Matching and communication method and system

• US 20020038219A1
• Filed: 07/20/2001
• Published: 03/28/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 07/24/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Nessicom, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Nessicom, Inc.
• Inventors: Yanay, Buchshrieber, Hamutal, Yanay, Yaara
• Application Number:
  US09/910,421
• Publication Number:
  US 20020038219A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0601 Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42348 Location-based services which utilize the location information of a target
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/4931 Directory assistance systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/4935 Connection initiated by DAS system

Abstract

A method for matching a customer and a Provider, comprises the steps of: a) generating a database containing data relevant to the Provider; b) updating said database so as to keep said data on the Provider up-to-date; c) when a call is received from a customer, identifying the requirements of the customer; d) identifying the nature of the request of the customer for a Provider; e) searching said database for a Provider who fits best the requirements of the customer; and f) when such best fit Provider is found, generating a voice and/or data communication between said customer and said provider.

Claims

1. A method for matching a customer and a Provider, comprising the steps of:

a) generating a database containing data relevant to the Provider;

b) updating said database so as to keep said data on the Provider up-to-date;

c) when a call is received from a customer, identifying the requirements of the customer;

d) identifying the nature of the request of the customer for a Provider;

e) searching said database for a Provider who fits best the requirements of the customer; and

f) when such best fit provider is found, generating a voice and/or data communication between said customer and said provider.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the requirements of the customer include his geographic location.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the data relevant to the Provider kept in the data base are selected from among availability status, geographical location and scheduled jobs.

4. A method according to claim 2, wherein the data relevant to the Provider kept in the data base comprise its location.

5. A method according to claim 1, wherein the data relevant to the Provider kept in the data base comprise status information.

6. A method according to claim 4, wherein the status information comprises an indication of availability.

7. A method according to claim 1, wherein the updating of the database is initiated by the Providers.

8. A method according to claim 1, wherein the updating of the database is initiated by the database by polling the Providers.

9. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the location of the customer is determined using location systems of the communication network from which the call of the customer is placed.

10. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the communication network is a cellular phone network.

11. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the customer uses a regular telephone line.

12. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and 10, wherein the Provider uses a regular telephone line.

13. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the customer is in motion.

14. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the Provider is in motion.

15. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and 13, wherein the customer is static.

16. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and 14, wherein the Provider is static.

17. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the Provider is selected from among food providers, house services providers, personal services providers, delivery services, and information providers.

18. A system for matching a customer and a Provider, comprising:

a) a database containing data relevant to the Provider;

b) communication lines and means for updating said database so as to keep said data on the Provider up-to-date;

c) location apparatus for identifying the geographical location of the customer calling the system;

d) personnel or apparatus for identifying the nature of the request of the customer for a Provider;

e) searching software for searching said database for a Provider who fits best the requirements of the customer; and

f) dialing and switching means for generating a voice communication between said customer and said provider.