Persistent sales agent for complex transactions
US8060386B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 30, 2009 |
| Grant date | Nov 15, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 12, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06Q40/08
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention includes systems and methods employing branded virtual characters across multiple network platforms throughout various stages of complex transactions (eg, selling insurance). These characters initially engage prospective customers on a network platform, such as a social network, and persist over time across other network platforms (eg, university and company websites) to educate consumers until they are ready to purchase—from their “trusted advisor”—particular products and services offered by various providers. Even after completing transactions, these characters continue to provide various services, such as notifying a customer whose circumstances have changed of a relevant product or service, while remaining available to answer questions and provide information upon demand. By employing a semi-automated model, the system of the present invention can answer many questions via predetermined vignettes and automated answers generated by expert systems, while still utilizing live human experts (often transparently) when necessary.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.