Claims:We claim:
1. A system 100 for interactive response from a brand to a mobile subscriber dialing brand-advertised non-numeric code with prefix of double star wherein said interactive response is selectable from outbound dialing interactive voice response (OBD IVR) and interactive short messaging service (iSMS) as per the expressed requirements of a brand and wherein said non-numeric code is an easy to remember keyword mutually agreed between the applicant and a brand and publicized in call to action in brand campaigns on a product/service and wherein further the keyword used by the mobile subscriber is of up to ten characters, over and above two special characters of ‘**’ used as prefix; and wherein the system comprises of:
a Star star application node server 30 located in the telecom operator’s network zone 140 and connected to application database 25 through communication channel 130;
Mobile Switching Center (MSC) 20 located in telecom operator’s network zone 140 and having cellular tower 15 wherein said mobile switching center is configured to identify incoming calls from a mobile subscriber 10 dialing said keyword by dialing corresponding digits reflecting said keyword, with a prefix of ‘’**’’ and to transfer such calls to said star star Application node server 30 along with providing of relevant information relating to the identity of the subscriber which includes digits reflecting the keyword keyword dialed by the mobile subscriber and wherein said star star application node server is in communication with said mobile switching center over session initiated protocol (SIP) through communication channel 125;
a Short Message Service Center (SMSC) 35 located in telecom operator’s network zone 140 and which is configured to receive SMS based response through communication channel 197 over SMPP protocol from said star star application node server and to communicate said SMS based brand response 198 to said mobile subscriber on his/her mobile communication device via said cellular tower 15;
Star star central node server 50 having two way communication with said Star star Application node server over virtual private network (VPN) 146 through communication channels (135, 145,192, 194) and also in two way communication with central database 60 through communication channels (150,160)
an OBD IVR module 186 in communication with a router 187 and in two-way communication with a database 185 through communication channels (181, 182) wherein said router is in communication with said message service center over PRI protocol through communication channel 188;
a Billing & Data Warehouse 70 in communication with said star star central node server through communication channel 155;
a star star dashboard 90 in communication with said Billing & Data Warehouse through communication channel 168; and
a brand dash board 80 and a telecom operator’s dashboard in communication with said Billing & Data Warehouse over internet through communication channel 174; and
2. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said star star central node server , said central database, said billing & data warehouse and said star star dashboard are co- located at the star star partner zone 141
3. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said star star dashboard, said brand dashboard, and said telecom operator dashboard are configured to keep records of all valid and successful transactions, their attributes and reports received from said Billing and Data Warehouse through communication channel 174.
4. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein router 287 is in communication with MSC 220 over session initiated protocol (SIP) through communication channel 288.
5. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein Star star central node server 350 is in two way communication with star star application node server 330 over internet 346 through communication channels ( 336, 345,392, 394).
6. A system as claimed in claim 5 wherein router 487 is in communication with MSC 420 over session initiated protocol through communication channel 488.
7. A system as claimed in claim 6 wherein MSC 520 is in communication with star star application node server 530 over PRI/SS7/VXML through communication channel 525 and wherein said star star application node server 530 is in communication with SMSC 535 via HTTP thorugh communication channel 597.
8. A system as claimed in claim 7 wherein router 687 is in communication with MSC 620 over session initiated protocol 688.

10. A method for interactive response from a brand to a mobile subscriber dialing brand-advertised non-numeric code with prefix of double star wherein said interactive response is selectable from outbound dialing interactive voice response (OBD IVR) and interactive short messaging service (iSMS) wherein said non-numeric code is an easy to remember keyword and wherein further the keyword used by the mobile subscriber is of up to ten characters, over and above two special characters of ‘**’ used as prefix; , wherein the method comprises steps of:
(a) mobile subscriber 10 dialing digits reflecting keyword with prefix of ‘**’ from his/her telecommunication device;
(b) Mobile Switching Center (MSC) 20 receiving and identifying the calls having prefix of ‘**’ and transferring such call to Star star application node server 30 over session initiated protocol (SIP) through communication channel 125 along with relevant information regarding the identity of the subscriber including the numeric digits reflecting the keyword used by the subscriber;
(c) said Star star Application node server in communication with application database 25 through communication channel 130 determining the validity of keyword used by the subscriber;
(d) forwarding of call request by said Star star Application node server 30 to star star central node server 50 via communication channel 135 over virtual private network (VPN) 146 through API request over HTTP protocol through communication channel 145;
(e) said star star central node server in communication with central database 60 via communication channel 150 determining whether response required for the keyword is outbound dialing interactive voice response (OBD IVR) or interactive text messaging (iSMS);
(f) when the response determined by step(e) is OBD IVR, the method comprises the steps of:
(i) communicating the response required to the OBD IVR module 186 over HTTP API request via communication channel 175 using internet 189;
(ii) processing of the voice response by said OBD IVR module in communication with database 185;
(iii)routing of voice response through router 187 to said MSC for communicating via PRI protocol through communication channel 188 to the mobile subscriber through operator’s network for delivery of the voice response to the mobile subscriber wherein the voice response is as per the structured menu of the application program of the brand;
(iv) the mobile subscriber providing menu-driven inputs to the voice response of the brand which are communicated to said OBD IVR module through said MSC, said star star application node server, and star star central node server via said communication channels;
(v) said OBD IVR module in communication with database generating voice response as per the inputs provided by the mobile subscriber which are communicated to said MSC by said router via communication channel 188 from where these are communicated to the mobile subscriber through operator’s network; and
(vi) continuing the process as per step (v) above till the voice response in accordance with the last menu-driven input from the mobile subscriber is provided to the mobile subscriber.

