INFORMATION EXCHANGE AS A TRANSACTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to the field of
communication technology, and, more particularly, to systems and methods for
facilitating communication and information exchange as a transaction.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
As it is well known, traditional mobile communication techniques typically
incorporate multiple communications modalities into a single device, such as, for
example, voice calls, video calls, voicemail, Short Message Service (SMS or
“texting”), Email, call forwarding, and Internet connectivity.
However, connecting with experts or celebrities or desired professionals is
problematic due to too many callers and privacy issues. It is impossible to find
accurate contact details of industry experts or celebrities or desired professionals
as such information is not available to general public. For example, for a common
man to talk directly to industry leaders (like CEO of Fortune 100 companies,
celebrities, famous doctors, lawyers etc.) is next to impossible. Even in situations
wherein the industry leaders intend to talk directly to their followers and / or fans,
there is no technology available at present that can connect the two parties.
Existing social media and digital platforms whereby industry leaders are able to
connect with their fans and / or followers allow no mechanism to structure the
communication and furthermore, there doesn't exist any way to commercialize
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these communications as transactions so that valuable time spent by industry
leaders is monetized.
Accordingly, there exists a need in the art to provide various systems and
methods for facilitating communication and information exchange as a
transaction for connecting with industry experts or celebrities or desired
professionals.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The embodiments of the present disclosure have several features, no single one
of which is solely responsible for their desirable attributes. Without limiting the
scope of the present embodiments as expressed by the claims that follow, their
more prominent features will now be discussed briefly. After considering this
discussion, and particularly after reading the section entitled “Detailed
Description”, one will understand how the features of the present embodiments
provide advantages, which include providing systems and methods for facilitating
communication and information exchange.
In one embodiment, a system for facilitating communication and information
exchange as a transaction, includes, a central computing device capable of
communicating with a user and a receiver over a communication network, a user
device associated with the user configured to transmit a communication request
to the central computing device, and, a receiver device associated with the
receiver to receive the communication request from the central computing device
and transmit information to the user device in response to receiving the
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communication request. In use, the receiver communicates with the user based
on the multiple rates as established by said receiver.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for facilitating communication and
information exchange as a transaction, according to an embodiment of the
invention;
FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B illustrate a pictorial representation of a search interface of a
system for facilitating communication and information exchange as a transaction,
according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2C and FIG. 2D illustrate a pictorial representation of a text communication
interface of a system for facilitating communication and information exchange as
a transaction, according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2E illustrates a pictorial representation of a voice call interface of a system
for facilitating communication and information exchange as a transaction,
according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2F and FIG. 2G illustrate a pictorial representation of a call history interface
of a system for facilitating communication and information exchange as a
transaction, according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2H and FIG. 2I illustrate a pictorial representation of a recording interface of
a system for facilitating communication and information exchange as a
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transaction, according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2J and FIG. 2K illustrate a pictorial representation of a side menu interface
of a system for facilitating communication and information exchange as a
transaction, according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2L, FIG. 2M, FIG. 2N and FIG. 2O illustrate a pictorial representation of a
payment interface of a system for facilitating communication and information
exchange as a transaction, according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2P and FIG. 2Q illustrate a pictorial representation of a profile interface of a
system for facilitating communication and information exchange as a transaction,
according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2R illustrates a pictorial representation of a contact management interface
of a system for facilitating communication and information exchange as a
transaction, according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2S illustrates a pictorial representation of a marketing management
interface of a system for facilitating communication and information exchange as
a transaction, according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2T illustrates a pictorial representation of a bidding management interface of
a system for facilitating communication and information exchange as a
transaction, according to an embodiment of the invention; and,
FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a system for facilitating communication and
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information exchange as a transaction, according to an exemplary embodiment
of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Various embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein below, which
relate to systems and methods for facilitating communication and information
exchange as a transaction.
FIG. 1 illustrates a flow diagram of a method 100 for facilitating communication
and information exchange as a transaction, according to an embodiment of the
invention. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the
method 100 for facilitating communication and information exchange includes the
steps of, providing a search interface to a user for searching a receiver to
communicate and exchange information with the receiver, providing a revenue
interface to the receiver to set multiple rates for communicating with the user,
providing a communication interface to the user to request a communication with
the receiver, receiving the request from the user to establish the communication
with the receiver, and, establishing the communication between the user and the
receiver over a communication network via an application resource.
