COMPUTER SYSTEM FOR DISTRIBUTING SURPLUS ITEMS

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method (10) for distributing surplus items from a plurality of items of the same type, which includes providing to unlimited number of users an electronic interaction platform (2a, 42) for submitting at least one request (2) for a surplus item and/or for submitting at least one offer (4) of a surplus item, wherein said electronic interactive platform is configured for correlation (9) of such request and such offer according to a predetermined first criterion (6). The invention further relates to a computer system (20), a computer program (30) and a data carrier (40).

Claims

1. A method (10) for correlating remainders of objects from a plurality of objects of the same type, comprising: providing an electronic interactive platform (2a, 42) to an unlimited range of users for directing at least one request (2) for a remainder of an object and/or for directing at least one offer (4) for a remainder of the object from said plurality of objects of the same type, wherein such electronic platform is configured for correlation (9) of such request and such offer of said remainders of objects of the same type in accordance with a pre-determined first criterion (6), wherein the method is further arranged for selecting perishable products for the said objects of the same type.

2. The method (10) in accordance with claim 1, wherein the request comprises a plurality of objects.

3. The method (10) according to claim 1, wherein the pre-determined first criterion (6) comprises a geographic information, linked to the remainder of the objects and/or information on the properties of the remainders of the objects, wherein the information on the properties of the remainders of the objects comprises at least one from the following characteristics: condition, best before date, term of the offer or the request, price or a range of prices, geographic location or a range of geographic locations of a user, requesting the remainder of an object.

4. (canceled)

5. The method (10) according to claim 3, wherein the said first criterion is arranged with respect to a second criterion, wherein each user from the said unlimited range of users is prescribed with the second criterion in accordance with a personal history of the said user on the electronic platform, wherein the said correlation (9) is carried out in accordance with the second criterion.

6. (canceled)

7. The method (10) according to claim 1, wherein for the said correlation an artificial intelligence algorithm (8) is used.

8. The method (10) according to claim 7, wherein the artificial intelligence algorithm (8) calculates a probability of an event linked with the said first criterion and carries out said correlation (9) in accordance with the said probability.

9. The method (10) according to claim 1, wherein the said interactive platform (2a, 42) comprises an interactive window (29) for supporting a dialogue between the users.

10. The method (10) according to claim 1, wherein the said interactive platform (2a, 42) is adapted to work in real-time.

11. The method (10) according to claim 10, wherein the said interactive platform (2a, 42) comprises software (22a) operable on a mobile device (40).

12. Computer system (20), comprising an computer memory element (22), a display (26) and a processor (24), controlled by a computer program (22a), comprising instructions for controlling the processor in such a way that the display (26) shows an electronic interactive platform for use by unlimited range of users for purposes of directing at least one offer of a remainder of an object from a plurality of objects of the same type and/or for directing at least one offer for a remainder of an object from a plurality of the objects of the same type, wherein such electronic interactive platform is configured for correlation (28) of such request and such offer of the remainders of objects of the same type in accordance with a first pre-determined criterion, wherein the computer system is further arranged for selecting perishable products for the said objects of the same type.

13. The computer system (20) according to claim 12, wherein the said first criterion comprises geographic information linked with the remainders of the objects or information on the properties of the remainders of the objects, wherein information on the properties of the remainders of the objects comprises at least one of the following characteristics: condition, best before date, term of offer or request, price or a range of prices, geographic location of a range of geographic locations of the user requesting the said remainder.

14. (canceled)

15. The computer system (20) in accordance with claim 14, wherein the said criterion is arranged in accordance with the second criterion, wherein each user from the said unlimited range of users is prescribed the second criterion in accordance with a personal history of the said user on the electronic interactive platform.

16. (canceled)

17. The computer system (20) according to claim 12, wherein for the said correlation an artificial intelligence algorithm (27) is used.

18. The computer system (20) according to claim 17, wherein the artificial intelligence algorithm (27) is adapted to calculate a probability of an event linked to the said first criterion and is further adapted for the said correlating (28) in accordance with the said probability.

19. The computer system (20) according to claim 12, wherein the interactive platform comprises a window (29) for supporting a dialogue between users.

20. The computer system (20) according to claim 12, wherein the said interactive platform is adapted to work in real time.

21. The computer system (20) according to claim 12being a mobile device (40).

22. The computer system (20), according to claim 12, being a distributed computer system.

23. (canceled)

24. A non-transitory storage medium, comprising instructions for a processor to carry out the steps of the method according to claim 1.

25. The non-transitory storage medium according to claim 24 being a mobile device (40).

Description

FIGURE DESCRIPTION

[0055] These are other aspects of the present invention shall be described in further details with reference to figured, where:

[0056] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a method according to an aspect of the invention.

[0057] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a computer programs according to an aspect of the invention.

