US 5,983,196 AGranted

Interactive computerized methods and apparatus for conducting an incentive awards program

AssigneePhoneworks, Inc.

InventorBrad Wendkos

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Abstract

A computer implemented system awards promotional incentives. A participant in the awards system calls or connects to an interactive platform for registering and/or redeeming credits preferably described in uniquely identified certificates. In a telephone environment, the interactive platform is connected to a toll free telephone number where a participant's call is handled by a computer controlled voice response unit. In a computer network environment, a computer user connects to the interactive platform over the network. The participant receives awards credits based on the unique identification of certificates. Award credits for a participant are accumulated in a stored record associated with the participant until redeemed. Award credits can also be acquired as an instant winner based on a random or algorithmic selection of callers to receive such credits. Awards include electronic prizes such as free long distance telephone time, electronic cash and/or service credits. Connection to the interactive platform may occur during execution of an application program such as an electronic game or electronic shopping.

Claims19

Dependent claims

Computer apparatus for carrying out a promotional awards program, comprising:

a. a processor;
b. a memory medium accessible by said processor;
c. a database stored on said memory medium, said database including information about participants in said program and information about how calls from a participant will be handled based on information about said participants;
and
d. the promotional awards program stored on said memory medium including:
Greet.backslash.PIN module means for greeting the participant and optionally for receiving a personal identification number from the participant for validation;
Select Menu means for announcing to the participant remaining long distance time available and for one of prompting the participant to use some of the existing time, to add credits with a new certificate and to exit the system;
Certificate Number means for adding credits to a certificate, and for determining whether a certificate has been used;
Speech Balance means for announcing a number of credits accumulated by the participant in a participant record stored in said database and at least one award associated therewith;
Award Redemption for redeeming the credits of the participant for the at least one award to be awarded to the participant;
Promotional Message means for announcing one of a plurality of different promotional messages responsive to a predetermined index;
Polling means for presenting questions to the participant that are designed to permit a dialed response correlated with the questions;
Instant Win means for reading the participant record in said database a number of next instant win credits;
Name Capture means for capturing name and address information concerning the participant;
and
Goodbye means for playing a parting message to the participant after the promotional awards program has been completed.

13 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.