USING BOTS

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[001] The disclosure relates generally to bots and more particularly to a system and a method for providing a personalized experience to a user for a plurality of services offered by one or more installed applications (Apps) on a user device, by integration of bots into the installed application (app).

BACKGROUND

[002] With advancements in technology, users are being exposed to digital forms of various traditional methods. For instance, the users read a book online instead of buying a physical copy of the book. In another instance, the users can shop online instead of visiting a retail store. The users can also learn different courses online instead of opting for classroom studying. However, such digital forms are mostly generic interfaces for many users with little or no personalization. For example, the users use messaging interfaces with fixed functionality. The users are hence unable to personalize the digital forms as per need of the users.

[003] Moreover, with the recent advent of cloud computing the availability of 'connected apps' that communicate with external servers and other devices is also increasing at an exponential pace. Further, the downloadable apps are typically packaged so as to prevent tampering. Subsequently, the packaged apps are inspected and approved by App Stores and made available to a vast audience. These apps cannot be personalized after they are downloaded or installed onto mobile devices.

[004] In most cases, such apps require (or at least permit) users to login in order to facilitate a personalized experience which is only one-time personalization process and hence does not provide fully personalized experience to the user. Moreover, when services are provided through intermediaries, often to less "tech-savvy" users, the need for a simplified download and personalization process becomes even more apparent.

SUMMARY

[005] In order to solve at least some of the above mentioned problems, there exists a need for a system and a method configured to provide a personalized experience to a user for a plurality of services offered by one or more installed applications (Apps) on a user device. A method is needed to know and understand the user on an individual basis. A one or more bots are needed to be integrated with the installed apps on the user device that are configured to learn user preferences, user likes and habits in order to provide the user, the plurality of services of the installed apps in a personalized way.

[006] Briefly, according to an exemplary embodiment, a system configured for providing a personalized experience to a user for a plurality of services is provided. The system includes a user device and a bot server. The user device comprises one or more installed applications configured to deliver the plurality of services to the user. The bot server is communicatively coupled to the user device. The bot server comprises a processor with a memory, wherein the memory stores a plurality of modules to be executed by the processor, and wherein the plurality of modules are configured to receive one or more queries or input from the user of the user device and integrate one or more bots with the installed application on the user device, based on the one or more queries or the input, to provide the user with a personalized experience.

[007] Briefly, according to an exemplary embodiment, a method for automatically personalizing an application by integrating one or more bots is provided. The method includes receiving one or more queries or input from a user of a user device. The method also includes integrating one or more bots with the application installed on the user device, based on the one or more queries or the input. The method further includes generating one or more recommendations associated with a plurality of services of the installed application and personalizing the installed application by providing the one or more recommendations associated with the plurality of services of the installed application.

[008] The summary above is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Further aspects, exemplary embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the exemplary embodiments can be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a system configured for providing a personalized experience to a user for a plurality of services offered by one or more installed applications (Apps) on the user device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a block diagram representation of a bot server, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method for providing a personalized experience to a user for a plurality of services offered by one or more installed applications (Apps) on the user device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0016] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0017] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not comprise only those steps but may comprise other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises., a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0018] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0019] At least one exemplary embodiment is generally directed towards a system and method for providing personalized solutions using bots. The method includes facilitating, by a bot server, a user to login to a user interface on a user device. The method also includes receiving one or more queries or inputs from the user using the user device. Further, the method includes selecting one or more bots based on the one or more queries or inputs. Moreover, the method includes managing the one or more bots to interact with the user on the user device and respond to the one or more queries or inputs.

[0020] In addition to the illustrative aspects, exemplary embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a system 100 configured for providing a personalized experience to a user for a plurality of services offered by one or more installed applications (Apps) on a user device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, the system 100 includes the user device 105, a network 110, and a bot server 115. The present disclosure is explained with respect to a single user device, for example the user device 105, and a single bot server, for example the bot server 115, respectively. However, it should be noted that the present disclosure can be similarly applied to multiple user devices and bot servers. Herein, the 'bot server' 115 refers to a server that provides bots for solving one or more problems or respond to queries of the user of the user device 105. A bot refers to an automated application that interacts with the user through the user device 105.

[0022] The user device 105 communicates with the bot server 115 through the network 110. Examples of the user device 105 include, but are not limited to, a mobile phone, a computer, a tablet, a laptop, a palmtop, a handheld device, a telecommunication device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and the like. Examples of the network 110 include, but are not limited to, a mobile communication network, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), internet, a Small Area Network (SAN), and the like.

