Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

Title of Invention:
A METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR BOOKING ONE OR MORE INSTITUTIONS AS TEST CENTERS
APPLICANT:
TESTPAN INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED
An Indian entity having address as:
D-1/2, 1F, Janakpuri, New Delhi, Delhi (IN) 110058

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY
[0001] The present application does not claim priority from any other application.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a test centers booking and more particularly relates to a method and system for organizing and improving, via an online process and system, the current process of finding, auditing and booking one or more institutions as test centers.
BACKGROUND
[0003] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art (the relevant technical field or area of knowledge to which the invention pertains), which may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure that are described or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements in this background section are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section.
[0004] In recent years, the landscape of examinations has undergone a transformative shift with the widespread adoption of online exams. This evolution has been driven by advancements in technology, changing educational paradigms, and the increasing demand for flexible, accessible assessment methods. Online exams represent a departure from traditional pen-and-paper formats, offering a digital platform where candidates can demonstrate their knowledge and skills remotely or within designated test centers equipped with online assessment tools. The online exam booking process has emerged as a pivotal advancement in modern educational and professional assessment systems, offering candidates a streamlined and efficient way to schedule their exams. Booking online exam centers presents a lot of challenges that affect candidates, administrators, and exam providers alike. One of the most significant issues is the time-consuming and unstructured nature of the process. Candidates often encounter cumbersome procedures that involve navigating through outdated or complex booking systems, leading to frustration and inefficiency. This can result in wasted time spent on phone calls or emails trying to secure a suitable exam slot, often with no guarantee of availability or clarity on upcoming openings. This delay in communication can lead to missed opportunities for booking preferred exam slots and increased frustration among candidates who face uncertainty about their exam arrangements.
[0005] Moreover, a lack of transparency in the booking process exacerbates these challenges. Candidates may find it difficult to ascertain real-time availability of exam slots, leading to uncertainty and potentially missed opportunities. This opacity can also contribute to a sense of distrust among users, who may question the fairness and equity of the center allocation process. Human bias in the administration of exam bookings is another critical issue. Without standardized protocols or automated systems, there is a risk of subjective decision-making that could favor certain candidates or disadvantage others. This can lead to inconsistencies in booking outcomes and perceptions of unfair treatment among candidates.
[0006] Additionally, the absence of rigorous audits and quality assurance mechanisms poses a significant concern. Inadequate oversight may result in substandard exam setups and facilities that do not meet requisite standards or safety regulations. This lack of scrutiny can compromise the integrity of the exam process and undermine the credibility of the certification or assessment being conducted. Further, mismatches in exam setups and location inadequacies pose operational challenges. Candidates may find themselves booked in test centers that do not meet their specific exam requirements, such as accessibility accommodation or technical specifications. This can lead to disruptions during the exam, affecting candidate performance and overall satisfaction with the testing experience.
[0007] Another critical issue is the availability of seats due to the unstructured nature of the sector or not one place to know the availability of a particular center. Limited capacity at exam centers can lead to scarcity of booking options, forcing candidates to settle for inconvenient exam dates or locations that may not align with their schedules or preferences. This can hinder their ability to adequately prepare for exams and may impact their performance due to added stress and logistical challenges.
[0008] In order to solve the challenge sophisticated algorithms and several solutions are available in the market to address the challenge of online exam test center booking. In contrast, general online booking systems offer flexibility and ease of use, making them accessible for a variety of scheduling needs. These platforms allow users to book test centers through straightforward interfaces and are often more affordable than specialized systems. However, they may not provide the advanced features required for complex exam environments, such as specific test duration limits or secure authentication processes. Further, these platforms provide test environments to the specific industries. During peak periods, like standardized testing windows, these systems may struggle with high volumes of bookings, leading to potential system slowdowns or errors.
[0009] Additionally, educational institutions often develop their own internal booking systems tailored to their unique requirements. For example, a university might create a custom system to manage exam schedules and room allocations. While these internal systems can be highly specialized and effective within the institution, they typically lack interoperability with external systems, making it difficult to coordinate with external exam authorities or third-party testing centers.
[0010] Third-party scheduling APIs, such as those provided by Google Calendar or Microsoft Graph, offer another solution by enabling integration with existing systems to handle booking functions. These APIs can be incorporated into custom applications, allowing institutions to leverage their existing infrastructure. However, the integration process can be technically demanding, requiring skilled developers to ensure that the APIs work seamlessly with the institution’s systems. This complexity can lead to increased development time and potential integration and scalability issues.
[0011] Comprehensive examination management systems like ExamSoft and Questionmark provide an all-in-one solution that encompasses not just booking but also exam creation, administration, and results management. These systems are ideal for organizations that require a complete solution but come with high costs and complex implementations. For instance, ExamSoft’s platform includes advanced features for exam security and data analysis, which may be overkill for institutions that only need a booking solution.
[0012] Each solution faces specific challenges. Dedicated platforms must manage high costs and complex integrations, while general booking systems might lack necessary features and scalability. Internal systems struggle with external compatibility, third-party APIs require technical expertise for integration, and comprehensive systems, though robust, can be prohibitively expensive. Addressing these challenges involves balancing functionality, cost, and user experience, ensuring that the chosen solution meets the specific needs of test centers and their users while managing the complexities of modern exam scheduling and administration.
[0013] In view of the above, addressing the aforementioned technical challenges requires an improved method for booking of test centers.
[0014] Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of described systems with some aspects of the present disclosure, as set forth in the remainder of the present application and with reference to the drawings.
SUMMARY
[0015] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a method and a system for booking test centers and the concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0016] According to embodiments illustrated herein, a method for booking one or more institutions as test centers is disclosed. The method may be implemented by an electronic device including one or more processors and a memory communicatively coupled to the processor and the memory is configured to store processor executable programmed instructions. Further, the method may comprise a step of receiving one or more booking requests from one or more test authorities. Further, the one or more booking requests may comprise one or more test requirements. Further, the method may comprise a step of extracting one or more matching profiles from one or more institution profiles based on matching of the one or more test requirements with one or more institution parameters. Further, the one or more institution parameters may correspond to the one or more institution profiles of the one or more institutions. Further, the method may comprise a step of displaying the one or more matching profiles to the one or more test authorities. Further, the method may comprise a step of receiving one or more selected profiles from the one or more matching profiles based on the selection of the one or more selected profiles by the one or more test authorities. Further, the method may comprise a step of sending one or more booking order(s) to the one or more institutions corresponding to the one or more selected profiles. Further, the method may comprise a step of receiving one or more order confirmation corresponding to the one or more booking order, from the one or more institutions corresponding to the one or more selected profiles. Furthermore, the method may comprise a step of booking an institution from the one or more institutions as a test center corresponding to the one or more selected profiles based on the one or more order confirmation.
