WO2017068468A1

WO2017068468A1 - System and method for customer engagement and reward computation

Info

Publication number: WO2017068468A1
Application number: PCT/IB2016/056126
Authority: WO
Inventors: Atul JINDAL; Nitu JINDAL
Original assignee: Atul JINDAL; Nitu JINDAL
Priority date: 2015-10-21
Filing date: 2016-10-13
Publication date: 2017-04-27
Also published as: AR106451A1; CN107016560A

Abstract

The present disclosure provides for a system and method that allows a participant to create a participant entry by allowing him to select at least one reward category from categories of full match based reward category, partial match based reward category, and string nature match based reward category. The proposed disclosure further allows the participant to select at least one string from a set of pre-configured strings corresponding to the reward category selected, and assign a participant fund value to the participant entry. After a pre-defined time, system disclosed can generate a random string from the set of pre-configured strings that can be used for calculating rewards under each reward categories and, in case of a match with the selected string in the corresponding participant entry, grants to that participant entry and corresponding participant, a reward proportionate to the participant fund value of that participant entry.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT AND REWARD

COMPUTATION

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of customer engagement and management. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system and method for enabling customer engagement and rewarding such engaged customers.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] There are some industry sectors where an organizer/enterprise allows different customers to participate in an event and may want to reward some customers appropriately for their participation. Generally, organizers on duct such events at a fixed physical location and require customer to be present at the physical location for participating in such events. However it is not always possible for some customers to be present in such events. With the advancement of technology, particularly information communication technology and mass adaptation of mobile devices, there exists a huge customer base that the organizers of such events may want to target. Organizers of such events may also want to increase geographical coverage of the events for getting more participants/customers and to get better popularity.

[0004] For an event organizer/ business community, participants /customers are valued as key for any successful enterprise, be it a traditional businesses or an e-commerce businesses/services. Success of any enterprise is determined/evaluated based on level of customer satisfaction and number of customers that an enterprise can attract. It is essential for every business/event to make their customers happy and comfortable when the customer interacts with the enterprise or participate in any such event.

[0005] As the competition among the enterprises/ event organizers is getting intense, particularly in the business where the customer interacts with enterprise over online platform, the enterprise/event organizers wants to retain as many customers as possible. For retaining the existing customers, and attracting more customers, the enterprise/event organizer needs to provide interactive platform to the customers where such a platform allows the customers to interact with the enterprise or participate in an event anytime from anywhere and using any computing devices. There also requires mechanisms that allow customers/participants to participate in an event from anywhere using any device. Event organizers may want to provide freedom to their customers to participate in an event from remote locations, and may want to track activity of each customer. The event organizers may sometime provide lucrative opportunities to the participants/customers to increase participation, wherein the lucrative opportunity may also include some financial rewards. Some of these events may also involve financial transactions, and therefore it is also required that the customer feels secure, and confident about his interaction with the enterprise or participation in such events.

[0006] There are events where participation from a single user is limited to one entry per participant. Such events allow participants to make just one entry, and hence limit the chance for a participant to get rewards. There may be cases where the organizers may want to allow multiple entries from a single participant.

[0007] Likewise there are many opportunities emerging in the present area of digital marketing and content consumption where websites want a visitor to stay at their website for a long period and peruse content / advertisements accordingly since their business model depends upon the same. This is also customer engagement and all the websites are very keen to increase such engagement.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a system and method for stronger customer engagement, and for customer/winner selection for providing rewards. The system and method for customer engagement needs to provide freedom to the customers to participate from a remote location in an event organized by an organizer. Systems and methods are also required to allow customers/participants to participate in an event through a mobile computing device, and to allow customer freedom to make as many entries as the customer/participants wants to make for a single event.

[0009] In some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. [0010] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0011] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. "such as") provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0012] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Marcus groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS OF INVENTION

[0013] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and method for stronger customer engagement and for customer/winner selection for providing rewards.

[0014] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and method for customer engagement that provide freedom to the customers to participate from a remote location in an event organized by an organizer.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method that allow customers/participants to participate in an event through a mobile computing device, and to allow customers freedom to make as many entries as the customers/participants want to make for a single event. [0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and methods that allow customers to create and manage one or more entries made by them from remote locations.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method that allows different rewards categories to be defined by an event organizer.

[0018] An object of the present invention is to provide a system and method that allows a user to participate in an event by selecting any reward categories.

