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Patent 3033682 Summary

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Claims and Abstract availability

Any discrepancies in the text and image of the Claims and Abstract are due to differing posting times. Text of the Claims and Abstract are posted:

  • At the time the application is open to public inspection;
  • At the time of issue of the patent (grant).
(12) Patent Application: (11) CA 3033682
(54) English Title: SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SEARCHING AND MONITORING ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR ACQUISITION
(54) French Title: SYSTEME ET PROCEDE DE RECHERCHE ET DE SURVEILLANCE DES BIENS DISPONIBLES AUX FINS D`ACQUISITION
Status: Examination
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • G06Q 50/16 (2024.01)
  • G06F 16/9035 (2019.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • BARNETT, JONATHAN K. (Canada)
  • PRYOR, JAMES ZACHARY (Canada)
  • D'SOUZA, ROY (Canada)
  • ALAVI-HARATI, ASHKAN (Canada)
  • GIBBON, PATRICK (Canada)
  • LAW, WILLIAM STEWART JAMES (Canada)
  • MCALPINE, CHRISTOPHER ARTHUR HOLLAND (Canada)
  • MCALPINE, ETHAN CHRISTOPHER (Canada)
  • VERNA, MARIA (Canada)
  • GORALSKI, PATRICK ROBERT (Canada)
  • CARREL, CATHLEEN RUTH (Canada)
  • ANAND, ROHAN (Canada)
  • DYBA, CHRISTY ANN (Canada)
  • JAGTIANI, DHEERAJ (Canada)
  • HAFEZI, ALI (Canada)
(73) Owners :
  • THE TORONTO-DOMINION BANK
(71) Applicants :
  • THE TORONTO-DOMINION BANK (Canada)
(74) Agent: CPST INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY INC.
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued:
(22) Filed Date: 2019-02-13
(41) Open to Public Inspection: 2020-08-13
Examination requested: 2022-08-17
Availability of licence: N/A
Dedicated to the Public: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): No

(30) Application Priority Data: None

Abstracts

English Abstract


A system and method are provided for searching and monitoring assets available
for
acquisition. The method includes receiving a first signal including data
associated with
an acquiring entity, receiving a second signal including search data generated
by the
acquiring entity when interacting with at least one electronic listing service
comprising
searchable data associated with a plurality of assets available for
acquisition, storing
user profile data for the acquiring entity, the user profile data comprising
at least a
portion of the data associated with the acquiring entity, and at least a
portion of the
search data. The method also includes using the user profile data to search or
monitor
assets listed in the at least one electronic listing service to generate a
result list of
matched assets and sending a third signal including an electronic notification
related to
the result list, to a device associated with the acquiring entity.


Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


Claims:
1. A device for searching and monitoring assets available for acquisition,
the device
comprising:
a processor;
a communications module coupled to the processor; and
a memory coupled to the processor, the memory storing computer executable
instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to:
receive via the communications module a first signal including data
associated with an acquiring entity;
receive via the communications module a second signal including search
data generated by the acquiring entity when interacting with at least one
electronic listing service comprising searchable data associated with a
plurality
of assets available for acquisition;
store user profile data for the acquiring entity, the user profile data
comprising at least a portion of the data associated with the acquiring
entity, and
at least a portion of the search data;
use the user profile data to search or monitor assets listed in the at least
one electronic listing service to generate a result list of matched assets;
and
send via the communications module a third signal including an electronic
notification related to the result list, to a device associated with the
acquiring
entity.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the computer executable instructions
further
cause the processor to:
provide an electronic platform comprising a first interface for the acquiring
entity;
provide access to the at least one electronic listing service via the first
interface;
and
obtain via the communications module the search data from interactions
associated with the access to the at least one electronic listing service.
- 30 -

3. The device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the electronic notification
comprises at
least one of statistics regarding acquisition values for assets matching
particular criteria,
a listing for a particular asset, and an indication that a previously searched
asset has
been acquired.
4. The device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the computer executable
instructions further cause the processor to:
periodically update the user profile data to account for changes in the data
associated with the acquiring entity.
5. The device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the data associated with
the
acquiring entity comprises a financial viability metric associated with a
value or value
range for the assets being searched.
6. The device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the computer executable
instructions further cause the processor to:
provide an electronic platform comprising a first interface for the acquiring
entity;
and
provide a graphical user interface comprising at least one element associated
with an acquisition process for a selected asset.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein the graphical user interface provides at
least one
reminder associated with a step in the acquisition process.
8. The device of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the graphical user interface
provides an
appointment tool for scheduling at least one event associated with the
acquisition
process.
- 31 -

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the electronic platform provides at least
one
interface to connect the acquiring entity with at least one advisor entity,
the at least one
advisor entity being scheduled for the at least one event using the
appointment tool.
10. The device of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the computer executable
instructions further cause the processor to:
provide a chatroom interface to enable at least one secondary participant to
correspond with the acquiring entity.
11. The device of claim 10, wherein the computer executable instructions
further
cause the processor to:
control visibility of at least one message in a chat based on a secondary
participant type.
12. The device of claim 11, wherein the at least one message comprises
financial
data.
13. The device of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the computer
executable
instructions further cause the processor to:
provide an electronic platform comprising a first interface for the acquiring
entity;
enable the acquiring entity to connect to at least one advisor entity using
the first
interface.
14. The device of claim 13, wherein the computer executable instructions
further
cause the processor to:
generate at least one recommendation for the at least one advisor.
15. The device of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the plurality of
assets are
dwellings to be purchased or leased.
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16. A method of searching and monitoring assets available for acquisition,
the
method executed by a device having a processor and comprising:
receiving via a communications module a first signal including data associated
with an acquiring entity;
receiving via the communications module a second signal including search data
generated by the acquiring entity when interacting with at least one
electronic listing
service comprising searchable data associated with a plurality of assets
available for
acquisition;
storing user profile data for the acquiring entity, the user profile data
comprising
at least a portion of the data associated with the acquiring entity, and at
least a portion
of the search data;
using the user profile data to search or monitor assets listed in the at least
one
electronic listing service to generate a result list of matched assets; and
sending via the communications module a third signal including an electronic
notification related to the result list, to a device associated with the
acquiring entity.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
providing an electronic platform comprising a first interface for the
acquiring
entity;
providing access to the at least one electronic listing service via the first
interface; and
obtaining via the communications module the search data from interactions
associated with the access to the at least one electronic listing service.
18. The method of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the electronic notification
comprises
at least one of statistics regarding acquisition values for assets matching
particular
criteria, a listing for a particular asset, and an indication that a
previously searched
asset has been acquired.
19. The method of any one of claims 16 to 18, further comprising:
- 33 -

periodically updating the user profile data to account for changes in the data
associated with the acquiring entity.
20. The method of any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the data associated
with the
acquiring entity comprises a financial viability metric associated with a
value or value
range for the assets being searched.
21. The method of any one of claims 16 to 20, further comprising:
providing an electronic platform comprising a first interface for the
acquiring
entity; and
providing a graphical user interface comprising at least one element
associated
with an acquisition process for a selected asset.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the graphical user interface provides
at least
one reminder associated with a step in the acquisition process.
23. The method of claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the graphical user
interface
provides an appointment tool for scheduling at least one event associated with
the
acquisition process.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein the electronic platform provides at
least one
interface to connect the acquiring entity with at least one advisor entity,
the at least one
advisor entity being scheduled for the at least one event using the
appointment tool.
25. The method of any one of claims 16 to 24, further comprising:
providing a chatroom interface to enable at least one secondary participant to
correspond with the acquiring entity.
26. The method of claim 25, further comprising:
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controlling visibility of at least one message in a chat based on a secondary
participant type.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein the at least one message comprises
financial
data.
28. The method of any one of claims 16 to 27, further comprising:
providing an electronic platform comprising a first interface for the
acquiring
entity;
enabling the acquiring entity to connect to at least one advisor entity using
the
first interface.
29. The method of claim 28, further comprising:
generating at least one recommendation for the at least one advisor.
30. The method of any one of claims 16 to 29, wherein the plurality of
assets are
dwellings to be purchased or leased.
31. A computer readable medium for searching and monitoring assets
available for
acquisition, the computer readable medium comprising computer executable
instructions for:
receiving via a communications module a first signal including data associated
with an acquiring entity;
receiving via the communications module a second signal including search data
generated by the acquiring entity when interacting with at least one
electronic listing
service comprising searchable data associated with a plurality of assets
available for
acquisition;
storing user profile data for the acquiring entity, the user profile data
comprising
at least a portion of the data associated with the acquiring entity, and at
least a portion
of the search data;
- 35 -