(g) When the brand response to a particular valid keyword is determined by the central database 60 to be interactive SMS (iSMS), the method comprises steps of:
(i) communicating the SMS based response required for dialed keyword to said star star application node server via API response over HTTP through communication channels (192, 194);
(ii) said star star application node server forwarding SMS response to SMSC 35 via SMPP through communication channel 197;
(iii) said SMSC communicating the SMS based brand response 198 to the mobile subscriber through operator’s network;
(iv) mobile subscriber again sending SMS request seeking further response from the brand which is communicated to said star star central node server 50 via said MSC, star star application node server via said communication channels;
(v) star star central node server in communication with central database 60 determining again the brand SMS response to the fresh message from mobile subscriber and forwarding to said SMSC via star star application node server over said communication channels;
(vi) said SMSC communicating the fresh SMS brand response to the mobile subscriber through operator’s network; and
(vii) process continuing till the last brand response to the mobile subscriber’s last SMS is completed.
11. A method as claimed in claim 10 wherein all call requests, whether valid or invalid, are transferred by said star star application node server to said star star central node server over HTTP protocols which is then processed at the billing and data warehouse 70
12. A method as claimed in claim 10 wherein all valid and successful transaction are transferred by said billing and data warehouse to star star dashboard 90 through communication channel 168 and also to brand dashboard 80 and operator dashboard 85 through communication channel 174.
13 A method as claimed in claim 10 wherein routing of voice response through router 287 to MSC 220 is via session initiated protocol(SIP) through communication channel 288.

14. A method as claimed in claim 10 wherein two way communication between star star application node server 330 and star star central node server 350 is by API request over HTTP protocol 345 through communication channels (336,345,392, 394).

15. A method as claimed in claim 14 wherein forwarding of OBD IVR response by router 487 to MSC 420 is via session initiated protocol through communication channel 488.

16. A method as claimed in claimed in claim 14 wherein communication of voice request from MSC 520 to star star application node server 530 is via PRI/SS7/VXML protocol via communication channel 525 and communication of brand response from star star application node server 530 to SMSC535 is via HTTP 597.