SUMMARY

[0019] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for customer engagement and reward computation. An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a participation application that allows a participant/customer to participate in an event organized by an organizer, wherein the participation application of the present disclosure allows the participants to make more than one entry for the event, and manage their participant fund value before expiry of a pre-defined time. An exemplary implementation of the present disclosure provides a system/architecture, embodied in the form of say a mobile application that allows participants from different locations to participate in the event.

[0020] An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a customer engagement and reward platform that allows multiple participants to participate in an event, allowing the participants to make multiple entries for the event, which includes plurality of reward categories, within a given time frame, and compute rewards for the plurality of reward categories. In an aspect, the reward categories can be configured as potential sub- events/actions that a user can select from and then choose his/her choices for each or a combination of chosen sub-events/actions. In an aspect, thepotential sub-events/actions can be based on one or a combination of a defined number of strings (which can include, but are not limited to a combination of number, image tag, alphabet, special character, symbols, dictionary words, or any other alphanumeric/special character based strings) from which a user can select one of choice, and based on which, rewards can be computed for the user based on randomly generated string at the end of the event. As one would appreciate, the proposed system provides multiple possible winning options for a participant to get a reward, as rewards for different reward categories are calculated based on the above elaborated random values generated. In the present specification, participant can also be interchangeably referred to as a customer or user who participates in an event organized by an organization. [0021] In an exemplary implementation, a participant can make an entry for the event by selectingat leastone reward category from the plurality of reward categories, selecting a particular string from plurality of strings listed for receiving participation for the at-least one reward category and assigning a fund value for the particular string.

[0022] In an exemplary implementation, the plurality of strings can be prelisted by the organiser and these plurality of strings can be one or combination of number, alphabets,name of image or hash value of image, alphabet, special character, symbols, and dictionary words, or any other representation. In an exemplary implementation, the plurality of reward categories can be selected from one or combination of partial match based reward category, full match based reward category, string nature based reward category (odd or even number).

[0023] In an exemplary implementation, the full match based reward category can be full number match based reward category, full string match based reward category and full image match based reward category. Similarly, the partial match based reward category can be partial number based reward category (single digit match reward category), number and position match based reward category, partial string match based reward category and partial image match based reward category. The string nature based reward category can be a digital root match reward category or an even-odd match reward category.The one or more reward categories can be enabled or disabled by the event organizer.

[0024] In an exemplary implementation, a participant can make an entry for the event by selecting a string, for instance a number between a defined range of numbers, say between "00 to 99", and assigning a participant fund value (say 200 points or 200 USD or 200 coins or any other quantifiable value) to his selection. The string can also be an alphabet range such as from A to Z or from AA to ZZ or from Al to A99 or any other combination. For instance, the list of selectable strings can also be presented as images say as a list of sun signs or a list of days (Monday through Sunday) from which the user can then select one or more options (depending on the configuration of the proposed system). Any other combination of strings is well within the scope of the present disclosure. For instance, even a list of 100 names can be given, from which the user can select at least one, based on which the user's winning (reward computation) can be decided. Upon selection of a string from a list of strings, a participant fund value can be assigned to by the user to the selection..

[0025] In an exemplary implementation, a participant can participate in the event by selecting reward category from a plurality of reward categories enabled by the event organizer, for which he/she wants to create an entry, interchangeably referred to as participant entry. [0026] Participant can create an entry for the event by selecting a reward type/category for which he/she wants to create the entry and assigning a participant fund value to the entry.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, system/platform of present disclosure can be configured by the event organizer, wherein the event organizer can treat a single entry by user in any reward category to be treated as entry for other reward category/categories. For example, if a user makes an entry for full match reward category, the system can be configured to automatically qualify the user for string nature based reward category (for example,even-odd match reward category). For instance, in case a user a given an option to select from 00 to 99, and the user selects 54, the same number selection can be used for full/partial match with the randomly generated number, and can also be used for even-odd match reward category.

[0028] In an exemplary implementation, many participants can participate in the event once authenticated by the organizer. An aspect of the present disclosure provides each participant, one or more opportunities to make multiple entries for the event, and change/adjust/modify the participant fund values of the previously submitted entries within a defined time range, which can be defined by the organizer or can be automatically be defined by the customer engagement and reward platform.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, user can participate for single digit match reward category and/or exact match reward category by creating a single entry in a category referred hereafter as number match based reward category and assigning a single participant fund valueto that entry. As one may appreciate, the number match reward category inherently can have the single number match reward category (partial match reward category) as well as the exact match reward category (full match reward category).

