WO2023112060A1

WO2023112060A1 - A multi-merchant marketing platform and a method therefore

Info

Publication number: WO2023112060A1
Application number: PCT/IN2022/051092
Authority: WO
Inventors: Swati Mayur DESHPANDE
Original assignee: Deshpande Swati Mayur
Priority date: 2021-12-18
Filing date: 2022-12-18
Publication date: 2023-06-22

Abstract

The present invention provides a multi-merchant marketing platform and a method therefore for establishing a connection between manufacturers/service providers and their consumers through a communication network (20). The platform includes a marketing portal in association with a job portal containing a user registration module, a bidding module, a banking and electronic transaction module and an E-commerce service provider module distributed over a data server (10) and a plurality of client devices (50) connected over a communication network (20). The communication network (20) includes a television network wherein a Television Development Operation (TVDO) channel is being established to connect connects various industries, creates markets by promoting respective goods and services, such that the vendors and manufacturers can together share and complete their work in comparatively lowest time.

Description

A MULTI-MERCHANT MARKETING PLATFORM AND A METHOD THEREFORE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to information technology and more particularly relates to a multi-merchant marketing platform for establishing a connection between a plurality of industries and their prospective vendors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Television (TV) has been considered a medium for entertainment and the advertisements shown in the commercial breaks on TV channels have allowed the manufacturers or service providers to introduce their products and services to the public. Normally, in telemarketing techniques, the TV viewers have to pick up a telephone and dial a phone number displayed on the TV screen to receive more information or purchase the article. This type of interactivity has been successful and is an accepted part of the TV experience. However, many people find it hard time in coordinating two things simultaneously. Also, the mode of payment offered by this method is incapable of ensuring a secure transaction.

[0003] Accordingly, there exists a need to provide a multi-merchant marketing platform, that can overcome the drawbacks of the prior art techniques.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0004] An object of the present invention is to market a business strategy through television and mobile network.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to establish a connection between a vendor and a plurality of manufacturers or service providers through television and verification over a cellular mobile network. [0006] Yet, another object of the present invention is to provide multiple vendors for a manufacturer and facilitate bidding for finding suitable options among multiple vendors at a particular amount for exchange of product services, trade and connecting business for the same.

[0007] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an option for a vendor to select a manufacturer who can provide a product/service at its best quality and best price.

[0008] Yet another object of the present invention is to market for Gram

Panchayat to increase Gramdarshan operations in every village and thereby uplift the rural economy via a communication channel connecting products services and trade across various sectors.

[0009] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a

Television Development Operation (TVDO) channel in a plurality of languages through TV connecting every viewer for establishing business networks.

[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to employ people through a TV channel.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method for a multi-merchant marketing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] A multi-merchant marketing platform comprises: a plurality of client devices coupled to a communication network, a data server connected to the plurality of client devices through a communication network.

[0013] Each of the plurality of client devices having an user interface control unit, a user interface and a multimedia presentation unit, a database and processing unit configured with an application module containing a graphical user interface, and a data access and transport unit for connecting with the communication network.

[0014] The data server includes at least one processing unit configured with a server application module in communication with a network interface module, wherein, the server application combines the data server together with the plurality of client devices and the application module therein to form a marketing platform consisting of a marketing portal in association with a job portal containing a user registration module having a merchant registration unit, a vendor registration unit and a candidate registration unit for receiving a plurality of a candidate profiles, a bidding module for receiving/approving bids from/to a plurality of vendors bid, a banking and electronic transaction module allowing users for making payment procedures.

[0015] The server application configured within the data server is configured for receiving a plurality of user registration details from manufacturers/service providers, vendors and job seekers, validating each of the plurality of users, keep a database of the user entries, publish notifications uploaded by the manufacturers/service providers via user interface of each of the plurality of client devices, receive bids from the vendors and job applications from the job seekers, allowing the manufacturers/service providers to choose the bid/candidate profile facilitating communication between the manufacturers/service providers and vendors/ job seekers, allowing payment procedures via the banking and electronic transaction module, updating the status of each of the user account and publish through the user interface of the client device at the respective user end.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 shows a block representation of a multi-merchant marketing platform in accordance with the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 shows a functional block diagram of the multi-merchant marketing platform in accordance with the present invention. [0018] Figure 3 shows a flow diagram of a method for a multi-merchant marketing in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The foregoing objects of the present invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with the prior art, techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention as described below in the preferred embodiments.

[0020] The present invention provides a multi-merchant marketing platform for establishing a connection between industries and consumers through a communication network. The communication network includes a television network wherein a Television Development Operation (TVDO) channel is being established to connect urban economy with the rural economy through the global economy such as Traders, Banks, Financial Institutions, Individuals, Trusts, Investment Funds, Sovereign Wealth Funds, etc.