[0017] According to embodiments illustrated herein, a system for booking one or more institutions as test centers is disclosed. Further, the system may comprise a memory and a processor. Further, the processor may be configured to execute programmed instructions stored in the memory for performing the following tasks. Further, the processor may be configured for receiving one or more booking requests from one or more test authorities. The one or more booking requests may comprise one or more test requirements. Further, the processor may be configured for extracting one or more matching profiles from one or more institution profiles based on matching of the one or more test requirements with one or more institution parameters. Further, the one or more institution parameters may correspond to the one or more institution profiles of the one or more institutions. Further, the processor may be configured for displaying the one or more matching profiles to the one or more test authorities. Further, the processor may be configured for receiving one or more selected profiles from the one or more matching profiles based on selection of the one or more selected profiles by the one or more test authorities. Further, the processor may be configured for sending one or more booking order to the one or more institutions corresponding to the one or more selected profiles. Further, the processor may be configured for receiving one or more order confirmation corresponding to the one or more booking order from the one or more institutions corresponding to the one or more selected profiles. Furthermore, the processor may be configured for booking an institution from the one or more institutions as a test center corresponding to the one or more selected profiles based on the one or more order confirmation.
[0018] According to embodiments illustrated herein, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for booking one or more institutions as test centers is disclosed. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon, a set of computer-executable instructions causing a computer comprising one or more processors to perform steps. The steps may comprise receiving one or more booking requests from one or more test authorities. The one more booking requests may comprise one or more test requirements Further the steps may comprise extracting one or more matching profiles from one or more institution profiles based on matching of the one or more test requirements with one more institution parameters. The one or more institution parameters may correspond to the one or more institution profiles of the one or more institutions. Further, the steps may comprise displaying the one or more matching profiles to the one or more test authorities. Further, the steps may comprise receiving one or more selected profiles from the one or more matching profiles based on selection of the one or more selected profiles by the one or more test authorities. Further, the steps may comprise sending one or more booking orders to the one or more institutions corresponding to the one or more selected profiles. Further, the steps may comprise receiving one or more order confirmation corresponding to the one or more booking order, from the one or more institutions corresponding to the one or more selected profiles. Further the steps may comprise booking an institution from the one or more institutions as a test center, corresponding to the one or more selected profiles based on the one or more order confirmation.
[0019] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0020] The accompanying drawings illustrate the various embodiments of systems, methods, and other aspects of the disclosure. Any person with ordinary skills in art will appreciate that the illustrated element boundaries (e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent one example of the boundaries. In some examples, one element may be designed as multiple elements, or multiple elements may be designed as one element. In some examples, an element shown as an internal component of one element may be implemented as an external component in another, and vice versa. Further, the elements may not be drawn to scale.
[0021] Various embodiments will hereinafter be described in accordance with the appended drawings, which are provided to illustrate and not to limit the scope in any manner, wherein similar designations denote similar elements, and in which:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a block diagram that illustrates a system environment (100) for booking one or more institutions as test centers, in accordance with an embodiment of present subject matter.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a block diagram (200) that illustrates various components of an application server (104) configured for performing steps for booking the one or more institutions as test centers, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter .
[0024] FIG. 3 is a flowchart that illustrates a method (300) for booking the one or more institutions as test centers, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter; and
[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram (400) of an exemplary computer system for implementing embodiments consistent with the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The present disclosure may be best understood with reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. Various embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed descriptions given herein with respect to the figures are simply for explanatory purposes as the methods and systems may extend beyond the described embodiments. For example, the teachings presented, and the needs of a particular application may yield multiple alternative and suitable approaches to implement the functionality of any detail described herein. Therefore, any approach may extend beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown.
[0027] References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. The terms “comprise”, “comprising”, “include(s)”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, system or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or system or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus preceded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
[0028] The objective of the present disclosure is to provide a streamline and automate the process of booking test centers to reduce manual efforts.
[0029] Another objective of the present invention is to increase the efficiency in booking of the test centers.
[0030] Another objective of the present invention is to match the test centers with the booking requests to eliminate subjective bias in decision-making.
[0031] Another objective of the present disclosure is to enhance the user experience by providing a seamless and intuitive method that enables the users to effortlessly navigate and interact with the one or more portable devices.
[0032] Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to improve the accuracy of the test centers selection by matching specific test requirements with the capabilities of available centers in real-time.
[0033] Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to reduce the time required to find and book suitable test centers by automating the matching and selection process.
[0034] Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to handle multiple booking requests simultaneously, accommodating large volumes of requests during peak times without delays.
[0035] Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to offer real-time information on the availability of test centers to facilitate timely and accurate bookings.
[0036] Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a secure and user-friendly experience.
[0037] Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to verify the selected test centers meet all specified requirements and conditions through automated checks, pre-registration audits, post-registration audits and post-booking audits.
[0038] Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to provide clear documentation and notifications throughout the booking process to ensure transparency and accountability.
[0039] Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to allow customization of search criteria to match specific needs such as infrastructure requirements, facility requirements, security features, technical requirements, and location.
[0040] Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to ensure impartial selection of test centers based on objective criteria, fostering trust among other stakeholders.
[0041] Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to decrease the administrative burden on both test authorities and test centers/institutions.
[0042] Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to implement robust security measures to protect sensitive data involved in the center booking and confirmation process.
[0043] Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to provide data-driven insights and reports to assist test authorities in making informed decisions about test center bookings.
[0044] FIG. 1 is a block diagram that illustrates a system environment (100) for booking of test centers, in accordance with an embodiment of present subject matter. The system environment (100) typically includes a database server (102), an application server (104), a communication network (106), and one or more portable devices (108). The database server (102), the application server (104), and the one or more portable devices (108) are typically communicatively coupled with each other via the communication network (106). In an embodiment, the application server (104) may communicate with the database server (102), and the one or more portable devices (108) using one or more protocols such as, but not limited to, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), RF mesh, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and the like, to communicate with one another.
[0045] In an embodiment, the database server (102) may refer to a computing device that may be configured to store one or more booking requests, one or more institution profiles, one or more test requirements, one or more institution parameters, booking order, and other intermediate processing data.
[0046] In an embodiment, the database server (102) may include a special purpose operating system specifically configured to perform one or more database operations on the stored content. Examples of database operations may include, but are not limited to, Select, Insert, Update, and Delete. In an embodiment, the database server (102) may include hardware that may be configured to perform one or more predetermined operations. In an embodiment, the database server (102) may be realized through various technologies such as, but not limited to, Microsoft® SQL Server, Oracle®, IBM DB2®, Microsoft Access®, PostgreSQL®, MySQL®, SQLite®, distributed database technology and the like. In an embodiment, the database server (102) may be configured to utilize the application server (104) for storage and retrieval of data used for booking one or more institutions as test centers.
[0047] A person with ordinary skills in art will understand that the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the database server (102) as a separate entity. In an embodiment, the functionalities of the database server (102) can be integrated into the application server (104) or into the one or more portable device (108).
[0048] In an embodiment, the application server (104) may refer to a computing device or a software framework hosting an application or a software service. In an embodiment, the application server (104) may be implemented to execute procedures such as, but not limited to, programs, routines, or scripts stored in one or more memories for supporting the hosted application or the software service. In an embodiment, the hosted application or the software service may be configured to perform one or more predetermined operations. The application server (104) may be realized through various types of application servers such as, but are not limited to, a Java application server, a .NET framework application server, a Base4 application server, a PHP framework application server, or any other application server framework.
[0049] In an embodiment, the application server (104) may be configured to utilize the database server (102) and the one or more portable device (108), in conjunction, for booking the one or more institutions as test centers. In an implementation, the application server (104) corresponds to a booking platform for booking the one or more institutions as test centers. In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more institutions comprise one of Degree colleges, business schools (B-School), professional colleges (Engineering/Medical), secondary school, private test centers or more.
