TITLE: mVaayoo

FIELD OF INVENTION:

The present invention is related to Short Message Service (SMS) in General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). It pertains to Web-based Bulk SMS toot facilitating business entities to utilize SMS-medium to communicate with mobile users. The platfomi also supports braodcast of out-going voice calls to mobile users with embeded systems

OBJECT OF INVENTION:

Web-based 2-way SMS tool with embedded systems

The web-based solution from the inventor, christened mVaayoo, enables users to send
SMS to mobile numbers over the web and receive replies to these messages from
mobile users. mVaayoo utilizes short codes extensions (hereafter, reffered to as Reply
numbers) or alphanumeric sender IDs (e.g. - Mariott) for sending messages to multiple
mobile numbers. Unique capability from mVaayoo enables mobile users can reply to
these messages using the reply numbers with embeded systems. Registered users can
access these replies through the solution. The out-dialing voice calls feature enable
users to upload media files which are played to user after moderation.
Novelty

Enterprise and general users utilize Bulk SMS applications for sending across messages to mobile handsets. Most often this communication is one-way. The Invention (mVaayoo) facilitates two-way communication between registered users and mobile users directly through unique reply number(s) with embeded systems.

BACK GORUND OF INVENTION(Non-mVaayoo Web-based SMS Tool)

User registers and schedules a SMS campaign using a alphanumeric sender ID (e.g. -AddLabs) or uses service provider's shortcode (e.g. -56066). Replies from mobile
handsets are sent to shortcode, which are then passed to users based on reserved keywords.

User registers and opts for a sender ID (e.g. Aliens) or a designated shortcode for the user (56263555 - called reply number) instead of service provider shortcode as above. Replies from mobile handsets are sent to clients over their reserved reply number. A client is charged a specifice fee for a reply number for a duration of time; thereafter client can chose to continue with the same reply number or surrender it. The solution also allows users to track different campaigns running over a reply number. The voice out-dialing application braodcasts the uploaded media file by the user.

SUMMARY

Accordingly the present invention is to enable the users/ clients to conveniently interact with their customers over telecommunication infrastructure, thereby facilitating effective two way communication along with embeded systems.

To enable this the solution exchanges SMS message traffic with operators' Short Message Service Centre (SMSC). The application users pass their messages over the web(embeded systems), which are routed to operator network through SMS Gateway and eventually passed to operator network over HTTP or SMPP protocol to a designated Mobile Station
International Subscriber Directory Number (MSISDN) number.

The user can utilize alpha-numeric senderlDs (e.g. Dial123) or reply numbers for sending out messages to mobile users; these can be scheduled for a later. In case of messages from reply numbers receplents can reply to them; which can be viewed by mVaayoo application users over their user accounts.

For voice out-dialers the media files are uploaded onto media library, and can be broadcast to mobile users after moderation. The platform uses Computer Telephony

Integration cards that converts media files to telecom compatible voice calls over the telecom operator network. At the outset of the description that follows it Is to be understood that ensuring the description illustrate only the particular fonn of this invention. However, such particular form is only exemplary embodiment without intending to imply any limitation on the scope of the invention. AcconJingly the description is to be understood as an exemplary embodiment and reading of the invention is not Intended to be taken restrictively.

The forgoing description outlined is rather broadly preferred and alternative feature of the present invention, so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description of the invention that follows.

Additional feature of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of claims of the invention. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they can readily use the disclosed consumption and specific embodiment as a basic for designing and modifying other structure for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should realize such equivalent consumption do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest fonn.

Embedded systems requirement

Following are the hardware and software requirements to host the Invention:

System Server:
2U Rack Server
3.0 GHz, 800 MHz FSB
4 GB DDR-2 400Mhz ECC RAM
2 * 146 GB Ultra SCSI 320 HDD, 10 K RPM - Hard drive storage
Ultra 320 SCSI RAID Controller- Redundant application control
Redundant Power Supply
DVD ROM Drive
1.44" Floppy Drive
Remote Management card

Dual Gigabit Ethernet
Operating system: Windows 2003 Server
Database: My SQL 5.0.18

Database and information security

Database contains and stores the following information for each user in tabular form:
User Profile - User name, password mapped to registration form details
Forgot Password - Forgot passwonj option when it was used, new password
Contact group list with all Mobile numbers (allowed and Ignore list)
Replies - reply messages , message reply time, Shortcode

Account infonnation - account expiry date, shortcode expiry date, so that renewal
reminder email can be sent to users, mode of messaging , Total messages sent and
text message

User enters any scripting data in text areas or anywhere in the application; user Id
should block and throw an error / info message.
Credit History - Credits remaining. Bonus credits , credit expiry date , credits used per
campaign

Pricing Details - Payment per credit, Purchased date. Purchased credits

User - authentication security: Login security shall prevent unauthorized access to
infonnation
Session security: Data shall not be intercepted as it is broadcast over the Internet
URL:592.5555148786
Login page shall reside on HTTPS
URL shall not include port information
Restricting database access: Database shall be locked and encrypted passwords
shall be provided to only authorized personnel