using the user profile data to search or monitor assets listed in the at least
one
electronic listing service to generate a result list of matched assets; and
sending via the communications module a third signal including an electronic
notification related to the result list, to a device associated with the
acquiring entity.
32. The computer readable medium of claim 31, further comprising
instructions for:
providing an electronic platform comprising a first interface for the
acquiring
entity;
providing access to the at least one electronic listing service via the first
interface; and
obtaining via the communications module the search data from interactions
associated with the access to the at least one electronic listing service.
33. The computer readable medium of claim 31 or claim 32, wherein the
electronic
notification comprises at least one of statistics regarding acquisition values
for assets
matching particular criteria, a listing for a particular asset, and an
indication that a
previously searched asset has been acquired.
34. The computer readable medium of any one of claims 31 to 33, further
comprising
instructions for:
periodically updating the user profile data to account for changes in the data
associated with the acquiring entity.
35. The computer readable medium of any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein the
data
associated with the acquiring entity comprises a financial viability metric
associated with
a value or value range for the assets being searched.
36. The computer readable medium of any one of claims 31 to 35, further
comprising
instructions for:
- 36 -

providing an electronic plafform comprising a first interface for the
acquiring
entity; and
providing a graphical user interface comprising at least one element
associated
with an acquisition process for a selected asset.
37. The computer readable medium of claim 36, wherein the graphical user
interface
provides at least one reminder associated with a step in the acquisition
process.
38. The computer readable medium of claim 36 or claim 37, wherein the
graphical
user interface provides an appointment tool for scheduling at least one event
associated
with the acquisition process.
39. The computer readable medium of claim 38, wherein the electronic
plafform
provides at least one interface to connect the acquiring entity with at least
one advisor
entity, the at least one advisor entity being scheduled for the at least one
event using
the appointment tool.
40. The computer readable medium of any one of claims 31 to 39, further
comprising
instructions for:
providing a chatroom interface to enable at least one secondary participant to
correspond with the acquiring entity.
41. The computer readable medium of claim 40, further comprising
instructions for:
controlling visibility of at least one message in a chat based on a secondary
participant type.
42. The computer readable medium of claim 41, wherein the at least one
message
comprises financial data.
- 37 -

43. The computer readable medium of any one of claims 31 to 42, further
comprising
instructions for:
providing an electronic platform comprising a first interface for the
acquiring
entity;
enabling the acquiring entity to connect to at least one advisor entity using
the
first interface.
44. The computer readable medium of claim 43, further comprising
instructions for:
generating at least one recommendation for the at least one advisor.
45. The computer readable medium of any one of claims 31 to 44, wherein the
plurality of assets are dwellings to be purchased or leased.
- 38 -

Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SEARCHING AND MONITORING ASSETS
AVAILABLE FOR ACQUISITION
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The following relates generally to searching and monitoring assets
available
for acquisition.
BACKGROUND
[0002] With the availability of online searchable databases of assets
available for
acquisition, e.g., real estate listing sites; individuals who are looking to
acquire such
assets have options to search and monitor listings according to various
criteria. For
example, individuals who are looking to purchase or lease a home or other
dwelling
may search and monitor listings of properties in certain desired
neighborhoods. For real
estate assets, potential home buyers normally hire a realtor or real estate
service that
may have access to more real estate data and other information relevant to a
home
search, in addition to his/her experience. For example, such a realtor may
actively
search and review new listings to present to their clients according to their
understanding of the needs of each individual client. Moreover, there are
typically
several other tasks that a home buyer should manage at some point before,
during or
after locating a desired home. For example, the home buyer may need to find
suitable
lending such as a mortgage and hire various third-party professionals (e.g.,
realtors,
brokers, lawyers, inspectors, and contractors). These tasks can become
overwhelming
and are often actively managed by the home buyers themselves.
SUMMARY
[0003] Certain example systems and methods described herein are able to
enable
searching and monitoring of assets available for acquisition and to notify
acquiring
entities according to stored profile data. In one aspect, there is provided a
device for
searching and monitoring assets available for acquisition. The device includes
a
processor, a communications module coupled to the processor, and a memory
coupled
to the processor. The memory stores computer executable instructions that when
executed by the processor cause the processor to receive via the
communications
1
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module a first signal including data associated with an acquiring entity and
receive via
the communications module a second signal including search data generated by
the
acquiring entity when interacting with at least one electronic listing service
comprising
searchable data associated with a plurality of assets available for
acquisition. The
memory also stores computer executable instructions that when executed by the
processor cause the processor to store user profile data for the acquiring
entity, the
user profile data comprising at least a portion of the data associated with
the acquiring
entity, and at least a portion of the search data. The memory also stores
computer
executable instructions that when executed by the processor cause the
processor to
use the user profile data to search or monitor assets listed in the at least
one electronic
listing service to generate a result list of matched assets and send via the
communications module a third signal including an electronic notification
related to the
result list, to a device associated with the acquiring entity.
[0004] In another aspect, there is provided a method of searching and
monitoring
assets available for acquisition. The method is executed by a device having a
processor and includes receiving via a communications module a first signal
including
data associated with an acquiring entity and receiving via the communications
module a
second signal including search data generated by the acquiring entity when
interacting
with at least one electronic listing service comprising searchable data
associated with a
plurality of assets available for acquisition. The method also includes
storing user
profile data for the acquiring entity, the user profile data comprising at
least a portion of
the data associated with the acquiring entity, and at least a portion of the
search data.
The method also includes using the user profile data to search or monitor
assets listed
in the at least one electronic listing service to generate a result list of
matched assets
and sending via the communications module a third signal including an
electronic
notification related to the result list, to a device associated with the
acquiring entity.
[0005] In another aspect, there is provided non-transitory computer
readable
medium for searching and monitoring assets available for acquisition. The
computer
readable medium includes computer executable instructions for receiving via a
communications module a first signal including data associated with an
acquiring entity
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and receiving via the communications module a second signal including search
data
generated by the acquiring entity when interacting with at least one
electronic listing
service comprising searchable data associated with a plurality of assets
available for
acquisition. The computer readable medium also includes computer executable
instructions for storing user profile data for the acquiring entity, the user
profile data
comprising at least a portion of the data associated with the acquiring
entity, and at
least a portion of the search data. The computer readable medium also includes
computer executable instructions for using the user profile data to search or
monitor
assets listed in the at least one electronic listing service to generate a
result list of
matched assets and sending via the communications module a third signal
including an
electronic notification related to the result list, to a device associated
with the acquiring
entity.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] Embodiments will now be described with reference to the appended
drawings wherein:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example computing environment.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example configuration of an asset
search and
monitoring platform.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example configuration of a client
computing
device associated with an acquiring entity.
[0olo] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an example of computer executable
instructions
for conducting search and monitoring of assets available for acquisition and
notifying
acquiring entities of search results.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an example of computer executable
instructions
for obtaining access to data for populating a client profile.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an example of computer executable
instructions
for monitoring search activities by an acquiring entity and providing search
criteria to an
asset listing site for obtaining new search results.
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[0013] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of an example of computer executable
instructions
for executing searching and recommendation processes.
[0014] FIG. 8 is an example of a graphical user interface of a real estate
listing
search tool.
[0015] FIG. 9 is an example of a graphical user interface of a search
notification.
[0016] FIG. 10 is an example of a graphical user interface of a home buying
dashboard.
[0017] FIG. 11 is an example of a graphical user interface of an
appointment
notification.
[0018] FIG. 12 is an example of a graphical user interface of a virtual
chat session
with an appointment notification in a chat message.
[0019] FIG. 13 is an example of a graphical user interface of a virtual
chat session
from a perspective of the acquiring entity.
[0020] FIG. 14 is an example of a graphical user interface of the virtual
chat session
of FIG. 13, from a perspective of a realtor.
[0021] FIG. 15 is an example of a graphical user interface of the virtual
chat session
of FIG. 13, from a perspective of an inspector.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of
illustration, where
considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures
to
indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific
details
are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the example
embodiments
described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in
the art that
the example embodiments described herein may be practiced without these
specific
details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components
have not
been described in detail so as not to obscure the example embodiments
described
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herein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of
the example
embodiments described herein.
[0023] Individuals who are looking to acquire such assets have options to
search
and monitor listings according to various criteria. Moreover, there are
typically several
other tasks that a home buyer should manage at some point before, during or
after
locating a desired home. There is a need for a platform or tool to assist
entities looking
to acquire assets (e.g., potential home buyers) during the searching and
acquisition
process. Such a platform may be used to automatically search for candidate
listings
based on profile data, financial data, search criteria, and information
related to the listed
assets. The platform may be used to notify acquiring entities such that the
acquiring
entities can be notified of additional searches, updates to listings, and be
reminded of
additional steps or milestones in the acquisition process.
[0024] Certain example systems and methods described herein are able to
enable
searching and monitoring of assets available for acquisition and to notify
acquiring
entities according to stored profile data. In one aspect, there is provided a
device for
searching and monitoring assets available for acquisition. The device includes
a
processor, a communications module coupled to the processor, and a memory
coupled
to the processor. The memory stores computer executable instructions that when
executed by the processor cause the processor to receive via the
communications
module a first signal including data associated with an acquiring entity and
receive via
the communications module a second signal including search data generated by
the
acquiring entity when interacting with at least one electronic listing service
comprising
searchable data associated with a plurality of assets available for
acquisition. The
memory also stores computer executable instructions that when executed by the
processor cause the processor to store user profile data for the acquiring
entity, the
user profile data comprising at least a portion of the data associated with
the acquiring
entity, and at least a portion of the search data. The memory also stores
computer
executable instructions that when executed by the processor cause the
processor to
use the user profile data to search or monitor assets listed in the at least
one electronic
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listing service to generate a result list of matched assets and send via the
communications module a third signal including an electronic notification
related to the
result list, to a device associated with the acquiring entity.
[0025] In another aspect, there is provided a method of searching and
monitoring
assets available for acquisition. The method is executed by a device having a
processor and includes receiving via a communications module a first signal
including
data associated with an acquiring entity and receiving via the communications
module a
second signal including search data generated by the acquiring entity when
interacting
with at least one electronic listing service comprising searchable data
associated with a
plurality of assets available for acquisition. The method also includes
storing user
profile data for the acquiring entity, the user profile data comprising at
least a portion of
the data associated with the acquiring entity, and at least a portion of the
search data.
The method also includes using the user profile data to search or monitor
assets listed
in the at least one electronic listing service to generate a result list of
matched assets
and sending via the communications module a third signal including an
electronic
notification related to the result list, to a device associated with the
acquiring entity.
[0026] In another aspect, there is provided non-transitory computer
readable
medium for searching and monitoring assets available for acquisition. The
computer
readable medium includes computer executable instructions for receiving via a
communications module a first signal including data associated with an
acquiring entity
and receiving via the communications module a second signal including search
data
generated by the acquiring entity when interacting with at least one
electronic listing
service comprising searchable data associated with a plurality of assets
available for
acquisition. The computer readable medium also includes computer executable
instructions for storing user profile data for the acquiring entity, the user
profile data
comprising at least a portion of the data associated with the acquiring
entity, and at
least a portion of the search data. The computer readable medium also includes
computer executable instructions for using the user profile data to search or
monitor
assets listed in the at least one electronic listing service to generate a
result list of
matched assets and sending via the communications module a third signal
including an
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electronic notification related to the result list, to a device associated
with the acquiring
entity.
[0027] In certain example embodiments, an electronic platform including a
first
interface for the acquiring entity may be provided, access to the at least one
electronic
listing service may be provided via the first interface, and the search data
from
interactions associated with the access to the at least one electronic listing
service may
be obtained via the communications module.
[0028] In certain example embodiments, the electronic notification may
include at
least one of statistics regarding acquisition values for assets matching
particular criteria,
a listing for a particular asset, an indication that a previously searched
asset has been
acquired.
[0029] In certain example embodiments, the user profile data may be
periodically
updated to account for changes in the data associated with the acquiring
entity.
[0030] In certain example embodiments, the data associated with the
acquiring entity
may include a financial viability metric associated with a value or value
range for the
assets being searched.
[0031] In certain example embodiments, an electronic platform including a
first
interface for the acquiring entity may be provided and a graphical user
interface
including at least one element associated with an acquisition process for a
selected
asset may also be provided. The graphical user interface may provide at least
one
reminder associated with a step in the acquisition process. The graphical user
interface
may also provide an appointment tool for scheduling at least one event
associated with
the acquisition process. The electronic platform may provide at least one
interface to
connect the acquiring entity with at least one advisor entity, the at least
one advisor
entity being scheduled for the at least one event using the appointment tool.
[0032] In certain example embodiments, a chatroom interface may be provided
to
enable at least one secondary participant to correspond with the acquiring
entity.
Visibility of at least one message in a chat based on a secondary participant
type may
be controlled. The at least one message may include financial data.
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[0033] In certain example embodiments, an electronic platform including a
first
interface for the acquiring entity may be provided and the acquiring entity
may be
enabled to connect to at least one advisor entity using the first interface.
At least one
recommendation may be generated for the at least one advisor.
[0034] In certain example embodiments, the plurality of assets may be
dwellings to
be purchased or leased.
[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary computing environment 8. In one
aspect, the
computing environment 8 may include an asset search and monitoring platform 10
(referred to as "the platform 10" hereinafter), one or more client devices 12,
and a
communications network 14 connecting one or more components of the computing
environment 8. The computing environment 8 may also include one or more asset
