SEAMLESS GLOBAL ASSISTANCE

• US 20100228578A1
• Filed: 06/12/2009
• Published: 09/09/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 03/06/2009
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Futuron Synergie Private Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Futuron Synergie Private Ltd.
• Inventors: Varma, Jitendra
• Application Number:
  US12/483,806
• Publication Number:
  US 20100228578A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/6
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/02 Reservations, e.g. for tickets, services or events
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/025 Coordination of plural reservations, e.g. plural trip segments, transportation combined with accommodation
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/0637 Strategic management or analysis, e.g. setting a goal or target of an organisation; Planning actions based on goals; Analysis or evaluation of effectiveness of goals
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0214 Referral reward systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0601 Electronic shopping [e-shopping]

Abstract

The subject matter described herein includes methods and systems for providing seamless global assistance to travelers. According to one method, pre-travel services are provided to travelers through client interaction devices. Customized assistance is provided during travel. Post-travel services are also provided to the travelers. The global assistance is provided by seamless transformation of virtual assistance into physical assistance.

Claims

1. A method for providing global assistance to travelers, the method comprising:

providing pre-travel services to the travelers through client interaction devices;

providing customized assistance during travel;

providing post travel services to the travelers;

wherein the global assistance is provided by a seamless transformation of virtual assistance into physical assistance.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein an embodiment of the method comprises the steps of:

registering travelers through a portal;

booking an excursion for the travelers;

planning a schedule for each traveler;

visiting locales decided upon as per the schedule;

contacting the portal;

locating position of the traveler; and

providing virtual and physical assistance to the traveler.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pre-travel services are provided through web portals and/or global boutiques, the pre-travel services comprise:

providing booking and registration services to the travelers on the client interaction device; and

planning schedule for the travelers.

4. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the customized assistance during the travel comprises:

providing a wireless device to each traveler with call centre connectivity for virtual assistance;

providing an electronic card to each traveler;

providing updated information to each traveler; and

providing on-demand physical assistance.

5. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the post travel services comprises.

providing information related to latest development of visited destination;

and

providing incentives to the traveler for recommending visited destination to other potential travelers.

6. A method as claimed in claim 3 wherein the planning schedule comprises:

providing a travel plan organizer in the form of a designer itinerary;

arranging transport for the traveler;

arranging accommodation for the traveler;

arranging support logistics for the traveler; and

providing up to date information on request.

7. A method as claimed in claim 6 wherein the information comprises various attributes such as providing information about places of shopping;

providing information about medical institutions and providing information about other emergencies and contingencies.

8. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the seamless transformation is achieved through synergy between Information technology network and local franchisee system.

9. A method as claimed in claim 4 wherein the wireless device is a mobile phone provided by a local mobile service provider, the mobile phone having at least a single dedicated button for forming an instant communication with the call center.

10. A method as claimed in claim 4 wherein the call centre is a multilingual call centre, providing assistance by handling information through a central databank wherein the method of providing assistance comprises the steps of:

the traveler contacting the call center;

the call centre personnel assisting the traveler in traveler'"'"'s native language;

the call centre personnel putting the traveler in a conference call with other assistance providing entities.

The call centre providing a communication link between the traveler and the real time agent for physical assistance.

11. A method as claimed in claim 4 wherein the electronic card comprises:

a) at least a money pouch apart for carrying information about the traveler in digital form.

b) at least a debit card, allowing the traveler to make on line transactions

12. A method as claimed in claim 4 wherein the updated information comprises alerts, schemes, incentives, warnings and weather information.

13. A method as claimed in claim 4 wherein the physical assistance to the traveler is provided through franchisees, local staff etc.

14. A method as claimed in claim 10 wherein the services provided by multilingual call centre comprises:

providing relevant information to tourists, service providers, product vendors, franchisees and/or agents;

providing value based service(s) like reorganizing program and alternative option providing;

providing communication with traveler in the traveler'"'"'s language;

providing services to the stake holders.

16. A method as claimed in claim 14 wherein the stakeholder is government and the services provided comprise:

providing statistical information to the Government;

providing destination information for policy planning;

providing details of services provided and;

providing a satisfaction index as a measure of satisfaction of traveler.

17. A method as claimed in claim 10 wherein the assistance can be provided by the call centre even when the call centre is contacted by a person other than the registered traveler.

18. A method as claimed in claim 11 wherein the online transactions comprise:

a) on the spot purchases;

b) deducting cash.

15. A method as claimed in 14 wherein the services can be provided through sms, email, text from WAP enabled website and through placing calls.