17. A method as claimed in claim 16 wherein the communication of OBD IVR response from router 687 to MSC 620 is over session initiated protocol through communication channel 688.
, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a system and method for interactive response from a brand to a mobile subscriber dialing brand-advertised non-numeric code with prefix of double star wherein the interactive response is selectable from interactive short messaging service (iSMS) and outbound dialing-interactive voice response (OBD-IVR). More specifically, the invention relates to a system and method for interactive brand response to a mobile subscriber wherein brand-advertised non-numeric code dialed by the subscriber is an easy-to-remember popular keyword, product or brand name e.g. **PIZZA, **RIDEUS, **DOMINO, **BANK, etc. Such non-numeric codes with prefix of ‘’**’’, are publicized by commercial brand campaign managers as call-to-action in various advertisement campaigns such as print (newspaper/magazine), TV/radio, outdoor/indoor billboard advertizing, internet or other type of electronic advertizing and may also be publicized through labels which are applied to the packaging of a product.
BACKGROUND TECHNICAL INFORMATION
The wireless communication technology has made it possible for callers to communicate with service/product information providers/brand owners from any location world over. The increasing use of wireless communication devices and the Internet provides ample opportunities for the marketers of various types of products to communicate the product related response to potential customers who may call on telephone numbers/toll free numbers, etc. advertised in call to action in brand campaigns .
The call-to-action (CTA) in advertising leads to the final purchase of a product/service by customers and is therefore the crucial focus of most marketing campaigns. However, CTAs suffer from an inherent flaw of being ephemeral in nature. The customers tend to forget the CTAs associated with the brands with the result that they are unable to follow up with the brand for the obtaining a specific response from a brand for taking a purchase decision. The sheer volume of advertising adds to the noise consumers’ lives; the human brain finds it easy to remember a brand rather than an associated CTA which can be in form of: call toll free numbers, entering certain web URLs, SMS short-codes, or for visiting the store location of the brand. Advertising research has shown that consumers have an extremely low retention level for such form of CTAs.
All advertising investment in a CTA of a brand campaign which does not generate adequate response from the customers leads to lowering of returns on such investment. A potential customer when exposed to a ‘’call to action’’ in an advertisement for a product or a service in TV or internet or in outdoor billboard, etc. may like to interact with the brand campaign managers on the advertised product/service using the call particulars provided in the ‘’call to action’’ in the advertisement, before taking a final decision to purchase the product. However, many a time, calling a toll free number or entering a website address are not suitable for follow up by the customer. The time at which the advertisement is seen by the potential customer may not be the convenient time for him/her to place the call. Further, if some time passes since the potential customer last saw the advertisement, the potential customer may forget the toll free number or URL web site address, if not recorded in writing by him/her. This leads to the loss of potential customers and thus loss of opportunities for the marketers to market their product. Therefore, an effective advertisement campaign requires that call to action in an advertisement should provide dialing a keyword which a potential customer could readily recall and could interactively communicate with the brand.
IP218726 discloses an apparatus wherein the short dialing codes regularly utilized by the user to identify a service center can continue to be used by the user irrespective of where the mobile node is positioned and the network with which the mobile node is registered, when a call is placed to the service center. A mobile node may be positioned in an area where short code associated with an emergency services center is 911 and later positioned in an area where short code associated with emergency service center comprises 999. In the present system, when a user enters a short dialing code to place a call to a service center, the values of the corresponding alternate dialing code are substituted for the entered dialing code. Once substituted, normal calling procedures are carried out to place the call to the service center. The system comprises two GSM network parts (18,22) connected by SS7 network (22). Each of the networks includes Base Transceiver Station (BTS) (26), and Base Station Controller (BSC) (28) coupled thereto, The BSC being further coupled to Mobile Switching Center (MSC)/Visiting Location Register (VLR) (32) which is coupled to Home Location Register (HLR) (34). The service center (42) is coupled to signaling network SS7 (24). The Application node server 36 includes a retriever 82 and database 84 which contains the listing of the short dialing codes used at the network to identify service centers. The retriever 82 retrieves the values of the dialing codes and return to the mobile node.
Thus the above system is limited to the use of short numeric dialing code for accessing service centers for known service like emergency assistance, accessing directory, etc. in a particular geographical area wherein the system enables the user to use the same short dialing code irrespective of geographical area where his/her mobile is positioned. The above system is not suitable to enable a user to seek interactive response from a brand by interactive text messaging or for interactive voice response.
US7,25,7391 discloses a wireless data system and method for enabling a user to request and receive product information, participate in voting or polling activities, request and authorize purchase of magazine, etc. The user dials a series of digits which includes a prefix or routing code e.g. #400 and second set of digits referred to as a data code comprising 1 to 5 digits for example #NNN-DDDDD. The dialed digit string may be obtained by the user from advertisement of the product in newspaper, TV, internet, etc. The dialed digit string is transferred to mobile switching center (MSC) (through cellular tower) and is received by Service Control Point (SCP) (20). The SCP determines whether Mobile Identification Number (MIN) received in the request message is associated with a previously established user account i.e. MIN is a known number, then SCP causes a “”Thank you’’ message to be played back to the user, indicating that the request for product information is being processed. Where MIN is not associated with a previously established user account, SCP operates to route the call to ‘’call center’’. The call center can obtain the information from the caller and his user account can be established. ‘When SCP determines that that there is product information associated with the data code entered by the user, SCP sends the product information to the user through Content Delivery System (CDS) using a delivery technique (like email, SMS, MMS, etc.) indicated by the information in the User account.
A limitation of the above system is that the user is required to use two strings of digits one string of digits for prefix (i.e. #NNN) and another of digits for data code (DDDDD) for seeking information on a product and the potential customer may not remember both the strings particularly when exposed to these numeric strings in a call to action in an advertisement for a short time. It is therefore not an effective way of market promotion.
Further, the above system does not enable a subscriber to obtain interactive response from a brand by way of interactive text messaging or by interactive voice response.
US8635164 titled as ‘’Telecommunications Initiated Internet Link System’’, discloses a system for providing wide range of telecommunications initiated data fulfillment service in which a multifunction code is input into an originating telecommunication device. The customer profile maintained by the operator specifies the customer’s desired delivery terms such as an account to charge for vending machines, an email address for delivery of data messages, addresses for services, etc. The services which could be offered include mobile vending. For this purpose, customer enters multifunction code *#1 where 1 is service index for mobile vending. This is followed by six digit numeric product code as “xxx yyy’’ followed by personal identification number, which is a four digit numeric code ‘’zzzz’’. Thus a thirteen digit code entry is *#1 xxx yyy zzzz. For data acquisition, the service index may be 2, and the customer enters *#2 xxx yyy zzzz.
A limitation of the above system is that for potential customer to use the system, he/she needs to remember three numeric codes namely: multifunction code for service index, six digit product codes for which he/she desires further information and a four digit personal identification number. All customers may not take efforts to find/remember such three strings of digits required to be used for obtaining further information on a product and is therefore not an effective way of marketing promotion.
Further limitation of the above system is that it does not enable a mobile subscriber to obtain interactive response from a brand on an advertised product by interactive voice response or by interactive text messaging.
US8787878 titled as ‘’system of providing information to a telephony subscriber ‘discloses a system for providing information to a wireless telecommunications transmitting and receiving device. The system includes a wireless switch, at least one communication from the device comprising specialized access code, information regarding subscriber comprising subscriber identification uniquely identifying the device, ; and information beyond subscriber identification which includes wireless service provider, a mobile station type, subscriber priority, a priority access, a geographic location, an advertiser identifier and a product identifier. Upon input of access code at the wireless communication device, the fulfillment center delivers information based on the access code wherein access code is abbreviated dialing code to access the system such as ‘’*500’’. A typical call to action on outdoor signboard may contain: CALL *500 SEND 1234 No airtime charges. Once the prospective customer calls *500 or other designated access code, he/she will hear a short message welcoming him/her to the system and prompting to either dial or speak one or more digit identifier for example the name of the identifier or the product name. The service may include mailing of product/service information to their home or business.
