Statistical analysis system and method for use with public communication facility.

Description of equivalent WO 8700375 A1

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS SYSTEM FOR USE WITH PUBLIC COMMUNICATION FACILITY

0002Background and Summary of the Invention Various forms of public polling have come into widespread use. Telecommunications afford a valuable tool, for such activity. To some extent, telecommunication polling has been automated, particularly with regard to specific test groups. However, sometimes it is desirable to perform analysis to identify specific selections with respect to very large groups of people who are not preselected for use in an organized calling campaign. For example, it may be desirable to obtain medical data from a large group of people, to correlate such data, then to identify a select subset of the group using some external data. Also, it may be desirable to collect such medical data selectively from people who have purchased a test kit or the like for obtaining data. In any event, a need exists for an effective, economical, and expedient system for performing such analysis and selection.

0003It has been proposed to use telecommunications systems to interface control systems with individuals who provide digital identification data by actuating a digital mechanism. For example, it has been proposed to interface individuals at telephone calling stations with recorded voice messages prompting the provision of address data by actuating the numeric or alphabetic buttons that are conventionally employed for dialing another telephone station. In general, such techniques have been used to provide specific select information. For example, a caller might actuate dialing buttons to selectively address specific information in a computer of interest to him. In another arrangement, dialing buttons may be actuated to specify a billing designation as for requested services. Such techniques offer various enhanced possibilities and in general the system of the present invention is based on the recog¬ nition of certain of those possibilities.

0004In general, the present invention comprises an analysis and selection system for operation in cooperation with a public communication facility, e.g. a telephone system. A voice origination apparatus prompts individual callers to provide select digital data. A control system may qualify a caller then provide data cells for storing individual data and assigning definitive identifications to such data (and to the caller) and subsequently testing such data as for the selection of a subset of callers. Accordingly, statistical analysis and selection can be effectively accomplished economically with respect to a substantially unlimited set of callers who are accommodated by a public communication system. In a related aspect, callers can provide data as for merchandising, or various operations involving a large number of persons.

0005Brief Description of the Drawings In the drawings, which constitute a part of this specification, exemplary embodiments exhibiting various objectives and features hereof are set forth, specifically: FIGURE 1 is a block diagram of a system constructed in accordance with the present invention;

0006FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary diagrammatic representation of a storage cell in the system of FIGURE 1; and

0007FIGURE 3 is a flow diagram of an operating format of the system of FIGURE 1.

0008Description of the Illustrative Embodiment As required, a detailed illustrative embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein. However, physical communication systems, data formats, and operating structures in accordance with the present invention may be embodied in a wide variety of forms, some of which may be quite different from those of the disclosed embodiment. Consequently, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely. representative; yet in that regard, they are deemed to afford the best embodiment for purposes of disclosure and to provide a basis for the claims herein which define the scope of the present invention.

0009Referring initially to FIGURE 1, a series of remote terminals TI through Tn are represented (left). The terminals are generally similar, and accordingly, only the terminal Tl is illustrated in detail. In the disclosed embodiment, the remote terminals Tl through Tn comprise telephone terminals coupled to a communication facility C which may take the form of a comprehensive telephone system for interconnecting any associated terminals. The communication facility C is also coupled to a data development station D in accordance herewith, which is illustrated in some.detail. Generally in accordance with the present development, individual callers use the individual telephone stations Tl through Tn to interface the data development station D through the communication facility C. Also in accordance herewith, the data of individual callers is collected and correlated in the data station D for processing in accordance with external data. As a consequence, a select subset of the callers are isolated and specifically identified. Several polling or informing operations can be performed utilizing systems in accordance herewith. For example, the public might be polled with regard to locating the specific purchasers of a defective and dangerous product. The public might be polled with the objective of locating persons susceptible to a specific ailment or disease. In a less serious vein, but one of particular commercial significance, the system also might be employed in various public communi¬ cation game formats or, where legal and deemed in the public welfare, public lotteries.

0010Considering the system of FIGURE 1 in somewhat greater detail, it is to be understood that the communi¬ cation facility C has multiplexing capability for individually coupling the terminals Tl-Tn to the central station C on request. In the illustrative form of the system, the communication facility C comprises a public telephone facility and the individual terminals Tl-Tn take various forms of existing telephone instruments. In that regard, the telephone terminal Tl is represented in some detail to include a hand piece 10 (microphone and earphone) and a panel 12 provided with a rectangular array of push buttons 14.