[0023] The user device 105 comprises one or more installed applications configured to deliver the plurality of services to the user. The mobile application can come preloaded on the user device 105 as well as can be downloaded by users from app stores or the Internet. In one example embodiment, the user can find mobile apps on both feature phones and smartphones. For example, the most popular smartphone platforms that support mobile apps today are Android, iOS, Windows Phone and the like. The user can also download the mobile apps from third party marketplace. Examples of mobile applications include, but are not limited to mobile apps related to games, music, Instant messenger (IM), mobile apps for several e- commerce services or combinations thereof.

[0024] The bot server 115 is communicatively coupled to the user device 105. The bot server 115 comprises a processor with a memory, wherein the memory stores a plurality of modules to be executed by the processor. The plurality of modules (as shown in detail in FIG.2) are configured to receive one or more queries or input from the user of the user device 115. The bot sever 115 is configured to integrate one or more bots with the installed application on the user device 115 to provide the user with a personalized experience.

[0025] The bot server 115 is configured to select one or more bots to integrate the bots with the installed application on the user device 105. In one embodiment, the bot sever 115 is configured to automate the integration of one or more of bots based upon self-learning mechanism. In one embodiment, the integration of one or more bots with the installed application on the user device 105 generates one or more recommendations associated with the plurality of services of the installed application.

[0026] The bot server 115 is configured to facilitate the delivery of plurality of services of the installed application to the user by invoking the integrated bots. In one example embodiment, the bot server 115 invokes the integrated bots by enabling an interaction feature and activating self-learning mechanism of bots. The self-learning mechanism enables the integrated bots to learn the user, based on the received queries and further analysing the user at every instant the user uses the installed application. In one embodiment, the interaction feature facilitates the bots to communicate with the user to provide recommendations associated with the plurality of services of the installed application.

[0027] In another, embodiment, the bot server 115 facilitates the user to login to, for example, a mobile application on the user device 105. The bot server 115 receives one or more queries or inputs from the user via the user device 105. The bot server 115 selects one or more bots based on the one or more queries or inputs. The bot server 115 further manages the one or more bots to interact with the user on the user device 105 and respond to the one or more queries or inputs.

[0028] In one example embodiment, the bot server 115 is used for providing personalized learning to the user. For instance, the user can install a learning application on the user device 105. On selecting the learning application, the user is presented with a screen including one or more icons and one or more buttons. The user can click a button to start using the learning application. The user can be presented with the dashboard on accessing the learning application. The dashboard is personalized for the user and allows the user to enter one or more queries or inputs. Based on the one or more queries or inputs entered by the user, the bot server 115 selects the one or more bots. The bot server 115 is then configured to integrate one or more selected bots with the learning application to provide a personalized experience to the user. The one or more bots further interact with the user of the user device 105. For instance, the bots can provide feedback, revisions, quizzes, and the like. Examples of the one or more bots include, but are not limited to, a feedback bot, a revision bot, a quiz bot, a motivation bot, and the like. The user can further select and view popular bots as well as enabled or disabled bots in a bot store.

[0029] In another example embodiment, the bot server 115 is used for providing messaging services to the user. For instance, the user can install an instant messaging application on the user device 105. On selecting the instant messaging application, the user is presented with a screen including one or more icons and one or more buttons. The user can click a button to start using the instant messaging application. The user can be presented with an instant messaging interface on accessing the instant messaging application. The instant messaging interface is personalized for the user and allows the user to write and send instant messages, view messages of contacts, and the like. Based on one or more inputs or messages entered by the user, the bot server 115 selects the one or more bots. The one or more bots further interact with the user of the user device 105. For instance, the bots can provide emoticons, message templates, dictionary, and the like. Examples of the one or more bots include, but are not limited to, an emoticon bot, a message template bot, a dictionary bot, and the like. The user can further select and view popular bots as well as enabled or disabled bots in the bot store.

[0030] In yet another example embodiment, the bot server 115 is used for providing shopping services to the user. For instance, the user can install a grocery shopping application on the user device 105. On selecting the grocery shopping application, the user is presented with a screen including one or more icons and one or more buttons. The user can click a button to start using the grocery shopping application. The user can be presented with a grocery shopping interface on accessing the grocery shopping application. The grocery shopping interface is personalized for the user and allows the user to select products, view product information, buy the products, and the like. Based on one or more inputs or user selections provided by the user, the bot server 115 selects the one or more bots. The one or more bots further interact with the user of the user device 105. For instance, the bots can provide frequently bought products, offers, new products, and the like. The user can further select and view popular bots as well as enabled or disabled bots in the bot store.