A limitation of the above system is that the system is for seeking information on a product/ service and for seeking specific response on a product/service.
Another limitation is that a subscriber desiring to seek information on a product/service needs to enter an access code to access the system, subscriber identification uniquely identifying the subscriber’s device and information beyond subscriber identification consisting wireless service provider, a geographic location, an advertiser identifier, a product identifier, and other information like subscriber priority, a priority access. A prospective customer would not like to be involved in such hassles of entering so many details for the purposes of seeking information on a brand but would like to seek instant response from a brand by dialing an easy to remember keyword from his/her mobile communication device.
Further limitation of the above system is that it does not enable a mobile subscriber to interactively communicate with a brand by way interactive text messaging or by way of interactive voice response to seek all the information that he/she needs to make a purchase decision on a product or service.
US8718687 titled as ‘’system and method for mediating service invocation from a communication device’’ discloses a system and method to permit a user of a communication device to invoke a service. A short code resolution server (SCRS) distributes the service invocation among the service providers (151 -154) based on the short code provided by the user. The short code used may be in the form of ‘’CX’’ where C represents a ‘’service prefix code’’ comprising one or more characters such as *, #,**,##, *#, #*; and ‘’X’’ represents a numeric service code of length varying between 1 to 12 digits. The service prefix code is used to identify a service provider for service fulfillment and the service code is used to specify the service required by the subscriber.
A limitation of the above system is that for invocation of a service, the user must know the combination of service prefix code for specifying a service provider an a twelve digit service code for specifying the service required by the subscriber. The user is required to know both these codes to use the system and any error on the part of user in specifying the service prefix code or the service code could lead to failure in the invocation of service or in invocation of an unwanted service. It may not be easy for a potential customer to recall twelve digit service code to specify the service required.
Another limitation of the above system is that as service prefix code is different for different service, it is not suitable for call to action in advertisement where a specific code is required to be given to enable prospective customers to seek brand response for a specific product/service.
Further limitation of the above system is that it is suitable for invocation of a particular service and does not enable a subscriber to seek a response from a brand. Further, it does not enable a mobile subscriber to interactive communicate with a brand either by way of interactive text messaging or by way of interactive voice response for instant seeking of relevant response from a brand for making an informed purchase decision.
OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for interactive response from a brand to a mobile subscriber dialing brand-advertised non-numeric code with prefix of double star wherein the interactive response is selectable from interactive short messaging service (iSMS) and outbound dialing interactive voice response (OBD IVR) depending upon the expressed requirements associated with the use of particular keyword by a brand.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method which enables interactive response from a brand to a mobile subscriber wherein non-numeric code used by the subscriber for dialing is an easy-to-remember popular keyword, product or brand name with prefix of double star e.g. **PIZZA thereby obviating the need for subscribers to dial strings of lengthy numeric codes or entering URL which are difficult to recall by a subscriber.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a system which serves as an effective communication link for two way interactive communication between potential customers and brands thereby enabling potential customers to seek response from a brand in time-efficient and cost-effective manner and to enable them make informed purchase decision in quicker manner.
Further object of the present invention is to provide a system which provides a brand dashboard which keeps brand wise record of valid and successful transactions of a brand which enables campaign managers to assess the effectiveness of their brand campaigns in generating marketing response. On the basis of such assessment, the brand managers are able to draw strategies for intensifying/modifying their brand campaigns to reach out to more number of potential customers and enhancing marketing of their products.
Further objects of the present invention would be apparent from the ensuing detailed description of the invention illustrated with accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
This invention relates to a system and method for interactive response from a brand to a mobile subscriber dialing brand-advertised non-numeric code with prefix of double star wherein the interactive response is selectable from interactive short messaging service (iSMS) and outbound dialing interactive voice response, as per the expressed requirements associated with the usage of non-numeric code mutually agreed between the applicant and a brand-campaign manager. The non-numeric code advertised in call to action by the brand campaign managers is an easy to remember popular keyword or brand like **PIZZA, so that a potential customer who eventhough, had an ephemeral exposure to such a keyword in call to action in an advertisement on a product/service, could easily recall and use it for dialing on his/her mobile communication device for obtaining brand response on that advertised product/service.
A popular keyword as non-numeric codes to be used by a brand for call to action (CTA) in advertisement is purchased by the marketing entities via an online bidding process. The CTA codes are also available for purchase through unaffiliated third parties. The marketing entities can also obtain the CTA codes via sales/purchases from other marketing entities. In an embodiment, an online portal is implemented for purchase of a CTA code.
A marketing entity which proposes to use a popular keyword, brand, etc as a non-numeric code for call to action in advertisements publicizes such a code through pop-up ads, banner ads, advertisements on social networking and e-mail campaigns for promoting awareness amongst the customers for its usage for obtaining further information on a product. The non-numeric codes for CTAs in advertisement campaigns could also be published by marketing entities through offline advertisement like newspaper, radio, television, hoardings, door-to-door salespersons, customer care centers, pamphlets, brochures, and short-messaging service (SMS). Thus, a non-numeric code for a particular product, for use by potential customers for obtaining brand response, is given due publicity to create awareness amongst the customers for dialing the same for obtaining brand response on a particular advertised product.
A potential customer, who becomes aware of keyword for receiving brand response on an advertised product, uses the same on his/her telecommunication device along with required prefix of double star for seeking brand response. Once the non numeric code with double star prefix is dialed by the subscriber, the call is received at the telecommunication network. The call reaches the network operator’s telecommunication switch which may be a mobile switching center (MSC) which is configured to identify such calls.
After the non numeric code is recognized by the telecommunication switch by the prefix of **, the operator mobile switching center (MSC) forwards all such calls to star star application node server as per agreement of the applicant with the telecom operator, using voice signal protocol. Star star application node server is installed and commissioned within the telecom operator’s network to comply with security and policy controls of the telecom operator. The star star application node server in communication with application database, determines the validity of the keyword used by the subscriber. Once the keyword used by the subscriber is determined to be valid by the star star application node server, the call request is forwarded to star star central node server which determines whether brand response required for the keyword dialed by a subscriber is interactive SMS (iSMS) or outbound dialing interactive voice response (OBD IVR).
The system provides a brand dashboard which keeps brand-wise record of valid and successful transactions. This enables campaign managers to assess the effectiveness of their brand campaigns in generating marketing response. On the basis of such assessment, the campaign managers are able to draw out their strategies for intensifying/modifying their brand campaigns to reach out to more number of potential customers for enhancing marketing of the products of their respective brands.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
The invention will now be illustrated with accompanying figures which are intended to illustrate some of the embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced. It is to be noted that the accompanying figures are not to be taken restrictively to imply any limitation on the scope of the present invention. Any modifications, adaptations and equivalent changes in the subsystems, their integration, communication channels or protocols, adopting the principles and features of the present invention, are intended to be within the scope of the present invention. In the accompanying figures;