[0021] The present invention is illustrated concerning the accompanying drawings, throughout which reference numbers indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. These reference numbers are shown in brackets in the following description.

[0022] Referring to the figures from 1 to 3, a multi-merchant marketing platform (100) is shown, in accordance with the present invention. The multimerchant marketing platform (100) comprises a data server (10) connected to a plurality of client devices (50) through a communication network (20) (“network (20)” hereinafter).

[0023] The network includes multiple heterogeneous systems with indeterminate hardware and software configurations. In one of the exemplary embodiments, the network (20) includes a television network and a GSM network coupled to the internet wherein the plurality of client devices (50) is connected thereto. Each of the client devices (50) is communicatively connected to the data server (10) and facilitates interaction between the data server (10) and a user. [0024] In an implementation of one of the exemplary embodiments, each of the users can interact with the server application module using the client devices (50) and the application module configured therein. The client device (50) comprises of a user interface control unit, a user interface presentation unit, a multimedia presentation unit, a database and processing unit, and a data access and transport unit.

[0025] In the embodiment, the database and processing unit in the client devices (50), includes at least one processing unit, containing at least one processor in communication with a storage medium which is further coupled to the data access and transport unit such as a network interface module. The database and processing unit is configured with an application module capable of allowing interaction between a user and the data server (10). The application module introduces the user interface presentation unit such as a graphical user interface to receive inputs from a user and deliver the data from the data server (10) in a human readable format. The database and processing unit is further coupled to the multimedia presentation unit such as a display screen for facilitating interaction with the user.

[0026] In one of the embodiments, the application module in each of the client devices (50) is configured for interacting with the user through the graphical user interface. The user interface control unit is also operably coupled to the database and processing unit. The user interface control unit facilitates the inputting and navigation functionality.

[0027] In one of the exemplary embodiments, the plurality of the client device (50) includes television and smartphone devices and the like, which are coupled to the data server (10) by means of a data access and transport unit such as a network interface module.

[0028] The application module provides the client device (50) to enable a user interface with data access functionality towards a multi-function package running on an operating system operated at the data server (10). These multifunction packages being configured in the data server (10) enables communication with a plurality of independently operated or server-based client devices (50) to execute a plurality of application functionality. This functionality is also offered by independent service providers such as ecommerce providers on behalf of the data server (10). Wherein, the data server (10) is configured to manage the ecommerce provider’s service to each of the plurality of client devices (50).

[0029] Further, the user interface and data access functions are configured to support the execution of the specific application functionality such as the user verification, receiving user entries and online bidding, and online payments.

[0030] In one of the exemplary embodiments, the user verification functionality is made by using the cellular mobile communication network. This is done by verifying a one-time password (OTP) sent over a specific contact number over a cellular mobile communication network.

[0031] In one of the exemplary embodiments, the data server (10) includes a server-grade computer that is configured with a server application module capable of interacting with the plurality of client devices (50) to form a marketing platform. The application module combines the data server (10) together with the plurality of client devices (50). The functionality of the data server (10) includes receiving information from the client devices (50), transferring files therebetween, providing interactive sessions, offering host-mode services, and remote management of a plurality of ecommerce applications over the network (20).

[0032] The marketing platform incorporates a plurality of hardware units and software units such as at least one processing unit in communication with a network interface module and a server application module distributed or shared over the network (20). The server application is distributed over the network and is further configured for connecting the individual client devices (50) with a single data server and facilitating communication there between. [0033] In one of the exemplary embodiments of the invention, the marketing platform is distributed over multiple data servers (10) each interactively coupled to at least one client device (50) via the server application module. In the embodiment, each of the client devices (50) is interactively coupled to the network (20) facilitating direct communication with the data server (10) connected thereto.

[0034] The server application module in the data server (10) in connection with the application modules in the client devices (50) include a marketing portal in association with a job portal containing a user registration module, a bidding module, a banking and electronic transaction module and an E-commerce service provider module.

[0035] The user registration module comprises a merchant registration unit, a vendor registration unit and a candidate registration unit. The merchant registration unit is configured for receiving entries/inputs from users such as the manufacturers/service providers and keeps an updated database thereof. A specific part of the entry in the merchant registration unit along with certain information regarding their requirements is broadcasted over the television network and enables the client devices (50) to publish via the user interface. This allows the users of the client device (50) to identify the merchants/service providers. The broadcast information also contains product/service notifications, bid notifications, and job notifications from a plurality of registered manufacturers/service providers.

