Request matching system and method.
Abstract
A real-time request matching system for and method of matching free-format requests of users, as requestors, to providers in servicing the requests, each of the requestors having at least one communicator for making requests and addressing replies thereto and each of the providers having at least one communicator for addressing requests and respective replies thereto, the method comprising the steps of: receiving requests from requestors; for each request, providing for the request to be relayed to selected providers as addressed thereby; receiving replies from selected providers, the replies received being made by the respective providers based on the respective requests; and one or both of supplying, for each request, information regarding the respective requestor to any providers having provided a positive reply to the respective request, with a positive reply indicating that a provider is able to meet a request, and information regarding replies from selected providers to the respective request to the respective requestor.
Term
Term ended
Expired 6 November 2022, 3.9 years ago.
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49 claims: 35 independent, 14 dependent
- 1REIVINDICACIONES Habiéndose descrito la invención como antecede, se reclama como propiedad lo contenido en las siguientes reivindicaciones:1. Un sistema de correspondencia para hacer corresponder peticiones de usuarios, tales como solicitantes, a proveedores para dar servicio a las peticiones, cada uno de los solicitantes tienen por lo menos un comunicador para efectuar peticiones y dirigir respuestas a los mismos y cada uno de los proveedores tiene por lo menos un comunicador para tratar peticiones, el sistema está caracterizado porque comprende: por lo menos una unidad receptora de peticiones para recibir peticiones libres de formato de peticiones y almacenar las peticiones libres de formato tal como son recibidas;por lo menos una unidad relevadora de peticiones para proporcionar para cada una de las peticiones almacenadas a ser relevadas a proveedores seleccionados tal como son tratadas mediante los mismos para permitir que proveedores seleccionados, tal como tomadores de decisiones humanos, interpreten las peticiones respectivas y decidan en base a una correspondencia y por lo menos una unidad receptora de respuestas para recibir respuestas de proveedores, las respuestas recibidas se hacen por los proveedores respectivos al interpretar las peticiones respectivas y decidir de acuerdo a una correspondencia.
- 2El sistema de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado porque comprende además:por lo menos una unidad que suministra información para una ó ambas de suministro, para cada petición, información concerniente con el solicitante respectivo a cualesquier proveedores que han proporcionado una respuesta positiva a la petición respectiva, con una respuesta positiva que indica que un proveedor es apto de cumplir con una petición e información concerniente con respuestas de proveedores seleccionados a la petición respectiva al solicitante respectivo.
- 3El sistema de conformidad con la reivindicación 1 ó 2, caracterizado porque las peticiones incluyen peticiones de voz.
- 4El sistema de conformidad con la reivindicación 1 a 3, caracterizado porque comprende:por lo menos una unidad de comunicaciones de entrada, cada una comprende por lo menos una unidad receptora de peticiones.
- 5El sistema de conformidad con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 1 a 4, caracterizado porque comprende:por lo menos una unidad de comunicaciones de salida, cada una comprende por lo menos una unidad relevadora de peticiones, por lo menos una unidad receptora de respuestas y por lo menos una unidad proveedora de información. 5
- 6El sistema de conformidad con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 1 a 3, caracterizado porque comprende:por lo menos una unidad de comunicaciones, cada una comprende por lo menos una unidad receptora de peticiones, por lo menos una unidad relevadora de peticiones, por lo 10 menos una unidad receptora de respuestas y por lo menos una unidad proveedora de información.
- 7El sistema de conformidad con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 1 a 6, caracterizado porque la por lo menos una unidad relevadora de peticiones está configurada para 15 relevar una petición directamente a los comunicadores de proveedores seleccionados.
- 8El sistema de conformidad con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 1 a 7, caracterizado porque la por lo menos una unidad relevadora de peticiones está configurada para 20 proporcionar que una petición sea relevada sin ninguna interrogación de la misma para establecer el contenido.
- 9El sistema de conformidad con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 1 a 8, caracterizado porque la por lo menos una unidad receptora de peticiones incluye una pluralidad de 25 receptores para recibir peticiones, cada petición tiene una dirección de contacto de clasificación asociada con una clasificación predeterminable.
- 10El sistema de conformidad con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 1 a 9, caracterizado porque comprende además:por lo menos una unidad de selección de proveedores para seleccionar proveedores tratar una petición.
- 11El sistema de conformidad con la reivindicación 10, caracterizado porque la por lo menos una unidad de selección de proveedores está configurada para seleccionar proveedores para una petición en base por lo menos en parte en una ubicación geográfica asignada a la petición respectiva y una ó ambas de ubicaciones geográficas ó zonas geográficas asignadas a los proveedores.
- 12El sistema de conformidad con la reivindicación 11, caracterizado porque la ubicación geográfica asignada a la petición respectiva es la ubicación geográfica actual del solicitante respectivo.
- 13El sistema de conformidad con la reivindicación 12, caracterizado porque la ubicación geográfica actual es determinada a partir de una dirección de contacto del comunicador del solicitante respectivo, en donde la dirección de contacto del comunicador tiene una ubicación asignada.
- 14El sistema de conformidad con la reivindicación 11, caracterizado porque la ubicación geográfica asignada a la petición respectiva es una ubicación geográfica alternativa tal como se asigna por el solicitante respectivo.
- 15El sistema de conformidad con la reivindicación 14, caracterizado porque la ubicación geográfica alternativa es determinada a partir de una dirección de contacto del comunicador en donde la dirección de contacto del comunicador tiene una ubicación asignada.
- 16El sistema conformidad con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 10 a 15, caracterizado porque la por lo menos una unidad de selección de proveedores está configurada para seleccionar proveedores para una petición dentro de una zona geográfica espacial predeterminable en relación con la ubicación geográfica asignada a la petición respectiva.
- 17El sistema de conformidad con la reivindicación 16, caracterizado porque la zona geográfica espacial predeterminable es una de un radio geográfico en relación con la ubicación geográfica asignada a la petición respectiva, una distancia de viaje en relación con la ubicación geográfica asignada a la petición respectiva ó un tiempo de viaje en relación con la ubicación geográfica asignada a la petición respectiva.
- 18El sistema de conformidad con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 10 a 17 , caracterizado porque la por lo menos una unidad de selección de proveedores está configurada para seleccionar proveedores para una petición en base, por lo menos en parte, en por lo menos una característica del solicitante para el solicitante respectivo, tal como información relacionada geográficamente e información socioeconómica, como una característica asignada para el solicitante respectivo ó una característica introducida por el solicitante respectivo al efectuar la petición.
- 19El sistema de conformidad con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 10 a 18, caracterizado porque la por lo menos una unidad de selección de proveedores está configurada para seleccionar proveedores para una petición en base por lo menos en parte en por lo menos un característica del proveedor para los proveedores, tal como requerir que los solicitantes tengan un perfil predeterminable ó proporcionar los detalles de contacto, como una característica asignada para los proveedores respectivos.
- 20El sistema de conformidad con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 10 a 19, caracterizado porque la por lo menos una unidad de selección del proveedor está configurada para seleccionar proveedores para una petición en base por lo menos en parte al tiempo actual.
- 21El sistema de conformidad con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 10 a 20, caracterizado porque la por lo menos una unidad de selección de proveedores está configurada para seleccionar proveedores para una petición en base por lo menos en parte en por lo menos una característica de clasificación, tal como un mecanismo de selección para seleccionar proveedores, como una característica asignada para la clasificación respectiva.
- 22El sistema de conformidad con cualquiera de las 5 reivindicaciones 10 a 21, caracterizado porque la por lo menos una unidad de selección de proveedores está configurada para programas el relevo de una petición a programadores seleccionados mediante por lo menos una unidad relevadora de peticiones de acuerdo con criterios de correspondencia y 10 terminar una operación de correspondencia en donde se satisfacen los criterios de correspondencia ó criterios de terminación.
- 23El sistema de conformidad con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 1 a 22, caracterizado porque la por lo menos 15 una unidad relevadora de peticiones está configurada para relevar una petición a un número predeterminable de proveedores seleccionados tal como son tratados mediante los mismos.
- 24El sistema de conformidad con cualquiera de las 20 reivindicaciones 1 a 23, caracterizado porque la por lo menos una unidad relevadora de peticiones está configurada para multidifundir una petición a proveedores seleccionados en donde la petición va a ser relevada a una pluralidad de proveedores tal como son tratadas mediante los mismos.
- 2525 25. El sistema de conformidad con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 1 a 24, caracterizado porque la por lo menos una unidad proveedora de información está configurada, para una petición, para suministrar información concerniente con proveedores que han proporcionado una respuesta positiva a la 5 petición al .solicitante respectivo.
- 26Un método para hacer corresponder peticiones de usuarios, tales como solicitantes, a proveedores para dar servicio a las peticiones, cada uno de los solicitantes tienen por lo menos un comunicador para efectuar peticiones y 10 dirigir respuestas a los mismos y cada uno de los proveedores tiene por lo menos un comunicador para tratar peticiones, el método está caracterizado porque comprende las etapas de:recibir peticiones de formato libre de los solicitantes;15 almacenar las peticiones de formato libre tal como son recibidas;para cada petición, proporcionar para la petición almacenada a ser relevada a proveedores seleccionados tal como son tratados mediante los mismos, de tal manera para 20 permitir que proveedores seleccionados, tal como tomadores de decisiones humanas, interpreten la petición y decidan en base a una correspondencia y recibir respuestas de proveedores, las respuestas recibidas se hacen por los proveedores respectivos al 25 interpretar las peticiones respectivas y decidir en cuanto a una correspondencia.
- 27El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 26, caracterizado porque comprende además la etapa de:uno ó ambos de suministrar, para cada petición, 5 información concerniente con el solicitante respectivo a cualesquier proveedores que han proporcionado una respuesta positiva a la petición respectiva, una respuesta positiva que indica que un proveedor es apto de cumplir con una petición e información concerniente con respuestas de proveedores 10 seleccionados a la petición respectiva al solicitante respectivo.
- 28El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 26 ó 27, caracterizado porque las peticiones incluyen peticiones de voz. 15
- 29El método de conformidad con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 26 a 28, caracterizado porque la etapa de proporcionar una petición a ser relevada a proveedores seleccionados tal como es tratada mediante los mismos comprende las etapas de:20 relevar una petición directamente a los comunicadores de proveedores seleccionados.
- 30El método de conformidad con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 25 a 29, caracterizado porque una petición es relevada sin ninguna interrogación de la misma para 25 establecer el contenido.
- 31El método de conformidad con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 26 a 30, caracterizado porque la etapa de recibir peticiones de solicitantes comprende la etapa de:recibir peticiones de solicitantes en una pluralidad de receptores, cada una de las peticiones tiene una dirección de contacto de clasificación asociada con una clasificación predeterminable.