0011In accordance with conventional telephone designations, alphabetic and numeric designations are provided on the buttons 14. For example, several of the buttons 14 carry three letters along with a decimal numeral. Specifically, the button designated with the numeral "2" also carries the letters "A", "B", and "C". In that manner, the buttons 14 encompass the numerals "0-9", two symbols, and the alphabet except for the letters "Q" and "Z". Consequently, the buttons 14 accommodate entry of decimal data along with a wide range of alphabetic data. In that regard, the buttons 14 designated with symbols "*" and "#" as well as the numeral "0" can be used by predetermined assignment to represent the letters "Q" and "Z" or any of a variety of other data or commands. Generally in accordance herewith, the buttons 14 are employed to formulate digital data at the central station D in various formats determined by the current specific use of the system. Considering the central station D in somewnat greater detail, the communication facility C is coupled to an interface unit 20 which incorporates modems, tone decoders, and switching mechanisms. The interface unit 20 affords couplings to a computer 22 which may take the form of a mini-unit programmed for example in accordance with the functions as set forth below. Generally, the computer 22 performs distinct and separate operations. Specifically, the computer 22 may initially qualify a caller. In that regard, if a select group of callers are to have access to the system, a key test unit 23 qualifies individual callers who present a key number. Subsequently, during a data acquisition phase, the computer 22 receives data from individual stations Tl-Tn (through the communi- cation facility C) which data is organized, identified. and stored. Thereafter, during a processing phase, the computer 22 processes the stored data applying additional data to isolate a select subset of callers.

0012Sub-blocks in addition to unit 23 also are illustrated in the block designating the computer 22 so as to represent various internal component operating units. In formulating the data records to be stored, the computer 22 employs logic operations which are performed by a sequencer and encoder 24. During statistical processing operations, the computer 22 utilizes a data test buffer 26 along with a statistical analysis program means 28. Exemplary operations and formats for these elements are treated below.

0013The computer 22 is connected to a voice generator 30 to selectively provide voice messages through the interface unit 20 and the communication facility C to a currently active remote terminal. Also, the computer 22 is coupled "to a memory 32 containing a plurality of individual cells Cl-Cn which are employed to register the data from individual callers at the terminals. Thus, during a data accumulation phase, the apparatus at the central station D acquires data in the memory 32 utilizing individual cells Cl-Cn for the individual callers. Subsequently, during the statistical processing operation, the computer 22 receives data through a command terminal 34 which is tested with regard to the acquired data in the cells Cl-Cn of memory 32 so as to select and identify a subset of the individual callers. Thus, the system is effective for use in statistical polling to selectively identify a particular subset of data associated with a subset of individual callers. In that regard, it is important to positively identify the isolated subset of callers and also to enable those callers to verify their identity. The system of the present invention accommodates those needs.

0014An appreciation of the philosophical operation of a system in accordance with the present invention may now be enhanced by considering an exemplary operation of the illustrative embodiment of FIGURE 1 to isolate a subset of people who are susceptible to a particular disease or infirmity. The exemplary operation might involve a geographical area, as a large city, in which a particular health problem is somewhat acute. For example, a major population center in which coronary artery disease is a major problem might be polled.

0015Accordingly, persons most susceptible to such disease could be identified for corrective measures.

0016As an alternative example related to health, the system may process the resultant data from test kits. Specifically, test kits might be sold to concerned persons who would use the kit to obtain certain specific health data. For example, a person might purchase a kit containing the apparatus and instructions to perform various non-invasive procedures to obtain data that could indicate a health condition, e.g. pregnancy. The kit containing the apparatus could also include a key number for qualifying the purchaser to access the computer 22. The qualification would be performed by the key test unit 23 which might simply incorporate a look-up table to check off key numbers as they are used or "consumed".

0017Returning to the example mentioned above of a general polling for a population center, people of the metropolitan area would be informed of the availability of a service for statistical health analysis. Accordingly, persons interested in their individual statistical situation would be motivated to utilize the service. Specifically, individual callers would use the remote terminals Tl-Tn to contact the central station D through the communication facility C and thereby provide personal information which would enable a statistical analysis in relation to existing data so as to isolate and inform those persons statistically most likely to be in need of corrective measures. In such applications, it may be important that the caller's identity be subject to reliable verification. Other applications may present a critical need for positively verifiable identification to the extent that credit card numbers and/or personal identification numbers may be employed.

0018The exemplary operation, with regard to a specific caller, will now be treated referring somewhat concurrently to FIGURES 1, 2, and 3. As indicated above, FIGURE 2 indicates a data storage format and will now be considered with regard to a format in which data is composed in one of the cells Cl-Cn of the memory 32. Pursuing the above example in accordance with the assumptions, further assume the existence of a caller at the remote terminal Tl who wishes to pursue health-related information on the basis of statistical analysis. The caller lifts the hand piece 10 and in accordance with conventional techniques actuates the push buttons 14 to establish communication through the facility C with the central station D. Upon receiving the call signal, the interface unit 20 (central station D, FIGURE 1) actuates the computer 22 to queue the voice generator 30. The sequence of operations is represented to be initiated in ^'FIGURE 3 by the "enter" block 40 which is accordingly followed by a "queue voice generator" command block 42. Accordingly, the voice generator 30 (FIGURE 1) formulates speech, a representative form of which might be: "Thank you for participating in the coronary artery disease statistical analysis. Please give us your telephone number by actuating the- call buttons on your telephone instrument."