FIG. 1: shows an embodiment of the system of the present invention for interactive response for a brand campaign to a mobile subscriber dialing brand-advertised non-numeric code with prefix of double star.

FIG. 2: shows a variant embodiment of the system illustrated by Fig.1 with a variant protocol between OBD IVR module and operator’s Message Switching Center (MSC)

FIG. 3: shows another variant embodiment of the system illustrated by Fig.1 with variant communication channel between star star central node server and application node server.

Fig.4. shows a variant embodiment of the system illustrated by Fig.3. with variant communication channel between OBD IVR module and MSC.

Fig.5. shows a variant embodiment of the system illustrated by Fig.3 wherein the communication between MSC and star star application node server is via PRI/SS7/VXML and between star star application node server and SMSC is over HTTP

Fig.6. shows a variant embodiment of the system illustrated by Fig.5 with variant communication protocol between MSC and OBD IVR module.

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION w.r.t. DRAWINGS
The system of the present invention is for enabling a mobile subscriber to have interactive response from a brand using brand-advertised non numeric code with prefix of double star (‘’**”) through his/her mobile communication device wherein the non numeric code used by the subscriber is an easy to remember popular keyword or brand like **PIZZA which a subscriber can easily recall when exposed, even though ephemerally, in a call to action placed by an advertiser in an advertisement in a media or in an outdoor billboard, etc.