- 32El método de conformidad con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 26 a 31, caracterizado porque comprende además la etapa de:seleccionar proveedores respectivos para tratar una petición.
- 33El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 32, caracterizado porque la etapa de seleccionar proveedores respectivos para tratar una petición comprende la etapa de:seleccionar proveedores respectivos para tratar una petición en base por lo menos en parte en una ubicación geográfica asignada a la petición respectiva y una o ambas de ubicaciones geográficas o zonas geográficas asignadas a los proveedores.
- 34El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 33, caracterizado porque la ubicación geográfica asignada a la petición respectiva es una ubicación geográfica actual del solicitante respectivo.
- 35El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 34, caracterizado porque la ubicación geográfica actual es determinada de una dirección de contacto del comunicador del solicitante respectivo, en donde la dirección de contacto del comunicador tiene una ubicación asignada.
- 36El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 33, caracterizado porque la ubicación geográfica asignada a 36, caracterizado porque la ubicación geográfica alternativa es determinada a partir de una dirección de contacto del comunicador, en donde la dirección de contacto del comunicador tiene una ubicación asignada.
- 3738. El método de conformidad con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 32 a 37, caracterizado porque la etapa de seleccionar proveedores respectivos para tratar una petición comprende la etapa de:seleccionar proveedores respectivos para tratar una petición dentro de una zona geográfica espacial predeterminable en relación con la ubicación geográfica asignada a la petición respectiva.
- 3839. El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 38, caracterizado porque la zona geográfica espacial predeterminable es una de un radio geográfico en relación con la ubicación geográfica asignada a la petición respectiva, una distancia de viaje en relación con la ubicación geográfica asignada a la petición respectiva o un tiempo de viaje en relación con la ubicación geográfica asignada a la petición respectiva.
- 3940. El método de conformidad con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 32 a 39, caracterizado porque la etapa de seleccionar proveedores respectivos comprende la etapa de:seleccionar proveedores respectivos para tratar una petición en base por lo menos en parte a una característica del solicitante para el solicitante respectivo, tal como información relacionada geográficamente e información socioeconómica, como una característica asignada para el solicitante respectivo o una característica introducida por el solicitante respectivo al efectuar la petición.
- 4041. El método de conformidad con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 32 a 40, caracterizado porque la etapa de seleccionar proveedores respectivos para tratar una petición comprende la etapa de:seleccionar proveedores respectivos para tratar una petición en base por lo menos en parte a una característica del proveedor, tal requerir que los solicitantes tengan un perfil predeterminable o proporcionen detalles de contacto, como una característica asignada para los proveedores respectivos.
- 4142. El método de conformidad con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 32 a 41, caracterizado porque la etapa de seleccionar proveedores respectivos para tratar una petición comprende la etapa de:seleccionar proveedores respectivos para tratar una petición en base por lo menos en parte a la hora actual. 5
- 4243. El método de conformidad con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 32 a 42, caracterizado porque la etapa de seleccionar proveedores respectivos para tratar una petición comprende la etapa de:seleccionar proveedores respectivos para tratar una petición en base por lo menos en parte a una 10 característica de clasificación, tal como un mecanismo de selección para seleccionar proveedores, como una característica asignada para la clasificación respectiva.
- 4344. El método de conformidad con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 32 a 43, caracterizado porque comprende 15 además las etapas de:programar el relevo de una petición a proveedores seleccionados de acuerdo con los criterios de correspondencia y terminar una operación de correspondencia, en donde 20 se satisfacen los criterios de correspondencia o criterios de terminación.
- 4445. El método de conformidad con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 26 a 44, caracterizado porque la etapa de proporcionar una petición a ser relevada a proveedores 25 seleccionados para ser tratada por lo mismos comprende la etapa de:proporcionar una petición a ser relevada a un número predeterminable de proveedores seleccionados para ser tratada por los mismos.
- 4546. El método de conformidad con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 26 a 45, caracterizado porque la etapa de proporcionar una petición a ser relevada a proveedores seleccionados para ser tratada por los mismos comprende la etapa de:multidifundir una petición a proveedores seleccionados, en donde la petición va a ser relevada a una pluralidad de proveedores para ser tratada por los mismos.
- 4647. El método de conformidad con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 26 a 46, caracterizado porque la etapa de proporcionar información comprende la etapa de:suministrar, para una petición, información concerniente a proveedores que han proporcionado una respuesta positiva a la petición al solicitante respectivo.
- 4748. Un sistema de correspondencia para hacer corresponder peticiones de usuarios, tales como solicitantes, a proveedores para dar servicio a las peticiones, el sistema está caracterizado porque comprende:una pluralidad de comunicadores del solicitante, cada uno es para uso por los solicitantes para efectuar peticiones libres de formato y tratar cualesquier respectiva respuestas a las mismas, por lo menos una de las respuestas incluye información concerniente con respuestas de proveedores seleccionados a peticiones respectivas y una pluralidad de comunicadores del proveedor, cada uno es para uso por los proveedores para tratar peticiones a cualesquier respuestas a los mismos, las respuestas son relevadas a proveedores seleccionados respectivos, para ser tratadas, para habilitar a proveedores seleccionados, como tomadores de decisiones humanas, para interpretar las peticiones respectivas y decidir en cuanto a una correspondencia y por lo menos una de las respuestas incluye información concerniente con el solicitante de una petición respectiva, en donde ha proporcionado una respuesta positiva a la petición respectiva, una respuesta positiva indica que el proveedor es apto para cumplir una petición.
- 4849. Un sistema de correspondencia para hacer corresponder peticiones de usuarios, tales como solicitantes, a proveedores para dar servicio a las peticiones, el sistema está caracterizado porque comprende:una pluralidad de comunicadores del solicitante, cada uno es para uso por los solicitantes para efectuar peticiones libres de formato y tratar respectivas respuestas a las mismas;una pluralidad de comunicadores del proveedor, cada uno es para uso por los proveedores para tratar peticiones y respectivas respuestas a las mismos y por lo menos una unidad de comunicaciones que se puede comunicar con los comunicadores del solicitante y los comunicadores del proveedor y que incluye por lo menos una unidad de selección de proveedores para seleccionar proveedores para tratar cada petición efectuada por un solicitante;en donde, para cada petición, el sistema está configurado de tal manera que la petición es provista para ser relevada a proveedores seleccionados, tal como son tratadas por los mismos, para habilitar a proveedores seleccionados, como tomadores de decisiones humanos, para interpretar la petición y decidir en base a una correspondencia.
- 4950. Un método para hacer corresponder peticiones de usuarios, tales como solicitantes, con proveedores para dar servicio a las peticiones, el método está caracterizado porque comprende las etapas de:recibir señales que comprenden peticiones libres de formato de solicitantes, para cada petición, transmitir una señal a proveedores seleccionados que comprende la petición tal como es recibida, para habilitar a proveedores seleccionados, tales como tomadores de decisiones humanas, para interpretar la petición y decidir en base a una correspondencia;recibir señales que comprenden respuestas de proveedores seleccionados, las respuestas se hacen por los proveedores respectivos al interpretar las peticiones respectivas y decidir en cuanto a una correspondencia y para cada petición, transmitir una o ambas de una señal que comprende información con respecto al solicitante respectivo a cualesquier proveedor que ha proporcionado una respuesta positiva a la petición respectiva, una respuesta positiva indica que el proveedor es apto de satisfacer una petición y una señal que comprende información concerniente con respuestas de proveedores seleccionados a la petición respectiva al solicitante respectivo. RESÜMEN DE LA INVENCIÓN Se describe un sistema de correspondencia de peticiones en tiempo real y método para hacer corresponder peticiones libres de formato de usuarios, tales como 5 solicitantes, a proveedores para dar servicio a las peticiones, cada uno de los solicitantes tiene por lo menos un comunicador para efectuar peticiones y tratar respuestas a las mismas y cada uno de los proveedores tiene por lo menos un comunicador para tratar peticiones y respectivas 10 respuestas a las mismas, el método comprende las etapas de: recibir peticiones de solicitantes;para cada petición, proporcionar que la petición sea relevada a proveedores seleccionados para ser tratada por los mismos;recibir respuestas de los proveedores seleccionados, las respuestas 15 recibidas se hacen por los proveedores respectivos en base a las peticiones respectivas y uno o ambos de proporcionar, para cada petición, información concerniente con el solicitante respectivo a cualesquier proveedor que proporcionado una respuesta positiva a la solicitud 20 respectiva, una respuesta positiva indica que un proveedor es apto de satisfacer una petición e información concerniente con respuestas de proveedores seleccionados a la petición respectiva al solicitante respectivo.
Independent claims49
336 paragraphs in 2 sections, as filed
(54) Title: SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CORRESPONDENCE OF REQUESTS. (54) Title: REQUEST MATCHING SYSTEM AND METHOD.
(57) Summary
A real-time request matching system and methods for matching free format requests from users, such as requestors, to providers to service requests are described, each requestor having at least one communicator to make requests and handle responses to them and each of the providers has at least one communicator to handle requests and respective responses to them, the method comprises the steps of receiving requests from applicants; for each request, provide that the request be relieved to selected providers to be treated by them; receive responses from selected providers, responses received are made by respective providers based on respective requests and one or both of providing, for each request, information concerning the respective applicant to any provider who providing a positive response to the request respective, a positive response indicates that a provider is eligible to satisfy a request and information regarding selected providers' responses to the respective request to the respective requestor.
(57) Abstract
A real-time request matching system for and method of matching free-format requests of users, as requestors, to providers in servicing the requests, each of the requestors having at least one communicator for making requests and addressing replies thereto and each of the providers having at least one communicator for addressing requests and respective replies thereto, the method comprising the steps of: receiving requests from requestors; for each request, providing for the request to be relayed to selected providers as addressed thereby; receiving replies from selected providers, the replies received being made by the respective providers based on the respective requests; and one or both of supplying, for each request, information regarding the respective requestor to any providers having provided a positive reply to the respective request, with a positive reply indicating that a provider is able to meet a request, and information regarding replies from selected providers to the respective request to the respective requestor.
(12 (INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCD (19) World Intellectual Property Organization International Bureau (43) International publication date _15 May 2003 (22.05.2003) _ (51) International patent classification<sup>7</sup>: G06F 17/60 (21) International Application Number: PCT / GB02 / 04987
PCT (10) International publication number
WO 03/040971 Al (74) Proxy: BODEN, Keith, McMurray: Fry Heath & Spence LLP, The Gables. Massetts Road, Horlev. Surrev RH6 7DQ (GB).