In use, the revenue interface provides user the flexibility to set multiple rates as
desired, wherein users further have the flexibility to set different rates for different
callers.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the application
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resource provides multiple features to the users and the receivers, as explained
herein.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the search interface
provides multiple parameters to the user for searching the receiver. In use, the
parameters include a profession, a plurality of keywords, the plurality of rates, a
phone number, availability, online / offline status, a location, a name, a rating,
and the like.
FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B illustrate a pictorial representation of a search interface of a
system for facilitating communication and information exchange, according to an
embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the search interface provides
listing of search results according to multiple parameters, as defined herein. In
use, the search interface allows for basic search and advanced search using
multiple parameters as defined herein.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the request from the
user to establish the communication with the receiver includes establishing a call
between the user and the receiver. In use, the call is established using the
communication network. In further use, the call is a voice call and / or a video
call.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the request from the
user to establish the communication with the receiver includes establishing an
information exchange between the user and the receiver. In use, the information
exchange is done over the communication network via a mail message, a text
message, a voice message, and the like.
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In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the information
exchange between the user and the receiver includes one or more electronic
messages. In use, the information exchange is done over the communication
network via a mail message, a text message, a voice message, and the like.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the information
exchange between the user and the receiver includes one or more voice
messages. In use, the electronic message includes one or more
recommendations, one or more receipts, one or more call requests, one or more
customer support messages, and the like.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the revenue
interface is configured to allow the receiver to set multiple rates for
communicating with the user. In use, the rates include, a voice call rate, a text
message rate, a voice message rate, a video call rate, and the like.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the communication
interface is configured to allow the user to request the communication with the
receiver based on the rates.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the method further
includes the step of providing a voice call interface to the user. FIG. 2E illustrates
a pictorial representation of a voice call interface of a system for facilitating
communication and information exchange, according to an embodiment of the
invention. In use, the voice call interface is configured for viewing a credit
balance of the user, adding credit to the credit balance of the user, viewing and
editing the phone number of the receiver, viewing and editing the rates of the
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receiver, viewing and editing availability of the receiver, viewing and editing
status of the receiver, viewing a credit status of the user, and the like.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the method further
includes the step of providing a call history interface to the user and the receiver.
FIG. 2F and FIG. 2G illustrate a pictorial representation of a call history interface
of a system for facilitating communication and information exchange, according
to an embodiment of the invention. In use, the call history interface provides
history of all communication (text, voice call, video call), money spent on all
communication (text, voice call, video call), and money received from all
communication (text, voice call, video call). In further use, the call history
interface is configured to provide data analytics in form of charts, graphs, and the
like.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the method further
includes the step of providing a text communication interface to the user and the
receiver. FIG. 2C and FIG. 2D illustrate a pictorial representation of a text
communication interface of a system for facilitating communication and
information exchange, according to an embodiment of the invention. In use, the
text communication interface includes mail communication and SMS
communication.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the method further
includes the step of providing a recording interface to the user and the receiver.
FIG. 2H and FIG. 2I illustrate a pictorial representation of a recording interface of
a system for facilitating communication and information exchange, according to
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an embodiment of the invention. In use, recording interface allows users to
request the recording of communication, and view / listen the recording once the
request is approved by the receiver. Depending upon privacy settings of the
receiver and the permissions granted by the receiver, the call history may be
shared by the users across social and digital media, via email message, via text
message, and the like.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the method further
includes the step of providing a side menu interface to the user and the receiver.
FIG. 2J and FIG. 2K illustrate a pictorial representation of a side menu interface
of a system for facilitating communication and information exchange, according
to an embodiment of the invention. In use, the side menu interface provides
option to add favorites, edit favorites by pinning and unpinning profiles.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the method further
includes the step of providing a payment interface to the user and the receiver.
FIG. 2L, FIG. 2M, FIG. 2N and FIG. 2O illustrate a pictorial representation of a
payment interface of a system for facilitating communication and information
exchange, according to an embodiment of the invention. In use, the payment
interface allows options to add calling credit and redeemable credit. In further
use, the payment interface allows use of credit cards, debit cards, payment
wallets, payment gateways, Internet banking, and the like. The payment interface
further provides saving preferred modes of payment along with payment history
and payment balance.
