METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR VIRTUAL CONNECTION BETWEEN TRAVELER AND LOCAL CONCIERGE BASED ON SIMILAR INTERESTS BACKGROUND

In an approach for connecting a traveler with a remote concierge. A processor gathers a first set of data associated with at least one concierge. A processor collects a second set of data associated with a traveler. A processor compares the first set of data and the second set of data, wherein the data is compared to determine if a match is made between the at least one concierges and the traveler. A processor presents a portion of the at least one concierges to the traveler. A processor receives a selection of one of the concierges by the traveler. A processor connects the selected concierge and the traveler, wherein the concierge and the traveler establish an itinerary.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates generally for connecting people looking for assistance, and more specifically to a method, computer program and computer system for providing real-time concierge services.

Talking with locals is the best way to learn about a new city or place, but it can be intimidating and awkward to meet new locals while traveling. Often, language barriers serve as one reason to make it impracticable to communicate effectively with locals while traveling. Additionally, it is difficult to receive good recommendations from someone if you do not know them or have a way of communicating with them.

Some travelers conduct research on the Internet and use travel-planning tool to help collect ideas for their trip. However, existing planning tools can be unreliable as many sources are left unverified and outdated. Other travelers hire professional travel agents to get a personalized day-by-day itinerary for their vacation, but these travel agents may lack the insider knowledge to truly plan or recommend points of interest like a local. Thus, there is a need for a platform that can connect travelers with everyday locals for providing travel itinerary and trip recommendations. In this regard, the invention described herein addresses this problem.

Therefore, it is desired for a method, computer program, or computer system to connect these individuals with people that are able to help and assist them with their travel plans and itinerary.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the present invention provides a method for connecting a traveler with a remote concierge. Wherein the method is gathering a first set of data associated with at least one concierge. Collecting a second set of data associated with a traveler. Comparing the first set of data and the second set of data, wherein the data is compared to determine if a match is made between the at least one concierges and the traveler. Presenting a portion of the at least one concierges to the traveler. Receiving a selection of one of the concierges by the traveler. Connecting the selected concierge and the traveler, wherein the concierge and the traveler establish an itinerary.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a computer program product for connecting a traveler with a remote concierge. Wherein the method is gathering a first set of data associated with at least one concierge. Collecting a second set of data associated with a traveler. Comparing the first set of data and the second set of data, wherein the data is compared to determine if a match is made between the at least one concierges and the traveler. Presenting a portion of the at least one concierges to the traveler. Receiving a selection of one of the concierges by the traveler. Connecting the selected concierge and the traveler, wherein the concierge and the traveler establish an itinerary.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a computer system for connecting a traveler with a remote concierge. Wherein the method is gathering a first set of data associated with at least one concierge. Collecting a second set of data associated with a traveler. Comparing the first set of data and the second set of data, wherein the data is compared to determine if a match is made between the at least one concierges and the traveler. Presenting a portion of the at least one concierges to the traveler. Receiving a selection of one of the concierges by the traveler. Connecting the selected concierge and the traveler, wherein the concierge and the traveler establish an itinerary.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention discloses a system, method, or computer program that allows people to locate other individuals based on a set of predetermined characteristics and interests. This provides advantageous when traveling to a new city and do not have any or much knowledge of the area and would desire a local or person of greater knowledge to assist you in discovering the city or area.

FIG. 1depicts a block diagram of a computing environment100in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 1provides an illustration of one embodiment and does not imply any limitations regarding the environment in which different embodiments maybe implemented.

In the depicted embodiment, computing environment100includes network102, server104, traveler computing device106, and concierge computing devices108. Computing environment100may include additional servers, computers, or other devices not shown.

Network102may be a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, any combination thereof, or any combination of connections and protocols that can support communications between server104, traveler computing device106, and concierge computing devices108in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Network102may include wired, wireless, or fiber optic connections.