(22) International presentation date: 6 November 2002 (06.11.2002) (25) Presentation language: English (26) Publication language: English (30) Priority data:
0126809.3 7 November 2001 (07.11.2001) GB
0129265.5 6 December 2001 (06.12.2001) GB
0202864.5 7 February 2002 (07.02.2002) GB
0221614.1 September 18, 2002 (09/18/2002) GB (81) Designated countries (national): AE. AG. TO THE. A.M. AT. AU. AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, BZ, CA. CH. CN, CO, CR. CU. CZ. DE, DK, DM, DZ, EC, EE, ES, Fl, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM. HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG. KP, KR. KZ, LC, LK. LR. LS. LT, LU, LV, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW. MX, MZ, NO. NZ. OM, PH, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI. SK, SL. TJ, TM. TN, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZM, ZW.
(84) Designated countries (regional): AR1PO patent (GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, MZ. SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG. ZW), Eurasian patent (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), European patent (AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, Fl, FR. GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE. SK, TR), patent OAP1 (71) Applicant (for all designated countries except US):
SITRA LTD [GB / GB]; Street Cottage, Heyshott, Midhurst, West (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GQ, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, Sussex, GU29 0DP (GB). TD, TG).
(72) Inventor and (75) Inventor / Applicant (for US only): ISAAC, Stephen, John [GB / GB]; Street Cottage, Heyshott, Midhurst, West Sussex, tiU29 0DP (GB).
For two-letter codes and other abbreviations, see the "Guidance Notes Concerning Codes and Abbreviations" that appear at the beginning of each regular issue of the PCT Gazette.
Posted
- with international search report.
- before the expiration of the time limit for the modification of the claims, it will be republished if modifications are received.
(54) Title: SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CORRESPONDENCE OF PETITIONS
<img file="MXPA04004425A_D0001.tif" />
(57) Excerpt:
A real-time request matching system and method for matching free format requests from users, such as requesters, to providers to service requests are described, each of the requestors has at least one communicator to make requests and handle responses to them and each of the providers has at least one communicator to handle requests and respective responses to them, The method comprises the steps of: receiving requests from applicants; for each request, provide that the request be relieved to selected providers to be treated by them; receive responses from selected providers, responses received are made by respective providers based on respective requests and one or both to provide, for each request, information concerning the respective requestor to any provider who has provided a positive response to the request. respective request, a positive response indicates that a provider is eligible to satisfy a request and information regarding selected providers' responses to the respective request to the respective requestor.
SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CORRESPONDENCE OF REQUESTS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is concerned with a request matching system and with a method of matching requests from users, such as requestors, to providers to service requests.
The present invention finds application in many fields, but particularly in classification structures where a user, such as an applicant, wishes to make a request from a community of interest, that is, a plurality of providers that are commonly classified.
It is contemplated that the present invention will find particular application in relation to commercial classifications, where the suppliers are grouped according to the goods or services provided.
Such business classifications are currently implemented in a local business directory such as the Yellow Pages® or the Thomson Directory® in the UK and when searching for goods or services a person would use the local directory to locate a supplier for the goods or services. .
By using such a directory, a person
Ref .: 155754 would first determine the classification most likely to supply the goods or services, review the appropriate section in the directory, select one or more providers, and then telephone those providers. When providers are telephoned, the same request, for example, can you provide goods / service X, for cost Y and before date Z ?, would have to be done repeatedly to each provider. Often, especially if the request is specific, for example, do you have car part X in inventory? The person would have to make phone calls to many of the selected providers before finding a provider that can satisfy the request. This is particularly the case when more than one supplier has to be identified, for example, such as to allow a comparison of costs, delivery times, etc.
Such a process is time consuming, having to first identify possible providers and subsequently establish conversation with many providers until one or more providers are identified to be able to satisfy the request and also relatively expensive, by incurring the telephone costs associated with calls. phone calls to each of the many providers.
Although it is contemplated that the present invention will find particular application in relation to commercial classifications, the present invention also has application in relation to many other classification structures.
One such other classification structure is broadcast classifications, where a request is broadcast to a plurality of providers, which allows responses to be obtained from all providers and provides a record of one or both of the positive and negative responses of the providers. providers and also those providers that do not respond. It is contemplated that such classifications could find application when obtaining information in response to an interrogation, for example, when integrating commercial lists or scrutiny.
Other such classification structures are community classifications, where people who have a common interest are commonly classified such as to allow a request to be made by an applicant, who may be a provider in the community classification, of a or all other people in the community classification, as providers. An example of a community classification is a local help group whose members offer help on an ad hoc basis, where requests for help from members can be made.
An additional classification structure of such other classification structures are task classifications, where a request is made to a plurality of providers that require the performance of a task. It is contemplated that such classifications would find particular application in the corporate environment, where requests can be made from particular departments, for example, the purchasing or marketing departments.
Yet a further classification structure of such classification structures are promotion classifications, where a particular promotion is carried out, commonly for a short period of time and supported by a plurality of providers. An example of a promotional classification is vacation breaks, for example, fixed-price weekend breaks, where providers want to join the promotional option in the classification. In a preferred modality, the providers would have the ability to make an option within and outside the classification subject to the availability of goods or services provided by the respective providers.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a matching system and method that provides matching requests from users, such as applicants, to providers without an applicant having to identify potential providers and contact those providers to determine if it can be done. comply with a request.
In one aspect the present invention provides a matching system to match requests from users, such as requesters, to providers to service the requests, each of the requesters having at least one communicator to make requests and direct respective responses to they and each of the providers has at least one communicator to deal with the requests and respective responses to them, the system includes: at least one request receiving unit to receive requests from applicants; at least one request relay unit to provide, for each one of the requests to be relieved, to selected providers as they are treated by them; At least one response receiving unit to receive responses from providers, the responses received are made by the respective providers, as human decision makers, based on the respective requests and at least one unit supplying information for one or both of providers, for each request, information regarding the respective applicant and any providers that have provided a positive response to the respective request, A positive response indicates that a provider is eligible to fulfill a request and information regarding selected providers' responses to the respective request to the respective requestor.
Preferably, the system is a real-time correspondence system.
The requests are preferably free format requests.
Preferably, the requests include voice requests.
Preferably, the communicators include mobile communicators, such as telephones, handheld computers (PDAs), personal computers, and gaming devices.
Preferably, the communicators include fixed communicators, such as telephones, fax machines, personal computers, apparatus set-top boxes and game consoles.
Preferably, the communicators include combined fixed / mobile communicators, such as telephones.
In one embodiment, the system comprises: at least one input communication unit, each comprising at least one request receiving unit.
In one embodiment, the system comprises: at least one external communication unit, each comprising at least one request relay unit, at least one response receiver unit and at least one information provider unit.
In another embodiment, the system comprises: at least one communications unit, each comprising at least one request receiving unit, at least one request relay unit, at least one response receiving unit and at least one information provider unit.
In one embodiment, the at least one request relay unit is configured to relay a request directly to communicators from selected providers.
Preferably, the at least one request relay unit is configured to provide a request to be relieved without any interrogation thereof to establish content.
Preferably, the at least one request receiving unit includes a plurality of receivers for receiving requests, each request having a sorting contact address associated with a predetermined sorting.
More preferably, the sorting contact addresses are dial numbers.
In one embodiment the system further comprises: at least one provider selection unit for selecting providers to process a request.
Preferably, the at least one provider selection unit is configured to select providers by a request based at least in part on a geographic location assigned to the respective request and one or both geographic locations or geographic areas assigned to the providers.
In one embodiment, the geographic location assigned to the respective request is a current geographic location of the respective applicant.
Preferably, the current geographic location is determined from a communicator contact address of the respective applicant, where the communicator contact address has an assigned location.
More preferably, the communicator's contact address is a dial number.
In one embodiment, the geographic location assigned to the respective request is an alternate geographic location as assigned by the respective requester.
Preferably, the alternate geographic location is determined from a communicator contact address, where the communicator contact address has an assigned location.
More preferably, the communicator's contact address is a dial number.
Preferably, the geographic location of the mobile communicators is determined from one of cell identification, triangulation, radio positioning, or satellite positioning, such as GPS.
Preferably, the geographic location of the fixed communicators is determined from respective assigned locations.
Preferably the at least one vendor selection unit. it is configured to select providers for a request within a predetermined spatial geographic area in relation to the geographic location assigned to the respective request.
More preferably, the predetermined spatial geographic area 10 is one of a geographic radius relative to the geographic location assigned to the respective request, a travel distance relative to the geographic location assigned to the respective request, or a travel time relative to the geographical location assigned to the respective petition.
Preferably, the at least one provider selection unit is configured to select providers for a request based at least in part on at least one characteristic of the applicant for the respective applicant, such as geographically related information and socioeconomic information, such as a characteristic assigned to the respective applicant or a characteristic introduced by the respective applicant when making the request.
Preferably, the at least one provider selection unit is configured to select providers by a request based at least in part on at least one provider feature for providers, such as requiring applicants to have a predetermined profile or provide contact details, such as an assigned characteristic for the respective providers.
Preferably, the at least one provider selection unit is configured to select providers for a request based at least in part on the current time.
Preferably, the at least one supplier selection unit is configured to select suppliers by a request based at least in part on at least one classification characteristic, such as a selection mechanism for selecting suppliers, as an assigned characteristic. for the respective classification.
Preferably, the at least one request relay unit is configured to relay a request to a predetermined number of selected providers as processed by it.
Preferably, the at least one request relay unit is configured to multicast a request to selected providers where the request is to be relayed to a plurality of providers as handled by it. '
Preferably, the at least one information provider unit is configured, for a request, to supply information concerning providers that have provided a positive response to the respective request to the respective requestor.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a matching system to match requests from users, such as requesters, to providers to service requests, the system comprises: a plurality of requestor communicators, each is for the use of requestors to make requests and process responses thereto, at least some of the responses include information concerning responses from selected providers, such as human decision makers, to respective requests and, a plurality of provider communicators, each is for use by providers to process requests and responses thereto, requests are relieved to respective selected providers as they are handled and at least one of the responses includes information concerning the requestor of a respective request where a positive response to the respective request has been provided, a positive response indicates that a provider is fit to fulfill a request.
Preferably, the system is a real-time correspondence system.
The requests are preferably free format requests.
Preferably, the requests include voice requests.
Preferably, the communicators include mobile communicators, such as telephones, PDAs, personal computers, and gaming devices.
Preferably, the communicators include fixed communicators, such as telephones, facsimile machines, personal computers, (set-top boxes) of gadgets and game consoles.
Preferably, the communicators include combined fixed / mobile communicators, such as telephones.
In one embodiment, a request is directly relayed to the respective selected providers.
Preferably, a request is relieved without questioning it to establish content.
Preferably, the system further comprises: a communications unit that includes a plurality of receivers for receiving requests, each request having a sorting contact address associated with a predetermined sorting.
More preferably, the addresses of the sorting contact are dialing numbers.
Preferably, providers are selected for a request based at least in part on a geographic location assigned to the respective request and one or both of the geographic locations or geographic areas assigned to the providers.
In one embodiment, the geographic location assigned to the respective request is a current geographic location of the respective applicant.