[0030] For participating in a string match reward category, for example in a number match reward category where rewards are calculated based on match of a single digit or exact match of a random generated string, a user can select a number of his/her choice between a defined range of numbers, say 00-99, wherein the defined range of numbers can be preconfigured by the organizer or can be automatically preconfigured by the customer engagement and reward platform (interchangeably referred to as system or system disclosed). The participants can select any number between the defined ranges of numbers, and can allocate any participant fund value against the selected number. By participating in a number match reward category, the participant has possibility of getting rewards of single digit match reward category (under partial match reward category) as well as the exact match reward category (full match reward category). [0031] For participating in an another string match based reward category, for instance alphabet match reward category, where rewards are calculated based on match of a random alphabet generated from a set of alphabets preconfigured by the event organizer or automatically preconfigured by the customer engagement and reward platform with a user selected alphabet, the user can select any alphabet from the set of alphabets preconfigured and assign any participant fund value to the selected alphabet.By participating in an alphabet match reward category, the participant has possibility of getting rewards of alphabet match reward category

[0032] For participating in an another string match based reward category, for instance a word match reward category, where rewards are calculated based on match of a random word generated from a set of words preconfigured by the event organizer or automatically preconfigured by the customer engagement and reward platform with a user selected word, the user can select any word from the set of words preconfigured and assign any participant fund value to the selected word.By participating in a word match reward category, the participant has possibility of getting rewards of word match reward category

[0033] For participating in an string nature based reward category, for instance even-odd reward category, where rewards can be calculated based on whether the random generated number is an even number or an odd number, a user can select any two options, even or odd, and can also allocate any participant fund value on selected option. In an exemplary embodiment, the user can be provided an option to select a particular odd or even number along with the option. Similarly, for participating in another string nature based reward category, for instance a digital root match reward category, where rewards are calculated based on the digital root of the random generated number, a user can select digital root number from 1-9, and assign any participant fund value on the selected digital root number.

[0034] For participating in an another string match based reward category, for instance image match reward category, where rewards are calculated based on match of a random image generated from a set of images preconfigured by the event organizer or automatically preconfigured by the customer engagement and reward platform with a user selected image, the user can select any image from the set of images preconfigured and assign any participant fund value to the selected image.

[0035] In an exemplary implementation, the organizer can select the minimum and/or maximum participant fund value that a participant can allocate against each number, image, alphabet or word or any combination of these. In another exemplary implementation, the organizer can select the maximum sum of participant fund values that a single participant can allocate collectively for the event.

[0036] In an exemplary implementation, the organizer can define the time limit within which the participants can make the entries and/or can edit the entries for any reward categories. After expiry of the defined time limit, participants may not be able to make new entry for the event and/or change the pre -submitted entries.

[0037] After expiry of the defined time limit, customer engagement and reward platform of the present disclosure can compute rewards for a plurality of reward categories based one or more randomly generated string(s).

[0038] In an exemplary implementation, full match reward, for example exact digit match reward, can be given to participant entries and corresponding participants when selected string, for instance, a selected number exactly matches with the randomly generated string value, for instance a random generated number. In one embodiment, partial match reward, for instance,single digit/character/alphabet match reward can be given to participants whose selected string partially matches with the random generated string, for instance the last digit number of a participant selected number matches with the last digit number of the randomly generated number. In alternative embodiment, single digit match rewards can be given to the participants whose first digit number matches with the first digit of the random generated number. It should appreciated that although most of the embodiments of the present disclosure have been explained with respect to numbers, all the embodiments are fully covering any type of string that a user selected from a defined set of strings. For instance, partial match, in context of words can be when a from a defined set of say 100 words, the user selects "TAKEN", and full match would happen when the randomly generated string (from the list of 100) is also "TAKEN", and partial match can happen when the randomly generated string/word is TOKEN, which partially matches. Criteria for winning for partial match can be defined by the event organizer and if configured, can also be customized by the user before the event is initiated.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, string nature match reward, for instance,digital root match rewards, can be given to the participant entries and corresponding participants, where selected digital root number (any number from 1 to 9) matches with the digital root number of the random generated string, for instance random generated number. Similarly, the even-odd rewards can be given to the participants who have selected an odd number, if the random generated number is an odd number, or to the participants who have selected an even number, if the random generated number is an even number. [0040] In an exemplary implementation, reward value for full match reward, for instance exact digit match rewards can be X times, say 16 times or higher, of the participant fund value against the selected number based on which the participants have been selected for the exact match reward, and fund reward value for partial match reward, for instance single digit match rewards can be X/2times, say 8 times or higher, of the participant fund value against the selected number based on which the participants have been for the single digit match reward. As mentioned above, partial match can be configured as last character match or first character match or each position character match or any other desired configuration.