0019Acting on the instructions, the caller would push th buttons 14 in sequence to indicate his telephone number, e.g.. "6200711". This data could be taken directly from the system as it is available in certain telephone apparatus of the facil ity C. The time of day also could be taken. The resulting da signals are communicated to the interface unit 20 (FIGURE 1) then applied to the computer 22 for testing as a valid telepho number. The test is indicated by the block 44 (FIGURE 3). If the response is not valid, for example, if it contains an in¬ appropriate number of digits, the operating of block 46 is initiated again queuing the voice generator 30 (FIGURE 1). Accordingly, the voice generator reinstructs the caller, e.g.i "You have not entered a proper telephone number. Please re- enter your telephone number by pressing the appropriate call buttons." ^'

0020The caller is then allotted a predetermined period of time to make a proper entry with the consequence that the system moves to a test operation as indicated by the block 48 (FIGURE 3). Specifically, bloc, 48 poses the query: "Is the second try good?"

0021If the caller is again unsuccessful, the system purg the record as indicated by the block 50 and the call is termi¬ nated as indicated-by the block 52. Conversely, if the caller responds with a proper telephone number, the operation sequenc to record the response as indicated by the block 54. That is. the caller's telephone is recorded in a specific cell Cl-Cn identified with the caller. The format of the cell Cl is indicated in FIGURE 2. The first portion, section 53, contains the caller's telephone number, i.e. "6200711". Note that as explained above, if the second attempt to formulate a proper number is successful, as manifest by the block 48 (FIGURE 3), the response is recorded at that stage. In either case, exiting from the block 54 (FIGURE 3) invokes the next operation of again queueing the voice generator as indicated by the block 56.

0022As an alternative, if a selective-group polling operation is performed, as mentioned above, the caller is qualified by providing the "one-time" key number included in his package. As indicated above, the unit 23 may incorporate a look-up table for proper key numbers. Proper numbers may be coded using any of a wide variety of techniques. As .a simple illustrative example, the key may comprise a precise number of digits that always total a particular numerical value. The key test unit 23 performs the test as an initial qualification. Next, the unit 23 verifies that the key given by a caller has not been consumed by prior use. Thus, the unit 23 may simply incorporate some arithmetic test capability along with a look-up table as well known in the art.

0023Returning to the detailed example, the process proceeds after the caller is qualified.

0024Specifically, the queue to the voice generator 30 (FIGURE 1) as represented by the block 56 produces a request for further information from the caller. For example, the voice generator might request information by stating: "Please use the telephone buttons to indicate the initials of your first and last names using the asterisk button for the letters Q and Z." The detailed operation is not represented in

0025FIGURE 3 as it is similar to the operation illustrated by the blocks 42 through 54. However, again, a proper response is registered in the storage cell Cl as illustrated in FIGURE 2 by the number "53" also registered in the first section 53 of the cell.

0026The cycle of obtaining digital information from the caller next is repeated with respect.to substantial specific health data. For example, as illustrated in FIGURE 2, the next section 58 in the cell Cl receives an accumulation of health data, including the caller's age, weight, ..., pulse rate, and so on. Representative digital numbers are illustrated in FIGURE 2.

0027During the course of the telephonic communi- cation, the computer 22 formulates identification data for the caller specifically including: the chronological sequence of the call, the assigned designation of the call, and a set of acknowledgment digits for the call. Such data identification is registered in the assigned cell Cl in accordance with the format of FIGURE 2 being stored in sections 62, 64, and 66. Note that the data may be stored in a coded interrelationship. For example, the acknowledgment digits may be related to the call record sequence. In the illustrative example, the chronological order number of the caller is 4951.

0028The acknowledge digits may be derived from that sequence number. For example, as illustrated, a coded relationship may be established by adding "two" to each of the individual record sequence digits. Considering the example numerically: 4951 2222

0029Adding without carries: 6173

0030According to the example, the call chronological - sequence registered for the caller is 4951 as represented in the section 62 while the acknowledge digits are 6173 as registered in the section 66. Additionally, the computer develops an assigned designation number, e.g. designation "4951684", which is registered in the section 64 and an acknowledge code or digits, e.g. 6173, registered in the section 66. These values are formulated in accordance with conventional number techniques during the data acquisition phase. Specifically, with the exemplary numerals formulated, the operation proceeds.