Preferably, the current geographic location is determined from the communicator contact address of the respective requester, where the communicator contact address has an assigned location.
More preferably, the communicator's contact address is a dial number.
In one embodiment the geographic location assigned to the respective request is an alternative geographic location as assigned by the respective requestor.
Preferably, the alternative geographic location is determined from a communicator contact address, where the communicator contact address has an assigned location.
More preferably, the communicator's contact address is a dial number.
Preferably, the providers are selected within a predetermined spatial geographic area in relation to the geographical location assigned to the respective request.
<td colspan="5">Providers are preferably selected</td>
<td>by a request in</td><td>basis so</td><td>less</td><td>in</td><td>part in a</td>
<td>characteristic of</td><td>applicant</td><td>for</td><td>the</td><td>applicant</td>
respective, such as geographically related information and socioeconomic information, as a characteristic assigned to the respective applicant or a characteristic introduced by the respective applicant when making the request.
Preferably, providers are selected for a request based at least in part on at least one provider feature for providers, such as requiring applicants to have a predetermined profile or providing contact details, such as a provider-assigned feature. respective.
Preferably, providers are selected for a request based at least in part on the current time.
<td></td><td>Preferably,</td><td>the</td><td>providers are</td><td colspan="2">selected</td>
<td>for</td><td>a request based</td><td>by</td><td colspan="2">at least in part by</td><td>the</td>
<td>less</td><td>a feature</td><td>of</td><td>classification,</td><td>such as</td><td>a</td>
selection mechanism to select suppliers, as an assigned characteristic for the respective classification.
In a further aspect, the present invention provides a matching system to match requests from users, such as requestors, to providers to service the requests, each requestor having at least one communicator to make requests and handle responses to them and each of the providers has at least one communicator to process requests, the system includes: at least one request receiving unit to receive requests from applicants; At least one request relay unit to provide for each of the requests to be relieved to selected providers as they are treated by them and at least one response receiving unit to receive responses from providers, the responses received are made by respective providers, as human decision makers, based on respective requests.
In still a further aspect, the present invention provides a matching system to match requests from users, as requestors, to providers to service the requests, the system comprising: a plurality of requestor communicators, each is for use by applicants to make requests and process respective responses to them; a plurality of provider communicators, each is for use by providers to process requests and respective responses thereto and at least one communications unit that can communicate with the requester's and provider's communicators and includes by at least one provider selection unit to select providers to process a request made by an applicant; where, for each request, the system is configured in such a way that the request is provided to be relieved to selected providers, such as human decision makers, as they are treated by them.
Preferably, the system is further configured such that, for a request, the respective requester is supplied with information regarding responses from selected providers to the respective request.
Preferably, the system is a real-time correspondence system.
The requests are preferably free format requests.
Preferably, the requests include voice requests.
Preferably, the communicators include mobile communicators, such as telephones, PDAs, personal computers, and gaming devices.
Preferably, the communicators include fixed communicators, such as telephones, facsimile machines, personal computers, (set-top boxes) of gadgets and game consoles.
Preferably, the communicators include combined fixed / mobile communicators, such as telephones.
In one embodiment the system is configured in such a way that a request is directly relayed to the communicators of the selected provider provider.
Preferably, the system is configured to provide that a request is relieved without questioning it to establish content.
Preferably, the at least one communication unit includes a plurality of receivers for receiving requests, each request having a sorting contact address associated with a predetermined sorting.
More preferably, the sorting contact addresses are dial numbers.
Preferably, the at least one provider selection unit is configured to select providers for a request based at least in part on a geographic location assigned to the respective request and one or both geographic locations or geographic areas assigned to the providers.
In one embodiment, the geographic location assigned to the respective request is a current geographic location of the respective applicant.
Preferably, the current geographical location is determined from a communicator contact address of the communicator of the respective applicant, where the communicator contact address has an assigned location.
More preferably, the communicator's contact address is a dial number.
In one embodiment, the geographic location assigned to the respective request is an alternate geographic location as assigned by the respective requester.
Preferably, the alternate geographic location is determined from a communicator contact address of a communicator, where the communicator contact address has an assigned location.
More preferably, the communicator's contact address is a dial number.
Preferably, the at least one provider selection unit is configured to select providers within a predetermined spatial geographic area relative to the geographic location assigned to the respective request.
More preferably, the predetermined spatial geographic area is one of a geographic radius relative to the geographic location assigned to the respective request, a travel distance relative to the geographic location assigned to the respective request, or a travel time relative to the geographical location assigned to the respective petition.
Preferably, the at least one provider selection unit is configured to select providers for a request based at least in part on at least one characteristic of the applicant for the respective applicant, such as geographically related information and socioeconomic information, such as a characteristic assigned to the applicant or a characteristic introduced by the respective applicant when making the request.
Preferably, the at least one provider selection unit is configured to select providers for a request based at least in part on at least one provider feature for providers, such as requiring applicants to have a predetermined profile or provide contact details, such as assigned characteristic for respective providers.
Preferably, the at least one provider selection unit is configured to select providers for a request based at least in part on the current time.
Preferably, the at least one provider selection unit is configured to select providers for a request based at least in part on at least one classification feature, such as a selection mechanism for selecting providers, as an assigned feature. for the respective classification.
Preferably, the system is configured in such a way to provide that a request is relieved to the provider's communicators from a predetermined number of respective selected providers as processed by it.
Preferably, the system is configured to multicast a request to the respective selected provider provider's communicators where the respective request is to be relayed to a plurality of providers as handled by it.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of matching requests from users, such as requestors, to providers to service requests, each requestor having at least one communicator to make requests and handle responses to requests. themselves and each of the providers has at least one communicator to process requests and responses thereto, the method comprising the steps of: receiving requests from applicants; for each request, provide for the request to be relieved to selected providers as addressed by it; receive responses from selected providers, responses received are made by respective providers, as human decision makers, based on respective requests and one or both of providing, for each request, information regarding the respective applicant to any providers who have provided a positive response to the respective request, a positive response indicates that a provider is eligible to comply with a request and information regarding responses from selected providers to the respective request to the respective requestor.
Preferably, the method is a real-time mapping method.
The requests are preferably free format requests.
Preferably, the requests include voice requests.
Preferably, the communicators include mobile communicators, such as with phones, PDAs, personal computers, and gaming devices.
Preferably, the communicators include fixed communicators, such as telephones, facsimile machines, personal computers, (set-top boxes) of gadgets and game consoles.
Preferably, the communicators include combined fixed / mobile communicators, such as telephones.
In one embodiment, the step of providing a request to be relieved to selected providers as treated by it comprises the step of: relieving a request directly to the communicators of selected providers.
Preferably, a request is relieved without questioning it to establish content.
Preferably, the step of receiving requests from applicants comprises the step of: receiving requests from applicants at a plurality of receivers, each of the requests having a sorting contact address associated with a predetermined sorting.
More preferably, the sorting contact addresses are dial numbers.
In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of: selecting respective providers to process a request.
Preferably, the step of selecting respective providers to process a request comprises the step of: selecting respective providers to process a request based at least in part on a geographic location assigned to the respective request and one or both of geographic locations or geographic areas assigned to providers.
In one embodiment, the geographic location assigned to the respective request is a current geographic location of the respective applicant.
Preferably, the current geographical location is determined from a communicator contact address of the respective applicant, where the communicator contact address has an assigned location.
More preferably, the communicator's contact address is a dial number.
In one embodiment, the geographic location assigned to the respective request is an alternate geographic location as assigned by the respective requester.
Preferably, the alternative geographic location is determined from a communicator contact address, where the communicator contact address has an assigned location.
<td>Preferably,</td><td>the direction</td><td>contact</td><td>of the</td>
<td>communicator is a number of</td><td>dialing.</td><td></td><td></td>
<td>Preferably,</td><td>The ubication</td><td>geographical of</td><td>the</td>
<td>mobile communicators is</td><td>determined to</td><td>starting from one</td><td>of</td>
cell identification, triangulation, radio positioning or satellite positioning, such as GPS.
Preferably, the geographic location of the fixed communicators is determined from an assigned location.
Preferably, the step of selecting respective providers to handle a request comprises the step of: selecting respective providers to handle a request within the predetermined spatial geographic area in relation to the geographic location assigned to the respective request.
More preferably, the predetermined spatial geographic area is one of a geographic radius relative to the geographic location assigned to the respective request, a travel distance relative to the geographic location assigned to the respective request, or a travel time relative to the geographical location assigned to the respective petition.
Preferably, the step of selecting respective providers to process a request comprises the step of: select respective providers to process a request based at least in part on at least one characteristic of the applicant for the respective applicant, such as geographically related information and socioeconomic information, as assigned characteristic for the respective applicant or a characteristic entered by the applicant respective when making the request.
Preferably, the step of selecting respective providers to process a request comprises the step of: selecting respective providers to process a request based at least in part on at least one provider feature for providers, such as requiring applicants to have a default profile or one that provides contact details, as a feature assigned to the respective providers.
Preferably, the step of selecting respective providers to handle a request comprises the step of: selecting respective providers to handle a request based at least in part on the current time.
Preferably, the step of selecting respective providers to process a request comprises the step of: selecting respective providers to process a request based at least in part on at least one classification feature, such as a selection mechanism for selecting providers, as an assigned characteristic for the respective classification.
Preferably, the step of providing a request to be relieved to selected providers as treated by it comprises the step of: providing for a request to be relieved to a predetermined number of selected providers as handled by them.
Preferably, the step of providing a request to be relieved to selected providers as treated by them comprises the step of: multifunding a request to selected providers, where the request is to be relieved to a plurality of providers as treated through them.
Preferably, the step supplying information comprises the step of: supplying, for a request, information concerning providers who have provided a positive response to the request to the respective applicant.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of matching requests from users, such as requestors, to providers to service the requests, each requestor having at least one communicator to make requests and handle responses to requests. themselves and each of the providers has at least one communicator to process requests, the method comprising the steps of: receiving requests from applicants; for each request, provide for the request to be relieved to selected providers as treated by them and receive responses from providers, the responses received are made by the respective providers, as human decision makers, based on the respective requests.
In still a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of matching requests from users, such as requestors, to providers to service the requests, the method comprises the steps of: receiving signals comprising requests from requestors; for each request, transmit a signal to selected providers that comprises the request as received; receiving signals comprising responses from selected providers, responses are made by the respective providers based on the respective requests and for each request transmitting one or both of a signal comprising information concerning the respective requestor to any providers that have provided a positive response to the respective request, a positive response indicates that a provider is eligible to comply with a request and a signal containing information concerning responses from selected providers to the respective request to the respective requestor.
The present invention, which is known as the Responsa ™ correspondence system, provides an automated correspondence system, which allows in particular voice requests and especially free format requests, to be matched with providers who have received a request and have confirmed that the request can be fulfilled.