[0041] In an exemplary implementation, reward value for string nature match reward, for instance the digital root match rewards can be Y times, say 8 times or higher, of the participant fund value assigned against the digital root number that matches with the digital root value of the random generated number.

[0042] In an exemplary implementation, reward value for string nature match reward, for instance,even-odd match rewards can be N times, say 2 times or less, of the participation fund value assigned against the selected even or odd option. In an exemplary embodiment, even- odd rewards can be more if the particular number selected with the even/odd option is exactly the random generated number. For example, even-odd rewards can be 4 times of the participant fund value, if the particular number selected with the even/odd option is exactly the random generated number.

[0043] In another exemplary embodiment, string match reward, for instance,image match reward can be given to participant entries and corresponding participants, wherein selected image matches with a random image generated; random image generated being chosen randomly from the set of images preconfigured by the system or event organizer.

[0044] Likewise, in another exemplary embodiment, another string match reward, for instance alphabet match reward can be given to participant entries and corresponding participants wherein selected alphabet matches with a random alphabet generated; random alphabet generated being chosen randomly from the set of alphabets preconfigured by the system or event organizer.

[0045] In yet another exemplary embodiment, another string match reward, for instance word match reward can be given to participant entries and corresponding participants wherein selected word matches with a random word generated; random word generated being chosen randomly from the set of words preconfigured by the system or event organizer.

[0046] In another exemplary implementation, reward value for string match reward, for instance image match rewards can be J times (for example 2 times) of the participant fund value assigned by a participant in his participant entry wherein the selected image matches the random image generated.

[0047] In another exemplary implementation, reward value for another string match reward, for instance alphabet match rewards can be K times (for example 1.5 times), of the participant fund value assigned by a participant in his participant entry wherein the selected alphabet matches the random alphabet generated.

[0048] Likewise, in another exemplary implementation, the reward value for another string match reward, for instance word match rewards can be M times (for example 3 times), of the participant fund value assigned by a participant in his participant entry wherein the selected word matches the random word generated.

[0049] As can be readily understood, the value of the variables X, Y, N, Z, J, K and L can be set by event organizer or system disclosed and advised to participants and the values illustrated above and used herein are just for illustration purposes.

[0050] Though, the instance examples have been illustrated with number, alphabet, words etc., as stated earlier, the string can be one or combination of number, image tag alphabet, special character, symbols, dictionary words. Words, for example, can be name of sun signs, planet names, months names and similar other group of words in any language. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of strings can be provided to the participant in any language of preference of the participant.

[0051] In an aspect, customer engagement and reward computation system of the present disclosure can have one or more authorized terminals placed at different locations where a user can go for participating in an event. A user can go to any of the terminals authorized by an event organizer, referred to hereinafter as authorized terminal(s), to participate in the event. The user can create access credentials, also referred as user registration, at any of the authorized terminals, when the user participates for the first time in an event. The user access credential may include an event/ participation ID created by the authorized terminal, and a password as selected by the user, wherein the password can be any one or combination of alphanumeric values, biometric, and physical token. After registration and obtaining the user credentials, the user can go to any of the authorized terminals, authenticate himself/herself and participate in the event by selecting reward category, a corresponding option, and placing fund value on that selected option. The user can also change, edit, or delete any of the previous entries before the expiry of participation entry expiry time. In an exemplary implementation, the user can assign a participant fund value to each participating entry either by credit/debit card, cash or by tokens issued by the event organizer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] In the Figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

[0053] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary architecture of customer engagement and reward computation system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG. IB illustrates an exemplary architecture of customer engagement and reward computation system that allows user engagement through different authorized terminals located at different locations, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary functional modules of customer engagement and reward computation system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] FIG. 3A illustrates exemplary interfaces of participation application in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] FIG. 3B illustrates exemplary interfaces of participation application that allow user an option to participate in an event by selecting different reward category in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] FIG. 3C illustrates exemplary rewards calculated for different reward categories based on a single random number generated in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] FIG. 3D illustrates exemplary rewards calculated for different reward categories based on random image generated, random alphabet generated and random word generated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] FIG. 4A illustrates exemplary reward model and a user winning possibility for getting one or more rewards against a user selected number for reward model 1 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] FIG. 4B illustrates another exemplary reward model 2 that provides a user possibility of getting one or more rewards against a user selected number in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] FIG. 5 illustrates via a flow chart the working of the system disclosed, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0064] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.