Server104may be a management server, a web server, or any other electronic device or computing system capable of processing program instructions and receiving and sending data. In other embodiments server104may be a laptop computer, tablet computer, netbook computer, personal computer (PC), a desktop computer, or any programmable electronic device capable of communicating with traveler computing device106and concierge computing devices108via network102. In one embodiment, server104may be a server computing system utilizing multiple computers as a server system, such as in a cloud computing environment. In one embodiment, server104represents a computing system utilizing clustered computers and components to act as a single pool of seamless resources. In the depicted embodiment database112and connection program110is located on server104. Server104may include components, as depicted and described in further detail with respect toFIG. 3.

Traveler computing device106may be a management server, a web server, or any other electronic device or computing system capable of processing program instructions and receiving and sending data. In some embodiments, traveler computing device106may be a laptop computer, tablet computer, netbook computer, personal computer (PC), a desktop computer, or any programmable electronic device capable of communicating with server104, and concierge computing devices108via network102. Traveler computing device106may be one or more computing devices, wherein each computing device is associated with a different person or people. In other embodiments, traveler computing device106may represent a server computing system utilizing multiple computers as a server system, such as in a cloud computing environment. In another embodiment, traveler computing device106represents a computing system utilizing clustered computers and components to act as a single pool of seamless resources. In the depicted embodiment, traveler computing device106includes connection program110. In other embodiments, traveler computing device106may include any combination of connection program110or database112. Traveler computing device106may include components, as depicted and described in further detail with respect toFIG. 3.

Concierge computing devices108may be a management server, a web server, or any other electronic device or computing system capable of processing program instructions and receiving and sending data. Concierge computing devices108may be one or more computing devices, wherein each computing device is associated with a different person or people. In some embodiments, concierge computing devices108may be a laptop computer, tablet computer, netbook computer, personal computer (PC), a desktop computer, or any programmable electronic device capable of communicating with server104, and traveler computing devices106via network102. The concierge may be, any individual who has knowledge about a city or location and wishes to provide their knowledge to assist the travelers in planning their trip. The concierge may help in planning activities throughout the day, giving recommendations on restaurants, hotels, night life, museums, and the like that a traveler would be interested in knowing. The concierge provides local expertise and knowledge in real-time that is difficult to receive from searching the web or reading outdated books or articles. In other embodiments, concierge computing devices108may represent a server computing system utilizing multiple computers as a server system, such as in a cloud computing environment. In another embodiment, concierge computing devices108represents a computing system utilizing clustered computers and components to act as a single pool of seamless resources. In the depicted embodiment, concierge computing devices108includes connection program110. In other embodiments, concierge computing devices108may include any combination of connection program110or database112. Concierge computing devices108may include components, as depicted and described in further detail with respect toFIG. 3.

Connection program110operates to perform gather information about the concierge, information about the traveler, the requests of the traveler, and connecting the traveler with at least one concierge to initiate communication and planning. The connection program110analyzes various data associated with all the parties involved and allows for communication between the connected parties and the ability to plan and organize real world interactions and meetings. In the depicted embodiment, Connection program110is located on server104and utilizes network102to access the traveler computing device106and concierge computing devices108, and communicates with database112. In one embodiment, Connection program110resides on traveler computing device106. In other embodiments, Connection program110may be located on numerous server or computing device, provided Connection program110has access to database112.

Database112may be a repository that may be written to and/or read by Connection program110. Information gathered from connection program110and additional computer programs and third-party programs and software may be stored to database112. Such information may include traveler information, concierge information, program specific information and other relevant information. In one embodiment, database112is a database management system (DBMS) used to allow the definition, creation, querying, update, and administration of a database(s). In the depicted embodiment, database112resides on computing device104. In other embodiments, database112resides on another server, or another computing device, provided that database112is accessible to connection program110.