In a preferred embodiment, this mapping is obtained based on a location associated with the requester, commonly the location of the requester's communicator, the providers' assigned locations in the selected rating, and the selected rating. In other modalities, the current time and characteristics of one or both of the applicant and the providers can be used can be used in the selection of providers.
With the present invention, the request as it is received is relayed, played back for voice requests, to selected providers, and if any provider cannot satisfy the request, the provider simply has to decline the request, commonly by means of a response from decline, a keystroke corresponding to a decline response, or simply hang up the communicator. As the request is relieved, all communication by applicants and providers is one-way communication. Thus, there is no direct conversation required between the requestor and a provider, both parties avoid the time consuming task of having to set up a polished discussion when the provider cannot satisfy the request. A direct conversation follows only between the requestor and a provider who can satisfy the request.
The present invention provides automated correspondence and still enables human personal free-format style communication. Preferred embodiments of the present invention, by utilizing format-free requests, provide applicants with the freedom to frame the requests as desired; the language and form of the requests are not restricted, such as requiring the requester to use predetermined keywords.
Furthermore, the present invention only addresses requests to providers who wish to receive requests and are in a position to service requests, for example, providers that are open and within a specific geographic area, as determined by the particular classification.
In the present invention, it is human decision makers, as opposed to a computer, who receive the requests and can intelligently interpret the requests. This avoids the problems associated with correspondence systems that require requests to be defined using predetermined keywords, for example, by using drop-down menus.
Furthermore, the present invention finds application both within a private environment, such as is operated by organizations for use by members of the organization and a public environment, which allows use by members of the public.
In certain embodiments, the present invention can be configured to predispose a correspondence in favor of either the applicant or selected providers. This is • seen to be appropriate within some niche applications, notably in the private setting.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described hereinafter as examples only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 schematically illustrates a matching system for matching requests from users, such as requesters, to providers to service requests in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
The correspondence system comprises at least one telephony management system (TM) 1, in this modality first and second TM systems, la, Ib, to handle incoming telephone calls to and outgoing telephone calls from the correspondence system. In another embodiment, the matching system could include a single TM 1 system, and in additional modalities it could include any number, from tens to hundreds of TM 1 systems.
In this modality the TM la, Ib systems are co-located, but in other modalities they could be remotely located. In one such other modality, the TM la, Ib systems could be located at separate locations in a geographic region. As an example, in the United Kingdom, one TM system could be located in one center, for example, London, to serve the southern half of the United Kingdom and the other TM Ib system could be located in another center, for example Glasgow, to serve the northern half of the UK. In other modalities, which include many TM 1 systems, TM 1 systems could be located in major centers, for example, cities and towns, across an entire geographic region.
The mapping system further comprises a first communications network 3 that provides a communications link to and between.
In this modality, where the TM systems,
Ib are co-located, the communication network 3 comprises a local area network (LAN), such as an Ethernet.
In other modalities, where TM la, Ib systems are remotely located, the network of
<td>communications</td><td>3 could</td><td>understand</td><td>a network</td><td>telephone,</td>
<td>preferably</td><td>a network</td><td>digital de</td><td>services</td><td>integrated</td>
<td>(ISDN);</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>
<td>Every</td><td>one of the</td><td>System of</td><td>TM la, Ib</td><td>understand</td>
<td>a unit of</td><td>management</td><td>telephony of</td><td colspan="2">input (ITM) 5 for</td>
handle incoming telephone calls from applicants on incoming telephone lines 7, preferably ISDN lines. In this embodiment, multiple subscriber numbering (MSN) is used in such a way that a plurality of applicants each requiring the same classification can be supported simultaneously.
The ITM unit 5 comprises input interactive voice response (IIVR) module 11 which is connected to the input phone lines 7 to verify the input phone calls and supports voice and key tones, an application management module for input telephony (ITAM) 13 to generate request documents corresponding to requests, in this modality voice requests, in each of the incoming telephone calls and transmit them to a provider selection unit 33a, 33b, 33c as will be described in more detail hereinafter, a first, classification characteristics database (CC) 15 to store the classification characteristics for each classification that is connected to the ITAM module 13 and an applicant information database (RI) 17 to store information concerning the applicants who are connected to ITAM module 13.
With this configuration, the DC database 15 and the RI database 17 are not accessible to module 11, thereby ensuring the RI database 17 is accessed by a third party. In this embodiment the ITM 5 unit includes an invasion detector between the IIVR 11 module and the ITAM 13 module such as to verify, commonly by identifying unusual packets, the invasion of third parties and thereby provide security for the ITAM 13 module.
In this mode the communication between the IIVR 11 module and the ITAM 13 module is through the VoiceXML communication protocol.
In this modality, a request document generated by the ITAM module 13 includes at least one classification identifier which, in this modality, is the called number, that is, the telephone number called by the applicant and identifies the classification to which the request is to be matched, a requestor identifier which, in this modality, is the call-line identification (CLI) of the requestor's telephone, that is, the telephone number to which the system or positive response providers are contacted at. response with the request and identify the applicant and a request file corresponding to the request to be released to the providers, in this mode a voice file corresponding to the voice request to be played to the providers. In an alternative embodiment, the requester's identifier is a telephone number derived from either the requester's phone CLI or information, for example, that includes an authentication code, provided by the requester when making the request.
In an alternative embodiment, as will be described in more detail hereinafter, a request document generated by the ITAM module 13 could omit the request file for the request where the file is stored in file memory 19 which is accessible to allow the request to be subsequently relieved.
In this embodiment, a request document generated by the ITAM module 13 includes a location identifier that identifies the location of the search center, where the location of the applicant cannot be determined from the identifier of the applicant in the identification unit. supplier 33a, 33b, 33c. Typical examples where the requester's identifier does not allow the requester's location to be determined as a result of the requester being out of the directory and the requester has not otherwise provided an address for the calling number or the calling telephone number is a mobile phone or where the applicant requires an alternative location for the search center.
In this mode, the location identifier is a telephone number, different from the calling telephone number, which is provided by the applicant to represent the location of the search center.
In this mode the CC 15 database is a structured query language (SQL) database.
In this mode, the components of the
ITM 5, that is, the IIVR 11 module, the ITAM 13 module, the DC 15 database and the RI 17 database, are co-located.
In other embodiments the IIVR 11 module and the ITAM 13 module may be co-located and one or both of the DC 15 database and the RI 17 database remotely located. In this embodiment, the communication network between the ITAM 13 module and the DC 15 database and the RI 17 database is a virtual private network (VPN).
In additional modalities one or both of the IIVR 11 module and the ITAM 13 module can be remotely located and the DC 15 database and the
RI 17 be co-located.
In still an embodiment all the components of the ITM 5 unit, i.e. the IIVR 11 module, the ITAM 13 unit, the DC 15 database and the RI 17 database, can be remotely located.
Each of the TM la, Ib systems further comprise a file memory 19 for storing classification greetings and indications for supported classifications. As mentioned hereinabove, in one embodiment file memory 19 stores the request files for each of the requestors' requests. This storage of the request files allows the request files to be retrieved and thus the request documents do not need to include the request files, which provide significantly higher traffic flows for the same system capacity as the request documents they are much smaller in size.
The operation of the ITM 5 units of the TM la, Ib systems will now be described hereinafter.
Each of the ITM units 5 receive incoming telephone calls on the respective incoming telephone lines 7 from the applicant's communicators 20, in this modality telephones, with the particular ITM unit 5 that receives the telephone call that is determined by the called number, that is, the telephone number called by an applicant.
In this embodiment, where the correspondence system is configured to function as a commercial classification correspondence system, an applicant is able to select from a plurality of classification entries that correspond to different classes of suppliers of goods and services. Each classification entry has an associated telephone number which an applicant must dial to access the correspondence system for that classification and in this modality it is the classification identifier that determines the search criteria, the correspondence criteria and the search criteria. termination by which the matching operation is performed, as will be described in more detail hereinafter. In one modality, each classification entry may include a summary of one or both of the services or goods in order to enable an applicant to determine that the correct classification is selected for the particular request.
For each incoming call, the IIVR module 11 transmits the call number and the calling number, that is, the Calling Line Identification (CLI) of the requester's communicator 20, the calling communicator, to the ITAM module 13 In this modality the applicant's communicator 20 can be a landline phone, a mobile phone, a combined landline / mobile phone or a PDA.
The ITAM module 13 then queries the called number in the CC 15 database and retrieves the classification greeting file identifier so that the classification greeting is played back to the requester.
Where the called number is not associated with a classification, for example, where the called number was previously used in association with a classification but was not currently in use, the ITAM 13 module instructs the IIVR 11 module to execute a script Unassigned Rating greeting, which plays an Unassigned Rating greeting and closes the call connection.
Where the caller 20 does not have a CLI, such as when the CLI is prohibited, the ITAM 13 module instructs the IIVR 11 module to execute a withheld number script, which plays a withheld number greeting instructing the requester to enable the CLI of the calling phone or that provides an authentication code regarding registration as an authenticated requester.
In this mode, the system is configured to allow a requestor to proceed with a request only when the incoming call has a CLI. By requiring the use of CLI 20 enabled communicators, abuse of the system by applicants who direct responses to third parties can be prevented.
Where the calling communicator 20 has a CLI, then the ITAM module 13 queries the calling communicator CLI 20 in the RI database 17 to confirm the requestor information, which includes confirmation that the location information is available to the CLI and obtain the applicant's default preferences, such as whether to provide the applicant's details for the applicant to providers or retained parties.
Where the calling communicator CLI 2 0 is that of a fixed communicator and the RI 17 database includes location information for the calling phone CLI, the ITAM 13 module instructs the IIVR 11 module to execute a fixed applicant script.
Where the CLI of the calling communicator 20 is that of a mobile communicator and the RI database 17 does not include any predetermined location information for the calling communicator CLI 20, the ITAM module 13 determines the location of the calling communicator. calls 20 of the network information and instructs the IIVR module 11 to execute the mobile requester script. In this embodiment, the cell ID for the calling communicator 20 is used to determine the location of the requestor, such cell ID is representative of the cell, this is a geographic area, in which the calling communicator 20 is located , the ITAM module 13 queries the cell ID in the RI database 17 to obtain the location of the calling communicator 20. In other embodiments, the calling caller 20 of the requester can be determined by triangulation, radio positioning, or satellite positioning, such as GPS.
Where there is a CLI, but the location cannot be determined from the CLI, such as when the requestor is out of the directory, that is, where the requestor has requested that the service provider not reveal the location information corresponding to the number of the requester communicator 20 and no location information can be provided otherwise by the requester, the ITAM module 13 queries the search vector for the classification corresponding to the called number in the CC 15 database to determine if there is a vector to handle location-independent applicants. Where there is a vector to handle location-independent applicants, ITAM module 13 uses that vector. Where there is no vector to handle location-independent applicants, the
ITAM 13 instructs the IIVR 11 module to run a required location script that plays a required location greeting and asks the requester for location information, commonly the number of a known CLI-enabled phone, for which location information is maintained. in the CC 15 database, to act as the search center.