[0065] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.

[0066] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for customer engagement and reward computation. An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a participation application that allows a participant/customer to participate in an event organized by an organizer, wherein the participation application of the present disclosure allows the participants to make more than one entry for the event, and manage their participant fund value before expiry of a pre-defined time. An exemplary implementation of the present disclosure provides a system/architecture, embodied in the form of say a mobile application that allows participants from different locations to participate in the event.

[0067] An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a customer engagement and reward platform that allows multiple participants to participate in an event, allowing the participants to make multiple entries for the event, which includes plurality of reward categories, within a given time frame, and compute rewards for the plurality of reward categories. In an aspect, the reward categories can be configured as potential sub- events/actions that a user can select from and then choose his/her choices for each or a combination of chosen sub-events/actions. In an aspect, the potential sub-events/actions can be based on one or a combination of a defined number of strings (which can include, but are not limited to a combination of number, image tag, alphabet, special character, symbols, dictionary words, or any other alphanumeric/special character based strings) from which a user can select one of choice, and based on which, rewards can be computed for the user based on randomly generated string at the end of the event. As one would appreciate, the proposed system provides multiple possible winning options for a participant to get a reward, as rewards for different reward categories are calculated based on the above elaborated random values generated. In the present specification, participant can also be interchangeably referred to as a customer or user who participates in an event organized by an organization.

[0068] In an exemplary implementation, a participant can make an entry for the event by selecting at least one reward category from the plurality of reward categories, selecting a particular string from plurality of strings listed for receiving participation for the at-least one reward category and assigning a fund value for the particular string.

[0069] In an exemplary implementation, the plurality of strings can be prelisted by the organiser and these plurality of strings can be one or combination of number, alphabets, name of image or hash value of image, alphabet, special character, symbols, and dictionary words, or any other representation. In an exemplary implementation, the plurality of reward categories can be selected from one or combination of partial match based reward category, full match based reward category, string nature based reward category (odd or even number).

[0070] In an exemplary implementation, the full match based reward category can be full number match based reward category, full string match based reward category and full image match based reward category. Similarly, the partial match based reward category can be partial number based reward category (single digit match reward category), number and position match based reward category, partial string match based reward category and partial image match based reward category. The string nature based reward category can be a digital root match reward category or an even-odd match reward category. The one or more reward categories can be enabled or disabled by the event organizer.

[0071] In an exemplary implementation, a participant can make an entry for the event by selecting a string, for instance a number between a defined range of numbers, say between "00 to 99", and assigning a participant fund value (say 200 points or 200 USD or 200 coins or any other quantifiable value) to his selection. The string can also be an alphabet range such as from A to Z or from AA to ZZ or from Al to A99 or any other combination. For instance, the list of selectable strings can also be presented as images say as a list of sun signs or a list of days (Monday through Sunday) from which the user can then select one or more options (depending on the configuration of the proposed system). Any other combination of strings is well within the scope of the present disclosure. For instance, even a list of 100 names can be given, from which the user can select at least one, based on which the user's winning (reward computation) can be decided. Upon selection of a string from a list of strings, a participant fund value can be assigned to by the user to the selection..

[0072] In an exemplary implementation, a participant can participate in the event by selecting reward category from a plurality of reward categories enabled by the event organizer, for which he/she wants to create an entry, interchangeably referred to as participant entry.

[0073] Participant can create an entry for the event by selecting a reward type/category for which he/she wants to create the entry and assigning a participant fund value to the entry.

[0074] In an exemplary embodiment, system/platform of present disclosure can be configured by the event organizer, wherein the event organizer can treat a single entry by user in any reward category to be treated as entry for other reward category/categories. For example, if a user makes an entry for full match reward category, the system can be configured to automatically qualify the user for string nature based reward category (for example, even-odd match reward category). For instance, in case a user a given an option to select from 00 to 99, and the user selects 54, the same number selection can be used for full/partial match with the randomly generated number, and can also be used for even-odd match reward category.