0031The computer 22^" (FIGURE 1) queues the internal memory. That operation is indicated by the block 68 (FIGURE 3). Thus, the computer 22 fetches the call record sequence number, assigns a designation (if not previously assigned), and encodes the sequence number as the acknowledgement digits (if not previously accomplished). These operations are indicated by the block 70 (FIGURE 3). Next, the computer 22 (FIGURE 1) queues the voice generator as indicated by the block 72 (FIGURE 3) to provide information to the caller. Specifically, for example, the voice generator 30 (FIGURE 1) might state: "This transaction has been designated by the number 4951684, and is further identified by the acknowledgment digits 6173. Please make a record of these numbers as they will be repeated. Specifically, the designation number is 4951684. The acknowledgment digits are 6173. Please acknowledge this transaction by pressing your telephone buttons to in¬ dicate the acknowledge digits 6173." In various applica- tions as those involving security, the order and acknowl¬ edgement of callers may be very important. Therefore, data for confirmation associated with the order is important.

0032The system must assume a test mode as indicated by the block 76 (FIGURE 3). If the caller provides the correct acknowledgment digits, the data is confirmed in the record as indicated by the block 80 and registered in the cell Cl (FIGURE 2). Additionally, the voice generator 30 (FIGURE 1) is sequenced as indicated by the block 82 (FIGURE 3). to indicate the close of the communication and that the transaction is terminated as represented by the exit block 84.

0033In the event that the caller cannot confirm his acknowledgment digits, as indicated by the block 76, a re¬ peat operation is performed as indicated respectively by the blocks 86 and 88. Specifically, the voice generator 30

0034(FIGURE 1) is queued for a second instructional message. In the event that the second attempt also fails, the data is purged and the call discounted as indicated by block 90. If the second try is successful (test block 88), as indicated by the block 80, the record is perfected as indicated above.

0035As a result of the likelihood of a large number of calls, as described above, the data cells Cl-Cn in the memory 32 (FIGURE 1) are developed with specific information indica¬ tive of a statistical sampling of the populace of concern. The data of that statistical sampling may be self-generating of specific conclusions with respect to a subset of individ¬ uals, and/or supplemental data may clearly manifest a sig¬ nificant subset. For example, the data may indicate a sig¬ nificant departure from an assumed normal characteristic. Such data, accumulated from the polling, may be considered by logic comparisons in the computer 22 to select the subset of persons who should be isolated. In addition to the self-generating conclusions available from the received data, the system may involve the introduction of external data. In the physical fitness example, such external data might take the form of national statistical data. In any event, the processing operation usually involves comparison testing which compares caller data from individual cells Cl-Cn with test data that is supplied to the statistical analysis program means 28 through the command terminal 34.

0036As a simplistic example, health data including age, weight, ... pulse, may be formulated into a com¬ posite number reflecting rated values for each of the data elements. Such a composite number may then be placed in the data test buffer 26 for sequential testing against similarly composed numbers formed from the data in the individual cells Cl-Cn. Based on such comparative testing, a subset of persons may be identified. Presumably those persons will be informed of their circumstances. Note that the command terminal 34 incorporates a display or other output data apparatus as standard in the art for manifesting the subset. However, it is important that identifications be confirmed as accurate. It is in that sense that the assigned designations as registered in the section 64 (FIGURE 2) and the call record sequence, as registered in the block 62, are important. Note that multiple comparative processing operations may be desirable or necessary to iso¬ late and confirm a subset of significant concern.

0037In the above example, members of the public were simply invited to use the service. A number of alternatives exist which might well impact on -the statistical analysis. For example, callers might be restricted to the purchasers of a specific product as a medical apparatus for measuring blood pressures, heart rates, or so on. In such situations, it will be apparent that the statistical data will be somewhat distorted from an average or normal sampling. Clearly, the computer 22 can be programmed to take into account such considerations. In that regard, the computer 22 might also verify identification data profferred by a caller. Such data might take the form of a credit card number or a personal identification number. Various techniques for verification of such numbers using computer techniques are well known and recognized in the prior art. In any event, a wide variety of possi¬ bilities, applications, and formats in accordance herewith will be apparent to those skilled in the art wherein data is assembled, stored, identified, processed by testing to isolate a subset or manifest data with " sources reliably confirmed. For example, merchandising, polling, selecting, and related operations are practical,

0038In view of the above explanation of the exemplary system, it will be appreciated that embo¬ diments of the present invention may be employed in many applications to accumulate statistical data, process such data, and define subsets of callers of concern. While certain exemplary operations have been stated herein, and certain detailed structures have been disclosed, the appropriate scope hereof is deemed to be in accordance with the claims as set forth below.