[0050] In an embodiment, the communication network (106) may correspond to a communication medium through which the application server (104), the database server (102), and the one or more portable device (108) may communicate with each other. Such a communication may be performed in accordance with various wired and wireless communication protocols. Examples of such wired and wireless communication protocols include, but are not limited to, Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), ZigBee, EDGE, infrared IR), IEEE 802.11, 802.16, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, 6G, 7G cellular communication protocols, and/or Bluetooth (BT) communication protocols. The communication network (106) may either be a dedicated network or a shared network. Further, the communication network (106) may include a variety of network devices, including routers, bridges, servers, computing devices, storage devices, and the like. The communication network (106) may include, but is not limited to, the Internet, intranet, a cloud network, a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) network, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), a Local Area Network (LAN), a cable network, the wireless network, a telephone network (e.g., Analog, Digital, POTS, PSTN, ISDN, xDSL), a telephone line (POTS), a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), an electronic positioning network, an X.25 network, an optical network (e.g., PON), a satellite network (e.g., VSAT), a packet-switched network, a circuit-switched network, a public network, a private network, and/or other wired or wireless communications network configured to carry data.
[0051] In an embodiment, the one or more portable devices (108) may refer to a computing device used by a user. The one or more portable devices (108) may comprise of one or more processors and one or more memory. The one or more memories may include computer readable code that may be executable by one or more processors to perform predetermined operations. In an embodiment, the one or more portable devices (108) may present a web user interface for booking the one or more institutions as test centers using the application server (102). Example web user interfaces presented on the one or more portable devices (108) to display a portal visualizing user profile and relevant information, for booking the one or more institutions as test centers. Examples of the one or more portable devices (108) may include, but are not limited to, a personal computer, a laptop, a computer desktop, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile device, a tablet, or any other computing device.
[0052] The system (100) can be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination of both, which includes using where suitable, one or more computer programs, mobile applications, or “apps” by deploying either on-premises over the corresponding computing terminals or virtually over cloud infrastructure. The system (100) may include various micro-services or groups of independent computer programs which can act independently in collaboration with other micro-services. The system (100) may also interact with a third-party or external computer system. Internally, the system (100) may be the central processor of all requests for transactions by the various actors or users of the system. A critical attribute of the system (100) is that it can concurrently and instantly complete booking transactions in collaboration with other systems. In a specific embodiment, the system (100) is implemented for booking the one or more institutions as test centers.
[0053] In one embodiment, the system (100) is configured to analyze real time availability of the one or more institutions. Further, the system (100) integrates advanced data processing and real-time monitoring technologies to provide accurate and current availability information for booking the one or more institutions as test centers. Further, the system (100) is equipped with a dynamic scheduling and data synchronization module that continuously collects and updates availability data from each institution. Further, the one or more test authorities are configured to access a user-friendly dashboard to view the real-time availability of the one or more institutions.
[0054] FIG. 2 illustrates a block (200) diagram illustrating components of the application server (104) configured for performing stepwise booking of test centers, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Further, FIG. 2 is explained in conjunction with elements from FIG. 1. Here, the application server (104) preferably includes a processor (202), a memory (204), a transceiver (206), an Input/Output unit (208), a pre-processing unit (210), a profile selection unit (212), a booking unit (214). The processor (202) is further preferably communicatively coupled to the memory (204), the transceiver (206), the Input/Output unit (208), the pre-processing unit (210), the profile selection unit (212), and the booking unit (214), while the transceiver (206) is preferably communicatively coupled to the communication network (106).
[0055] The processor (202) comprises suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and/or code that may be configured to execute a set of instructions stored in the memory (204), and may be implemented based on several processor technologies known in the art. The processor (202) works in coordination with the transceiver (206), the Input/Output unit (208), the pre-processing unit (210), the profile selection unit (212), and the booking unit (214) for booking of test centers. Examples of the processor (202) include, but not limited to, standard microprocessor, microcontroller, central processing unit (CPU), an X86-based processor, a Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) processor, an Application- Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) processor, and a Complex Instruction Set Computing (CISC) processor, distributed or cloud processing unit, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions and/or other processing logic that accommodates the requirements of the present invention.
[0056] The memory (204) comprises suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and/or code that may be configured to store the set of instructions, which are executed by the processor (202). Preferably, the memory (204) is configured to store one or more programs, routines, or scripts that are executed in coordination with the processor (202). Additionally, the memory (204) may include any computer-readable medium or computer program product known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random-access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), flash memories, Secure Digital (SD) card, Solid State Disks (SSD), optical disks, magnetic tapes, memory cards, virtual memory and distributed cloud storage. The memory (204) may be removable, non-removable, or a combination thereof. Further, the memory (204) may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., which perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The memory (204) may include programs or coded instructions that supplement applications and functions of the system (100). In one embodiment, the memory (204), amongst other things, serves as a repository for storing data processed, received, and generated by one or more of the programs or the coded instructions. In yet another embodiment, the memory (204) may be managed under a federated structure that enables adaptability and responsiveness of the application server (104).
[0057] The transceiver (206) comprises suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and/or code that may be configured to receive, process or transmit information, data or signals, which are stored by the memory (204) and executed by the processor (202). The transceiver (206) is preferably configured to receive, process or transmit, one or more programs, routines, or scripts that are executed in coordination with the processor (202). The transceiver (206) is preferably communicatively coupled to the communication network (106) of the system (100) for communicating all the information, data, signal, programs, routines or scripts through the network.
[0058] The transceiver (206) may implement one or more known technologies to support wired or wireless communication with the communication network (106). In an embodiment, the transceiver (206) may include, but is not limited to, an antenna, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, one or more amplifiers, a tuner, one or more oscillators, a digital signal processor, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device, a coder-decoder (CODEC) chipset, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, and/or a local buffer. Also, the transceiver (206) may communicate via wireless communication with networks, such as the Internet, an Intranet and/or a wireless network, such as a cellular telephone network, a wireless local area network (LAN) and/or a metropolitan area network (MAN). Accordingly, the wireless communication may use any of a plurality of communication standards, protocols and technologies, such as: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) (e.g., IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g and/or IEEE 802.11n), voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Wi-MAX, a protocol for email, instant messaging, and/or Short Message Service (SMS).
[0059] The input/output (I/O) unit (208) comprises suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and/or code that may be configured to receive or present information. The input/output unit (208) comprises various input and output devices that are configured to communicate with the processor (202). Examples of the input devices include, but are not limited to, a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a touch screen, a microphone, a camera, and/or a docking station. Examples of the output devices include, but are not limited to, a display screen and/or a speaker. The I/O unit (208) may include a variety of software and hardware interfaces, for example, a web interface, a graphical user interface, and the like. The I/O unit (208) may allow the system (100) to interact with the user directly or through the portable devices (108). Further, the I/O unit (208) may enable the system (100) to communicate with other computing devices, such as web servers and external data servers (not shown). The I/O unit (208) can facilitate multiple communications within a wide variety of networks and protocol types, including wired networks, for example, LAN, cable, etc., and wireless networks, such as WLAN, cellular, or satellite. The I/O unit (208) may include one or more ports for connecting a number of devices to one another or to another server. In one embodiment, the I/O unit (208) allows the application server (104) to be logically coupled to other portable devices (108), some of which may be built in. Illustrative components include tablets, mobile phones, desktop computers, wireless devices, etc.