listing sites 20. In the example shown in FIG. 1, N asset listing sites 20 are
shown and
each asset listing site 20 may be associated with one or more asset searching
services
(e.g., one or more real estate listing services). Each asset listing site 20
may include an
application programming interface (API) 21 for interfacing with the platform
10 via the
network 14.
[0036] The computing environment 8 may also include on or more interested
party
devices 28. It will be appreciated that the interested party devices 28 may be
considered similar or the same as the client devices 12 but in this example
embodiment
are associated with other parties that are not necessarily an acquiring entity
and support
or otherwise participate in an asset purchasing process of a certain acquiring
entity
using a client device 12 in the computing environment. It will be appreciated
that an
interested party may also be an acquiring entity in other circumstances.
Similarly, an
acquiring entity may also be an interested third party for another acquiring
entity.
[0037] The computing environment 8 may also include a financial institution
system
16 (e.g., commercial bank) that provides financial services accounts to users
and
processes financial transactions associated with those financial service
accounts.
While several details of the financial institution system 16 have been omitted
for clarity
of illustration, shown in FIG. 1 is a datastore (also referred to as a
database, memory or
memory element) that stores financial data 18. The financial data 18 may be
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associated with users of the client devices 12 (who may also be interested
parties in
some example embodiments). The financial data 18 may include any data related
to or
derived from financial values or metrics associated with customers of the
financial
institution 16, for example, account balances, transaction histories, line of
credit
available, credit scores, mortgage balances, affordability metrics, investment
account
balances, investment values and types, among many others. The financial data
18 may
also be associated with users of the interested party devices 28.
[0038] The computing environment 8 may also include a datastore 22. In the
example shown in FIG. 1, the datastore 22 may be used to store client profile
data 24
and asset search data 26. The client profile data 24 may be used to store data
accumulated by or provided to the platform 10 and which is associated with a
user of a
client device 12. The client profile data 24 may be mapped to corresponding
financial
data 18 for that user (as illustrated using dashed lines in FIG. 1) and/or may
include
some of the financial data 18. The client profile data 24 can include both
data that is
associated with a client as well as data that is associated with one or more
user
accounts for that client as recognized by the platform 10. The data associated
with a
client may include, without limitation, demographic data (e.g., age, gender,
income,
location, etc.), preference data input by the client (e.g., hobbies, likes,
dislikes, etc.),
and inferred data generated through machine learning, modeling, pattern
matching, or
other automated techniques. The client profile data 24 may also include
historical
interactions and transactions associated with the platform 10, e.g., login
history, search
history, communication logs, document sharing metrics, etc. The client profile
data 24
may also include documents, media content or other files that are being shared
on the
platform 10 or otherwise stored for the client.
[0039] The asset search data 26 includes search criteria, search results,
and other
information related to one or more of the asset listing search sites 20 and
may be
organized per client device 12. That is, for each acquiring entity associated
with a client
device 12, a set of asset search data 26 may be stored to track searches
conducted by
the acquiring entity, results from those searches, search criteria used by the
platform 10
to automatically search on behalf of the acquiring entity, and any other
information or
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credentials for utilizing the asset listing sites 20. For example, the
platform 10 may be
given permission by the acquiring entity to store user login credentials for
user accounts
associated with one or more of the asset listing sites 20 to provide further
personalization of the searching and monitoring operations performed by the
platform
10. The API 21 may be used by the platform 10 to establish connectivity and
permit
such personalized access to the asset listing sites 20. The asset search data
26 may
be updated and refined over time by monitoring searching activities conducted
by the
client devices 12 on the asset listing sites 20 or by tracking searching and
monitoring
activities performed by the platform 10 on behalf of the acquiring entities.
[0040] It can be appreciated that the datastore 22 is shown separately from
the
platform 10 for illustrative purposes only and may also be at least partially
stored within
a database, memory, or portion thereof within the platform 10. It can also be
appreciated that while the platform 10 and financial institution system 16 are
shown as
separate entities in FIG. 1, they may also be part of the same system. For
example, the
platform 10 can be hosted and provided within the financial institution system
16.
[0041] Client devices 12 may be associated with one or more users. Users
may be
referred to herein as acquiring entities, homebuyers, or other entities
associated with an
exchange activity such as a home buying process. The computing environment 8
may
include multiple client devices 12, each client device 12 being associated
with a
separate user or with one or more users. In certain embodiments, a user may
operate
client device 12 such that client device 12 performs one or more processes
consistent
with the disclosed embodiments. For example, the user may use client device 12
to
engage and interface with the platform 10 and asset listing sites 20 to assist
in
purchasing a home. The client device 12 may also engage and interface with
users of
the interested party devices 28, e.g., friends, family, co-workers, advisors
such as
realtors or mortgage brokers, etc. Similarly, the client device 12 may engage
and
interface with the financial institution system 16 for activities both related
and unrelated
to searching and acquiring assets available for acquisition. In certain
aspects, client
device 12 can include, but is not limited to, a personal computer, a laptop
computer, a
tablet computer, a notebook computer, a hand-held computer, a personal digital
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assistant, a portable navigation device, a mobile phone, a wearable device, a
gaming
device, an embedded device, a smart phone, a virtual reality device, an
augmented
reality device, third party portals, an automated teller machine (ATM), and
any
additional or alternate computing device, and may be operable to transmit and
receive
data across communication network 14.
[0042] Communication network 14 may include a telephone network, cellular,
and/or
data communication network to connect different types of client devices 12 and
different
types of asset listing sites 20 and interested party devices 28. For example,
the
communication network 14 may include a private or public switched telephone
network
(PSTN), mobile network (e.g., code division multiple access (CDMA) network,
global
system for mobile communications (GSM) network, and/or any 3G, 4G, or 5G
wireless
carrier network, etc.), WiFi or other similar wireless network, and a private
and/or public
wide area network (e.g., the Internet).
[0043] In one embodiment, platform 10 may be one or more computer systems
configured to process and store information and execute software instructions
to
perform one or more processes consistent with the disclosed embodiments. In
certain
embodiments, although not required, platform 10 may be associated with one or
more
business entities. In certain embodiments, platform 10 may represent or be
part of any
type of business entity. For example, platform 10 may be a system associated
with a
commercial bank (e.g., financial institution system 16), a retailer, or some
other type of
business.
[0044] Referring back to FIG. 1, the platform 10 and/or financial
institution system 16
may also include a cryptographic server (not shown) for performing
cryptographic
operations and providing cryptographic services (e.g., authentication (via
digital
signatures), data protection (via encryption), etc.) to provide a secure
interaction
channel and interaction session, etc. Such a cryptographic server can also be
configured to communicate and operate with a cryptographic infrastructure,
such as a
public key infrastructure (PKI), certificate authority (CA), certificate
revocation service,
signing authority, key server, etc. The cryptographic server and cryptographic
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infrastructure can be used to protect the various data communications
described herein,
to secure communication channels therefor, authenticate parties, manage
digital
certificates for such parties, manage keys (e.g., public and private keys in a
PKI), and
perform other cryptographic operations that are required or desired for
particular
applications of the platform 10 and financial institution system 16. The
cryptographic
server may be used to protect the financial data 18, client profile data 24,
and asset
search data 26 by way of encryption for data protection, digital signatures or
message
digests for data integrity, and by using digital certificates to authenticate
the identity of
the users and client devices 12, interested party devices 28, and asset
listing sites 20
with which the platform 10 communicates to inhibit data breaches by
adversaries. It can
be appreciated that various cryptographic mechanisms and protocols can be
chosen
and implemented to suit the constraints and requirements of the particular
deployment
of the platform 10 as is known in the art.
[0045] In FIG. 2, an example configuration of the platform 10 is shown. In
certain
embodiments, the platform 10 may include one or more processors 30, a
communications module 32, and a database interface module 34 for interfacing
with the
datastore 22 to retrieve and store data. Communications module 32 enables the
platform 10 to communicate with one or more other components of the computing
environment 8, such as client device 12, interested party devices 28,
financial institution
system 16 or asset search sites 20 (or one of its components), via a bus or
other
communication network, such as the communication network 14. While not
delineated
in FIG. 2, the platform 10 includes at least one memory or memory device that
can
include a tangible and non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored
therein
computer programs, sets of instructions, code, or data to be executed by
processor 30.
FIG. 2 illustrates examples of modules, tools and engines stored in memory on
the
platform 10 and operated by the processor 30. It can be appreciated that any
of the
modules, tools, and engines shown in FIG. 2 may also be hosted externally and
be
available to the platform 10, e.g., via the communications module 32. In the
example
embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the platform 10 includes a recommendation engine
36, a
machine learning engine 38, a classification module 40, a training module 42,
an access
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control module 44, a communications tool 46, an appointment scheduling tool
48, an
asset listing site module 50, a financial institution interface module 52, and
an interested
party interface module 54.
[0046] The recommendation engine 36 is used by the platform 10 to generate
one or
more search recommendations for a client device 12. The recommendation engine
36
can access the client profile data 24 and asset search data 26 via the
databases
interface module 34 and apply one or more matching processes to generate the
recommendation(s). The recommendation engine 36 may also have access to
financial
data 18 associated with the acquiring entity, which may be provided via the
financial
institution interface module 52. The recommendation engine 36 may utilize or
otherwise
interface with the machine learning engine 38 to both classify data currently
being
analyzed to generate a recommendation, and to train classifiers using data
that is
continually being processed and accumulated by the platform 10.
[0047] The machine learning engine 38 may also perform operations that
classify the
client profile data 24 and asset search data 26 in accordance with
corresponding
classifications parameters, e.g., based on an application of one or more
machine
learning algorithms to each of the groups of profile data 24, 26 (also
referred to herein
as "profile content"). The machine learning algorithms may include, but are
not limited
to, a one-dimensional, convolutional neural network model (e.g., implemented
using a
corresponding neural network library, such as Keras ), and the one or more
machine
learning algorithms may be trained against, and adaptively improved using,
elements of
previously classified profile content identifying suitable search criteria
and/or suitable
matches between users and assets such as homes listed by the asset listing
services
20. Subsequent to classifying the profile content, the recommendation engine
36 may
further process each element of the profile content to identify, and extract,
a value
characterizing the corresponding one of the classification parameters, e.g.,
based on an
application of one or more additional machine learning algorithms to each of
the
elements of the profile content. By way of the example, the additional machine
learning
algorithms may include, but are not limited to, an adaptive natural language
processing
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algorithm that, among other things, predicts starting and ending indices of a
candidate
parameter value within each element of profile content, extracts the candidate
parameter value in accordance with the predicted indices, and computes a
confidence
score for the candidate parameter value that reflects a probability that the
candidate
parameter value accurately represents the corresponding classification
parameter. As
described herein, the one or more additional machine learning algorithms may
be
trained against, and adaptively improved using, the locally maintained
elements of
previously classified profile content. Classification parameters may be stored
and
maintained using the classification module 40, and training data may be stored
and
maintained using the training module 42.
[0048] In some instances, classification data stored in the classification
module 40
may identify one or more parameters, e.g., "classification" parameters, that
facilitate a
classification of corresponding elements or groups of recognized profile
content based
on any of the exemplary machine learning algorithms or processes described
herein.
The one or more classification parameters may correspond to parameters that
can
indicate a suitability or compatibility between users and potential assets
available for
acquisition. For example, a target geographical area preference for a user's
homebuying search can be correlated or deemed compatible or not with certain
geographical areas associated with search results.
[0049] In some instances, the additional, or alternate, machine learning
algorithms
may include one or more adaptive, natural-language processing algorithms
capable of
parsing each of the classified portions of the profile content and predicting
a starting and
ending index of the candidate parameter value within each of the classified
portions.
Examples of the adaptive, natural-language processing algorithms include, but
are not
limited to, natural-language processing models that leverage machine learning
processes or artificial neural network processes, such as a named entity
recognition
model implemented using a SpaCy library.
[0050] Examples of these adaptive, machine learning processes include, but
are not
limited to, one or more artificial, neural network models, such as a one-
dimensional,
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convolutional neural network model, e.g., implemented using a corresponding
neural
network library, such as Keras . In some instances, the one-dimensional,
convolutional
neural network model may implement one or more classifier functions or
processes,
such a Softmax classifier, capable of predicting an association between an