[0058] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a computer program in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

[0059] FIGS. 4 shows an embodiment of a mobile device in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a method according to an aspect of the invention. In accordance with the present aspect, the method 10 for distributing remainders of the objects from a plurality of the objects of the same type, comprises a step 2 wherein a request for a specific good is placed, the offer for one or more goods is placed at step 4, investigation of the first and/or the second criterion, related to the object, its location or the location of the requesting user is carried out at step 6, the artificial intelligence algorithm as is described in the foregoing is applied at step 8 and the correlation between the placed request and the placed offer is made at step 9. In accordance with the invention the method 10 comprises a step of providing an electronic interactive platform 2a, on which the actions described in the foregoing are taking place.

[0061] The skilled artisan in the field of computer technologies, in particular, the technologies of the computer interphases readily appreciate necessary algorithms and programming languages which may be used for the design of the electronic interactive platform for realization of steps of the method 10.

[0062] In the section “Brief Summary of the Invention” diverse ways of implementation of the method 10 are presented.

[0063] In addition, it is noted that the steps 2 and 4 may follow each other in any order. Alternatively, the artificial intelligence algorithm may be adapted for realization a request to a user, whose corresponding electronic device has a communication capability with an electronic interactive platform 2a, which may be adapted for an automatic continuous scanning of relevant offers. The electronic interactive interface 2a may be adapted for a continuous or a periodic scanning of offers.

[0064] In an additional embodiment of the method 10 in accordance with the invention the electronic interactive platform 2a is arranged for detecting and ranging relevant offers in accordance either with a pre-set user's profile, or in accordance with the results of the learning algorithm, adapted to remember and to analyze behavior (or choice) patterns of the user.

[0065] For example, the electronic interactive platform 2a may be adapted for communication in the area of offers within the pre-determined time or in specific geographies (locations of the user). Such mode of the method 10 in accordance with the invention may be particularly useful for users, who prefer buying products or meals which are home-made during specific hours of the day, for example during evening hours.

[0066] It should be noted that the method 10 is particularly efficient for distributing remainders of the objects in case, when it is realized as a mobile app, for example on a smartphone or an Ipad. These electronic devices can technically provide input on the user's location into step 9 of the correlation algorithm, in view of their built-in GPS functionality, thereby substantially simplifying the task of correlation based on a vicinity criterion (or time for travel) between a party, providing a remainder of the good and a party, wishing to obtain such good.

[0067] A skilled artisan in the area of logistics shall readily appreciate how to build a correlation algorithm for realization of the step 9, using one or more criteria, therefore, the step of the correlation shall not be described in great detail herewith.

[0068] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a computer programs according to an aspect of the invention. The computer system 20 comprises a computer memory element 22, a display 26b and a processor 2, controllable by a computer program 22a, comprising instructions for controlling a processor in such a way, that the display 26 shows an electronic interactive platform for use by an unlimited cohort of users for purposes of directing at least one request for a reminder of an object and/or for directing at least one offer for a remainder of an object from a plurality of objects of the same type, wherein such electronic interactive platform is configured for correlation such request and such offer in accordance with a pre-determined first criterion, using a correlation algorithm 29.

[0069] As is described in the foregoing in the section “Brief Summary of the Invention”, the computer system 20 may be realized in one device, or it may be a distributed system in which all functional blocks 22, 24, 26 and the corresponding algorithms controlling operation of the processor 24 may be physically located away from each other.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment of the computer program 20, the computer program 22a comprises an algorithm for supporting a communication possibility between users using an interactive window 29. In the interactive window the users can discuss and agree on specific properties of the objects, for which a primary correlation has taken place, as well as on the way and the time for a “deal”.

[0071] Additionally or alternatively, the interactive window 29 may occur on the display 26b as a result of an automatic initiation, for example, when a party, which has already supplied a remainder of an object (for example a food product) is willing to enter a subsequent deal. Such situation may occur for B2C and C2C. In case when a business becomes a party of the communication the interactive window may be initiated automatically for providing potentially interesting information to a user.

[0072] For example, the computer system 20 may comprise an artificial intelligence algorithm for computing a probability for an event to occur, such event being linked to the first criterion of information selection for the user and may be further adapted for executing the correlation of the customers from the unlimited range of customers, taking account of this probability. For example, the probability may be linked with a best before date of a good or a food product and, accordingly, may influence the current price of such good or product in accordance with a pre-determined rule. In case, when the price of the product of good quality is being reduced in view of the approaching expiry date, such information may automatically be directed to the interactive window 29, for example, for users, which have notified their interest in this.

[0073] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a computer program in accordance with an aspect of the invention. According to the present aspect of the invention, the computer program 30 comprises an algorithm 31 for realization of the electronic interactive platform 31, on which an unlimited cohort of users may conduct “deals” with remainders of objects, as is described in the foregoing in section “Brief Description of the Invention”.

[0074] The computer program 30 may comprise an algorithm for accessing the first criterion 33, which is characterizing properties of the object for a supposed deal. As has been mentioned in the foregoing, the first criterion comprises geographic information, related to the remainders of the objects and/or information regarding properties of the remainders of the objects. In its turn, the information on the properties of the objects may comprise at least one of the following characteristics: condition, best before date, terms for the offer or the request, price or a range of prices, geographic location or a range of geographic locations of a user that is requesting remainders of objects.