[0060] In one embodiment, the input/output unit (208) may be configured for receiving one or more booking requests from one or more test authorities. Further, the one or more test authorities may comprise at least one of an educational test authority, professional test authority, language proficiency authority or a combination thereof. Further, data received from the one or more booking requests may comprise one or more test requirements. The one or more test requirements may comprise one of general requirements, technical requirements, and a combination thereof. Further, the one or more test requirements may comprise at least one of CCTV availability, number of batches, nearby bus stand, distance from bus stand, nearby railway station, distance from railway station, parking availability, entry, exit, washroom, air-conditioning (AC), fan, frisking machine, biometric, server room, genset, online UPS, computer configuration, internet, exam date, exam time, duration of the exam, number of seats required, manpower requirement, budget cost, one or more test infrastructure services, exam center location, nearby facility requirement, performance rating, and a combination thereof.
[0061] In another embodiment, the pre-processing unit (210) of the application server (104), is disclosed. The pre-processing unit (210) may be configured for extracting one or more matching profiles from one or more institution profiles based on the matching of the one or more test requirements with one or more institution parameters. Further, the one or more institution parameters may correspond to the one or more institution profiles of the one or more institutions. Further, the pre-processing unit (210) may be configured for registering the one or more institutions to create the one or more institution profiles. Further, the one or more institution profiles are created based on the one or more institution parameters provided by the one or more institutions at the time of registration. Further, the one or more institution parameters may comprises , but not limited to, Institute name, location, address, nearby facility, nearby bus stand, nearby railway station, parking availability, frisking availability, genset availability, online UPS, internet availability, seating capacity, manpower availability, pictures, CCTV, available date, available time slot, cost, test infrastructure services, performance rating of institution, institute login credentials or a combination thereof. Further, the pre-processing unit (210) may be configured to perform at least one of a physical audit, an online audit, a technical audit or a combination thereof, post registration of the one or more institutions. Further, the one or more institution registration parameters correspond to a detailed set of criteria that each institution from the one or more institution requires. Further, the one or more institution registration parameters may correspond to institution’s name, location parameters, legal registration information, contact details, cost, payment options, CCTV availability, exam rooms, seating capacity, pictures, technical equipment or a combination thereof. Further, the payment option may correspond to advance payments, payments after exam, online payments, cheque payments, cash payments, instalment payments, bank drafts, or a combination thereof.
[0062] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the advance payments may correspond to full advance and partial advance option. Further, the payments after exam may correspond to post-test billing option and the online payments may correspond to credit/debit card, bank transfer, E-wallet, payment gateway, QR code scan, and a combination thereof. Further, the location may correspond to address, geographical coordinates, proximity to public transport, accessibility, nearby facilities, local environment, regional compliance, layout, connectivity, local demographics and a combination thereof. Further, the pictures comprise images of the real views of the institution such as an exterior view, interior space, classrooms and exam rooms, facilities and equipment, accessibility features, safety and security measures, surrounding area, signage and branding, facility maintenance and a combination thereof. In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the system configured for booking one or more institutions as a test centers may correspond to a Business to Business (B2B) model, a Business to Consumer (B2C) model, or a combination thereof, for test center booking.
[0063] In one embodiment, the post extraction of the one or more matching profiles from one or more institution profiles, the input/output unit (208) may be configured to display the one or more matching profiles to the one or more test authorities. The displaying of the one or more matching profiles to the one or more test authorities is performed in order to receive selection of one or more profiles out of the one or more matching profiles, from the one or more test authorities. The receiving of one or more selected profiles is being performed by the profile selection unit (212). Further, displaying the one or more matching profiles may correspond to displaying the one or more institution profiles along with the one more institution parameters matching with the one or more test requirements.
[0064] In one embodiment, the profile selection unit (212) may be configured to receive one or more selected profiles, from the one or more matching profiles, based on selection of the one or more selected profiles by the one or more test authorities. Further, the profile selection unit (212) may be configured to send one or more booking order(s) to the one or more institutions corresponding to the one or more selected profiles received from the one or more test authorities. The sending of the one or more booking order(s) corresponds to transmitting one or more notifications corresponding to the one or more booking order, to the one or more institutions whose profile is selected by the one or more test authorities. Further, the one or more notification may correspond to one of an email communication, a text message, a phone call, in application notification, or a combination thereof. Further, the one or more booking order comprises details of test authorities along with the one or more test requirements, and one or more order confirmation action buttons, The or more order confirmation action buttons on the one or more booking order may be configured to receive selection from the one or more institutions. Further, the one or more order confirmation action buttons comprise one of Accept order button, reject order button, Negotiate Button, Hold order button or a combination thereof. Further, the profile selection unit (212) may be configured to receive one or more order confirmation corresponding to the one or more booking order. The one or more order confirmations are received from the one or more institutions corresponding to the one or more selected profiles. In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more order confirmation may correspond to one of an acceptance of the booking order, rejection of the booking order, pending confirmation, booking on-hold, or a combination thereof. The acceptance of the booking order may correspond to acceptance of the booking order details provided by test authorities in the corresponding test requirement, by the one or more institutions. Further, the rejection of the booking order may correspond to disagreement on the booking order details provided by test authorities in the corresponding test requirement, by the one or more institutions. Further, the pending confirmation of the booking order may correspond to non-action on the booking order by the one or more institutions. Further, the booking on-hold of the booking order may correspond to a hold action by the one or more institutions seeking more time to either accept or reject the booking order.
[0065] In an embodiment, the booking unit (214) may be configured to book an institution from the one or more institutions as a test center based on the one or more order confirmation. In an exemplary embodiment, booking the institution may correspond to accepting the institution as the test center based on the acceptance of the booking order by the institution corresponding to the one or more selected profiles. In another exemplary embodiment, booking the institution may correspond to rejecting the institution as a test center based on the rejection action of the booking order by the institution corresponding to the one or more selected profiles. In yet another exemplary embodiment, booking the institution may correspond to selecting the institution as test center by the one or more test authorities, based on the acceptance of the booking order by multiple institutions corresponding to the one or more selected profiles. Further, booking the one or more institution comprises notifying the one or more test authorities and the one or more institutions about the booking success.
[0066] In an embodiment, the input/output unit (208) may be configured to display a booking interface to the one or more test authorities and the one or more institutions. The booking interface may correspond to a dashboard comprising a calendar, booking details with date and time information, booking status, reminder message or a combination thereof Further, the booking confirmation status may be displayed on the dashboard to keep the one or more test authorities and the one or more institutions informed of the booking process.
[0067] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the booking unit (214) may be configured to receive one or more feedback corresponding to the booking from one of the one or more institutions, the one or more test authorities or a combination thereof. Further, the one or more test authorities are configured to provide a real time feedback to the one or more institutions based on the one or more parameters such as institutions performance, user experience, service quality, follow up, documentation, cost and value, manpower availability, support, technical requirements, or a combination thereof. The feedback provided by the one or more test authorities to the one or more institutions in real time may include detailed insights into each parameter assessed. For example, in terms of institution performance, the feedback may comprise one or more parameters such as efficiency, accuracy, and adherence to protocols. For user experience, the feedback may comprise one or more parameters such as such as ease of navigation, satisfaction levels. Service quality feedback may comprise evaluations of responsiveness, professionalism, and the effectiveness of service delivery.