element of
profile content (e.g., an address used in a real estate listing search) and a
single
classification parameter (e.g., a region of interest) and additionally, or
alternatively,
multiple classification parameters (e.g., a property tax level and a region of
interest).
[0051] Based on the output of the one or more machine learning algorithms
or
processes, such as the one-dimensional, convolutional neural network model
described
herein, machine learning engine 38 may perform operations that classify each
of the
discrete elements of profile content as a corresponding one of the
classification
parameters, e.g., as obtained from classification data stored by the
classification
module 40.
[0052] The outputs of the machine learning algorithms or processes may then
be
used by the recommendation engine 36 to find one or more search criteria for
monitoring, searching, and recommending available assets for the acquiring
entity to
acquire. The outputs of the machine learning algorithms may also include
recommended ones of the listings from a given set of search results. As
discussed in
greater detail below, the searching and monitoring processes implemented by
the
recommendation engine 36 may operate based on search activities of the
acquiring
entity, or automatically on behalf of the acquiring entity, or both. For
example, the
recommendation engine 36 may learn search criteria and preferences from search
activities conducted by the acquiring entity and then subsequently refine
those search
criteria based on data stored by the platform 10 and conduct additional
searches using
the same or different asset listing sites 20. For example, the platform 10 may
use
search criteria used by an acquiring entity searching on a first asset listing
site 20 to
generate a suitable set of search criteria to be used by the platform 10 on
one or more
second asset listing sites 20.
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[0053] Referring again to FIG. 2, the access control module 44 may be used
to apply
a hierarchy of permission levels or otherwise apply predetermined criteria to
determine
what profile data can be shared with which entity in the computing environment
8. For
example, the platform 10 may have been granted access to certain sensitive
financial
data 18 for a user, which is associated with a certain client device 12 in the
computing
environment 8. When communicating with the interested party devices 28 or
asset
listing sites 20, such access control measures can be applied to restrict the
sharing of
information with such entities.
[0054] Similarly, the client profile data 24 may include potentially
sensitive
information such as age, date of birth, or nationality, which the acquiring
entity may not
wish to have shared. For example, a realtor (as an example of an interested
party in
this example) may not require financial data 18 until forms are required for a
bid or
mortgage pre-approval, whereas some general personal information may be
required to
engage in a realtor representation agreement. As such, the access control
module 44
can be used to control the sharing of certain client profile data 24 (and/or
financial data
18) based on events in the searching and acquisition process. That is,
different
relationships between the acquiring entity and other entities in the computing
environment 8 may require different levels of access to data stored by the
platform 10
and the access control module 44 may be configured to control how much
information is
shared and with whom.
[0055] It will be appreciated that events representing or causing changes
in these
relationships can trigger different levels of access control to the client
profile data 24
and/or financial data 18. This can include providing additional integration
between the
acquiring entity and the interested parties, in response to events indicative
of a deeper
or more formalized relationship (e.g., with advisor entities configured to
communicate
via the platform 10).
[0056] The platform 10 may also include a communications tool 46 that is
provided
to enable entities in the computing environment 8 to communicate with each
other, e.g.,
via an instant messaging or chat interface. The platform 10 may also include
an
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appointment scheduling tool 48 to enable the platform 10 to generate
appointments and
reminders related to certain events related to the asset acquisition process.
It will be
appreciated that the appointment scheduling tool 48 may be configured to
interface with
existing calendar applications and existing scheduling tools to create new
appointments
and reminders that work within existing infrastructure. For example, the
platform 10 can
be used to create a home viewing appointment, or a reminder to seek a pre-
approval for
a mortgage based on search activities and actions related to the home buying
process.
The communications tool 46 and the appointment scheduling tool 48 may include
their
own access control functionality or may utilize and coordinate with the access
control
module 44 for such functionality.
[0057] It can be appreciated that the delineation between the access
control module
44, communications tool 46, and appointment scheduling tool 48 as shown in
FIG. 2 is
for illustrative purposes. The platform 10 may also include an asset listing
site module
50 that may interface with the asset listing sites 20 via the API 21 to
connect acquiring
entities to the asset listing sites 20 and to monitor and track searching
activities and
search results obtained through those sites 20, which can initiate the
recommendation
engine 36 to determine additional search criteria, conduct additional
searches, and
provide recommended listings in notifications to the acquiring entity.
[0058] The platform 10 may also include a financial institution interface
module 52 to
provide a graphical user interface (GUI) or application programming interface
(API)
connectivity to communicate with the financial institution system 16 to obtain
financial
data 18 for a certain user. The platform 10 may also include an interested
party
interface module 54 to control access to the platform 10 for interested
parties that are
associated with a particular client device 12. For example, the interested
party interface
module 54 may maintain a list of approved interested parties that may access
chat
sessions and communicate with the acquiring entity via the platform 10. It can
be
appreciated that the asset listing site module 50, financial institution
module 52 and
interested party interface module 54 may also provide a web browser-based
interface,
an application or "app" interface, a machine language interface, etc.
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[0059] In FIG. 3, an example configuration of the client device 12 is
shown. In
certain embodiments, the client device 12 may include one or more processors
60, a
communications module 62, and a data store 74 storing device data 76 and
application
data 78. Communications module 62 enables the client device 12 to communicate
with
one or more other components of the computing environment 8, such as platform
10,
interested party devices 28 or asset listing sites 20 (or one of its
components), via a bus
or other communication network, such as the communication network 14. While
not
delineated in FIG. 3, the client device 12 includes at least one memory or
memory
device that can include a tangible and non-transitory computer-readable medium
having
stored therein computer programs, sets of instructions, code, or data to be
executed by
processor 60. FIG. 3 illustrates examples of modules and applications stored
in
memory on the client device 12 and operated by the processor 60. It can be
appreciated that any of the modules and applications shown in FIG. 3 may also
be
hosted externally and be available to the client device 12, e.g., via the
communications
module 62.
[0060] In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the client device 12
includes a
display module 64 for rendering GUIs and other visual output on a display
device such
as a display screen, and an input module 66 for processing user or other
inputs
received at the client device 12, e.g., via a touchscreen, input button,
transceiver,
microphone, keyboard, etc. The client device 12 may also include an asset
listing
application 68, which may be a customized app provided by the platform 10 for
use by
the entities in the computing environment 8. Similarly, the client device 12
may include
a financial institution application 70 provided by their financial institution
system 16, e.g.,
for performing mobile banking operations. The client device 12 in this example
embodiment also includes a web browser application 72 for accessing Internet-
based
content, e.g., via a mobile or traditional website. The data store 74 may be
used to
store device data 76, such as, but not limited to, an IP address or a MAC
address that
uniquely identifies client device 12 within environment 8. The data store 74
may also be
used to store application data 78, such as, but not limited to, login
credentials, user
preferences, cryptographic data (e.g., cryptographic keys), etc.
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[0061] It will be appreciated that only certain modules, applications,
tools and
engines are shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 for ease of illustration and various other
components would be provided and utilized by the client device 12 and platform
10 as is
known in the art. It will also be appreciated that the configuration of the
asset listing
sites 20 and interested party devices 28 may be similar to that shown in FIGS.
2 or 3,
including the inclusion of an asset listing application 68 and its
functionality.
[0062] It will also be appreciated that any module or component exemplified
herein
that executes instructions may include or otherwise have access to computer
readable
media such as storage media, computer storage media, or data storage devices
(removable and/or non-removable) such as, for example, magnetic disks, optical
disks,
or tape. Computer storage media may include volatile and non-volatile,
removable and
non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of
information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program
modules,
or other data. Examples of computer storage media include RAM, ROM, EEPROM,
flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD)
or
other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk
storage or
other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store
the
desired information and which can be accessed by an application, module, or
both. Any
such computer storage media may be part of any of the servers in platform 10
or
financial institution system 16, client device 12, or interested party device
28, or
accessible or connectable thereto. Any application or module herein described
may be
implemented using computer readable/executable instructions that may be stored
or
otherwise held by such computer readable media.
[0063] Referring to FIG. 4, an example embodiment of computer executable
instructions for conducting search and monitoring of assets available for
acquisition and
notifying acquiring entities of search results is shown. At block 100, the
platform 10
acquires data associated with the acquiring entity to populate the client
profile data 24.
The data associated with the acquiring entity may have been provided
previously, e.g.,
upon registering with the platform 10 and/or may be periodically acquired
automatically
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or in communication with the acquiring entity. In this example embodiment, the
acquiring entity provides such data or enables access to such data at block
102.
Examples of providing or enabling access to such user or client data is
illustrated in
FIG. 5 described below.
[0064] At bock 104, the platform acquires asset search data, e.g., home
listing
search data. This asset search data is acquired to populate the asset search
data 26.
In this example embodiment, the acquiring entity provides the asset search
data or
enables access to the data, e.g., by providing login credentials to an asset
listing site 20
used by the acquiring entity at block 106. The acquiring entity may also
connect or link
to certain asset listing sites 20 via the platform 10 and provide suitable
permissions to
enable the platform 10 to monitor interactions with those certain asset
listing sites 20.
An example of providing or enabling access to such search data is illustrated
in FIG. 6
described below.
[0065] At block 108, the platform 10 stores client profile data 24 and
asset search
data 26 for the acquiring entity in the datastore 22. Obtaining data from the
acquiring
entity may include obtaining access to the financial data 18 for the acquiring
entity and
at least some of this financial data 18 may be stored in the client profile
data 24. It will
be appreciated that in example embodiments where the financial institution
system 16
hosts the platform 10, the financial data 18 may already be available to the
platform 10.
[0066] At block 110, the platform 10 uses the recommendation engine 36 to
conduct
searching and/or monitoring activities used the stored client profile data 24,
asset
search data 26, and financial data 18. Based on the activities conducted by
the
recommendation engine 36, the platform 10 may generate and send one or more
notifications to the acquiring entity at block 112. For example, the platform
10 may
generate search criteria and access an asset listing site 20 not previously
used by the
acquiring entity to provide a search result list associated with that asset
listing site 20.
Similarly, the recommendation engine 36 may be used to generate a refined set
of
search criteria to periodically monitor one or more asset listing sites 20 to
provide
ongoing search results to the acquiring entity.
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[0067] At block 114, the acquiring entity receives the notification, e.g.,
via the asset
listing application 68, financial institution application 70, web browser
application 72 or
other application on the client device 12. The notification may be delivered
by way of an
existing communication type such as an email, text message or alert, or may be
delivered using a custom pop-up message or other visual element on the client
device
12 or another device associated with that acquiring entity. An example of such
a
notification is shown in FIG. 9 and described below.
[0068] The platform 10 may also be configured to assist the acquiring
entity not only
with searching and monitoring assets available for acquisition, but also to
interact or
engage in the acquisition process, e.g., to initiate a home buying process by
incorporating interested parties such as realtors, lawyers, inspectors,
mortgage brokers,
etc. At block 116, the platform enables interactions in the acquisition
process, which
enables the acquiring entity to interact in the acquisition process at block
118, e.g., by
initiating a chat with a realtor to schedule a viewing of a property found by
the platform
in conducting the monitoring and searching activities described herein.
[0069] The platform 10 may obtain access to certain client profile data 24
that is
associated with an acquiring entity, e.g., at block 102 in FIG. 4. Referring
to FIG. 5, an
example embodiment of computer executable instructions for obtaining access to
data
for populating a client profile is shown.
[0070] At block 200 the platform 10 requests access to financial data 18
and
provides this request to the acquiring entity. At block 202 the acquiring
entity receives
the request for financial data 18 and provides access to the platform 10 in
this example
embodiment. It can be appreciated that the financial data 18 can be accessed
directly
when the platform 10 is associated with or provided directly by the financial
institution
system 16. The financial data 18 may also be entered by the acquiring entity
when
establishing a profile with the platform 10, e.g., via a questionnaire or
other input
mechanism. Full or partial access to the financial institution system 16 may
also be
provided to enable the client profile data 24 to have access to current and
periodically
changing financial data 18.
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[0071] At block 204 the platform 10 requests access to social media data to
obtain
preferences and personality traits, searching and viewing histories, "likes",
reposts,
among other things, and provides this request to the acquiring entity. At
block 206 the