Where there is a CLI, but the calling number is from a switch (operator-driven or automated), the ITAM 13 module instructs the IIVR 11 module to execute an appropriate switch requestor script.
Under the fixed requester and mobile requester scripts, the IIVR module 11 plays a classification title greeting corresponding to the identifier to the retrieved classification greeting and then a request request greeting that requests the request from the requester. For example, where the number called corresponds to the toy store classification, in this mode the classification greeting would be welcome to the Respon ™ classification for toy stores and the request greeting would be please leave your request after the tone and hang up when done.
Under the switch requester script, the IIVR module 11 in turn plays the classification title greeting corresponding to the retrieved classification greeting identifier, an extension identification greeting, asking the requester to provide an extension number, commonly, by typing in the number or through a voice response and the request request greeting requesting the request from the requestor. In this mode, the request request greeting is played only after a predetermined key press on the calling communicator 20, such key pressing confirms the provision of the calling communicator extension number 20. For example, where the number called corresponds to the toy store classification, in this mode the classification title would be welcome to the Respon ™ classification for toy stores, the extension identification greeting would be please leave your extension number after the tone ,, followed by the X key followed by the required key press, the request request greeting would be please leave your request after the tone and hang up when finished.
Where an applicant wishes to adjust alternative preferences, for example, to maintain vendor contact details where the default is to provide vendor details, provide an alternate search center location, or alternate search parameters, the IIVR 11 module provides the introduction of key presses to adjust these preferences.
In this mode the IIVR module 11 is configured for recording requests, such as where an applicant makes an error while registering a request, by typing a predetermined keypress.
Also in this mode, the IIVR module 11 is configured to allow requests to be reviewed, here reproduced, before the start of a matching operation.
In this mode the call connection is closed after the lapse of a predetermined period of time immediately after the greeting to make request or when the requestor hangs up where this event can be identified by the IIVR module 11.
In one embodiment, the ITAM module 13 stores each request in file memory 19 under an assigned file name.
The TM la, Ib systems each further comprise an outgoing telephony management unit (OTM) 21 to handle outgoing calls on outgoing lines 23, preferably ISDN lines, to providers in the communicators of the provider 24 and applicants in the applicant's communicators 20.
The OTM unit 21 comprises an outgoing interactive voice response module (OIVR) 25 which is connected to the outgoing lines 23 for making outgoing calls to providers and applicants and an application management module for Outgoing Telephony (OTAM) 27 to schedule and instruct calls to the OIVR module 25 according to the call document as received from a provider selection unit 33a, 33b, 33c. In this mode, call documents can be scheduled according to a priority flag, for example, status reports for applicants that have a lower priority than requests for providers.
In operation, where an outgoing call is made to a provider, the OIVR module 25 dials the provider's communicator number 24 as identified in the calling document.
Where the call made by the OIVR module 25 to the provider's communicator 24 is answered, the OIVR module 25 executes the request replay script, which first plays a welcome greeting vrs, for example vrs for hairdressers, followed by a first short tone and subsequently plays the request to the provider followed by a second short tone. In this modality, the request is relieved, reproduced here, without any interrogation, such as through speech recognition, since such is not necessary; the classification is determined by the called number. In an alternative modality, the petition could be interrogated, where a more refined or elaborate correspondence system is required.
When listening to the request, the provider has the following response options, which each have an associated keystroke: accept that it is a confirmation that the request can be satisfied. For example, where the request is do you cut your hair ?, that is, where the applicant is only trying to get details of local hairdressers and the request is appropriate, the provider would respond accept.
Probably that is an indication that the request can probably be satisfied, but the provider has to confirm. Where the request is more complex, such as can you schedule me for a haircut next Tuesday at 3:30 PM ?, the provider may recall that the next Tuesday afternoon is not fully booked, but would need to check if that exact time is free, in which case the provider would probably respond.
Decline confirming that the request cannot be satisfied. In this mode hang up is the equivalent of the answer option decline.
Inappropriate indicating that the request is either inappropriate for classification or incomprehensible.
Abusive indicating that the request is considered abusive.
In this modality, the responses of the suppliers are recorded, such as to enable the classification administrators to verify the behavior of the suppliers and in part the applicants, which inter alia allow the directed provision of guidance to the applicants and suppliers and even the prohibition of applicants or providers where the behavior is unacceptable.
For example, inappropriate responses are recorded against both responding providers and requesting applicants, since repeated inappropriate responses may be triggered by either applicants or providers who are confused about the purpose of a classification. .
Also, the abusive responses are registered both against the providers that respond in this way and the applicants who made the requests and in this modality, in addition to completing a correspondence operation, the respective abusive requests, as established by confirmed abusive responses, as a result of the respective applicants being prohibited from using classifications or even the entire correspondence system. In this modality, providers' repeated abuse responses, significantly above average for a rating, would also be investigated.
When the provider provides a positive response, that is, in this modality one of the accept or likely response options, the OIVR module 25 executes an acknowledgment script, which plays a recognized response greeting followed by a short tone and updates the call document to include a positive response identifier and transmit the updated call document to the originating provider selection unit 33a, 33b, 33c.
Where the requester's contact details have been withheld, the acknowledgment script also plays a greeting of required contact details.
Where contact details are not withheld, the recognition script also provides contact details for the requester followed by a short tone. In one embodiment, the provider can record the details of the requestor subsequently to call the requestor. In another embodiment, the provider may contact the applicant directly by means of a predetermined keystroke. Where the applicant is following the
<td>online process the</td><td>applicant is</td><td>suitable</td><td>of</td><td>to put on</td><td>in</td>
<td>contact directly</td><td colspan="2">with the provider in</td><td colspan="2">so much that</td><td>the</td>
<td>provider is still</td><td>online.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>
<td>Where the</td><td>communicator who</td><td>call</td><td> 20</td><td>It is</td><td>a</td>
Off switch extension by operator, the recognition script also provides the switch telephone number and the requester's extension to allow the provider to navigate the switch. Where the calling communicator 20 is from a switched-off extension of an automatic switch, the acknowledgment script also plays a greeting of please stay online until you hear a tone. In the period before the tone, the provider's details are provided to the requester and the requester is thus provided with an opportunity to directly connect to the provider who is still online. Where immediate connection is required, the requestor is connected to the provider and thereby establishes a conversation. Where an immediate connection is not established, the requester can contact the provider later.
In this mode the system is configured to allow the recognition script to be rerun with a default keystroke.
In this modality, a positive response is either from the accept or probably response options. In other modalities and particularly some classifications, the correspondence system can be configured to only look for answers to accept as positive answers, in such modalities the script to reproduce request also reproduces a decline or accept greeting only, please with all the responses from probably and decline being taken as negative responses.
Where the call made by the OIVR 25 module to the provider is not answered, the OIVR 25 module assigns one of the following states as a call state identifier to the call document, that is, non-obtainable number where the number maintained by the provider communicator 24 is not obtainable, busy where the number obtained by the provider is contracted and rings outside where the number maintained for the provider rings and there is no response, updates the call document to include the relevant call state identifier and transmits the updated call document to the originating provider selection unit 33a, 33b, 33c.
Each of the TM systems, la, Ib further comprise a telephony management (TM) communication network 29 that provides a communication link to the first main communication network 3 and between the ITM unit 5, in this mode both the IIVR module 11 and the ITAM module 13 separately, the file memory 19 and the OTM unit 21, in this mode both the OIVR module 25 and the OTAM module 27 separately. In one embodiment the communication with the ITM unit 5, the file memory 19 and the OTM unit 21 and between the IIVR module 11 and the ITAM module 13 is encrypted, commonly either an encrypted communication or an authenticated communication , such as a signed communication.
In this embodiment, where the ITM unit 5, the file memory 19 and the OTM unit 21 are collocated, the TM 29 communication network comprises a local area network (LAN), such as an Ethernet.
In other embodiments, where the ITM unit 5, the file memory 19 and the OTM unit 21 are remotely located, the TM 29 communication network could comprise an established telephone network, preferably an ISDN network.
The correspondence system further comprises at least one provider selection unit 33, in this mode three provider selection units 33a, 33b, 33c, to select the providers to be contacted to match a request and schedule contact with the suppliers through the OTM 21 units of the TM la, Ib systems. It will be appreciated that the matching system can include any number of provider selection units 33; This modality includes three supplier selection systems 33a, 33b, 33c simply as an example.
In this embodiment, the provider selection units 33a, 33b, 33c are co-located, but in other embodiments, one or all of the provider selection units 33a, 33b, 33c could be remotely located.
In this mode each of the supplier selection units 33a, 33b, 33c are configured to support all addressable classifications, but in other modalities, particularly where there are many tens or hundreds of supplier selection units 33a, 33b, 33c, the provider selection units 33a, 33b, 33c could be configured to support only one classification or a subset of the treatable classifications.
The mapping system further comprises a second main communications network 34 that provides a communications link to and between provider selection units 33a, 33b, 33c.
In this embodiment, where the provider selection units 33a, 33b, · 33c are co-located, the second main communication network 34 comprises a local area network (LAN), such as an Ethernet.
In other embodiments, where the provider selection units 33a, 33b, 33c are remotely located, the second main communication network 34 could comprise a telephone network, preferably an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN).
The correspondence system further comprises a router 35 to route request documents and call documents between the respective systems of the
TM, la, Ib and supplier selection units 33a,
33b, 33c.
Each of the provider selection units 33a, 33b, 33c includes a classification information database (CI) that contains information, including provider characteristics, concerning each of the providers in each one of the classifications supported by the respective supplier selection unit 33a, 33b, 33c, parameters
<td>integration</td><td>list</td><td>of</td><td>providers</td><td>for</td><td>every</td>
<td>classification,</td><td>criteria of</td><td colspan="2">correspondence</td><td>for</td><td>every</td>
<td>5 classification]</td><td>/ criteria</td><td>of</td><td>termination</td><td>for</td><td>every</td>
classification, a second applicant information database (RI) 39 containing information, including characteristics of the applicant, concerning each of the applicants, a document programmer 41 to program documents to and from the respective supplier selection units 33a, 33b, 33c and a provider list integration unit 43, which, for each request, integrates a list of suppliers classified from the suppliers contained in the database of
IC 37 for the classification to which the request is directed.
The CI 37 database contains information regarding each of the suppliers in each classification, each supplier is referenced by a supplier identifier. The information held for each provider includes the provider name, provider address, provider contact number, provider characteristics, and system history information, including the number of requests delivered, the number of positive responses, this is, in this modality as one of the accepting responses or probably and in other modalities as an accepting response, the number of negative responses, that is, in this modality as a declining response and in other modalities as one of the declining responses, or probably, the number of inappropriate responses and the number of abusive responses. In this embodiment, the CI 37 database is a spatial board database, that is, a database that provides spatial operations.