[0068] Regarding follow-up, the one or more test authorities may provide comments on the timeliness and effectiveness of subsequent communications and actions performed post-service. For documentation, the feedback may include an assessment of completeness, accuracy, and compliance with necessary standards. Cost and value feedback might detail the cost-effectiveness of the service and whether the perceived value aligns with the expenditure incurred.
[0069] In terms of manpower availability, the feedback may comprise an adequacy of staffing levels and the skillsets of the personnel involved during the exam process. For support, the evaluation may cover the availability, responsiveness, and quality of technical or customer support offered. Technical requirements feedback may assess whether the institution’s systems and infrastructure meet the necessary specifications and standards required for effective operation.
[0070] This comprehensive feedback is intended to help the institutions to improve their processes, address any identified issues, and enhance their overall performance. By leveraging this real-time feedback, the one or more institutions can be configured to make informed decisions and adjustments to optimize their services, ensure compliance, and better meet the needs of their users. Further, the feedback may be aggregated and analyzed to identify trends, recurring issues, and areas for systemic improvement. Institutions can use this aggregated data to develop strategic plans, implement best practices, and drive continuous improvement efforts. Further, the real-time nature of the feedback ensures that the one or more institutions can promptly address any emerging concerns and make necessary adjustments swiftly. This proactive approach contributes to a higher level of service quality, user satisfaction, and operational efficiency.
[0071] Further, the reminder message, on the booking interface, may correspond to automatic generated reminder, manual reminder, or a combination thereof. Further, the automatic generated reminders may be triggered by the system based on predefined schedules or conditions. For example, automated reminders can be set to notify the one or more test authorities and the one or more institutions of upcoming test dates, deadlines for confirmation, or necessary preparations well in advance. Further, these reminders are generated using the specific details of the booking, such as the test date, the timing of required actions, and any relevant thresholds for notifications. Further, the manual reminders may be created and sent by users based on specific needs or situations. Further, the manual reminders may offer a more personalized approach, allowing the one or more test authorities or administrative staff to send targeted notifications tailored to individual circumstances. For example, the manual reminder might be used to follow up on a particular issue, provide additional instructions, or address any special requirements that automated reminders may not cover. Further, the calendar may be configured to provide an organized view of the scheduled booking, enable one or more institutions to easily track/view upcoming appointments, deadlines, etc. Further, the calendar may provide color-coded indicators to highlight the date and timings such as, upcoming exams, completed exams, ongoing exams, deadlines for the compliance, or a combination thereof. Further, the calendar may be configured to navigate through the different time periods such as, daily, weekly, monthly basis to quickly locate and manage the bookings.
[0072] In one non-limiting embodiment, a process of assigning roles and permissions to the one or more institutions may be designed to ensure efficient management and security within the institution. Further, the roles are configured to define the designation and access level for each institutional person based on their responsibilities. For example, institution may assign the roles such as Viewer, Editor, or Administrator, each of which dictates their scope of interaction with the one or more test authorities. In one embodiment, the Viewer role may comprise the option of read-only access and allowing the institute person to view data and reports without the ability to make any changes. Further, the Editors roles may comprise an edit permission to enables to modify existing data, update records, and make changes as required. Further, the Administrators role may comprise a full access with the ability to manage accounts, configure settings, and oversee all aspects of the platform. For example, an Editor might have permissions to add or modify booking details but not to delete records or change wide settings. Conversely, an Administrator can configure permissions, create or remove user accounts, and perform all administrative tasks. Further, the assignment and configuration of roles and permissions are configured for a secure and user-friendly interface.
[0073] A person skilled in the art will understand that the scope of the disclosure should not be limited to test centers’ domain and using the aforementioned techniques. Further, the examples provided in supra are for illustrative purposes and should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.
[0074] Referring to FIG. 3, a flowchart that illustrates a method (300) for booking the one or more institutions as test centers, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present subject matter. The method (300) may be implemented by an electronic device (108) including one or more processors (202) and a memory (204) communicatively coupled to the processor (202) and the memory (204) is configured to store processor-executable programmed instructions, caused the processor to perform the following steps.
[0075] At step (301), the processor (202) is configured to receive one or more booking requests from one or more test authorities. Further, the one or more booking requests may comprise one or more test requirements.
[0076] At step (302), the processor (202) is configured to extract one or more matching profiles from one or more institution profiles based on matching of the one or more test requirements with the more institution parameters. Further, the one or more institution parameters may correspond to the one or more institution profiles of one or more institutions.
[0077] At step (303), the processor (202) is configured to display the one or more matching profiles to the one or more test authorities.
[0078] At step (304), the processor (202) is configured to receive one or more selected profiles from the one or more matching profiles based on selection of the one or more selected profiles by the one or more test authorities.
[0079] At step (305), the processor (202) is configured to send one or more booking orders to the one or more instructions corresponding to the one or more selected profiles.
[0080] At step (306), the processor (202) is configured to receive one or more order confirmation corresponding to the one or more booking order, from the one or more institutions corresponding to the one or more selected profiles.
[0081] At step (307), the processor (202) is configured to book an institution from the one or more institutions as a test center corresponding to the one or more selected profiles based on the one or more order confirmation.
[0082] Let us delve into a detailed working example of the present disclosure.
[0083] Example 01: X is a national testing authority who needs to book the institution for conducting examinations.
[0084] Now, X login to the disclosed platform via login credentials and starts submitting the multiple booking requests through the disclosed platform. Further, each request consists of specific details regarding the test requirements such of CCTV availability, exam date, exam time, duration of the exam, number of seats required, manpower requirement, budget cost, one or more test infrastructure services, exam center location, nearby facility requirement, performance rating, etc. Further, the disclosed platform receives these booking requests sent by X and begins to match them with the profiles of available institutions from the one or more institutions stored in its database. Further, the platform extracts the profiles from a pool of institutions profiles based on how well they meet the specified test requirements. For example, if the request requires a center with advanced security features and the ability to handle a high volume of candidates, the platform filters through the one or more institutional parameters to find suitable matches. Further, in another example, if the request requires an institution which is near by the railway station and has a huge sitting capacity with CCTV coverage and provides macOS installed on the local machines, then the platform matches them with profiles of available institutions stored in the database. Upon matching the profile of the available institutions, the platform displays the matched profile to the national testing authority for appropriate selection of the institution profile.
[0085] Additionally, upon displaying the institution profiles, the platform receives selection from the national testing authority. Further, the platform then processes these selections and sends formal booking orders to the chosen institutions. Further, each institution receives the booking order and in response sends an order confirmation notification to X. The order confirmation corresponds to acceptance of the booking order, rejection of the booking order, pending confirmation, booking on-hold, etc. Once the platform processes these confirmations and finalizes the booking for the selected institutions. Once the test center is booked by the X, the X and the chosen institute receives the booking order confirmation via an email communication, a text message, a phone call, in application notification.
[0086] Further, the audit is conducted to cross check the X’s requirements.
[0087] Furthermore, the outlined booking process may offer several advantages that enhance efficiency and accuracy in test center management. Firstly, by automating the matching of test requirements with available test center profiles, the disclosed platform significantly reduces the time and effort required for manual searches and comparisons. This streamlined approach ensures that X quickly identifies institutions that meet all specified criteria, such as advanced security features, proximity to transport hubs, and necessary facilities like CCTV coverage and macOS compatibility.