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In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the method further
includes the step of providing a profile interface to the user and the receiver. FIG.
2P and FIG. 2Q illustrate a pictorial representation of a profile interface of a
system for facilitating communication and information exchange, according to an
embodiment of the invention. In use, the profile interface allows adding and
editing of name, address, about section, multiple rates, verification by using ID
documents (PAN, address proof, ID proof), social media profiles, social media
sharing buttons, tags, location, profession details, setting of online / offline status,
daily schedule, weekly schedule, monthly schedule, and the like.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the method further
comprises the step of providing a contact management interface to the user and
the receiver. FIG. 2R illustrates a pictorial representation of a contact
management interface of a system for facilitating communication and information
exchange, according to an embodiment of the invention. In use, the contact
management interface provides options to add and edit contacts, create contact
groups, sort contacts by name, rate cards, and the like. In further use, the contact
management interface provides setting of different rates for different people.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the method further
comprises the step of providing a marketing management interface. FIG. 2S
illustrates a pictorial representation of a marketing management interface of a
system for facilitating communication and information exchange, according to an
embodiment of the invention. In use, the marketing management interface
provides options for telemarking and conducting surveys. For example, the
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marketing management interface provides ability to search directories of
telemarketers who are offering a rate lower than that preferred by a user. Such a
user can selectively allow telemarketers on a case to case basis.
In execution, users are provided interface to browse the survey inbox to check if
there are any requests to respond to a paid survey, opinion, poll, etc. Additionally,
users are able to create a survey and invite paid responses. Users are also able
to lay criterion and eligibility for participants, which can be done with the use of
appropriate filters, as desired.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the method further
comprises the step of providing a bidding management interface. FIG. 2T
illustrates a pictorial representation of a bidding management interface of a
system for facilitating communication and information exchange, according to an
embodiment of the invention. In use, the bidding management interface provides
ability to allow bidding on a base bid rate. Subsequently, the winning bidder(s)
would get to connect at the close of bidding. Similarly, receivers have the ability
to sell bulk minutes/hours. For example, a doctor or a lawyer can sell bulk time
packages, like 1000 minutes with one month validity for Rs. 20000. The bidding
management interface further provides ability to sell 'one to many' sessions, such
as, for example, a music teacher can create a class allowing 5 pupils, Mon - Thu,
4pm - 5pm, for 3 months at Rs. 10000 per student.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the users and receivers of the
present invention may be interchanged depending upon case to case. In an
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example, the receivers may be celebrities, professional service providers
(doctors, lawyers, fitness trainers etc.), and the like. Subsequently, the users may
be fans of celebrities, clients of service providers, and the like.
FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a system 300 for facilitating communication
and information exchange as a transaction, according to an exemplary
embodiment of the invention. In accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the system 300 for facilitating communication and information
exchange, includes, a central computing device 305 capable of communicating
with a user and a receiver over a communication network 306, a user device 310
associated with the user configured to transmit a communication request to the
central computing device, and, a receiver device 315 associated with the receiver
to receive the communication request from the central computing device 305 and
transmit information to the user device 310 in response to receiving the
communication request. In use, the receiver communicates with the user based
on the multiple rates as established by said receiver, as explained hereinabove.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the system 300
further comprises, a search interface for searching a receiver to communicate
and exchange information with the receiver, a revenue interface to set the rates
for communicating with the user, a communication interface to request a
communication with the receiver, and, an application resource for establishing
the communication between the user and the receiver over the communication
network.
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In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the application
resource comprises, a voice call interface, a call history interface, a text
communication interface, a recording interface, a side menu interface, a payment
interface, and, a profile interface. In use, all interfaces of the application resource
provide multiple features as explained hereinabove.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the application
resource further comprises, a contact management interface, a marketing
management interface, and, a bidding management interface. In use, all
interfaces of the application resource provide multiple features as explained
hereinabove.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the computing
device 305 may be similar to any available computing device, such as a personal
computer (e.g., a desktop computer), server, laptop computer, notebook, tablet,
smartphone, etc. The computing device 305 may have the application resource
312. Moreover, the computing device 305 may have the other modules and
interfaces as discussed above for performing methods and executing instructions
described above. The one or more modules and interfaces explained above may
be implemented with one or more processors and one or more storage units (e.g.,
databases, RAM, ROM, and other computer-readable media), one or more
application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and/or other hardware
components.