Once the non numeric code with prefix of ** as per call to action in an advertisement on a product or service is dialed by the subscriber, the system of the present invention enables the mobile subscriber to have two way communication with the brand for the advertised product or service. In OBD IVR, a pre-recorded brand response in the form of voice is interactively provided to the mobile subscriber. In the voice response, the subscriber is directed as to how to proceed to provide inputs as per the internal menu structure maintained with the IVR application program. Based on further menu-driven inputs from the subscriber as per menu structure of the application program, the system dynamically generates the corresponding appropriate voice response which is then conveyed to the subscriber. In the case of interactive SMS, the after getting the SMS response from the system in the form of questions, the subscriber again sends the SMS request responding to the questions and the system dynamically generates fresh SMS response appropriate to the inputs received from the subscriber. This process continues till the last SMS response to the subscribers last SMS based request gets delivered to the subscriber.
The two way communication may be by way of interactive text messaging (iSMS) or by way of interactive voice response (IVR). Such two way communication enables the customers to interact with the brands and obtain all the necessary information they need in one go in time-efficient and cost-effective manner enabling the customer to make informed purchase decision within a shorter time frame. It also enables brands to have tremendous personalization with the customers which helps to create a better and lasting relationship with the customer
Referring to Fig. 1, which illustrates an embodiment of the system 100 of the present invention wherein a mobile subscriber 10 makes voice request 110 for interactive response from a brand on an advertised product from his/her mobile communication device. The non numeric code to be used by a subscriber is made known to the subscribers through various brand campaigns such as in call to action, in an advertisement; in media such as Newspaper/magazine, TV/radio, indoor/outdoor billboard advertisement; or internet based. The non numeric code used by the subscriber is a popular keyword, brand name, etc. like **PIZZA , which is easy for the subscriber to recall even when he/she had an ephemeral exposure to it in a call to action in an advertisement by a brand on a product or service. .
Continuing with reference to Fig.1, the mobile subscriber 10 makes the voice request 110 using non numeric code with a prefix of ‘**’’ from his/her mobile communication device by entering the keyword by entering numeric digits on his/her mobile keypad, corresponding to the keyword. The voice request is received at the Telecom operator’s Mobile Switching Center (MSC) 20 through voice signal protocol, via a cellular tower 15 of Base Transceiver Station (BTS). As may be known to the persons skilled in the art, the mobile switching center (MSC) 20 includes one or more processors and associated software and/or firmware as well as program storage device for storing such software and/or firmware, input/output interfaces and customized application specific hardware circuitry. The telecom operator’s MSC 20 identifies the voice calls with prefix of ** and forwards such identified voice requests 125 to Star star Application node server 30, as per agreement of the applicant with the telecom operator, wherein Star star Application node server 30 is operated and maintained by the applicant within the Telecom Operator’s Network Zone 140. Telecom operator’s MSC 20 allows all voice calls with length up to 10 characters, over and above two special characters of ‘’**’’ and transfers the voice request 125 to Star star Application node server 30, over Session Initiated Protocol (SIP). The Session initiated Protocol is a bearer of connectivity between Operator MSC 20 and Star star Application node server 30. Star star Application node server 30 is installed and commissioned within Telecom operator’s network zone 140 so as to ensure compliance of security and policy controls as laid down by the telecom operator.
Continuing further with reference to Fig.1, the Star star Application node server 30 receives voice call and treats it as Missed Call Alert. After two rings, the call is disconnected. Voice call session is not established as per regulatory guidelines for special character dialing. The session is terminated and is passed to Star star Application node server 30 for further Call to Action. The session contains Caller’s MSISDN (Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number) and the numeric digits reflecting the alphabetical keyword i.e. popular word (like **PIZZA) entered by the subscriber from his/her mobile keypad, along with other parameters like Operator, Circle, and Date & Time stamp. The star star Application node server 30 is connected to application database 25 by communication channel 130 for flow of voice requests and its attributes into the application database 25 from star star application node server 30. The keyword entered by the mobile subscriber is received at the application database 25 from star star application node server 30 via communication channel 130. The application database 25 determines the validity of the keyword entered by the mobile subscriber by matching it with the valid keywords stored and maintained in the application database 25. By valid keyword it is meant the keywords which are active and validly authorized by the applicant to various commercial brands including the test keyword, which are stored and maintained at the application database 25.
The star star partner zone 141 maintained and operated by the applicant, hosts star star central node server 50, central database 60, billing and data warehouse 70, star star dashboard 90 and API gateways for third party connectivity. The star star central node server 50 is connected to billing and data warehouse 70 by communication channel 155 for flow of transactional data and its attributes from star star central server 50 to billing and data warehouse 70, which stores and processes the data on valid call requests for a brand for the purposes of billing. The star star central node server 50 is connected with central database 60 by communication channel 150 for flow of request and its attributes from star star central node server 50 to central database 60. The reverse flow of information around the requests and its attributes from central database 60 to the star star central node server 50, takes place via communication channel 160 connecting central data base 60 to the star star central node server 50
When keyword entered by the mobile subscriber is determined to be valid, the Star star Application node server 30 forwards the voice request to the star star central node server 50 via communication channel 135 over virtual private network (VPN) 146 through API request over HTTP protocol 145. The star star central node server 50 forwards the request to the central database 60 via communication channel 150. Upon receipt of the request, the central database 60 determines whether the response associated with the keyword used by the subscriber is brand pre-defined SMS based response or OBD interactive voice response (IVR) or an interactive SMS (iSMS). Such determination is based upon the requirements expressed by the brand to the Applicant, at the time of the initiation of the service . The star star central node server 50 and the central database 60 are configured to determine whether the response required for a particular valid keyword is SMs response, OBD IVR response or the iSMS response. the is The response so determined is communicated by the central database 60 to the star star central node server 50 via communication channel 160. When the response is determined to be brand pre-defined SMS based response, the system configuration for such an application has been described and claimed in the co-pending patent application no. 201621024078 filed on July 14, 2016.
When the response for a particular valid keyword is determined by central database 60 is OBD IVR, it is communicated by the star star central node server 50 to the OBD IVR central node server 186 over HTTP API request via communication channel 175 using internet 189. The OBD IVR response is processed at the OBD IVR central node server 186 and database 185. The OBD call is initiated from OBD IVR central node server 186 and routed through the router 187 over PRI protocol to operator MSC 20. Form the operator MSC 20, the OBD IVR response flows to operator network and is delivered to the subscriber making the voice request . The initial voice response from the system directs the subscriber as to how to proceed further to choose from one of the options as per a menu-structure of an IVR application program. The subscriber selects one of the options by voice response and the OBD database 185 dynamically generates the voice response to the option selected by the subscriber and the voice response is delivered to the subscriber through OBD IVR server 186 and router 187 by PRI protocol 188 to the MSC 20 of the operator from where it is conveyed to the subscriber through the operator’s network.. This process continues till the last option exercised by the subscriber and the voice response to such last option is provided by the system.