[0088] Example 02: Y is an institution who often conducts online exams in their institute and wants to register and get the bookings for online exams based on their institutional setup and requirements.
[0089] Now, Y registers on the disclosed platform using the credentials and setup their profile by entering the details such as center type, center name, location, real pictures of the institutions, manpower availability, nearby facility, seating capacity, CCTV, available date, available time slot, cost, test infrastructure services, performance rating of institution, etc. Further, for example, Y specifies the available dates from August 10, 2024 to August 15, 2024 and also provides the information about the infrastructure and other facilities such as the cost, high-speed internet facility, secure testing environment with the Windows and Linux operating system, configuration setup and proctoring software, camera and CCTV facility, along with the 5 to 7 authorities to monitor the students and the capacity of 50 students to sit for the exam at a time.
[0090] Further, the institution submits this information and then the test authority K based on their requirements submits the exam booking request to the disclosed platform for conducting a certification exam on August 10, 2024 to August 14, 2024 for 40-45 candidates by specifying their requirements such as the need of Windows operating system, secure online proctoring and support for the multiple time zones and requires the 5 authorities to monitor the students during exam. Further, the Y, via the disclosed platform, receives a booking order notification via an email communication, a text message, a phone call, in application notification. Additionally, Y receives two more requests from the other test authorities, i.e. M and P for the exam conduction in between the August 10, 2024 to August 15, 2024 duration.
[0091] Now, the Y has a right to either accept or reject the booking order or put the booking order either in pending state or put it on hold based on the one or more requirements of the one or more test authorities. So, Y may decides to accept the request received from the test authority K and rejects the request received from the authority M, but now Y puts the request received from the test authority P on Hold as the P’s exam duration is just for a single day i.e. on August 15, 2024 and requirement for the exam is the capacity of 35 students with the requirement of camera, Linux operating system, CCTV along with the 6 authorities to monitor the students. Further, all the test authorities i.e. K, M, and P receives the notification, via the disclosed platform, regarding the order confirmation via email notification from Y. Furthermore, the test authorities K, M, and P can provide the ratings to institution Y via the disclosed platform. Further, Y may also finalize the booking of P which is in pending state and similarly, P gets the order acceptance notification and ensures a smooth and efficient process for both the institution and the test authority.
[0092] Additionally, the ability to filter and match one or more institutions based on detailed parameters ensures that each booking request is fulfilled with precision, catering to specific needs such as high capacity and specialized equipment. This tailored matching reduces the likelihood of errors and mismatches, resulting in a more reliable and satisfactory booking experience for X, Y, K, M and P.
[0093] The system’s capability to handle and process multiple booking requests simultaneously further enhances operational efficiency. By centralizing and automating the booking and confirmation processes, the system minimizes administrative overhead and potential delays associated with manual handling. This allows for quicker turnaround times and ensures that all logistical arrangements are promptly addressed.
[0094] The formalized booking orders and confirmation notifications provide clarity and documentation, which are crucial for maintaining accurate records and ensuring accountability. Institutions are able to verify and confirm compliance with X’s requirements through the audit conducted post-booking. This additional step adds a layer of assurance that all agreed-upon conditions are met, fostering trust and reliability between X and the test centers.
[0095] Overall, the disclosed method not only streamlines the booking process but also enhances the accuracy and reliability of institution selection, contributing to a smoother and more efficient examination administration.
[0096] A person skilled in the art will understand that the scope of the disclosure is not limited to scenarios based on the aforementioned factors and using the aforementioned techniques, and that the examples provided do not limit the scope of the disclosure.
[0097] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary computer system (401) for implementing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure.
[0098] Variations of computer system (401) may be used for booking the one or more institutions as test centers. The computer system (401) may comprise a central processing unit (“CPU” or “processor”) (402). The processor (402) may comprise at least one data processor for executing program components for executing user or system generated requests. A user may include a person, a person using a device such as those included in this disclosure, or such a device itself. Additionally, the processor (402) may include specialized processing units such as integrated system (bus) controllers, memory management control units, floating point units, graphics processing units, digital signal processing units, or the like. In various implementations the processor (402) may include a microprocessor, such as AMD Athlon, Duron or Opteron, ARM’s application, embedded or secure processors, IBM PowerPC, Intel’s Core, Itanium, Xeon, Celeron or other line of processors, for example. Accordingly, the processor (402) may be implemented using mainframe, distributed processor, multi-core, parallel, grid, or other architectures. Some embodiments may utilize embedded technologies like application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), for example.
[0099] Processor (402) may be disposed in communication with one or more input/output (I/O) devices via I/O interface (403). Accordingly, the I/O interface (403) may employ communication protocols/methods such as, without limitation, audio, analog, digital, monoaural, RCA, stereo, IEEE-1394, serial bus, universal serial bus (USB), infrared, PS/2, BNC, coaxial, component, composite, digital visual interface (DVI), high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), RF antennas, S-Video, VGA, IEEE 802.n /b/g/n/x, Bluetooth, cellular (e.g., code-division multiple access (CDMA), high-speed packet access (HSPA+), global system for mobile communications (GSM), long-term evolution (LTE), WiMAX, or the like, for example.
[00100] Using the I/O interface (403), the computer system (401) may communicate with one or more I/O devices. For example, the input device (404) may be an antenna, keyboard, mouse, joystick, (infrared) remote control, camera, card reader, fax machine, dongle, biometric reader, microphone, touch screen, touchpad, trackball, sensor (e.g., accelerometer, light sensor, GPS, gyroscope, proximity sensor, or the like), stylus, scanner, storage device, transceiver, video device/source, or visors, for example. Likewise, an output device (405) may be a user’s smartphone, tablet, cell phone, laptop, printer, computer desktop, fax machine, video display (e.g., cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), light- emitting diode (LED), plasma, or the like), or audio speaker, for example. In some embodiments, a transceiver (406) may be disposed in connection with the processor (402). The transceiver (406) may facilitate various types of wireless transmission or reception. For example, the transceiver (406) may include an antenna operatively connected to a transceiver chip (example devices include the Texas Instruments® WiLink WL1283, Broadcom® BCM4750IUB8, Infineon Technologies® X-Gold 618-PMB9800, or the like), providing IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth, FM, global positioning system (GPS), and/or 2G/3G/5G/6G HSDPA/HSUPA communications, for example.
[00101] In some embodiments, the processor (402) may be disposed in communication with a communication network (408) via a network interface (407). The network interface (407) is adapted to communicate with the communication network (408). The network interface (407) may employ connection protocols including, without limitation, direct connect, Ethernet (e.g., twisted pair 10/100/1000 Base T), transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP), token ring, or IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/x, for example. The communication network (408) may include, without limitation, a direct interconnection, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), wireless network (e.g., using Wireless Application Protocol), or the Internet, for example. Using the network interface (407) and the communication network (408), the computer system (401) may communicate with devices such as shown as a laptop (409) or a mobile/cellular phone (410). Other exemplary devices may include, without limitation, personal computer(s), server(s), fax machines, printers, scanners, various mobile devices such as cellular telephones, smartphones (e.g., Apple iPhone, Blackberry, Android-based phones, etc.), tablet computers, desktop computers, eBook readers (Amazon Kindle, Nook, etc.), laptop computers, notebooks, gaming consoles (Microsoft Xbox, Nintendo DS, Sony PlayStation, etc.), or the like. In some embodiments, the computer system (401) may itself embody one or more of these devices.