The provider list integration unit 43 includes a provider selection module 44 that is configured to create one or more candidate provider lists according to a predetermined listing mechanism for the classification to which the request is directed and where the listing mechanism uses a location-based vector, based on a search center, which is substantially the location of the applicant, but it can be an alternative location as specified by the requestor or the location of the first provider that has responded positively to a request where a search is re-centered. As will be described in more detail hereinafter, creating a plurality of candidate provider lists provides a mix of providers, for example a mix of local and national providers.
In this modality, the supplier selection module 44 uses the following listing mechanisms to create one or more candidate supplier lists:
1-closest listing mechanisms
This listing mechanism creates a list of candidate providers from closest candidate providers, in terms of a spatially related parameter, commonly the direct (point-to-point) distance, travel distance, or travel time, to the search center. In one embodiment, the candidate provider list can be truncated by a number, that is, to include a predetermined number of providers closest to the search center. In another embodiment, the candidate provider list may be truncated by an upper limit to the spatially related parameter, that is, to include all providers within a predetermined size spatial zone.
Listing B Mechanism - Nearest Group
This listing mechanism creates a list of candidate providers from candidate providers representing the closest point of providers, such as a closest group, that satisfy the group characteristics for the classification to which the request is directed. In this modality group characteristics define the closest group as the closest set of providers comprising at least a predetermined number of providers within a spatial zone, commonly the direct (point-to-point) distance, travel distance, or travel time, the default size.
Listing Mechanism C - Higher Density Group
This listing mechanism creates a list of candidate providers from candidate providers representing the set of providers, as a group but not necessarily the closest group, that satisfy the density characteristics for the classification to which the request is directed. In this modality, the density characteristics define the group as the set of providers that comprise the highest number of providers within a first spatial zone, commonly the direct distance (from point to point), travel distance or travel time, of a first predetermined size within a second spatial zone of a second predetermined size of size greater than the first spatial zone and centered around the search center. This listing mechanism is effective in locating the largest town or city within the geographical area and avoiding providers outside of the main concentrations, which are probably the most widely dispersed. For this reason, this listing mechanism is expected to be used more commonly as part of a series of searches.
Listing Mechanism D - Segment
This listing mechanism creates a list of candidate providers from candidate providers from within a segment of a circle that has a predetermined segment angle and a radius of either a first predetermined size, commonly direct (point-to-point) distance, distance travel or travel time, to the search center or a smaller second distance, where the smallest radius segment spans a predetermined number of candidate providers.
In this modality, the list of candidate providers is ordered in terms of a spatially related parameter, commonly the direct distance (from point to point), travel distance or travel time, from the search center, the closest is the first listed. Where it is invoked as a result of the unsuccessful matching operation, a subsequent segment is used, either clockwise or counterclockwise. This listing mechanism has been developed for use where there is a variable but high density of providers in a region of interest and the applicant is interested in identifying providers within a general travel direction extending from the search center. In this mode the segment of the circle is randomly selected.
Listing Mechanism E - All
This listing mechanism creates a list of candidate providers from all candidate providers with a spatial zone, in terms of a spatially related parameter, commonly the direct distance (point-to-point), travel distance, or travel time, of a predetermined size. centered around the search center.
Listing F Mechanism - Threshold
This listing mechanism creates a list of candidate providers from candidate providers that satisfy the threshold characteristics for the classification to which the request is directed. In this embodiment, threshold characteristics define providers that meet predetermined threshold criteria, for example, above or below at least a predetermined threshold value. Examples of threshold criteria include productivity, number of employees, quality rating, and speed of delivery.
The supplier list integration unit 43 further includes a supplier classification module 45 for creating supplier contact lists by classifying the candidate suppliers into the candidate supplier lists created by the supplier selection module according to a mechanism of Default rating for the rating to which the request is directed. In one mode, the created supplier contact lists can be truncated.
In this modality, the supplier classification module 45 can use the following classification mechanisms:
Classification Mechanism A - None
This ranking mechanism does not provide any ranking from a list of candidate providers. The supplier contact list has the order of the candidate supplier list as created by the supplier selection module 44.
Selection Mechanism B - Random
This classification mechanism creates a supplier contact list by randomizing a list of candidate suppliers as created by the supplier selection module 44.
Classification Mechanism C - Taking turns
This classification mechanism creates a supplier contact list by classifying a list of candidate suppliers as created by the supplier selection module 44 according to the last contact with suppliers to ensure that suppliers are in contact in turn. According to a specified ratio, the last provider contacted is at the bottom of the list. In this modality, a record is kept regarding prior contact with suppliers.
Classification Mechanism D - Closest
This classification mechanism creates a supplier contact list by classifying a list of candidate suppliers as created by the supplier selection module 44 in terms of a spatially related parameter, direct distance (point-to-point), travel distance or travel time, to the search center, the closest one is listed first and so on.
Classification Mechanism E - Classified
This classification mechanism creates a supplier contact list by classifying a list of candidate suppliers as created by the supplier selection module 44 in classified order according to a particular parameter, for example, by productivity, number of employees, quality and delivery speed classification. This classification mechanism is particularly appropriate for finding providers where location is not important. These providers will tend to be national providers and the location of these providers is only relevant as the providers cover the location of the applicant. A typical classification would be insurance services where contact with providers would be by phone. It will be appreciated that this ranking mechanism can create lists that never include certain providers and for that reason it is usually used as one of a series of searches.
In this mode, where the list integration criteria for a selected classification requires more than one list of contact providers, the list integration unit 43 is configured to merge the plurality of supplier contact lists to create a single list of supplier contact. The creation of a single supplier contact list from a plurality of supplier contact lists finds application where a mix of suppliers is to be selected, for example local and national suppliers. A typical classification to which such a vendor contact list is appropriate is that of computer vendors, where an applicant may want a local vendor or perhaps a national vendor.
The supplier contact lists integrated by the list integration unit 43 include a plurality of status fields for each supplier entry, but with the restriction that a supplier can be included in only one field. In this way, the status of the provider can be maintained. Several states can be grouped since it means that the request has not yet been delivered, these include the states of available, after hours, busy and no ringing. Final response states include accepted, declined, probably, inappropriate, and abusive states.
When integrating a supplier contact list, a database query is performed to establish which suppliers are available. This list is screened and providers are ranked in the off-hours, available states. As each after-hours provider becomes available, an event is formed in a row to move the provider from the after-hours field to the available field. Similarly, as each available provider becomes unavailable, an event is queued to move the provider from the available state to the after-hours state.
In one embodiment, provider selection units 33a, 33b, 33c may be configured to provide re-centering of the search center to the location of a provider that provides the first positive response. When re-centering is enabled and a provider that has provided a positive response has been identified, the provider list integration unit 43 is reinvoiced to create another additional provider contact list that uses the location of the provider identified as the search center . Such re-centering is used to identify providers that are as close as possible, thereby trying to avoid identifying providers that are widely spaced, for example, two providers that are in opposite directions and hence widely separated from the search center. It is contemplated that re-centering will find an application to identify a number of providers located relatively closely to be visited by the applicant, as would be desirable in enabling a comparison of the services or goods provided by providers.
The document scheduler 41, when programming call documents to the OTM units 21 of the TM la systems, Ib is configured to perform a calculation to calculate how many providers can be called concurrently and if the calls are to be accepted only. That number is used to determine if the forward list of providers to be contacted can accommodate another provider. If another provider can be accommodated, the first provider from the list of available is used. If the available list is empty, the document scheduler 41 expects a busy, no-ring, or off-hours provider to make itself available. An additional interconnection method is used to move a provider from one list to another, thereby allowing document scheduler 42 to move a forward provider to the final response state, such as accepted, declined, probably, etc. This is the same method used to move providers between available and off-hours and vice versa. Using the same method allows multiple checks to be performed, such as re-queuing a busy provider when the provider is out of hours.
Provider selection units 33a, 33b, 33c are configured to end the search where the match criteria are satisfied or if the match criteria are not met, one of the following completion criteria is enabled. In this modality, for each classification, any of the termination criteria can be enabled or disabled. Where any of the termination criteria are enabled, the provider selection units 33a, 33b, 33c terminate the search when the termination criteria are met and a completion report is delivered to the respective provider.
In this modality the termination criteria are as follows:
Termination event A - Number of declines
For this termination event, termination occurs when a predetermined percentage of the providers in the provider contact list for the respective request have been contacted. The provider selection units 33a, 33b, 33c are configured to contact as many of the selected providers as possible, by retrying providers where the phone numbers for those providers are busy or ringing without response. As will be appreciated, the phone numbers for some providers may be permanently busy or ringing, and as such the system may not necessarily contact all selected providers.
Termination event B - course of period
<td colspan="4">predetermined</td>
<td>For</td><td>this</td><td>termination event, the</td><td>termination</td>
<td>it happens when</td><td>he has</td><td>after a limit</td><td>of time</td>
<td>predetermined.</td><td>In</td><td>preferred modalities the</td><td>termination</td>
occurs in the first of a predetermined period that has elapsed since the request was made by the requestor or a predetermined percentage of providers in the provider contact list for a request have not been contacted in a predetermined period since the request was made by the applicant.
Termination Event C - Abusive Petition
For this termination event, termination occurs where a predetermined number, in this mode two, of the providers carrying a request as abusive, an abusive response, is a provider response option.
Termination event D - Inappropriate request
For this termination event, termination occurs where a predetermined number, in this modality two, of the providers report a request as inappropriate, an inappropriate response is a response option of the providers.
Termination Event E - List Sold Out
For this termination event, termination occurs where the list of contact providers is exhausted.
In a preferred embodiment the number of incomprehensible or inappropriate responses is set to a number greater than one, for example, two or three, in such a way that a single incomprehensible or inappropriate response is not sufficient to cause the termination of the correspondence operation , as it could be provided by a pillo supplier or as a result of a simple error on the part of a supplier.
Where the system has not met the matching criteria within a reasonable time, the applicant is contacted and a progress report is provided. The system continues until either the matching criteria or one of the termination criteria is satisfied. If the completion criteria for a petition are met, they contact the applicant to report the end of the search and the results obtained. In general, if the requester hears nothing, the requester can be confident that the system has successfully matched the request according to the matching criteria for classification. Progress or completion reports are returned to a requestor of the switch, but the reports are always preceded by the registered name and extension number of the requestor, so that the switch operator can pass the message on to the requestor.
