the incoming call in step 401. If so, control is returned to the standard call handling software in step 404.

If the predetermined time has not passed, in step 406 the processor 103 checks whether a communication link with the advertising server 203 is available, for example over a Wifi network. If so, at step 407 the processor 103 signals the advertising server 203 that a call is incoming, and the advertising server 203 determines which advertisement stored in the storage unit 204 best matches the user profile associated with the user device 103, and the current location of the user device 100 - if available. The advertising server 203 delivers the selected advertisement to the user device 100 at step 408, where it is played to the user in step 409. As seen in FIG. 3C, the replacement reject key 304 may continue to be displayed during the advertisement. While the advertisement preferably includes an audio component, advertisement information 305 may also be displayed on the touchscreen 101. Alternatively, if a connection to the advertising server 203 is not available at step 406, the processor 103 may access a previously saved advertisement from its memory 102 in step 410.

At step 411 , once the advertisement has completed the user is asked for confirmation that they have listened to the advertisement, following guidance from displayed directions 306 as seen in FIG. 3D. For example, the user may be given the option to proceed to be connected to the call by selection of a connect key 307, or pressing the volume up button 107a. In step 412 the user is given the option to request further information regarding the advertisement by selection of info key 308 or volume down button 107b. The user cannot verify they have listened to the advertisement until it has finished playing i.e. there is no touchscreen response other than disconnection of the call. If more information is requested, at step 413 the advertising server 203 is notified, and the user will receive a further communication at some point in the future - whether via email, SMS, personal call, or otherwise.

Either way, once confirmation that the advertisement is completed has been received, the processor 103 returns responsibility to the call handling software in step 404 and the call is answered as normal. The advertising server 203 also records completion of the advertisement against the account associated with the subscription, together with other details such as GPS location, time etc.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method 500 for communicating messages after connection of a communication link between the user device 100 and the mobile phone 202 shown in FIG. 2. Reference may also be made to FIG. 1 in describing method 500.

At step 501 a user of the mobile phone 202 dials the number of the user device 100, transmitting a request to initiate the communication link, or call, via a service provider.

At step 502, if the user answers the user device 100 in response to receiving the relayed request to initiate the communication link, the service provider connects the call. At step 503, an application installed on the user device 100 causes processor 103 to disable the microphone 105, and intercepts incoming data from the mobile phone 202.

Simultaneously, in step 504, the application checks whether a communication link with the advertising server 203 is available, for example over a Wifi network. If so, at step 505 the application indicates to the advertising server 203 that a communication link with the user device 100 has been established.

At step 506 the advertising server 203 determines which advertisement stored in the storage unit 204 best matches the user profile associated with the user device 100, and its current GPS location if available. If no suitable advertisement is identified, the advertising server 203 notifies the application and processor 103 enables the microphone 105, and incoming data from the mobile phone 202 permitted to be received at step 507.

If a suitable advertisement is identified, the advertising server 203 delivers the selected advertisement to the user device 100 at step 508. Alternatively, if a connection to the advertising server 203 is not available at step 504, the application causes the processor 103 to access a previously saved advertisement from device memory 102 in step 509.

At step 510 the application causes the processor 103 to play the advertisement to the user of the user device 100 via speaker 104. Simultaneously at step 511 the processor 103 inserts an audio hold message onto the communication link to the mobile phone 202.

At step 512, once the advertisement has completed the user is asked for confirmation that they have listened to the call by a keypad press, voice command or similar command. The user cannot verify they have listened to the advertisement until it has finished playing i.e. there is no keypad response other than the designated confirmation key, or disconnection of the call.

At step 513, the processor 103 receives the confirmation from the user, and the microphone 105 of the user device 100 is enabled, and incoming data from the mobile phone 202 permitted to be received at step 507.

At step 514 the advertising server 203 receives confirmation from the user device 100 that the advertisement has been completed. The advertising server 203 also records completion of the advertisement against the account associated with the subscription, together with other details such as GPS location, time etc. Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A method for communicating at least one message to a user device prior to connection of a call between the user device and a second user device initiating the call, the method including the steps of: detecting an incoming call; replacing an incoming call interface of the user device with a replacement incoming call interface; receiving, via the replacement incoming call interface, a request from a user of the user device to answer the incoming call; communicating a message to the user of the user device; and answering the incoming call on completion of the message.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the incoming call interface is a graphical user interface displayed on a touchscreen of the user device.

3. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the replacement incoming call interface substantially replicates the incoming call interface.

4. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, including suppressing an incoming call notification associated with the incoming call interface after receiving the request from the user of the user device to answer the incoming call.

5. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the message is an audio message.

6. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, including:

determining whether it is appropriate to deliver the message; and answering the incoming call on determining that delivery of the message is not appropriate.

7. A method as claimed in claim 6, wherein determination of appropriateness includes determining whether time between detecting the incoming call and receiving the request to answer the incoming call exceeds a predetermined time.

8. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, including determining that the message has completed on receiving a user initiated acknowledgement from the user of the user device that the message has completed.

9. A method as claimed in claim 8, including presenting options for user initiated acknowledgement to the user for selection once delivery of the message has completed, or the message has been presented for a predetermined period of time.

10. A method as claimed in either claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the user initiated acknowledgement is generated by user activation of physical input devices of the user device.

11. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, including presenting the user with an option to conduct a further action in relation to the message, or be connected to the call, on completion of the message.

12. A user device capable of receiving a call from a second user device, the user device including: a processor configured to: detect an incoming call; replace an incoming call interface of the user device with a replacement incoming call interface; receive, via the replacement call answer interface, a request from a user of the user device to answer the incoming call; and communicate a message to the user of the user device; and answer the incoming call on completion of the message.

13. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing one or more programs, the one or more programs comprising instructions, which when executed by a processor of a user device capable of receiving a call from a second user device, cause the user device to:

detect an incoming call; replace an incoming call interface of the user device with a replacement incoming call interface; receive, via the replacement call answer interface, a request from a user of the user device to answer the incoming call; and communicate a message to the user of the user device; and answer the incoming call on completion of the message.