FIG. 2shows flowchart200depicting a method according to the present invention. The method(s) and associated process(es) are now discussed, over the course of the following paragraphs, with extensive reference toFIG. 2, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

The program(s) described herein are identified based upon the system or method for which they are implemented in a specific embodiment of the invention. However, it should be appreciated that any particular program nomenclature herein is used merely for convenience, and thus the invention should not be limited to use solely in any specific system or method identified and/or implied by such nomenclature. The system or method to generate a match between a traveler and a concierge for creating itineraries and providing advice is described. As used herein, the terms “concierge” refer to any individual who is able to provide assistance to the traveler related to their trip, planning activities, or enriching their traveling experience.

The software or method is designed to match a traveler with at least one concierge to assist the traveler with planning a trip to the destination and provide advice to the traveler. More specifically, the application is configured to create and manage traveler accounts and concierge accounts. Travelers can specify their criteria for their travel plans or itineraries. In some embodiments, travelers' criteria comprise interests or passions, preferred language, and city in which he or she wants to travel. Similarly, concierges specify their criteria for creating travel plans or itineraries. In some embodiments, concierges' criteria comprise expertise, preferred language, and city in which he or she resides. Additionally, concierges can specify fees or price points for creating travel plans or itineraries.

Upon receiving a traveler's criteria, the program searches for a concierge having matching criteria. For example, if the traveler's criteria comprise food and drink for interests, English for preferred language, and Milan for the city of travel, then a concierge who is well-versed in Milan's restaurant scene and who speaks English is matched with the traveler. If there are multiple matches, the traveler can select any one from the list. The list of concierges comprises a predetermined rating system and a fee for each concierge, to help the traveler decide their selection. If there is no match, the traveler is prompted to adjust the interest criteria. Once a match has been identified, the selected concierge can create, for example, morning, afternoon, and evening activities for the traveler and the traveler's party for each day of the trip, and assist in general questions and inquiries, make recommendations, and provide local insight into the destination for the traveler. This may be accomplished through an integrated or third-party communication platform.

In step202, connection program110processes concierge credentials. Each of the concierges, provides a predetermined set of credentials to verify the person as a concierge. The credentials are a predetermined set of data to verify, authenticate, and confirm that the concierge are whom they attest to being. In one embodiments, a social security or government issued identification is the required credentials. In additional embodiments, other forms of identification are used to verify the concierge. In some embodiments, tax information is used to verify the concierge. The background check maybe done through the connection program110internal functions or through a third-party service connected to network102.

In additional to the credentials are the concierge's location, time living in their current city or residence, knowledge of the area, interests, languages and proficiency of those languages, and the like. In additional embodiments, the connection program110gathers prices and fees associated with each concierge. In various embodiments, the concierge is able to update, change, adjust, or modify this information. In some embodiments, the concierge's criteria for becoming matched with travelers and creating travel plans. In this regard, the concierge can select areas of his or her expertise, wherein the areas of expertise mirror the interests that can be selected by traveler. Additionally, the concierge can select his or her preferred language and city of residence.

In step204, connection program110collects traveler request. When a traveler accesses the connection program110, the program requests information from the traveler associated with their travels. This information may be, but not limited to account information, traveler's criteria for his or her travel plans, e.g. destination, dates, interests, desires, and the like. In some embodiments, the traveler's criteria comprise the traveler's interests or passion, preferred language, and the city of travel. In some embodiments, the traveler can select his or her interests by making selections from a list of interests in a graphical traveler interface. Without limitation, the interests comprise shopping, theater and music, nightlife, food and drink, nature and parks, museums, landmarks, amusement parks, hotels, zoos, free (events), and spa and wellness. Additionally, the travelers can specify the number of people in his or her party and the dates of travel. In some embodiments, the connection program110collects positioning through various global positioning systems (GPS).