[00102] In some embodiments, the processor (402) may be disposed in communication with one or more memory devices (e.g., RAM 413, ROM 414, etc.) via a storage interface (412). The storage interface (412) may connect to memory devices including, without limitation, memory drives, removable disc drives, etc., employing connection protocols such as serial advanced technology attachment (SATA), integrated drive electronics (IDE), IEEE-1394, universal serial bus (USB), fiber channel, small computer systems interface (SCSI), etc. The memory drives may further include a drum, magnetic disc drive, magneto-optical drive, optical drive, redundant array of independent discs (RAID), solid-state memory devices, or solid-state drives, for example.
[00103] The memory devices may store a collection of program or database components, including, without limitation, an operating system (416), user interface application (417), web browser (418), mail client/server (419), user/application data (420) (e.g., any data variables or data records discussed in this disclosure) for example. The operating system (416) may facilitate resource management and operation of the computer system (401). Examples of operating systems include, without limitation, Apple Macintosh OS X, UNIX, Unix-like system distributions (e.g., Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD), FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, etc.), Linux distributions (e.g., Red Hat, Ubuntu, Kubuntu, etc.), IBM OS/2, Microsoft Windows (XP, Vista/7/8, etc.), Apple iOS, Google Android, Blackberry OS, or the like.
[00104] The user interface (417) is for facilitating the display, execution, interaction, manipulation, or operation of program components through textual or graphical facilities. For example, user interfaces (417) may provide computer interaction interface elements on a display system operatively connected to the computer system (401), such as cursors, icons, check boxes, menus, scrollers, windows, or widgets, for example. Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) may be employed, including, without limitation, Apple Macintosh operating systems’ Aqua, IBM OS/2, Microsoft Windows (e.g., Aero, Metro, etc.), Unix X-Windows, or web interface libraries (e.g., ActiveX, Java, JavaScript, AJAX, HTML, Adobe Flash, etc.), for example.
[00105] In some embodiments, the computer system (401) may implement a web browser (418) stored program component. The web browser (418) may be a hypertext viewing application, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, or Microsoft Edge, for example. Secure web browsing may be provided using HTTPS (secure hypertext transport protocol), secure sockets layer (SSL), Transport Layer Security (TLS), or the like. Web browsers may utilize facilities such as AJAX, DHTML, Adobe Flash, JavaScript, Java, or application programming interfaces (APIs), for example. In some embodiments the computer system (401) may implement a mail client/server (419) stored program component. The mail server (419) may be an Internet mail server such as Microsoft Exchange, or the like. The mail server may utilize facilities such as ASP, ActiveX, ANSI C++/C#, Microsoft .NET, CGI scripts, Java, JavaScript, PERL, PHP, Python, or WebObjects, for example. The mail server (419) may utilize communication protocols such as internet message access protocol (IMAP), messaging application programming interface (MAPI), Microsoft Exchange, post office protocol (POP), simple mail transfer protocol (SMTP), or the like. In some embodiments, the computer system (401) may implement a mail client (420) stored program component. The mail client (420) may be a mail viewing application, such as Apple Mail, Microsoft Entourage, Microsoft Outlook, or Mozilla Thunderbird.
[00106] In some embodiments, the computer system (401) may store user/application data (421), such as the data, variables, records, or the like as described in this disclosure. Such databases may be implemented as fault-tolerant, relational, scalable, secure databases such as Oracle or Sybase, for example. Alternatively, such databases may be implemented using standardized data structures, such as an array, hash, linked list, struct, structured text file (e.g., XML), table, or as object-oriented databases (e.g., using ObjectStore, Poet, Zope, etc.). Such databases may be consolidated or distributed, sometimes among the various computer systems discussed above in this disclosure. It is to be understood that the structure and operation of any computer or database component may be combined, consolidated, or distributed in any working combination.
[00107] Furthermore, one or more computer-readable storage media may be utilized in implementing embodiments consistent with the present invention. A computer-readable storage medium refers to any type of physical memory on which information or data readable by a processor may be stored. Thus, a computer-readable storage medium may store instructions for execution by one or more processors, including instructions for causing the processor(s) to perform steps or stages consistent with the embodiments described herein. The term “computer readable medium” should be understood to include tangible items and exclude carrier waves and transient signals, i.e., non-transitory. Examples include Random Access Memory (RAM), Read- Only Memory (ROM), volatile memory, nonvolatile memory, hard drives, Compact Disc (CD) ROMs, Digital Video Disc (DVDs), flash drives, disks, and any other known physical storage media.
[00108] Various embodiments of the disclosure encompass numerous advantages including methods and systems for booking test centers. The disclosed method and system have several technical advantages, but not limited to the following:
• Enhanced Efficiency: The system automates the matching of test requirements with available test center profiles, significantly speeding up the process compared to manual searches. This automation reduces the time and effort required to find suitable test centers, allowing for quicker identification and booking.
• Accuracy in Matching: By filtering and matching test centers based on specific criteria, such as security features, proximity to transport hubs, and specialized equipment, the system ensures that each booking request is met with precise and relevant options. This reduces the risk of errors and mismatches, leading to a more accurate fulfillment of test requirements.
• Operational Streamlining: The system provides the ability to handle and process multiple booking requests simultaneously centralizes and automates the booking and confirmation processes. This minimizes administrative overhead and potential delays, resulting in a more streamlined and efficient booking operation.
• Quick Turnaround: The system’s automated processes enable faster turnaround times for booking confirmations. This ensures that all logistical arrangements are promptly addressed, contributing to a more agile and responsive test center management process.
• Clear Documentation and Accountability: Formalized booking orders and confirmation notifications provide clear documentation and records of the booking process. This enhances accountability and ensures that both users and the test centers have a clear understanding of the agreed-upon terms.
• Assurance of verify: The post-booking audit conducted by the institutions verifies that users’ requirements are met, adding an additional layer of assurance. This ensures that all conditions specified in the booking request are fulfilled, fostering trust and reliability between the test authority and the test centers.
• Reduced Administrative Overhead: By automating key aspects of the booking process, the system reduces the administrative burden on both test authorities and test centers. This leads to a more efficient workflow and allows staff to focus on other critical tasks.
• Objective and Fair Matching: The system's automated matching process removes subjective bias by using predefined criteria and algorithms to evaluate test centers. Decisions are made based on objective factors like security features and facility specifications, not personal preferences. This ensures that the selected test centers best meet the booking requirements, promoting fairness and transparency in the process and building trust among stakeholders.
[00109] In summary, these technical advantages solve the technical problem of providing a more convenient, less invasive, and continuous method for booking one or more institutions as test centers, thereby addressing the challenges associated with traditional booking methods such as discomfort, inconvenience, and the risk of exam failure, biased approach. Additionally, these advantages contribute to improved user compliance, improves accuracy for booking one or more institutions as test centers, and the potential for cost savings, ultimately enhancing the overall management of institutions, test authorities and related conditions.
[00110] The claimed invention of a system and a method for booking one or more institutions as test centers involves tangible components, processes, and functionalities that interact to achieve specific technical outcomes. The system integrates various elements such as processors, memory, databases, encryption, authorization and authentication techniques to effectively perform booking one or more institutions as test centers.