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The one or more processors of the application resource 312 may operate in
addition to or in conjunction with another general processor 342 of the computing
device 305. Both application resource 312 and the processor 342 may be
capable of controlling operations of the computing device 305 and its associated
components, including RAM 311, ROM 213, the graphical user interface 303,
and memory 321. The memory 321 may be any computer readable medium for
storing computer executable instructions (e.g., software). The instructions stored
within memory 321 may enable the computing device 305 to perform various
functions. For example, memory 321 may store software used by the computing
device 305, such as an operating system 344 and application programs 323, and
may include a database 327. The graphical user interface 303 allows the
computing device 305 to connect to and communicate with the network 306. The
network 306 may be any type of network, including a local area network (LAN)
and/or a wide area network (WAN), such as the Internet, a cellular network, or
satellite network. Through the network 306, the computing device 305 may
communicate with one or more user devices 310 and one or more receiver
devices 315, such as laptops, notebooks, smartphones, personal computers,
servers, etc. The user devices 305 may also be configured in a similar manner as
computing device 305. In some embodiments the computing device 305 may be
connected to the user devices 305 and the receiver devices 310 to form a “cloud”
computing environment.
In one embodiment, the computing device 305 includes one or more central
processor 342 configured to execute multiple instructions, including, all the steps
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of method 100.
Exemplary Embodiment
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, to
establish a contact with the desired receiver, the user must purchase sufficient
application credits, which once purchased, can be consumed according to the
tariff set by the receiver being contacted for a preferred mode of communication.
In use, the consumed credits shall be debited to the application account of
contacting user and credited to the application account of the contacted receiver.
Furthermore, the users can set a price for receiving audio call, video call and
message. Accordingly, other registered users may contact such a user by paying
the asking price for the mode of communication selected by the user. To facilitate
the communication as a transaction, the application will assign a virtual number
to each user and will maintain all the personal particulars confidential.
Therefore, as may be seen, various embodiments of the present invention, as
herein described above, provide several advantages, such as, for example, but
not limited to, providing an efficient platform for facilitating communication and
information exchange as a transaction, which solves the existing problems by
structuring the communication and commercializing these communications as
transactions so that valuable time spent by industry leaders is monetized.
In addition, embodiments of the present invention clearly differentiate between
marketing and spam, whereby spam is practically removed from the lives of the
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users by making telemarketing a meaningful engagement both for marketers as
well as call recipients. In use, conducting effective surveys with efficacy becomes
easy with the present invention as the casual approach in tele-surveys is
eliminated, thereby drawing meaningful conclusions. In essence, neither will telecallers
make bogus calls nor will people mind answering calls properly by using
the present invention. Also, the power of email marketing is restored whereby
marketing emails routed via the application will never land in a spam folder,
rather will be carefully and promptly responded. Moreover, short text messages
routed via the application of the present invention will also bring genuineness in
SMS marketing.
Consequently, present invention is aimed at providing a unique platform where
people can search and connect with anyone quickly on the move, wherein users
can communicate with each other using virtual numbers. This will provide
significant ease to the professionals, celebrities and VVIPs, who generally find it
inconvenient to share their personal contact information. While using the present
invention, they will not hesitate in sharing their application virtual number on their
business card instead of their Mobile/Email details. Accordingly, services
rendered remotely can be monetized by using the present invention, whereby the
application is slated to become the de facto platform for all professionals. In use,
the professionals can sell their expertise without worrying about their payment.
The application platform will be preferred by the professionals since it is a
prepaid platform and they will be saved of raising invoices and following up for
their payments.
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Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that multiple embodiments of the
present invention are aimed at providing systems and methods for embodying
Communication as a Transaction (CaaT), as explained hereinabove. In further
embodiments, the present invention may exploit big data and artificial intelligence
(AI) based modules for suggesting recommendations to users based on user
profile, user history etc. with a view to maximize the profits for the users. In
addition, further embodiments may also allow the users to create a library of their
content, including, but not limited to, audio records of calls, video records of calls,
text description, blogs, presentations, infographics, and the like. In further use,
the users may generate monetary gains based on such content created and
published by them over the platform provided by the present invention.