In this mode the system also provides the start of the mapping operation to be delayed. There are often times when a person would like to make a request, but is aware that most or all of the potential offers are currently closed. The system can still be used on those occasions. An applicant can make a request at any time of day, for example, to 0200, knowing that the request is unlikely to be matched. Any selected providers active at that time will be contacted, allowing those providers an opportunity to respond to the request. Active periods will be known to all providers. During normal daytime hours for many providers, the number of providers available will be much greater. If this is the case, the requester will be given a completion report as usual, but the system is configured to relay the response again at another specified time when a greater number of providers in the given classification are active. In this mode, the system is configured in such a way to allow this aspect to be canceled by applying a predetermined keystroke. By default, the act of hanging up is taken to require that the request be relieved at a time that is most likely to obtain a match.
In this mode the system is also configured in such a way that a requestor can specify an alternative location for the search center other than the one associated with the CLI of the calling phone. In this mode, the IIVR 11 module provides this aspect to be enabled with a default keystroke, and when enabled, the IIVR 11 module runs an alternative location script that plays the alternative location greeting and asks the requester to enter the phone number of the alternate search center, followed by another preset keypress. The system then uses the phone number of the alternate location to determine the search center. The system uses only the phone number of the alternate location to integrate the provider contact list and not the calling number. The calling number, usually the CLI, is used as the phone number for which status reports or termination reports are delivered.
This aspect provides the circumstance where the applicant wishes to identify providers within a different geographic region. For example, suppose the applicant is traveling to visit friends for a weekend and wishes to locate a French restaurant in the region to be visited, the applicant would press the alternate location key during the classification greeting and enter the alternative telephone number, commonly the phone number of the friends to be visited, followed by a touch of the consummation key and then would leave the request, for example a nice French restaurant, Table for four, Saturday night at 7:30 PM, please call in the evening. Where the contact mode is set to provide details of the applicant, any providers that give a positive response would be provided with the applicant's calling number, as opposed to the alternative location's phone number.
In this mode, the system is also configured to allow a requestor to stay online and follow the matching operation. This would commonly be where an applicant believes that a match is likely to be obtained quickly. In this mode this aspect is enabled by means of a predetermined keystroke in the consummation of the request log and disabled by repeating the default keystroke. The correspondence system reports each event in real time, for example, recently declined cuts, your hair, declining, nice, accepted cuts, etc. In this mode, each provider that provides a positive response, in this mode one of an accept or a is probably assigned a particular keystroke and the relevant keystroke execution sets up a call to the provider.
In this mode, for each requester, the configuration options include a contact mode setting, which allows the requester to configure the system, by default, to either retain the requester's contact details from providers, in which case any reports to the applicant are provided with the details of the identified suppliers who have provided a positive response in order to allow the applicant to contact the suppliers or provide the contact details of the applicant to the suppliers identified in acceptance of the request, so that the accepting provider can contact the applicant directly.
In this mode, the system is configured to allow an applicant to cancel the default contact mode setting, presently by performing a predetermined keystroke during the classification greeting. In this mode, unless specifically configured, the default response mode setting is to provide details of the requester. Where the default contact mode setting is adjusted to provide details, the default key application acts to toggle the contact mode setting from that of providing requestor details to withhold requestor details, the contact mode greeting The applicant's details will be retained is reproduced, followed by the usual registration request tone. Where the default contact mode setting is adjusted to retain details, the application of the default key acts to toggle the contact mode from that of the held requester details to provide details of the requester, the contact mode greeting details The applicant's will be provided is reproduced, followed by the usual registration request tone.
Where the contact mode setting is adjusted to retain the requestor's details, the system, having identified the providers for a request, calls the requestor at the calling number and provides the termination report that includes the details of the providers, In this mode, for each provider, a contact name, either the provider's name or a contact person at the provider and the contact number. In this mode, each of the providers mentioned in the termination report is assigned an associated key on the keyboard, in such a way to allow the applicant to quickly dial a selected provider from the providers. Where the requester does not take the answering call from the system and the requester's calling number has an answering machine connected, the call is taken by the answering machine, the termination report is recorded to enable the requester to listen to the call from answer later. Where the calling number rings and the caller's number does not have an answering machine connected, the system calls again at set intervals until the call is made.
<td>To the</td><td>weather</td><td>of</td><td>registration, details</td><td>of</td>
<td>setting</td><td>include</td><td>the</td><td>business availability</td><td>of the</td>
<td colspan="2">provider, that is,</td><td colspan="2">busy working hours for</td><td>every</td>
one of the seven days of the week. Within these working hours, the system, by default, is configured to assume that the provider wants to receive requests. In this mode the system is configured to allow the provider to withdraw from the classification and therefore not receive any additional requests. note that if the supplier removes himself from the classification, the supplier will not appear in any lists integrated by the list integration units 43 of the supplier selection units 33a, 33b, 33c until the supplier positively reintroduces himself same to the classification. This aspect allows the company to interrupt the service for long breaks, for example vacations. Outside of business hours, the system does not contact the provider, who is not supposed to receive requests. In this mode a provider can temporarily alter the assigned office hours by adjusting one of the open or closed states, but by adjusting this the company is only a temporary function and if the assigned company is not restored after the next session of hours Office hours, predetermined times for working hours are adopted.
In this mode, the system allows a provider to block requests from applicants who cannot be served. A typical example is because the location of the applicant is not a location that is served by the applicant. Another typical example is where the provider provides only one service for a particular group of people, such as youth versus the elderly, and a request from an elderly person could not be served. This does not predispose the search, but only removes inappropriate contacts.
In this mode the system also allows a provider to block requests from applicants where the contact details of the applicants are retained. In such circumstances, a vendor would be concerned that competitors would incidentally use the system to collect intelligence.
In this mode these preferences are adjusted 15 by a classification administrator using the classification management unit 49.
The correspondence system further comprises a classification management unit 49 which provides for the maintenance of the classification databases, that is, the CC 15 database and the CL 37 database and the applicant's databases. , that is, the first and second databases of RI 17, 39. In particular, the classification management unit 49 provides updating supplier entries, including new supplier entries, altering list integration parameters for any classification, and including new classifications. In this mode, the classification management unit 49 includes a web interface to allow remote operation. In a preferred embodiment the classification management unit 49 is operated by a plurality of classification administrators, each of whom are assigned to and manage one or more classifications.
Finally, it will be understood that the present invention has been described in its preferred embodiments and can be modified in many different ways without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
For example, in the described modalities, the system is configured to use voice requests made using a telephone, but the use of other communicators 20, 24 is contemplated, for example, PDAs, personal computers, device auction boxes, games and game consoles, that is, any device that has a communications function and also other formats for receiving and delivering requests, for example, requests encoded by text, such as SMS and email, pictorial requests, which commonly contain drawings, still photos, or video, such as MMS and EMS, and facsimile requests. Certainly, requests could be made in one format, for example, as voice requests, and delivered in another format, for example, SMS requests. Also, the requests could be multiple format requests, for example, comprising voice and text encoded request components or text encoded and pictorial request components.
Generally, providers are the people who respond to the respective requests, but there are exceptions. One such other provider is a provider that observes that it can only receive requests, but not respond to requests. Another such provider is a split provider, where a request is received by one person, usually the decision maker who responds to the request and is referred to an additional person to manipulate the request, for example, in handling employment. the client's. An additional provider as such is a classification provider that receives the request and acts to redirect the request to another provider.
As an example of a classifying provider, providers can have a hierarchy. Thus, car sales could have derivations of new cars and second-hand cars, which by themselves could have derivations by car brand, for example, Ford, Vauxhall, VW, etc. The system can support this hierarchy, but, consistent with the philosophy that humans are the best people to process requests, the system only supports the cascading effect of classifications via human classifiers. The matching process is as follows. An applicant decides that they are observing a new
Ghia 1.8 Focus Ford blue. The applicant dials the phone number for the auto sales classification and leaves a request. The request is passed to selected suppliers within that classification. However, a supplier may be a seller who sells many brands of cars. For this provider, other departments have been previously configured with referrals described as before. In this case, the person who listens to the petition acts as a classifier that decides which department the petition should be presented to. The system is configured to recognize that this provider is a classifier and therefore expects to receive a key code related to one of the previously set departments. Upon receiving this key code, the system submits the request to the newly identified provider, which could itself be set as a classifying provider. After making the circuit through this procedure one or more times, the request will be made to a supplier where no additional classification is required.
Furthermore, where the system is to be used as a private correspondence system, the setting for a system
<img file="MXPA04004425A_D0002.tif" />
The private correspondence system is similar to the previous one except that the correspondence system submits the request to a provider that has an internal private correspondence system. In this situation, all key codes that are used to get a response are logged, as these codes allow you to navigate the hierarchy to report and provide contact details.
It is noted that, in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out said invention is the one that is clear from the present description of the invention.
Contents2
38 members in 12 offices
Priority claims5
| Document | Office | Kind | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0126809 | United Kingdom | A | |
| 0129265 | United Kingdom | A | |
| 0202864 | United Kingdom | A | |
| 0221614 | United Kingdom | A | |
| 0204987 | United Kingdom | W |
Members38
| Document | Office | Kind | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0012195D0 | United Kingdom | D0 | |
| WO0191485A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| AU6023301A | Australia | A | |
| GB0126809D0 | United Kingdom | D0 | |
| GB0129265D0 | United Kingdom | D0 | |
| GB0202864D0 | United Kingdom | D0 | |
| GB0221614D0 | United Kingdom | D0 | |
| EP1282988A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| GB0301256D0 | United Kingdom | D0 | |
| GB0301265D0 | United Kingdom | D0 | |
| GB0301268D0 | United Kingdom | D0 | |
| GB0301271D0 | United Kingdom | D0 | |
| WO03040971A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| WO03040972A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| TW200300534A | Taiwan Province of China | A | |
| CN1436431A | China | A | |
| US2003153330A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| WO2004042608A2 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A2 | |
| WO2004042609A2 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A2 | |
| AU2003285492A1 | Australia | A1 | |
| AU2003285492A8 | Australia | A8 | |
| AU2003301783A1 | Australia | A1 | |
| AU2003301783A8 | Australia | A8 | |
| EP1449137A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| BR0213993A | Brazil | A | |
| EP1451737A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| WO2004042608A3 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A3 | |
| WO2004042609A3 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A3 | |
| AR037267A1 | Argentina | A1 | |
| US2004249818A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US2004254929A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| JP2005508558A | Japan | A | |
| MXPA04004425AThis record | Mexico | A | |
| CN1610913A | China | A | |
| CN1656489A | China | A | |
| ZA200403421B | South Africa | B | |
| US7209757B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| CN100474944C | China | C |
Numbers
- Application
- 4004425
Titles2
- English
- REQUEST MATCHING SYSTEM AND METHOD.
- Spanish
- SISTEMA Y METODO DE CORRESPONDENCIA DE PETICIONES.
Classification
- IPC, 3
- G06Q10 00
- G06Q30 00
- G08G1 123