In step206connection program106compares the concierge's credentials and the traveler's request. The connection program106compares these to locate at least one concierge that would be able to assist the traveler in planning their trip. The connection program106used a predetermined portion of the concierge credentials and the traveler request to local the similarities. The comparison may, for example, have specific and predetermined factors which are weighed higher than other factors. For example, the location, availability, and interests of the concierge may weight higher than age, price, or gender. For additional examples, the connection program110may present all concierges in New York city who are available during the dates the traveler will be in the city, who speaks Spanish, and are knowledgeable about museums and restaurants. These variables may be adjusted and modified based on the traveler's inputs.

In step208, connection program presented concierge(s) to the traveler. The traveler is presented with as many concierges which are analyzed and selected by the connection program110based on traveler requirements and recommendations and additional trade-offs for the traveler. The presented concierges are based on the traveler based on these or other attributes to assist the traveler in selecting a concierge. The number of concierges can range from zero (0) to all conceriges in the system based on the request information. In some embodiments, the concierges are ranked based on, for example, previous traveler reviews, their knowledge about the location, their location, or other factors. In additional embodiments, previously employed concierges by the traveler may be recommended to the traveler again if the relationship was successful (e.g. good rating by the traveler). In some embodiments, the connection program110performs an analysis based on the concierge information and the traveler's inputs to determine a similarity factor. This similarity factor establishes the likelihood of a successful match between the concierge and the traveler. In some embodiments, the information is presented to the traveler in a graphical, visual, and textual format. This may include, the concierge picture, information, rates, and additional information which could be beneficial to the traveler to select the most appropriate concierge.

In decision210, connection program110determines if the traveler has selected a concierge. Once the traveler is presented with the list of available or recommended concierges, the traveler selected the concierge of their liking. If the connection program110determines that a concierge was selected (YES branch, proceed to step210) the connection program110processes the connection. If the connection program110determines no concierge has been selected (NO branch, proceed to step220) the connection program110recollects the traveler's requirements. In some embodiments, where no concierge is presented to the traveler because no concierges meet their requirements, the connection program100requests a modification of the request.

In step212, connection program110process the selection. The processing of the connection connects the traveler and the concierge and fulfills the monetary association with this connection. Once the traveler completes the payment, the connection is made allowing the concierge and traveler to discuss the details of the trip.

In step214, the connection program110connects the traveler with the concierge. Upon completion of the processing the selected concierge is able to communicate with the traveler to begin establishing the details about the travels. The communication may be through an integrated feature of the connection program110or a third-party software.

In step216, the connection program110establishes the itinerary. Once the concierge and the traveler are connected, the concierge is able to communicate with the traveler, create and modify the itinerary, and provide assistance to the traveler. The concierge is provided with the traveler profile and requests for the trip to establish a structure or limitation for the events, dates, times, locations, or the like which the concierge can scheduled. The concierge is provided with a predetermined number of activities or slots for a predetermined number of days. The concierge is able to select various activities, locations, establishments for the at least one slot. This information is provided to the traveler in real-time to allow for constant communicate and input. In some embodiments, the concierge is able to input locations, events, and the like directly. In additional embodiments, the concierge is presented with preselected options based on the traveler criteria. In some embodiments, the connection program110communicates with third party software and programs to gather additional information about establishments, locations, events, and other relevant information about the concierge's selections or suggestions. In some embodiments, the connection program110purchases the tickets, passes, reservations, or the like based on the traveler's preference and the availability of the events scheduled.

In step218, the connection program110concludes the transaction. After the traveler has left the destination or the predetermined time frame has expired. The traveler and the concierge are disconnected from one another. In some embodiments, at the time of conclusion, the traveler is given the opportunity to rate the concierge on a set of characteristics. In some embodiments, the concierge is given the opportunity to rate the traveler on a predetermined set of factors.

Upon the input of one activity, or the completion of the itinerary selection by the concierge, the itinerary is submitted to the traveler to review, comment, make suggestions, and request alterations. In some embodiments, as the concierge establishes the itinerary, the traveler is presented with the schedule of events and has the ability to adjust or request a modification of one or more aspects of the itinerary. This provides an alert to the concierge, based on the traveler's request, and the concierge is able to provide alternative suggestions or rescheduling of events.

