Directory Assistance Ad Server for Real-Time Call Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems lack efficient methods for tracking and billing real-time communication connections, especially in VoIP and directory assistance services, leading to inefficiencies in advertising and revenue generation.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses assigned telephonic references to connect users with advertisers, allowing for tracking and billing of connections made through advertisements, with features like click-to-call buttons and connection servers on packet switched networks to manage and report calls, enabling performance-based advertising.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional directory assistance services are used to connect callers with businesses, then callers can obtain contact information, but callers are charged fees and exposed to advertisements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an advertisement server as an intermediary between callers and directory assistance services. This server delivers targeted advertisements to callers based on their preferences and demographics, allowing the system to generate revenue from advertisers while providing free or reduced-cost directory assistance to callers. The intermediary transforms the traditional fee-based model into an advertising-supported model.
2Quantity of substance
If advertisements are included in web pages to reach web users, then advertisers can reach globally populated users, but advertisements contain only limited information and require additional clicks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments advertising information into multiple delivery channels: web-based advertisements provide initial exposure with limited information, while telephonic advertisements delivered via directory assistance provide comprehensive detailed information. This segmentation allows advertisers to reach global audiences through web ads while delivering complete information through follow-up phone calls, eliminating the need for multiple clicks.
3Measurement precision
If performance based advertising is implemented where advertisers pay per click, then advertisers pay only for measurable events, but the system lacks efficient tracking and billing for real-time communication connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal tracking system that handles multiple advertising models (pay-per-click, pay-per-call, pay-per-connection) through a single integrated platform. The advertisement server and connection tracking system work together to monitor all interaction types across web and telephonic channels, providing comprehensive billing capabilities without requiring separate complex systems for each advertising model.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses to connect people for real time communications via optional advertisements presented via directory assistance. One embodiment includes: receiving a directory assistance request from a user over a telephonic connection with the user; providing directory assistance information responsive to the directory assistance request; presenting an option related to an advertisement to the user; if the user declines the option, charging the user a fee for providing the directory assistance information; and if the user accepts the option, reducing the fee for providing the directory assistance information.