[0075] In an exemplary implementation, many participants can participate in the event once authenticated by the organizer. An aspect of the present disclosure provides each participant, one or more opportunities to make multiple entries for the event, and change/adjust/modify the participant fund values of the previously submitted entries within a defined time range, which can be defined by the organizer or can be automatically be defined by the customer engagement and reward platform.

[0076] In an exemplary embodiment, user can participate for single digit match reward category and/or exact match reward category by creating a single entry in a category referred hereafter as number match based reward category and assigning a single participant fund value to that entry. As one may appreciate, the number match reward category inherently can have the single number match reward category (partial match reward category) as well as the exact match reward category (full match reward category).

[0077] For participating in a string match reward category, for example in a number match reward category where rewards are calculated based on match of a single digit or exact match of a random generated string, a user can select a number of his/her choice between a defined range of numbers, say 00-99, wherein the defined range of numbers can be preconfigured by the organizer or can be automatically preconfigured by the customer engagement and reward platform (interchangeably referred to as system or system disclosed). The participants can select any number between the defined ranges of numbers, and can allocate any participant fund value against the selected number. By participating in a number match reward category, the participant has possibility of getting rewards of single digit match reward category (under partial match reward category) as well as the exact match reward category (full match reward category).

[0078] For participating in an another string match based reward category, for instance alphabet match reward category, where rewards are calculated based on match of a random alphabet generated from a set of alphabets preconfigured by the event organizer or automatically preconfigured by the customer engagement and reward platform with a user selected alphabet, the user can select any alphabet from the set of alphabets preconfigured and assign any participant fund value to the selected alphabet. By participating in an alphabet match reward category, the participant has possibility of getting rewards of alphabet match reward category

[0079] For participating in an another string match based reward category, for instance a word match reward category, where rewards are calculated based on match of a random word generated from a set of words preconfigured by the event organizer or automatically preconfigured by the customer engagement and reward platform with a user selected word, the user can select any word from the set of words preconfigured and assign any participant fund value to the selected word. By participating in a word match reward category, the participant has possibility of getting rewards of word match reward category

[0080] For participating in an string nature based reward category, for instance even-odd reward category, where rewards can be calculated based on whether the random generated number is an even number or an odd number, a user can select any two options, even or odd, and can also allocate any participant fund value on selected option. In an exemplary embodiment, the user can be provided an option to select a particular odd or even number along with the option. Similarly, for participating in another string nature based reward category, for instance a digital root match reward category, where rewards are calculated based on the digital root of the random generated number, a user can select digital root number from 1-9, and assign any participant fund value on the selected digital root number.

[0081] For participating in an another string match based reward category, for instance image match reward category, where rewards are calculated based on match of a random image generated from a set of images preconfigured by the event organizer or automatically preconfigured by the customer engagement and reward platform with a user selected image, the user can select any image from the set of images preconfigured and assign any participant fund value to the selected image.

[0082] In an exemplary implementation, the organizer can select the minimum and/or maximum participant fund value that a participant can allocate against each number, image, alphabet or word or any combination of these. In another exemplary implementation, the organizer can select the maximum sum of participant fund values that a single participant can allocate collectively for the event.

[0083] In an exemplary implementation, the organizer can define the time limit within which the participants can make the entries and/or can edit the entries for any reward categories. After expiry of the defined time limit, participants may not be able to make new entry for the event and/or change the pre -submitted entries.

[0084] After expiry of the defined time limit, customer engagement and reward platform of the present disclosure can compute rewards for a plurality of reward categories based one or more randomly generated string(s).

[0085] In an exemplary implementation, full match reward, for example exact digit match reward, can be given to participant entries and corresponding participants when selected string, for instance, a selected number exactly matches with the randomly generated string value, for instance a random generated number. In one embodiment, partial match reward, for instance, single digit/character/alphabet match reward can be given to participants whose selected string partially matches with the random generated string, for instance the last digit number of a participant selected number matches with the last digit number of the randomly generated number. In alternative embodiment, single digit match rewards can be given to the participants whose first digit number matches with the first digit of the random generated number. It should appreciated that although most of the embodiments of the present disclosure have been explained with respect to numbers, all the embodiments are fully covering any type of string that a user selected from a defined set of strings. For instance, partial match, in context of words can be when a from a defined set of say 100 words, the user selects "TAKEN", and full match would happen when the randomly generated string (from the list of 100) is also "TAKEN", and partial match can happen when the randomly generated string/word is TOKEN, which partially matches. Criteria for winning for partial match can be defined by the event organizer and if configured, can also be customized by the user before the event is initiated. [0086] In an exemplary embodiment, string nature match reward, for instance, digital root match rewards, can be given to the participant entries and corresponding participants, where selected digital root number (any number from 1 to 9) matches with the digital root number of the random generated string, for instance random generated number. Similarly, the even-odd rewards can be given to the participants who have selected an odd number, if the random generated number is an odd number, or to the participants who have selected an even number, if the random generated number is an even number.