The traveler may request a modification of the itinerary. Based on the traveler's criteria and the lack of concierges available or present. The connection program110requires the traveler to adjust their settings. In some embodiments, the connection program110automatically adjusts the settings based on the available concierges within the geographical area and time frame. In other embodiments, the connection program110provides at least one concierge based on a lower value of the similarity threshold value.

The connection between the concierge and the traveler exist until the end of the predetermined time frame selected during the processing of the connection step. This allows for up-to-date and live communication, alterations, and adjustments for the traveler, as trip plans tend to and often times do change.

FIG. 3depicts a block diagram300of components of a computing device (e.g. traveler computing device106, concierge computing devices108, or server104), in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. It should be appreciated thatFIG. 1provides only an illustration of one implementation and does not imply any limitations with regard to the environments in which different embodiments may be implemented. Many modifications to the depicted environment may be made. It should be appreciatedFIG. 1provides only an illustration of one implementation and does not imply any limitations with regard to the environments in which different embodiments may be implemented.

Computing environment300is, in many respects, representative of the various computer subsystem(s) in the present invention. Accordingly, several portions of computing environment300will now be discussed in the following paragraphs.

Computing device300includes communications fabric302, which provides communications between computer processor(s)304, memory306, persistent storage308, communications unit310, and input/output (I/O) interface(s)312. Communications fabric302can be implemented with any architecture designed for passing data and/or control information between processors (such as microprocessors, communications and network processors, etc.), system memory, peripheral devices, and any additional hardware components within a system. For example, communications fabric302can be implemented with one or more buses.

Computing device300is capable of communicating with other computer subsystems via network301. Network301can be, for example, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, or a combination of the two, and can include wired, wireless, or fiber optic connections. In general, network301can be any combination of connections and protocols that will support communications between computing device300and other computing devices.

Memory306and persistent storage308are computer-readable storage media. In one embodiment, memory306includes random access memory (RAM) and cache memory314. In general, memory306can include any suitable volatile or non-volatile computer-readable storage media.

Memory306is stored for execution by one or more of the respective computer processors304of computing device300via one or more memories of memory306of computing device300. In the depicted embodiment, persistent storage308includes a magnetic hard disk drive. Alternatively, or in addition to a magnetic hard disk drive, persistent storage308can include a solid state hard drive, a semiconductor storage device, read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, or any other computer-readable storage media that is capable of storing program instructions or digital information.

The media used by persistent storage308may also be removable. For example, a removable hard drive may be used for persistent storage308. Other examples include optical and magnetic disks, thumb drives, and smart cards that are inserted into a drive for transfer onto another computer-readable storage medium that is also part of persistent storage308.

Communications unit310, in the examples, provides for communications with other data processing systems or devices, including computing device300. In the examples, communications unit310includes one or more network interface cards. Communications unit310may provide communications through the use of either or both physical and wireless communications links.

I/O interface(s)312allows for input and output of data with other devices that may be connected to computing device300. For example, I/O interface312may provide a connection to external devices316such as a keyboard, keypad, camera, a touch screen, and/or some other suitable input device. External devices316can also include portable computer-readable storage media such as, for example, thumb drives, portable optical or magnetic disks, and memory cards. Software and data used to practice embodiments of the present invention, e.g., regulation program420can be stored on such portable computer-readable storage media and can be loaded onto persistent storage308of computing device300via I/O interface(s)312of computing device300. Software and data used to practice embodiments of the present invention, e.g., regulation program420can be stored on such portable computer-readable storage media and can be loaded onto persistent storage308of computing device300via I/O interface(s)312of computing device300. I/O interface(s)312also connect to a display318.

Display318provides a mechanism to display the user interface which connects the traveler and the concierge and additional data presented by connection program110. Display may be various forms of display apparatuses, for example, a computer monitor.