[0036] The vendor registration unit is configured for receiving entries or inputs from the vendors. Further, the candidate registration unit is configured for receiving input data from job seekers. Thus, the user registration module includes a database containing a registry of registered merchants/service providers, and their corresponding vendor details and candidate profiles. This facilitates the registered manufacturers/service providers for posting their requirements for hiring candidates for various job profiles as well as selling their products/services. [0037] The vendor registration unit is further configured for allowing users such as vendors through their registration details or any login credentials to search for their choice of merchants/service providers and select their desired product or service. The vendors are allowed to purchase specific products/services in accordance with their priorities. In one of the embodiments, the user registration unit allows a plurality of vendors to create accounts for viewing and purchasing the goods and services offered by a manufacturer or a service provider of their interest. Similarly, the candidate registration unit allows users such as candidates to register and create a candidate profile. The candidate registration unit is also configured to allow the candidate to view the job notifications posted with requirements for hiring candidates for a specific manufacturer or a service provider and send requests with the support of the candidature profile.

[0038] The user registration unit is further configured with a user verification functionality, wherein each of the registered users are validated over the cellular mobile communication network. In a specific embodiment, the user validation is done by verifying a one-time password (OTP) sent to a contact number of the respective user over the cellular mobile communication network.

[0039] The user registration unit is in communication with the bidding module, wherein the bidding module accepts bids from the registered vendors for bid notification published by the registered merchants/service providers. The received bids and corresponding list of vendors are further uploaded for the merchants/service providers portal. The bidding module is further in association with the banking and electronic transaction module and an E-commerce service provider module.

[0040] The data server (10) stores these data related to each of the plurality of user account separately and allows financial transactions. The financial transactions are based on the user instructions done by means of a banking and electronic transaction module, and an E-commerce and service provider module. The user registration module in the data server (10) further updates the status of the respective user account after every purchase and displays the current status through the user interface.

[0041] In one of the embodiments, the storage medium in the data server (10) contains a plurality of user data records handled by database management systems including structured and nonstructured database management systems. In a specific embodiment, the database includes SQL database.

[0042] Preferably, in one of the exemplary embodiments, the client device (50) is a television device that displays the user interface of the application module configured therein. The user interface allows the user to input the login information from a user and allows them to surf through the various possibilities offered by the marketing platform. The information includes the updated status of the respective user, the list of registered manufacturers/service providers, their products/services, payment procedures, and the like.

[0043] In one of the exemplary embodiments, the marketing platform is shared by the plurality of the client device (50) via a Television Development operations (TVDO) channel. The TVDO channel is configured for connecting a plurality of Gram Panchayat to increase Gramdarshan operations in every village. This increases the inter-state trade fund and gradually uplifts the rural economy, connecting various industries thereunder.

[0044] In an implementation of one of the embodiments, the user registration module via the client device (50) receives the registration of users such as manufacturers/service providers, vendors and job seekers. The registration module further verifies the authenticity of the registered users using the contact information. This is done by verifying a contact number entered by the user over the cellular mobile communication network. The notification entered by the manufacturers/ service providers to be published is displayed via the client device (50) and receives bids from the validated vendors. The embodiment further allows the manufacturers/service providers to choose and approve the bid and contact the respective vendor. The vendors are further allowed to complete the financial transaction using a Payment gateway provided by the electronic transaction module and an E-commerce service provider module.

[0045] In the implementation of the embodiment, the notifications from the manufacturers/service providers are displayed by the user interface of each of the plurality of the client devices (50) having the user registration as a vendor. The method further allows the users such as the vendors to send bids in response to the notifications regarding the product/services and communicate with the respective manufacturers/service providers. The application module at the vendor side is further allows the payment procedures via electronic transaction module and an E- commerce service provider module.

[0046] In the implementation of the embodiment, the job notifications from the manufacturers/service providers are displayed by the user interface of each of the plurality of the client devices (50) having the user registration as a candidate. In the embodiment, the job notifications from the manufacturers/ service providers are published via the user interface of the client device (50). The user interface further allows a registered user such as a job seeker to send a request with a candidate profile to the desired manufacturers/service provider. This allows the marketing platform at the manufacturers/service providers end to shortlist a suitable candidate retrieve the contact from the candidate registration unit and communicate with the candidates. The user interface of the client device (50) at the candidate side is also provides a payment facility for the registered and shortlisted candidates for the employment services offered by the marketing platform.

[0047] The server application module is further configured for updating the status of each of the user account and publish through the user interface of the client device (50) at the respective user end.

[0048] Referring to Figure 3, the present invention provides a method for a multi-merchant marketing in accordance with the present invention. Advantages

[0049] The present invention provides advantages as listed hereinbelow:

1. As the seller/buyer details and payment procedures can be established through the TVDO channels, hence can be increase the reachability of the goods and services.

2. The job portal in the module offers employment notifications to the individuals in the society thus increases the reachability of job notifications. This increases employment opportunities and selection of candidates and hence the efficiency of the workforce.

3. This also allows a facility to guide youths, housewives, unemployed persons, disabled, retired people, or aged people to have a mainline change to connect with work theory increasing their standards of living.