When the brand response to a particular valid keyword is determined by the central database 60 is iSMS, it forwards the identified response to star star central node serves 50 via communication channel 160. The star star central node server 50 forwards such i-SMS response received by it from central database 60 to star star application node server 30 via communication channel 194 over virtual private network (VPN) 146 through API response over HTTP 192. The SMS brand response thus received by star star application node server 30 is forwarded by it to telecom operator’s Short Message Service Center (SMSC) 35 via SMPP protocol 197. The SMS handover to telecom operator’s SMSC 35 is acknowledged and the status of the transaction is updated as successful/failure/in progress. The SMSC 35 communicates SMS response 198 to the mobile subscriber 10 via cellular tower 15 on to the mobile communication device of the subscriber.

After getting the response from star star application node server 30, either in the form of questions or surveys, user again sends the SMS request which is delivered to the Operator’s MSC 20. The operator MSC forwards all SMS requests to star star application node server over HTTP protocol. The requests received by the star star application node server 30 are forwarded to the star star central node server50 which forwards to the central database which determine the SMS response to the fresh request received. The SMS response thus determined is again communicated to star star application node server 30 which communicated to operator’s SMSC for delivery to the subscribed. This process continues till the last SMS response to the subscribers gets completed.
All the requests whether made with valid keyword or made with non-valid keyword, but with ‘’**’’ prefix, are forwarded from Star star Application node server 30 located at the telecom operator’s network zone 140 to Star star central node server 50 located at the Applicant’s star star zone 141 via communication channel 135 over virtual private network 146 and over HTTP API protocols, at periodic frequency. In cases where keyword entered by a subscriber in the call request from his/her mobile communication device is invalid in the sense it does not match with any of the valid keywords stored and maintained in the application database 25, then no further Call to Action is processed and the record is kept for reconciliation purposes. All valid and successful call requests are processed and forwarded to star star dashboard 90.
The information regarding transactions and its attributes and reports flows from the Billing and data warehouse 70 to the telecom operator dashboard 85 and brand dashboard 80 over HTTP protocols. The brand dashboard 80 is used by the brand campaign managers to monitor and measure the effectiveness of their brand campaign in generating the response from the customers so that, if necessary, they can intensify/modify their brand campaign to reach out to more and more prospective customers.
Fig.2 shows a variant embodiment of the system shown in Fig.1. The hardware and the Application functionalities are similar to the embodiment shown in Fig.1 with the exception of communication and integration between operator’s MSC 220 and router 287 connected to OBD IVR 286, is over session initiated protocol (SIP) 288 as against PRI 188 in the embodiment shown in Fig.1. In this embodiment, after determination that the response required for the keyword entered by the subscriber is OBD IVR, it is communicated to OBD IVR via communication channel 275. The OBD IVR in communicative connection with database 281, generates the menu-driven voice response which is communicated to MSC 230 for delivery to the subscriber. The subscriber provides inputs to the response which is again communicated to OBD IVR through MSC 20, star star application server and star star central node. OBD IVR then generates the fresh voice response which is again communicated to the operator MSC230 and then to subscriber via operator’s network. This is continued till the voice response is provided to the last input by the subscriber, as per the menu structure of the application program. Similarly for interactive SMS based response, the SMS by the subscriber is communicated to the star star central node server which in communication with the central database 260 determines the appropriate SMS response to the subscriber’s SMS which is then communicated to operator’s SMSC 235 and delivered to the subscriber through the operator’s network. Based on the brand SMS response thus received, the subscriber sends fresh SMS which is responded and communicated to the subscriber in the same manner as above. This is continued till the last SMS from the subscriber is responded to by the system,