acquiring entity receives the request for social media data and provides
access to the
platform 10 in this example embodiment. Providing access in this example
embodiment
may include providing sign-in credentials or a permission to enable the
platform 10 to
directly access the social media data automatically and periodically. The
permission
may be an opt-in by the acquiring entity that the platform 10 can utilize
publicly available
social media data for that user. Access to private social media data can also
be
provided with the credentials.
[0072] At block 208 the platform 10 requests the input of certain personal
data, to
obtain other preferences and personality traits, or other data not available
through social
media, and provides this request to the acquiring entity. At block 210 the
acquiring
entity receives the request for the input of personal data and provides input
to the
platform 10 in this example embodiment. Providing input of personal
information may
include a questionnaire or survey or other input mechanism provided to the
acquiring
entity, e.g., via the realtor referral and interface application 68.
[0073] At block 212 the platform 10 generates and stores the client profile
data 24
for that acquiring entity via the databases interface module 34. The process
shown in
FIG. 5 may be initiated when registering a new user, periodically performed to
update
and refresh the client profile data 24, or both.
[0074] The platform 10 may also provide access to, or otherwise be
associated with
the asset listing sites 20 to enable the platform 10 to monitor search
activities of the
acquiring entity and to generate its own search criteria and conduct
monitoring and
searching activities on behalf of the acquiring entities, e.g., in part
illustrated at block
106 in FIG. 4. Referring to FIG. 6, an example embodiment of computer
executable
instructions for monitoring search activities by an acquiring entity and
providing search
criteria to an asset listing site for obtaining new search results. At block
300, the
platform provides one or more links to asset listing sites 20 to enable the
acquiring
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entity to access one or more of these asset listing sites 20 at block 302,
e.g., using the
client device 12. By accessing the asset listing sites 20 the acquiring entity
is able to
engage in conducting searching activities at block 304. For example, the
acquiring
entity may use the platform 10 to find suitable sites 20 to begin their home
buying
journey by exploring prices and inventory in a certain geographic area.
[0075] At block 306, the platform 10 may use access to the asset listing
site(s) 20
via the API 21 to monitor and store asset search data 26 that can be
associated with
corresponding client profile data 24 in the datastore 22. This enables the
platform 10 to
provide the asset search data 26 and any relevant client profile data 24 to
the
recommendation engine 36 at block 308. The platform 10 may then use the
recommendation engine 36 to generate search criteria and provide or otherwise
utilize
same with one or more asset listing sites 20 at block 310. It will be
appreciated that, as
indicated in dashed lines, block 310 may be executed separately from blocks
300 to 308
and/or at a later point in time. It will also be appreciated that block 310
may be
executed using the same asset listing site(s) 20 (e.g., to monitor certain
properties or
look for new properties), and/or using one or more sites 20 not previously
used by the
acquiring entity or observed by the platform 10 in generating the asset search
data 26.
[0076] At block 312, the asset listing site(s) 20 use the search criteria
provided by
the platform 10 to conduct one or more searches using the search criteria, to
obtain
search results (which may include evaluating and ranking or recommending
listings in
the search results) and return those to the platform 10 at block 314.
[0077] At block 316, the platform 10 receives the new search results and
may notify
the acquiring entity, e.g., of new assets to consider, new prices associated
with
previously searched assets, among other information that can be extracted from
the
new search results. For example, the acquiring entity can be notified when a
price
reduction occurs, statistics regarding acquisition values, when a listing
becomes
inactive (e.g., if it has been sold), etc.
[0078] Referring to FIG. 7, an example embodiment of computer executable
instructions for executing searching and recommendation processes is shown. At
block
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400 the platform 10 initiates the recommendation engine 36 as herein
described. At
block 402, the recommendation engine 36 uses the databases interface module 34
to
access the client profile data 24 associated with the acquiring entity or more
generally
the user as herein described. It will be appreciated that block 402 may also
include
accessing financial data 18, either separately or from financial data 18
stored in the
client profile data 24 by the platform 10.
[0079] At block 404, the recommendation engine 36 may also use the
databases
interface module 34 to access the asset search data 26 for each asset listing
site 20
that is associated with the acquiring entity and that is to be analyzed for
the searching
and recommendation process. The recommendation engine 36 uses the machine
learning engine 38 to execute machine learning processes at block 410 as
herein
described. This may include analyzing the data accessed in blocks 402 and 404
to
classify data such that relevant parameters can be identified and used to
determine a
highest match between the content in the client profile data 24 and the
content in the
search data 26 to determine one or more new search queries at block 406. The
process implemented at block 406 may be used to generate and utilize one or
more
sets of search criteria with one or more asset listing sites 20 to obtain
content for one or
more relevant notifications for the acquiring entity at block 408. At block
408, various
searching and monitoring processes can be utilized as described herein. It
will be
appreciated that the recommendation engine 36 may also be executed on the new
search results to evaluate or recommend certain listings in those search
results.
[0080] In addition to sending the notifications to the acquiring entity,
the platform 10
may also enable appointment booking and reminders regarding the acquisition
process
at block 412. For example, after sending a notification of additional search
results or an
update to a previously searched asset, the acquiring entity may utilize the
platform 10 to
begin chatting with interested parties and proceed further in the acquisition
process.
For example, in searching for a home, the acquiring entity may wish to
schedule a
viewing, make an offer, or conduct additional searching for comparison
pricing, etc. The
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platform 10 may therefore also provide the communications tool 46 at block
414, to
enable the acquiring entity to communicate with interested party devices 28.
[0081] At block 416, the platform 10 determines whether a new search is to
be
conducted. This may be triggered by activities of the acquiring entity or may
be
periodically performed automatically by the platform 10. If a new search is to
be
conducted, the process may be repeated by returning to block 400. If a new
search is
not to be conducted, the process ends at block 418.
[0082] Referring to FIG. 8, an example of a GUI of a real estate listing
search tool
500 is shown. The GUI 500 may include a search entry box 504, a map output
502,
and a search results list 506. By engaging in the search activities as
illustrated in FIG.
8, the platform 10 through the API 21 may monitor and store search activities
as herein
described.
[0083] Referring to FIG. 9, an example of a GUI of a search notification
604 is
shown. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 9, an application GUI 600 is
shown
without any details provided to indicate that the notification 604 may be
displayed as an
alert in or over any application portion 602, including the asset listing
application 68,
financial institution application 70 or web browser application 72 shown in
FIG. 3. The
notification 604 may include any suitable notification text, such as in this
example: "We
have some search results for you. Click here:". The notification 604 may also
include a
link 606 to access the content associated with the notification 604, in this
example a set
of new search results obtained for the acquiring entity by the platform 10. It
can be
appreciated that the notification 604 can also be displayed by another entity
such as the
financial institution system 16 with the link directing the user to the
platform 10. That is,
the platform 10 can be a stand-alone entity, or can be integrated, affiliated
or provided
by another entity, such as an entity already known to the user (e.g., a
financial
institution).
[0084] Referring to FIG. 10, an example of a GUI of a home buying dashboard
700 is
shown. The home buying dashboard 700 may be provided via the asset listing
application 68. The home buying dashboard 700 is associated with the client
device 12
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and its user, and in this example embodiment identifies the user with a user
profile
image 702 containing the letter "C". It will be appreciated that the user
profile image
702 may be a character, avatar, photo, emoji, or other visual element. The
dashboard
700 also includes a Search for Homes option 704 that may be used to initiate
access to
an asset listing site 20.
[0085] The dashboard 700 also includes a Calendar option 706 that may be
used to
provide access to the appointment scheduling tool 48 of the platform 10 or an
integrated
or associated other calendar such as a user calendar. The dashboard 700 may
also
include a DOGS option 708, which may be selected to access a document sharing
tool
(not described herein), and a CHAT option 710, which may be selected to access
the
communications tool 46. A series of profile images 712 for other connections
(e.g.
interested parties) may also be displayed, with each image 714 being populated
(shown
in dashed grey in FIG. 10 to illustrate a yet-to-be-added connection) as
interested
parties are connected via the platform 10. It will be appreciated that the
platform 10
may also be used to connect and interface the acquiring entity with other
advisors, as
described in co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. [19005] filed on February
13, 2019
and entitled "System and Method for Interfacing Entities Engaged in Exchange
Activities". It will also be appreciated that the platform 10 may have the
acquiring entity
connect and interface with a realtor before other advisors, according to
processes
described in co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. [19006] filed on February
19, 2019
and entitled "System and Method for Interfacing Acquiring Entities and
Realtors".
[0086] Referring to FIG. 11, an example of a GUI of an appointment
notification 804
is shown. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 11, an application GUI 800
is
shown without any details provided to indicate that the notification 804 may
be
displayed as an alert in or over any application portion 802, including the
asset listing
application 68, financial institution application 70 or web browser
application 72 shown
in FIG. 3. The notification 804 may include any suitable notification text,
such as in this
example: "Your viewing has been scheduled. See calendar:". The notification
804 may
also include a link 806 to access the calendar appointment associated with the
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notification 804. It will be appreciated that the platform 10 may therefore
engage with
the acquiring entity to assist with next steps in the acquisition process. For
example,
specific actions or events may be captured in a calendar as shown in FIG. 11,
and/or
other general reminders may be generated. For example, periodic reminders
regarding
what the acquiring entity should be doing next may be provided to assist them
in the
acquisition process. One example reminder may include a reminder to obtain a
pre-
approval for a mortgage, schedule an inspection once a viewing has been
arranged,
etc. It can be appreciated that the notification 804 can also be displayed by
another
entity such as the financial institution system 16 with the link directing the
user to the
platform 10. That is, the platform 10 can be a stand-alone entity, or can be
integrated,
affiliated or provided by another entity, such as an entity already known to
the user
(e.g., a financial institution).
[0087] FIG. 12 is an example embodiment of a GUI of a virtual chat session
900
provided via the communications tool 46. The chat session 900 allows the
acquiring
entity (denoted as the "Client" in this example) to communicate with entities
in the
computing environment 8 such as interested party devices 28. In FIG. 12, a
first client
message 902 is sent, which indicates: "@Realtor, I am ready to see this
listing..." with a
link to a listing. By having a realtor interfaced as an interested party via
the platform 10,
the acquiring entity may receive a first realtor message 904 indicating:
"Sounds good, I
will book a viewing". In this example, the platform 10 detects or is notified
of a booking
for the viewing, generates an appointment for the appointment scheduling tool
48, and
issues a platform message 906 indicating: "Your viewing has been booked..."
with a link
908 to the appointment. It will be appreciated that the platform message 906
provides a
similar function as the notification 804 in FIG. 11.
[0088] The access control module 44 may be used by the communications tool
46
to selectively control what data and information is seen by certain entities
communicating through the communications tool 46. For example, an acquiring
entity
may include potentially sensitive information in a message directed to a
realtor, lawyer,
or mortgage broker, but wish to add additional parties to a group chat. Rather
than
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begin a new chat or to communicate via multiple chats, the platform 10 may use
the
access control module 44 to selectively redact or alter message content as
seen from
different perspectives.
[0089] FIG. 13 is an example embodiment of a GUI of another virtual chat
session
920A provided via the communications tool 46, from the perspective of the
acquiring
entity. In this example, a client message 922A includes the following content:
"Search
results look good. My budget is $500k, I have $150k in income". A realtor
message
924A indicates: "Sounds good, I will book some viewings!", a sibling message
926A
indicates: "Agreed, but remember you hate to renovate...", an inspector
message 928A
indicates: "I can be available next week for an inspection...", and a mortgage
broker
message 930A indicates: "I will get the pre-approval now!". Since the
acquiring entity is
the owner of the content in the client message 922A, it may view the entire
content from
its perspective. In this example embodiment, it is assumed that this content
includes at
least some potentially sensitive information that the platform 10 identifies
(e.g., using
the machine learning engine 38) and selectively redacts or alters for each of
the other
perspectives in the chat, where appropriate.
[0090] FIG. 14 is an example embodiment of a GUI of the virtual chat
session 920B,
from the perspective of a realtor. Each message 922-930 includes the suffix
"B" to
indicate its version from the perspective of the realtor. In this example, the
client
message 922B is altered when compared to FIG. 13 wherein a content portion
932B
indicates an income range rather than an exact income. This is illustrative of
an
alteration to the content of the message that takes into account that the
realtor, as a
"secondary participant type", does not require exact income (at least at this
stage of the
process) but may require an income range to assess financial viability of the
home
search and budget. The other messages 924B, 926B, 928B, and 930B include the
same content, but are aligned to indicate incoming messages.
[0091] FIG. 15 is an example embodiment of the virtual chat session 920C,
from the
perspective of an inspector. Each message 922-930 includes the suffix "C" to
indicate
its version from the perspective of the inspector. In this example, the client
message
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CA 3033682 2019-02-13

