Navera, Inc.

Trustnode, Inc.

Peter W Stevenson

Michael I Mills

Kevin C Dunn

Michael Hoch

Roger Bradley-Jungemann

The present invention employs branded virtual characters across multiple network platforms throughout various stages of complex transactions (eg, selling insurance). These characters initially engage prospective customers on a network platform, such as a social network, and persist over time across other network platforms (eg, university and company websites) to educate consumers until they are ready to purchase&#x2014;e.g., from their 'trusted advisor'&#x2014;particular products and services offered by various providers. An extensible configuration tool ('Config Tool') is provided to simplify the continued development of such a system, as well as customization of individual Product Modules (e.g., a Life Insurance Module) by product and service providers (e.g., insurance companies and employers) and other third-party developers (before and during runtime). This Config Tool provides a variety of extension points permitting virtual characters to be added and their appearance and behavior modified, along with the details of the products and services being offered.

Configurable interactive assistant

The present invention includes systems and methods employing branded virtual characters across multiple network platforms throughout various stages of complex transactions (eg, selling insurance). These characters initially engage prospective customers on a network platform, such as a social network, and persist over time across other network platforms (eg, university and company websites) to educate consumers until they are ready to purchase&#x2014;from their 'trusted advisor'&#x2014;particular products and services offered by various providers. Even after completing transactions, these characters continue to provide various services, such as notifying a customer whose circumstances have changed of a relevant product or service, while remaining available to answer questions and provide information upon demand. By employing a semi-automated model, the system of the present invention can answer many questions via predetermined vignettes and automated answers generated by expert systems, while still utilizing live human experts (often transparently) when necessary.

Persistent sales agent for complex online transactions

Persistent sales agent for complex transactions

Growing community of inventors

Burlingame, CA, United States of America

Peter W Stevenson