Fig.3, shows a variant embodiment of the system shown in Fig.1. The hardware and application functionalities are similar to the embodiment shown in Fig.1 with the exception that this variant has different communication and integration between star star application node server and star star central node server. In this variant embodiment of the system, the communication between the star star application node server 330 and star star central node server 350 is over internet 346 instead of virtual private network 146 in the embodiment shown in Fig.1. According to the embodiment of Fig.3, when a mobile subscriber 300 makes a voice request 310 by using keyword with prefix of ‘’**” on his/her mobile communication device, the voice request 310 is received at the telecom operator’s MSC 304, through voice signal protocol, via a cellular tower 302. The telecom operator’s MSC 304 forwards such call request 305 to Star star Application node server 308, over Session Initiated Protocol (SIP). The star star application node server, after determining the validity of keyword dialed by the mobile subscriber, forwards the call request to star star central node server 350 which in communication with the database 360 determines whether the response required is OBD IVR or interactive SMS (iSMS). . When the response required is voice response, it is communicated to OBD IVR which generates the voice response and forwards to the operator’s MSC 335 via PRI protocol 388 for communicating the same to the subscriber 300.The subscriber 300 may provide further inputs and the system generates fresh response. In this way interactive voice response takes place between the subscriber and the brand pre-recorded response. Similarly, for interactive text messaging, SMS by the subscriber is communicated to star star central node server which in communication with central database 360 determines the pre-recorded brand SMS response and communicates to the operator’s SMSC 335 via SMPP 397 from wherein delivered to the subscribed. Further input SMS from the subscriber is responded in the same manner till last SMS from the subscriber is responded and communicated to the subscriber..
Fig.4 shows another variant embodiment of the system shown in Fig.3. The hardware and the Application functionalities are similar to the embodiment shown in Fig.1, with the exception that the communication between OBD IVR and the operator’s MSC 420 is via session initiated protocol 488. Interactive text messaging (iSMS) is in the similar way as illustrated in Fig.3

Fig.5 shows another variant embodiment of the system shown in Fig.3. The hardware and the Application functionalities are similar to the embodiment shown in Fig.3, with the exception that the communication between MSC 520 of the telecom operator and star star application node server 530 is over PRI/SS7/VXML protocol 525, wherein PRI/SS7 is a bearer TDM connectivity between telecom operator’s MSC 520 and star star node application server 530 and VXML is a digital document standard for specifying interactive media and voice dialogs. Further, in this embodiment of Fig. 5, the communication between the star star application node server and the star star central node server is over internet instead of virtual private network, like the embodiments shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. The OBD IVR response, like the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, is communicated to MSC 520 over PRI protocol 588. However in the case of interactive text messaging (iSMS), the SMS based brand response is forwarded by star star application node server 530 to SMSC 520 over HTTP protocol 597 unlike the four embodiments illustrated from Fig.1 to Fig.4 where brand response is forwarded from star star application to SMSC 535 over SMPP.

Fig.6 shows another variant embodiment of the system shown in Fig.5. The hardware and the Application functionalities are similar to the embodiment shown in Fig.5, with the exception that OBD IVR response from router 687 connected to OBD IVR module 686 is communicated over session imitated protocol 688 unlike the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 5 where OBD IVR response from router 687 is communicated to MSC 620 over PRI protocol 588. The interactive text messaging in this embodiment is done in the similar manner as per the embodiment shown in Fig.5.

The present invention has been described above with reference to certain embodiments illustrated by drawings. The drawings are by way of illustration and are not intended to be taken restrictively to imply any limitation on the communication protocols or the modules of the system. It is to be noted that the present invention can be practiced in numerous variant embodiments by making changes in the communication and integration protocols between application node server and central node server; between operator’s MSC and application node server; between operator’s SMSC and application node server and between OBD IVR module and operator’s MSC. It is to be understood that such variant embodiments, embodying the principles, features and application functionalities of the present invention are intended to be within the scope of the present invention, which is further set forth under the claims that follow.