While there has been shown and described the preferred embodiment of the
instant invention it is to be appreciated that the invention may be embodied
otherwise than is herein specifically shown and described and that, within said
embodiment, certain changes may be made in the form and arrangement of the
parts without departing from the underlying ideas or principles of this invention as
set forth in the Claims appended herewith. Therefore, the appended claims are to
be construed to cover all equivalents falling within the true scope and spirit of the
invention.
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Claims
We Claim,
1. A method for facilitating communication and information exchange as a
transaction, said method comprising the steps of:
providing a search interface to a user for searching a receiver to
communicate and exchange information with said receiver;
providing a revenue interface to said receiver to set a plurality of rates for
communicating with said user,
providing a communication interface to said user to request a
communication with said receiver;
receiving said request from said user to establish said communication with
said receiver, and,
establishing said communication between said user and said receiver over
a communication network via an application resource.
2. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said search interface provides
a plurality of parameters to said user for searching said receiver, said plurality of
parameters comprising a profession, a plurality of keywords, said plurality of
rates, a phone number, availability, online / offline status, a location, a name, a
rating, and the like.
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3. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said request from said user to
establish said communication with said receiver comprises establishing a call
between said user and said receiver.
4. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said request from said user to
establish said communication with said receiver comprises establishing an
information exchange between said user and said receiver.
5. The method as claimed in Claim 4, wherein said information exchange
between said user and said receiver comprises at least one electronic message.
6. The method as claimed in Claim 4, wherein said information exchange
between said user and said receiver comprises at least one voice message.
7. The method as claimed in Claim 5, wherein said at least one electronic
message comprises at least one recommendation, at least one receipt, at least
one call request, at least one customer support message, and the like.
8. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said revenue interface is
configured to allow said receiver to set said plurality of rates for communicating
with said user, said plurality of rates comprising, a voice call rate, a text message
rate, a voice message rate, a video call rate, and the like.
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9. The method as claimed in Claim 8, wherein said communication interface
is configured to allow said user to request said communication with said receiver
based on said plurality of rates, said plurality of rates comprising, said voice call
rate, said text message rate, said voice message rate, said video call rate, and
the like.
10. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said method further comprises
the steps of:
providing a voice call interface to said user for viewing a credit balance of
said user, adding credit to said credit balance of said user, viewing and editing
said phone number of said receiver, viewing and editing said plurality of rates of
said receiver, viewing and editing availability of said receiver, viewing and editing
status of said receiver, viewing a credit status of said user, and the like;
providing a call history interface to said user and said receiver;
providing a text communication interface to said user and said receiver;
providing a recording interface to said user and said receiver;
providing a side menu interface to said user and said receiver;
providing a payment interface to said user and said receiver, and,
providing a profile interface to said user and said receiver.
11. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said method further comprises
the steps of:
providing a contact management interface to said user and said receiver;
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providing a marketing management interface, and,
providing a bidding management interface.
12. A system for facilitating communication and information exchange as a
transaction, said system comprising:
a central computing device capable of communicating with a user and a
receiver over a communication network;
a user device associated with said user configured to transmit a
communication request to said central computing device; and,
a receiver device associated with said receiver, said receiver device being
configured to receive said communication request from said central computing
device and transmit information to said user device in response to receiving said
communication request;
wherein said receiver communicates with said user based on a plurality of
rates as established by said receiver.
13. The system as claimed in Claim 12, wherein said system further
comprises:
a search interface for searching a receiver to communicate and exchange
information with said receiver;
a revenue interface to set a plurality of rates for communicating with said
user,
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a communication interface to request a communication with said receiver,
and,
an application resource for establishing said communication between said
user and said receiver over said communication network.
14. The system as claimed in Claim 12, wherein said application resource
comprises: a voice call interface for viewing a credit balance of said user, adding
credit to said credit balance of said user, viewing and editing said phone number
of said receiver, viewing and editing said plurality of rates of said receiver,
viewing and editing availability of said receiver, viewing and editing status of said
receiver, viewing a credit status of said user, and the like; a call history interface;
a text communication interface; a recording interface; a side menu interface; a
payment interface; and, a profile interface.
15. The system as claimed in Claim 12, wherein said application resource
further comprises: a contact management interface; a marketing management
interface; and, a bidding management interface.