[0031] The above example embodiments are in accordance with a learning application, an instant messaging application, and a grocery shopping application. However, it should be apparent to a person skilled in the art that similar example representations can be applied for other mobile applications, and the present disclosure is not limited to the learning application, the instant messaging application, and the grocery shopping application. An example representation of the bot server 115 is explained with reference to FIG. 2.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a block diagram representation of a bot server 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The bot server 200 is communicatively coupled to the user device (of FIG. 1). The bot server 200 comprises a processor with a memory. The memory stores a plurality of modules to be executed by the processor. Referring now to FIG. 2, the bot server 200 includes an input module 205, a bot selection module 210, a bot management module 215, and a database 220. The input module 205 is coupled to the bot selection module 210. The bot selection module 210 is further coupled to the bot management module 215. Each of the input module 205, the bot selection module 210, and the bot management module 215 can be coupled to the database 220.

[0033] The input module 205 receives one or more queries or inputs from the user through the user device 105. The input module 205 transfers the one or more queries or inputs to the bot selection module 210. The bot selection module 210 checks the queries or inputs and selects one or more bots based on the one or more queries or inputs. In one embodiment, the input module also receives the data obtained by the bots by the self-learning mechanism. The self-learning mechanism enables the integrated bots to learn the user, based on the received queries and further analysing the user at every instant the user uses the installed application. In some embodiments, a bot from the one or more bots can directly receive a query or input from the user through the user device 105.

[0034] In some embodiments, the bot selection module 210 checks the queries or inputs and determines availability of corresponding bots from the database 220. The bots can subsequently be accessed from the database 220.

[0035] The bot management module 215 manages the one or more bots to interact with the user on the user device 105. In one embodiment, the bot management module 215 integrates one or more bots with the installed application on the user device, based on the one or more queries or the input, to provide the user with a personalized experience. The integration of one or more bots with the installed application on the user device, generates one or more recommendations associated with the plurality of services of the installed application. In one embodiment, the bot management module 215 is configured to automate the integration of one or more of bots based upon self-learning mechanism. The bot management module 215 is configured to facilitate the delivery of plurality of services of the installed application to the user by invoking the integrated bots. In one example embodiment, the bot management module 215 invokes the integrated bots by enabling an interaction feature and activating self-learning mechanism of bots. The self-learning mechanism enables the integrated bots to learn the user, based on the received queries and further analysing the user at every instant the user uses the installed application. In one embodiment, the interaction feature facilitates the bots to communicate with the user to provide recommendations associated with the plurality of services of the installed application.

[0036] The bot management module 215 allows the bots to respond to the one or more queries or inputs. In one embodiment, the bot management module 215 is responsible for personalization of one or more personalized apps. The personalization can be brought into the interaction itself. For instance, the bot management module 215 is configured to remember user profiles, previous interactions, the interactions of other users in the system, the current context and the environmental know-how?

[0037] The bot server comprises database 220 configured to store one or more queries or input provided by the user, self-learned data by bots, and plurality of bots. An example method for providing personalized solutions using bots is explained with reference to FIG. 3.

[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method 300 for providing a personalized experience to a user for a plurality of services offered by one or more installed applications (Apps) on the user device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 may be described from the perspective of a processor that is configured to execute computer-readable instructions to carry out the functionalities of the above described modules of the bot server 200 shown in FIG. 2. In particular, the steps as described in FIG. 3 may be executed for providing a personalized experience to a user for a plurality of services offered by one or more installed applications (Apps) on the user device, by integration of bots into the installed application (app). Each step is described in further detail below.

[0039] At step 305, the method 300 includes receiving one or more queries or inputs from the user through the user device. The one or more queries or inputs are received by a bot server, for example an input module 205 of the bot server 115 of FIG. 2. The one or more queries or inputs are provided by the user through, for example a mobile application on the user device. In one example, the one or more queries or inputs are stored in a database, for example the database 220 of FIG. 2. Some example embodiments of receiving the one or more queries or inputs is already explained with reference to FIG. 1 and hence is not explained herein for sake of brevity.

[0040] At step 310, the method 300 includes selecting one or more bots based on the one or more queries or inputs. The bots can be selected by a bot selection module in the bot server, for example the bot selection module 210 of the bot server 115 of FIG. 2. The one or more queries or inputs are first checked by the bot selection module. In one example, if corresponding bots are available in a database, for example the database 220 of FIG. 2, the bot selection module can select the corresponding bots for presenting to the user.

[0041] At step 315, the method 300 includes managing the one or more bots to interact with the user on the user device. The bots are managed by a bot management module, for example the bot management module 215 of the bot server 115 of FIG. 2. The bot management module 215 manages the one or more bots to interact with the user on the user device 105. In one embodiment, the bot management module 215 integrates one or more bots (selected at step 310) with the installed application on the user device, based on the one or more queries or the input, to provide the user with a personalized experience. The integration of one or more bots with the installed application on the user device, generates one or more recommendations associated with the plurality of services of the installed application.

