Call Advertising System Redirecting Voice Calls to Advertisers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users are deterred from making voice calls to non-Skype telephone numbers due to charging costs, which hampers their ability to contact businesses or services, as existing voice communications software typically charges for calls to proprietary networks, even if the user lacks funds or is deterred by the cost.
Innovation Solution
A call advertising system that allows advertisers to pay for calls made to their telephone numbers, highlighting these numbers on user devices and redirecting calls to advertisers, thereby subsidizing the cost for users and increasing call conversions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voice communications software charges users for calls to non-Skype telephone numbers, then the provider recovers costs and maintains sustainability, but users are deterred from making calls and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary advertising system between the user and the telephone network. This system intercepts calls to advertised numbers and routes them through a controlled path where the advertiser pays the telecommunications provider, while the user experiences free or reduced-cost calling. The intermediary resolves the contradiction by decoupling the user's calling cost from the network provider's revenue requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pricing parameter for specific calls dynamically. Instead of a flat per-minute charge to the user, the system applies different pricing parameters based on the destination number: free or reduced rate for advertised numbers (paid by advertiser), and standard rates for other numbers. This parameter change allows the system to maintain sustainability while improving call conversion for advertised services.
2Reliability
If Skype charges users per minute for calls to proprietary networks, then the provider recovers infrastructure costs, but users with limited funds are prevented from making necessary calls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating pricing based on the destination number's characteristics. Calls to advertised numbers receive special local pricing conditions (free or reduced rate) funded by advertiser participation, while other calls maintain standard pricing. This allows cost recovery for the network while making specific services accessible to users with limited funds.
Solution Approach 2:
The advertising system acts as a mediator that absorbs the cost difference between network infrastructure requirements and user accessibility. Advertisers pay the intermediary to subsidize calling costs for their numbers, allowing users to access these services without bearing the full network cost burden.
3Productivity
If traditional advertising methods (keyword or banner ads) are used, then advertisers can promote services, but call conversions are lower and advertising efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical advertising formats (keywords, banners) with a direct telephonic interaction system. The advertised telephone number is prominently displayed and easily accessible to users, creating a direct call-to-action mechanism that converts interest into calls more effectively than traditional media formats.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms to track call conversions, call duration, and advertiser satisfaction. This feedback loop allows continuous optimization of the advertising campaign, improving call conversion rates and advertising efficiency based on real-world performance data.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for highlighting telephone numbers that are sponsored by advertisers on electronic content, and directing voice calls to those numbers to the corresponding advertiser. The call advertising system receives parameters of an advertising campaign from an advertiser, including telephone numbers in the campaign and an amount per call that the advertiser is willing to pay. The call advertising system transmits an indication of the advertised telephone numbers to a voice communication system. The voice communication system, upon determining that a campaign number is contained in electronic content, can to indicate to users that a call can be made at a rate reduced from what a user would normally pay in order. When the user calls the number, the voice communications system directs the call to the advertiser. The call advertising system tracks the call so that the advertiser can be charged the per-call amount.