Interactive TV Billing System via Credit Card Linking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing content distribution systems for TV shows, particularly those involving interactive elements like call-in numbers, face challenges in managing viewer interactions and revenue generation due to the stigma associated with 1-900 numbers, which deter viewers from participating.
Innovation Solution
A content distribution system that includes a studio setup with cameras and transmission systems for remote viewing, a call-receiving system connected to telephone networks, and an interactive recognition system that links viewer calls to credit card accounts, allowing for secure and transparent charging, with features like PIN verification and delayed charging, and a selection module to choose winners based on qualifying questions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a call-in number is transmitted to remote locations for viewer interaction, then viewer participation is enabled, but the stigma of 1-900 numbers deters viewers from calling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary billing system that mediates between the viewer and the call-in number. Instead of directly charging viewers through traditional 1-900 number billing, the system uses an intermediate billing account that is charged based on the number of viewers participating. This intermediary layer eliminates the stigma of expensive call-in numbers while still enabling viewer participation and revenue generation for the content provider.
2Productivity
If traditional 1-900 number billing is used for viewer calls, then revenue generation is simple, but the negative reputation reduces viewer participation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the billing parameter from per-call charging to per-participant charging. Instead of charging viewers based on the duration or frequency of their calls (traditional 1-900 model), the system charges a flat fee per viewer who participates in the interactive session. This parameter change maintains revenue generation while eliminating the deterrent effect of high per-call costs.
3Ease of operation
If viewer calls are directly connected to the studio set, then interaction is simple, but revenue management and winner selection become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by requiring viewers to register and provide billing information before their calls are connected to the studio set. The system pre-processes viewer registrations, stores billing details, and manages participant queues in advance. This preliminary action simplifies the actual call connection process while enabling complex revenue management and winner selection capabilities through the pre-established participant database.
Data Source
AI summary
A content distribution system is described. The content distribution system includes a show account database and a plurality of credit cards stored in the show account database. The content distribution system also has a linking module associating a viewer entering the call-in number with a credit card number in the show account database. The system has a charge module that charges a credit card account corresponding to the credit card number associated with a viewer entering the call-in number. The system also has an interactive recognition system that provides a qualifying question for the viewer to answer before a call of the viewer is connected to a studio.