[00111] Furthermore, the invention involves a non-trivial combination of technologies and methodologies that provide a technical solution for a technical problem. While individual components like processors, databases, encryption, authorization and authentication are well-known in the field of computer science, their integration into a comprehensive system for booking one or more institutions as test centers, brings about an improvement and technical advancement in the field of booking one or more institutions as test centers.
[00112] In light of the above-mentioned advantages and the technical advancements provided by the disclosed method and system, the claimed steps as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed steps enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Further, the claimed steps clearly bring an improvement in the functioning of the device itself as the claimed steps provide a technical solution to a technical problem.
[00113] The present disclosure may be realized in hardware, or a combination of hardware and software. The present disclosure may be realized in a centralized fashion, in at least one computer system, or in a distributed fashion, where different elements may be spread across several interconnected computer systems. A computer system or other apparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described herein may be suited. A combination of hardware and software may be a general-purpose computer system with a computer program that, when loaded and executed, may control the computer system such that it carries out the methods described herein. The present disclosure may be realized in hardware that comprises a portion of an integrated circuit that also performs other functions.
[00114] A person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the systems, modules, and sub-modules have been illustrated and explained to serve as examples and should not be considered limiting in any manner. It will be further appreciated that the variants of the above disclosed system elements, modules, and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined to create other different systems or applications.
[00115] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any of the aforementioned steps and/or system modules may be suitably replaced, reordered, or removed, and additional steps and/or system modules may be inserted, depending on the needs of a particular application. In addition, the systems of the aforementioned embodiments may be implemented using a wide variety of suitable processes and system modules, and are not limited to any particular computer hardware, software, middleware, firmware, microcode, and the like. The claims can encompass embodiments for hardware and software, or a combination thereof.
[00116] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
, C , Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A method (300) for booking one or more institutions as test centers, wherein the method (300) comprising:
receiving (301), via a processor (202), one or more booking requests from one or more test authorities, wherein the one more booking requests comprise one or more test requirements;
extracting (302), via the processor (202), one or more matching profiles from one or more institution profiles based on matching of the one or more test requirements with one more institution parameters, wherein the one or more institution parameters correspond to the one or more institution profiles of the one or more institutions;
displaying (303), via the processor (202), the one or more matching profiles to the one or more test authorities;
receiving (304), via the processor (202), one or more selected profiles from the one or more matching profiles based on selection of the one or more selected profiles by the one or more test authorities;
sending (305), via the processor (202), one or more booking order to the one or more institutions corresponding to the one or more selected profiles;
receiving (306), via the processor (202), one or more order confirmation corresponding to the one or more booking order, from the one or more institutions corresponding to the one or more selected profiles, and
booking (307), via the processor (202), an institution from the one or more institutions as a test center, corresponding to the one or more selected profiles based on the one or more order confirmation.
2. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more test requirements comprise one of general requirements, technical requirements, and a combination thereof, wherein the one or more test requirements comprises CCTV Availability, number of batches, nearby bus stand, nearby railway station, parking availability, frisking, genset, online UPS, internet, exam date, exam time, duration of the exam, number of seats required, manpower requirements, budget cost, one or more infrastructure services, exam center location, nearby facility requirement, performance rating, and a combination thereof.

3. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, comprises registering the one or more institutions to create the one or more institution profiles, wherein the one or more institution profiles are created based on the one or more institution parameters provided by the one or more institutions during registration, wherein the one or more institution parameters comprises Institute name, location, address, nearby facility, nearby bus stand, nearby railway station, parking availability, frisking availability, genset availability, online UPS, internet availability, seating capacity, manpower availability, pictures, CCTV availability, available date, available time slot, cost, test infrastructure services, performance rating of institution, institute login credentials or a combination thereof.

4. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein displaying the one or more matching profiles corresponds to displaying the one or more institution profiles along with the one more institution parameters matching with the one or more test requirements.

5. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, comprises transmitting one or more notifications comprising the one or more booking order, to the one or more institutions corresponding to one or more selected profiles, wherein the one or more notifications correspond to one of an email communication, a text message, a phone call, in application notification, or a combination thereof, wherein the one or more booking order comprises details of test authorities along with the one or more test requirements and one or more order confirmation action buttons, wherein the one or more order confirmation action buttons comprise one of Accept order button, Reject order button, Hold order button or a combination thereof.

6. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more order confirmation corresponds to one of an acceptance of the booking order, rejection of the booking order, pending confirmation, booking on-hold, or a combination thereof.

7. The method (300) as claimed in claim 6,
wherein booking the institution correspond to accepting the institution as test center based on the acceptance of the booking order by the institution corresponding to the one or more selected profiles,
wherein booking the institution correspond to rejecting the institution as test center based on the rejection of the booking order by the institution corresponding to the one or more selected profiles,
wherein booking the institution correspond to selecting the institution as test center by the one or more test authorities, based on the acceptance of the booking order by multiple institutions corresponding to the one or more selected profiles;
wherein booking the one or more institutions comprises notifying the one or more test authorities and the one or more institutions corresponding to the one or more selected profiles, about the booking success.

8. The method (300) as claimed in claim 3, wherein registering the one or more institutions comprises performing at least one of a physical audit, an online audit, a technical audit, or a combination thereof.

9. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, comprises receiving one or more feedback corresponding to the booking from one of the one or more test authorities, the one or more institutions or a combination thereof.

10. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, comprises providing a booking interface, wherein the booking interface corresponds to a dashboard comprising a calendar, booking details with date and time information, booking status, reminder message or a combination thereof.

11. A system (100) for booking one or more institutions as test centers, wherein the system (100) comprises:
a memory (204) and a processor (202), wherein the processor (202) is configured to execute programmed instructions stored in the memory (204), for:
receiving one or more booking requests from one or more test authorities, wherein the one more booking requests comprise one or more test requirements;
extracting one or more matching profiles from one or more institution profiles based on matching of the one or more test requirements with one more institution parameters, wherein the one or more institution parameters correspond to the one or more institution profiles of the one or more institutions;
displaying the one or more matching profiles to the one or more test authorities;
receiving one or more selected profiles from the one or more matching profiles based on selection of the one or more selected profiles by the one or more test authorities;
sending one or more booking order to the one or more institutions corresponding to the one or more selected profiles;
receiving one or more order confirmation corresponding to the one or more booking order, from the one or more institutions corresponding to the one or more selected profiles, and
booking an institution from the one or more institutions as a test center, corresponding to the one or more selected profiles based on the one or more order confirmation.
12. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon, a set of computer-executable instructions causing a computer comprising one or more processors to perform steps comprising:
receiving one or more booking requests from one or more test authorities, wherein the one more booking requests comprise one or more test requirements;
extracting one or more matching profiles from one or more institution profiles based on matching of the one or more test requirements with one more institution parameters, wherein the one or more institution parameters correspond to the one or more institution profiles of the one or more institutions;
displaying the one or more matching profiles to the one or more test authorities;
receiving one or more selected profiles from the one or more matching profiles based on selection of the one or more selected profiles by the one or more test authorities;
sending one or more booking order to the one or more institutions corresponding to one or more selected profiles;
receiving one or more order confirmation corresponding to the one or more booking order, from the one or more institutions corresponding to the one or more selected profiles, and
booking an institution from the one or more institutions as a test center, corresponding to the one or more selected profiles based on the one or more order confirmation.
Dated this 4th Day of September 2024