922C is altered when compared to FIGS. 13 and 14, wherein another content
portion
932C indicates a broad price range rather than a budget. Moreover, it may be
seen that
the content portion 932B is not seen by the inspector. These are illustrative
of
alterations to the content of the message that takes into account that the
inspector does
not income data at all and may only require a broad range of budget to assess
the
scope of their inspection. The other messages 924C, 926C, 928C, and 930C
include
the same content, but are aligned to indicate incoming messages.
[0092] It will be appreciated that the examples and corresponding diagrams
used
herein are for illustrative purposes only. Different configurations and
terminology can be
used without departing from the principles expressed herein. For instance,
components
and modules can be added, deleted, modified, or arranged with differing
connections
without departing from these principles.
[0093] The steps or operations in the flow charts and diagrams described
herein are
just for example. There may be many variations to these steps or operations
without
departing from the principles discussed above. For instance, the steps may be
performed in a differing order, or steps may be added, deleted, or modified.
[0094] Although the above principles have been described with reference to
certain
specific examples, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those
skilled in the
art as outlined in the appended claims.
- 29 -
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Representative Drawing
A single figure which represents the drawing illustrating the invention.
Administrative Status

2024-08-01:As part of the Next Generation Patents (NGP) transition, the Canadian Patents Database (CPD) now contains a more detailed Event History, which replicates the Event Log of our new back-office solution.

