Configurable interactive assistant
US8660924B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 4, 2011 |
| Grant date | Feb 25, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 4, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06Q40/08
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention employs 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—e.g., from their “trusted advisor”—particular products and services offered by various providers. An extensible configuration tool (“Config Tool”) is provided to simplify the continued development of such a system, as well as customization of individual Product Modules (e.g., a Life Insurance Module) by product and service providers (e.g., insurance companies and employers) and other third-party developers (before and during runtime). This Config Tool provides a variety of extension points permitting virtual characters to be added and their appearance and behavior modified, along with the details of the products and services being offered.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.