At process level:
System administrator shall follow security guide-lines
All roles should have togging enabled to keep track of events

Any changes made to the database, whether structural or to the data itself, will be
tracked and regulated by administrator
Administrator shall perform security audits on the database regularly
Administrator shall ensure database backup and recovery procedure

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 :depicts the technical architecture for implementing the solution. Fig 2 : The registration process has been explained Fig 3 describes the process of log-in and various error conditions Fig 4 : The campaign process is explained

This diagram illustrates the functional modules and not the actual hardware and redundancy issues.The SMS solution consists of mainly of the following modules -application server, SMSC, Out-Dialer and Load balancer. It also comprises external payment gateway(1), computer telephony integration application(2) and mobile switching centre(3).

The application servers comprise of Dispatcher, Payment Gateway and scheduler.
The Dispatcher(4) is responsible for identifying the user(5), message or voice campaign managers(6). contact group management(7), and similar to mail component Inbox, Sent Items, Draft and Outbox. The Payment gateway (1) is a solution component that allocates SMSA/oice credits to users(5) which interacts with 3^ party payment gateway{1) to enable users(5) to pay through debit or credit card. The scheduler allows user5(5) should be able to compose messages to mobile users(5) and set date and time to be delivered later. Each user(5) can compose as many messages as possible in a day as bng as they have sufficient credits. Users(5) shall be able to send multiple messages at the same time. User(5) can schedule a message for a max of 1 year in advance. When a user(5) sets a campaign, credits must be reserved as per the number of recipients. The number of credits reserved and approximate balance must be informed to the user(5). Similarly, when the campaign is scheduled for later reserve the amount of credit needed for the campaign and infomi the user(5) about credits reserved and approximate balance. In this scheduler we can schedule for today on later time and send later. The application also allows excel sheet campaign upload.

The registration process has been explained in Fig 2 for a first time user(5). After providing the relevant data - which includes user id. mobile number (domestic i.e. Indian), city and industry, the user sends the registration request. This data is validated, and upon validation is populated in the User Manager table (a component of Dispatcher).
The system generates a password(8) for the user account which Is delivered to the user id provided by the user by the mail monitor component of the scheduler.

After having received the credentials, the user can log-in and utilize the services.
The Fig 3 describes the process of log-in and various error conditions.
The campaign process is explained in Fig 4.

After log-in, a user has to provide campaign message, recipient list, select a Sender ID, campaign schedule time. The embedded system checks the following items before starting a campaign - user SMS credit balance, message text for spam words, and valid entries in the recipient list and time of campaign.

The load balancer ensures the application is running un-interrupted; it also regulates the SMS/Out Dialing load between the servers.

The SMSC consists of push application that regulates the outgoing message broadcast to mobile users, logger that records all transaction with extemai entities, SMPP server
responsible for interfacing with telecom operators' SMSC and SS7 card for signaling interfacing with the embedded systems.

The invention (mVaayoo) is a web-based application along with embeded systems not only enables sending messages, managing contacts, schedule campaigns but also it enacts as a mode of getting responses from recipients as SMS replies(9) acceslble from mVaayoo web account. This invention is unique and ideal for enterprise-class SMS and voice suite and fulfills any customer need ,related to SMS transactions or voice broadcast in an automated or a manual mode. It offers ability to manage users and credit serving marketing, advertising or just communication needs for other enterprises.

Users recives replies to their campaign initiated by the present invention
(mVaayoo)

Step 1: User registers with mVaayoo and subscribes to a desirable reply number(9)

Step 2: User composes and sends SMS from the reply number(9)

Step 3: Recipients reply back to this message with response

Step 4: User checks Inbox for replies on mVaayoo.com

Reply number(9) service usage

Bulk SMS with Reolv Number(9): Bulk SMS push with Reply number (a dedicated short code) as a Sender ID to get instant response from the SMS recipient.

Exampie:

Paul Tortellini, the CEO of Intel decides to make a quick stopper in India enroute to China. He wants to address the Intel India employees in person. The meeting has to be scheduled for Monday morning and it's already Saturday afternoon. The HR team not only wants to send out a notification to all the employees, but also wants them to RSVP so they have a count of how many plan to attend. This will help them make appropriate
arrangements for the event. Email simply is not an effective solution in this case because many employees do not check their work email accounts over the weekend. Besides, organizing the responses to get a count of how many will attend would prove to be a nightmare. Phone calls would just take up way too much time. mVaayoo is the silver bullet for this situation. The HR person organizing the event Anjati togs into mVaayoo, buys 5000 credits and also buys a reply number. She then takes the help of her friend in IT to extract the mobile phone numbers of all the Intel India employees from the employee database into a text file in a comma separated format. Anjali then uploads this file into mVaayoo and creates a group called Intel India Employees for future use. She composes the message with details of the event and asks the recipients to respond '1' if they plan to attend and '2' othenA^ise. She then blasts out the message. Within minutes, responses begin pouring in. Within a few hours, a majority of the users have already responded. She runs a report within mVaayoo based on the responses and leams that 82% of the respondents planned to attend.