Please note that "Inactive:" events refers to events no longer in use in our new back-office solution.

For a clearer understanding of the status of the application/patent presented on this page, the site Disclaimer , as well as the definitions for Patent , Event History , Maintenance Fee  and Payment History  should be consulted.

Event History

Description Date
Interview performed 2024-08-02
Interview Request Authorized 2024-08-02
Interview Request Received 2024-08-02
Examiner's Report 2024-05-29
Inactive: Report - No QC 2024-05-28
Inactive: IPC assigned 2024-01-18
Inactive: First IPC assigned 2024-01-18
Inactive: IPC expired 2024-01-01
Inactive: IPC removed 2023-12-31
Amendment Received - Response to Examiner's Requisition 2023-12-20
Amendment Received - Voluntary Amendment 2023-12-20
Examiner's Report 2023-09-18
Inactive: Report - No QC 2023-08-31
Amendment Received - Voluntary Amendment 2022-09-20
Amendment Received - Voluntary Amendment 2022-09-20
Letter Sent 2022-09-15
Request for Examination Received 2022-08-17
Request for Examination Requirements Determined Compliant 2022-08-17
All Requirements for Examination Determined Compliant 2022-08-17
Common Representative Appointed 2020-11-07
Change of Address or Method of Correspondence Request Received 2020-10-23
Application Published (Open to Public Inspection) 2020-08-13
Inactive: Cover page published 2020-08-12
Revocation of Agent Requirements Determined Compliant 2020-06-30
Appointment of Agent Requirements Determined Compliant 2020-06-30
Inactive: Associate patent agent removed 2020-06-30
Inactive: Associate patent agent added 2020-04-29
Revocation of Agent Request 2020-03-20
Appointment of Agent Request 2020-03-20
Revocation of Agent Request 2020-03-17
Revocation of Agent Requirements Determined Compliant 2020-03-17
Appointment of Agent Requirements Determined Compliant 2020-03-17
Appointment of Agent Request 2020-03-17
Common Representative Appointed 2019-10-30
Common Representative Appointed 2019-10-30
Inactive: IPC assigned 2019-03-13
Inactive: First IPC assigned 2019-03-13
Inactive: IPC assigned 2019-03-13
Inactive: Filing certificate - No RFE (bilingual) 2019-02-27
Filing Requirements Determined Compliant 2019-02-27
Application Received - Regular National 2019-02-15

Abandonment History

There is no abandonment history.

Maintenance Fee

The last payment was received on 2023-12-22

Note : If the full payment has not been received on or before the date indicated, a further fee may be required which may be one of the following

  • the reinstatement fee;
  • the late payment fee; or
  • additional fee to reverse deemed expiry.

Please refer to the CIPO Patent Fees web page to see all current fee amounts.

Fee History

Fee Type Anniversary Year Due Date Paid Date
Application fee - standard 2019-02-13
MF (application, 2nd anniv.) - standard 02 2021-02-15 2021-02-08
MF (application, 3rd anniv.) - standard 03 2022-02-14 2022-01-25
Request for examination - standard 2024-02-13 2022-08-17
MF (application, 4th anniv.) - standard 04 2023-02-13 2023-01-16
MF (application, 5th anniv.) - standard 05 2024-02-13 2023-12-22
Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
THE TORONTO-DOMINION BANK
Past Owners on Record
ALI HAFEZI
ASHKAN ALAVI-HARATI
CATHLEEN RUTH CARREL
CHRISTOPHER ARTHUR HOLLAND MCALPINE
CHRISTY ANN DYBA
DHEERAJ JAGTIANI
ETHAN CHRISTOPHER MCALPINE
JAMES ZACHARY PRYOR
JONATHAN K. BARNETT
MARIA VERNA
PATRICK GIBBON
PATRICK ROBERT GORALSKI
ROHAN ANAND
ROY D'SOUZA
WILLIAM STEWART JAMES LAW
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
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Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Abstract 2023-12-20 1 34
Description 2023-12-20 29 2,303
Claims 2023-12-20 17 903
Description 2019-02-13 29 1,532
Abstract 2019-02-13 1 23
Claims 2019-02-13 9 289
Drawings 2019-02-13 11 219
Cover Page 2020-07-27 2 54
Representative drawing 2020-07-27 1 10
Claims 2022-09-20 16 852
Interview Record 2024-08-02 1 99
Examiner requisition 2024-05-29 5 272
Filing Certificate 2019-02-27 1 205
Courtesy - Acknowledgement of Request for Examination 2022-09-15 1 422
Examiner requisition 2023-09-18 8 460
Amendment / response to report 2023-12-20 77 4,432
Request for examination 2022-08-17 3 140
Amendment / response to report 2022-09-20 20 764