Identifying, soliciting, selecting and scheduling service providers
US10963848B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 16, 2010 |
| Grant date | Mar 30, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 4, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06Q50/01
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system facilitates identifying service providers capable of performing services for users and enable the pricing and scheduling of services to be performed by the service providers. A user submits a service request including a service description and optionally service constraints such as a required service location and service time. The system matches the service request with service providers potentially suitable for performing the requested service. The system sends bid solicitations to matched service providers, who may then respond with requests for additional information or bids. The bids are presented to the user, who then selects the bid best suited for his or her needs. The service provider associated with the selected bid is notified of the user's selection, thereby scheduling the service. A social graph associated with the user may be used to assist users in selecting bids.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.