[0042] In one embodiment, the bot management module 215 is configured to automate the integration of one or more of bots based upon self-learning mechanism. The bot management module 215 is configured to facilitate the delivery of plurality of services of the installed application to the user by invoking the integrated bots. In one example embodiment, the bot management module 215 invokes the integrated bots by enabling an interaction feature and activating self-learning mechanism of bots. The self-learning mechanism enables the integrated bots to learn the user, based on the received queries and further analysing the user at every instant the user uses the installed application. In one embodiment, the interaction feature facilitates the bots to communicate with the user to provide recommendations associated with the plurality of services of the installed application.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 4, illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device 400, which is representative of a hardware environment for practicing the present invention. The electronic device 400 can include a set of instructions that can be executed to cause the electronic device 400 to perform any one or more of the methods disclosed. The electronic device 400 can operate as a standalone device or can be connected, for example using a network, to other electronic devices or peripheral devices.

[0044] In a networked deployment of the present invention, the electronic device 400 may operate in the capacity of a user device, for example the user device 105 of FIG. 1, and a bot server, for example the bot server 115 of FIG. 1, in a server-client user network environment, or as a peer electronic device in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The electronic device 400 can also be implemented as or incorporated into various devices, such as a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile device, a palmtop computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a communications device, a wireless telephone, a land-line telephone, a control system, a camera, a scanner, a facsimile machine, a printer, a pager, a personal trusted device, a web appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any other machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. Further, while a single electronic device 400 is illustrated, the term "device" shall also be taken to include any collection of systems or sub- systems that individually or jointly execute a set, or multiple sets, of instructions to perform one or more computer functions.

[0045] The electronic device 400 can include a processor 405, for example a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or both. The processor 405 can be a component in a variety of systems. For example, the processor 405 can be part of a standard personal computer or a workstation. The processor 405 can be one or more general processors, digital signal processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, servers, networks, digital circuits, analog circuits, combinations thereof, or other now known or later developed devices for analysing and processing data. The processor 405 can implement a software program, such as code generated manually (for example, programmed).

[0046] The electronic device 400 can include a memory 410, such as a memory 410 that can communicate via a bus 415. The memory 410 can include a main memory, a static memory, or a dynamic memory. The memory 410 can include, but is not limited to, computer readable storage media such as various types of volatile and non-volatile storage media, including but not limited to, random access memory, read-only memory, programmable readonly memory, electrically programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable read-only memory, flash memory, magnetic tape or disk, optical media and the like. In one example, the memory 410 includes a cache or random access memory for the processor 405. In alternative examples, the memory 410 is separate from the processor 405, such as a cache memory of a processor, the system memory, or other memory. The memory 410 can be an external storage device or database for storing data. Examples include a hard drive, compact disc ("CD"), digital video disc ("DVD"), memory card, memory stick, floppy disc, universal serial bus ("USB") memory device, or any other device operative to store data. The memory 410 is operable to store instructions executable by the processor 405. The functions, acts or tasks illustrated in the figures or described can be performed by the programmed processor 405 executing the instructions stored in the memory 410. The functions, acts or tasks are independent of the particular type of instructions set, storage media, processor or processing strategy and can be performed by software, hardware, integrated circuits, firm-ware, microcode and the like, operating alone or in combination. Likewise, processing strategies can include multiprocessing, multitasking, parallel processing and the like.

[0047] As shown, the electronic device 400 can further include a display unit 420, for example a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a flat panel display, a solid state display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, a printer or other now known or later developed display device for outputting determined information. The display 420 can act as an interface for a user to see the functioning of the processor 405, or specifically as an interface with the software stored in the memory 410 or in a drive unit 425.

[0048] Additionally, the electronic device 400 can include an input device 430 configured to allow the user to interact with any of the components of the electronic device 400. The input device 430 can include a stylus, a number pad, a keyboard, or a cursor control device, for example a mouse, or a joystick, touch screen display, remote control or any other device operative to interact with the electronic device 400.

[0049] The electronic device 400 can also include the drive unit 425. The drive unit 425 can include a computer-readable medium 435 in which one or more sets of instructions 440, for example software, can be embedded. Further, the instructions 440 can embody one or more of the methods or logic as described. In a particular example, the instructions 440 can reside completely, or at least partially, within the memory 410 or within the processor 405 during execution by the electronic device 400. The memory 410 and the processor 405 can also include computer-readable media as discussed above.

[0050] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.