4. The TVDO operations apply to all Television audiences hence the multimerchant marketing platform (100) has a reach across the globe.

5. The multi-merchant marketing platform (100) allows direct connectivity between the merchants and the vendors. This provides the increased value of addition and commitment through operations.

6. The anytime anywhere TVDO channel operations of the multi-merchant marketing platform (100) save time and cost, and improve in work-life balance between the potential users and the related industry by providing types of working, part-time working, regular working, and permanent working.

[0050] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the invention herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

Claims

We claim:

1. A multi-merchant marketing platform (100) comprises: a plurality of client devices (50) coupled to a communication network (20), each of the plurality of client devices having an user interface control unit, a user interface and a multimedia presentation unit, a database and processing unit configured with an application module containing a graphical user interface, and a data access and transport unit for connecting with the communication network (20); a data server (10) connected to the plurality of client devices (50) through a communication network (20), the data server (10) includes at least one processing unit configured with a server application module in communication with a network interface module, wherein, the server application combines the data server (10) together with the plurality of client devices (50) and the application module therein to form a platform consisting of a marketing portal in association with a job portal containing a user registration module having a merchant registration unit, a vendor registration unit and a candidate registration unit for receiving a plurality of a candidate profiles, a bidding module for receiving/approving bids from/to a plurality of vendors bid, a banking and electronic transaction module allowing users for making payment procedures; wherein, the server application configured within the data server (10) is configured for receiving a plurality of user registration details from manufacturers/service providers, vendors and job seekers, validating each of the plurality of users, keep a database of the user entries, publish notifications uploaded by the manufacturers/service providers via user interface of each of the plurality of client devices, receive bids from the vendors and job applications from the job seekers, allowing the manufacturers/service providers to choose the bid/candidate profile facilitating communication between the manufacturers/service providers and vendors/ job seekers, allowing payment procedures via the banking and electronic transaction module, updating the status of each of the user account and publish through the user interface of the client device at the respective user end.

2. The multi-merchant marketing platform (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the data server (10) includes a server-grade computer communicatively coupled to a communication network (20).

3. The multi-merchant marketing platform (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the platform is distributed over multiple data servers (10) each interactively coupled to at least one client device (50).

4. The multi-merchant marketing platform (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the client device (50) includes an electronic device such as a television.

5. The multi-merchant marketing platform (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the merchant registration unit allows registration of users such as the manufacturers/service providers, the vendor registration unit allows registration of users such as the vendors, and the candidate registration unit allows registration of users such as job seekers and create a candidate profile by using the respective client devices at each of the user end.

6. The multi-merchant marketing platform (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the storage medium in the data server (10) contains a plurality of user data records handled by database management systems including structured and nonstructured database management systems.

7. The multi-merchant marketing platform (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the server application module is configured for validating each of the plurality of users by using the contact information via a cellular mobile communication network.

8. The multi-merchant marketing platform (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the server application configured within the data server (10) is configured for receiving information from each of the client devices, transferring files between the data server and the client devices, facilitating interactive sessions, offering host- mode services, and remote management of a plurality of ecommerce applications over the communication network (20).

9. A method for multi-merchant marketing having: a plurality of client devices (50) coupled to a communication network (20), each of the plurality of client devices (50) includes an user interface control unit, a user interface and a multimedia presentation unit, a database and processing unit configured with an application module containing a graphical user interface, and a data access and transport unit, a data server (10) connected to the plurality of client devices (50) through the communication network (20), and a data server (10) includes at least one processing unit configured with a server application module in communication with a network interface module, the server application module combines the data server (10) together with the plurality of client devices (50) and the application module therein to form a platform consisting of a marketing portal in association with a job portal containing a user registration module having a merchant registration unit, a vendor registration unit and a candidate registration unit, a bidding module for receiving/approving bids from/to a plurality of vendors, a banking and electronic transaction module allowing users for making payment procedures, the method comprises steps of: receiving a plurality of user registration details from manufacturers/service providers, vendors and job seekers, by the user registration module configured within the data server (10) via the plurality of client devices; validating each of the plurality of user accounts created by the manufacturers/service providers, vendors and job seekers, by the data server (10); storing the user accounts and the entries therein in a database configured within the data server (10); publishing notifications uploaded by the manufacturers/service providers by the data server (10) via user interface of each of the plurality of client devices; receiving bids from the vendors and job applications from the job seekers, by the data server (10) via the plurality of client devices; allowing the manufacturers/service providers to choose the bid/candidate profile and facilitating communication between the manufacturers/service providers and vendors/ job seekers, by the data server (10) via the plurality of client devices; allowing payment procedures through the banking and electronic transaction module, by the data server (10) via the plurality of client devices; updating the status of each of the user account by the server application module configured within the data server (10); and publishing the updated status of each of the user account in the data server (10) through the user interface of the client device at the respective user end.