[0075] The computer program 30 may further comprise an algorithm for accessing a second criterion 34. Preferably, the second criterion is prescribed automatically in accordance with a personal history of such user on the said electronic interactive platform. Alternatively, the second criterion may be defined by the user himself based on his preferences.

[0076] When the first and the second criteria are present, preferably, the computer program 30 comprises an artificial intelligence algorithm for conducting a precise on a non-precise search within the plurality of offers of remainders of objects within a given second criterion. It should be noted that within the terms of the present invention the second criterion may comprise one or more parameters. Also, it is possible that the second criterion comprises a plurality of groups of parameters, each group describing a specific preferable object.

[0077] The computer program 30 further comprises a correlation algorithm 35, which is adapted for maximal possibly optimal match between a request and an offer. Preferably the correlation algorithm 35 has an access to a geographic location of a user for determining the shortest way for a deal realization.

[0078] In a preferable embodiment of the computer program 30 in accordance with an aspect of the invention, such computer program also comprises algorithms for enabling an interactive window 37. Advantages enabled by the communication between the parties to the “deal” are explained above.

[0079] In a further preferable embodiment of the computer program 30 in accordance with an aspect of the invention, the computer program comprises a learning algorithm 38, which may be adapted for realization of a machine learning for filling a user's profile based on a history of his activities and realized deals.

[0080] Preferably, the computer program 30 in its executable code is provided on a material carrier, such as, a smartphone or an Ipad. Alternatively. The computer program may be provided on a remote server and its graphic interface may be downloaded into a mobile device of a user in a form of a mobile application.

[0081] FIGS. 4 shows an embodiment of a mobile device in accordance with an aspect of the invention. The mobile device 40 comprises a housing 40a in which an electronic display 41 is realized. It is noted that the display 41 may be solid state or may be rollable/unfoldable based, for example on thin film technologies. The rollable/unfoldable display may be preferable as it may enable a larger surface area of the display.

[0082] An application 42 may be loaded on the display 41 in a working condition of the mobile device 40, said application allowing a user of the mobile device 40 to participate in a process of distribution of remainder of objects from a plurality of the objects of the same type using an electronic interactive platform (application 42), which allows the user from a wide range of users to direct at least one request 44 for a remainder of an object or to view at least one offer of a remainder of the object 45, posted by another user. With this, the electronic interactive platform (application 42) is configured for correlation of such request an such offer in accordance of a first criterion 46. Possible embodiments of the first and the second criteria are disclosed in the foregoing.

[0083] Preferably, operation of the application 42 is controlled by a computer program, described with reference to FIG. 3. It should be noted that in accordance with the present invention the corresponding computer codes of the working algorithms, described with reference to FIG. 3 may be provided on a remote server, whereas the mobile device with the working application 42 shall be visualizing the results of operation of the corresponding algorithms for reviewing or approval by the user. In both cases in the frame of the present invention one should consider that such realization of the invention shall meet the requirement of a technical feature “a material carrier” (for example, a smartphone or an Ipad) comprises a computer program”.

[0084] In accordance with one aspect of a mobile device 40, it comprises an interactive window 43, arranged, for example within the limits of the application 42, which enabled showing to the user the found optimal correlation, as well as allows the user to connect to another user for discussing details of a “deal” with regard to a chosen object.

[0085] Accordingly, in accordance with several aspects of the invention a method, a computer system, a computer program and a mobile device for realization of distribution of remainders of objects from a plurality of objects of the same type are provided with increased efficiency and reliability of the process as well as with a technical result of reducing waste.

[0086] In spite of the fact that the provided figures and the description in the foregoing the present invention has been illustrated and discussed in detail, such description and such illustration should be understood as exemplary embodiments without limitation of the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art of the invention, after having knowledge of the appended claims, the description and the figures, shall reduce into practice the method, the computer program and the mobile device for realization of distribution of remainders of objects from a plurality of objects of the same type without departing from the teaching of the present invention in accordance with the spirit of the invention, based on the known embodiments of mobile devices, mobile applications, (distributed) computer systems and algorithms of artificial intelligence.

[0087] The term “comprising” used in the claims shall be construed non excluding other elements of the system, mobile device or steps of the method, while a grammatical indication of a single case shall not exclude use of a plurality of identical or similar items.

[0088] A separate element or a block, described with reference to the drawings may perform different function, including functions of other elements, described in the claims. Essential features from the dependent claims may be used as such and may be individually used to combine with essential features, recited in the independent claims.

[0089] The computer program may be stored, distributed, activated from a mobile device, but can also be distributed from a cloud storage using Internet by means of wired or wireless telecommunication systems.

[0090] All reference numeral in a claim may not be construed in a limiting way. The scope shall comprise equivalents of the essential features, recited in the claims.