Figure 5 explains the flow of the service provided for the above example
The invention is also very much useful for the business enterprises for Reaching
different profiles of customers with different communication message at different time
duration

The invention will generate a reply number to get instant response from the recipient.
Bulk SMS push with Reply number (a dedicated short code) as a Sender ID to get
instant response from the SMS recipient.

Example:

Aliens’ Group- Hyderabad based real estate company has opened bookings for Hi-tech
Homes at Aliens' Space Station. Marketing manager wants to reach different customers
of different profiles with different communication message at different time duration.
This will help them in reach specific customers with specific requirements at specific
time. Besides sending message that booking is open they also want to get replies from
customers who are interested and seta n appointment with sales executive. Calling to
every one is not an effective option. Sales executives will not be able to call everyone just to know whether they are interested or not as it will take up way too much time. The Present invention (mVaayoo) solves this situation :-The marketing manager responsible for entire marketing campaign registers to mVaayoo and after receiving password wilt log into mVaayoo and buy necessary credits and also buys a reply number(9). He then uploads all the contact numbers Into mVaayoo embedded systems through an Excel sheet and also creates a group called Hi-tech homes at Aliens' Space Station. HE composes messages with the details of codes for replying in order to get more details and asks recipients to respond with codes specified. He then blasts out messages. Within minutes, responses start pouring in. He runs a report within mVaayoo based on the responses, he extracts the mobile numbers who responded and then composes message to the sales executives to contact the customers who has responded. In this way without making much efforts marketing manager has completed a campaign of sending message to customers about the new project and also sending customers details to sales executives for contacting them. With the present Invention promotion of new projects turned out to be a pleasant experience.

Figure 6 explains the flow of the service provided for the above example
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION

The application enables users to send and receive messages to mobile numbers (MSISDN) through unique short and Alpha-numeric senderlD (e.g. Dial123).
Configure 2-way campaigns through reply management feature. This enables users to utilize SMS as a information exchange tool, e.g. Users can post contests questions, or sales promotions, to which message recipients can reply back. These replies from respondents are stored in the Inbox, and can downloaded by the user for further processing.

It also offers delivery reports for individual message campaigns (in a message campaign user can send messages to one or more mobile numbers) by a user. In this manner a user can track the delivery of messages to his/her recipient list. The platform allows users to upload excel sheet containing mobile numbers to send messages. This feature allows users to send different messages to different users. Users can create contact groups in their mVaayoo accounts, thereby facilitating group messaging to target audience, in fact users can create different groups for various activities thereby providing a efficient way of communicating with different groups. Send picture messages, flash messages and business cards to mobile users using application web user interface

Application API allow users to integrate the SMS platform with existing CRM, ERP systems. This will allow users to utilize mVaayoo SMS platform for information dessimination seamlessly.

The web-based platform does not allow NDNC (National Do not Disturb) registry scrubing which will ensure NDNC subscribed users are not sent promotional messages. The picture messages being sent over mVaayoo support Nokia handsets.

CLAIM:

(1) The method for sending messages and to get instant reply from the recipients
comprises of

(a) which enables user send Bulk SMS from an application to mobile numbers and as well as receive replies from mobile numbers to the application

(b) enables user to get replies from mobile numbers to the inbox

(c) offers its users unique reply number to send and receive messages to/from mobile numbers (MSISDN)
(d) To the reply number user can configure keywords though which user can differentaite the campaigns

(e) Utilizing keywords alongwith reply number user can track replies from users to a particular sms campaigs- facility to schedule a campaign at a later time

(f) enables users to send Binary Messages including and not limited to picture messages, flash messages and business cards to mobile users

(2) reply number mechanism with reference to claim (1) wherein user registers to
inventor and purchases the reply number enabling user to schedule any campaigns
using the keyowrds

(a) inventor sends the SMS and If user replies it will store replies in the inbox

(b) Based on keywords replies are categorized and a report is presented to the user

(c) The embedded system generates a password(8) for the user account which is delivered to the user id provided by the user by the mail monitor component of the scheduler
(d)The embedded system checks the following items before starting a campaign -user SMS credit balance, message text for spam words, and valid entries in the recipient list and time of campaign

(e) The load balancer ensures the application is running un-interrupted; it also regulates the SMS/Out Dialing load between the servers

(f) The SMSC consists of push application that regulates the outgoing message broadcast to mobile users, logger that records all transaction with external
entities, SMPP server responsible for interfacing with telecom operators' SMSC and SS7 card for signaling interfacing with the embedded systems

(g) The embedded system will generate a reply number to get instant response from the recipient

(h) Bulk SMS push with Reply number (a dedicated short code) as a Sender ID to get instant response from the SMS recipient. The method for sending messages and to get instant reply from the recipients is herein substantially described and exemplified.