[0087] In an exemplary implementation, reward value for full match reward, for instance exact digit match rewards can be X times, say 16 times or higher, of the participant fund value against the selected number based on which the participants have been selected for the exact match reward, and fund reward value for partial match reward, for instance single digit match rewards can be X/2 times, say 8 times or higher, of the participant fund value against the selected number based on which the participants have been for the single digit match reward. As mentioned above, partial match can be configured as last character match or first character match or each position character match or any other desired configuration.

[0088] In an exemplary implementation, reward value for string nature match reward, for instance the digital root match rewards can be Y times, say 8 times of higher, of the participant fund value assigned against the digital root number that matches with the digital value of the random generated number.

[0089] In an exemplary implementation, reward value for string nature match reward, for instance, even-odd match rewards can be N times, say 2 times or less, of the participation fund value assigned against the selected even or odd option. In an exemplary embodiment, even- odd rewards can be more if the particular number selected with the even/odd option is exactly the random generated number. For example, even-odd rewards can be 4 times of the participant fund value, if the particular number selected with the even/odd option is exactly the random generated number.

[0090] In another exemplary embodiment, string match reward, for instance, image match reward can be given to participant entries and corresponding participants, wherein selected image matches with a random image generated; random image generated being chosen randomly from the set of images preconfigured by the system or event organizer.

[0091] Likewise, in another exemplary embodiment, another string match reward, for instance alphabet match reward can be given to participant entries and corresponding participants wherein selected alphabet matches with a random alphabet generated; random alphabet generated being chosen randomly from the set of alphabets preconfigured by the system or event organizer.

[0092] In yet another exemplary embodiment, another string match reward, for instance word match reward can be given to participant entries and corresponding participants wherein selected word matches with a random word generated; random word generated being chosen randomly from the set of words preconfigured by the system or event organizer.

[0093] In another exemplary implementation, reward value for string match reward, for instance image match rewards can be J times (for example 2 times) of the participant fund value assigned by a participant in his participant entry wherein the selected image matches the random image generated.

[0094] In another exemplary implementation, reward value for another string match reward, for instance alphabet match rewards can be K times (for example 1.5 times), of the participant fund value assigned by a participant in his participant entry wherein the selected alphabet matches the random alphabet generated.

[0095] Likewise, in another exemplary implementation, the reward value for anther string march reward, for instance word match rewards can be M times (for example 3 times), of the participant fund value assigned by a participant in his participant entry wherein the selected word matches the random word generated.

[0096] As can be readily understood, the value of the variables X, Y, N, Z, J, K and L can be set by event organizer or system disclosed and advised to participants and the values illustrated above and used herein are just for illustration purposes.

[0097] Though, the instance examples have been illustrated with number, alphabet, words etc., as stated earlier, the string can be one or combination of number, image tag alphabet, special character, symbols, dictionary words. Words, for example, can be name of sun signs, planet names, months names and similar other group of words in any language. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of strings can be provided to the participant in any language of preference of the participant.

[0098] In an aspect, customer engagement and reward computation system of the present disclosure can have one or more authorized terminals placed at different locations where a user can go for participating in an event. A user can go to any of the terminals authorized by an event organizer, referred to hereinafter as authorized terminal(s), to participate in the event. The user can create access credentials, also referred as user registration, at any of the authorized terminals, when the user participates for the first time in an event. The user access credential may include an event/ participation ID created by the authorized terminal, and a password as selected by the user, wherein the password can be any one or combination of alphanumeric values, biometric, and physical token. After registration and obtaining the user credentials, the user can go to any of the authorized terminals, authenticate himself/herself and participate in the event by selecting reward category, a corresponding option, and placing fund value on that selected option. The user can also change, edit, or delete any of the previous entries before the expiry of participation entry expiry time. In an exemplary implementation, the user can assign a participant fund value to each participating entry either by credit/debit card, cash or by tokens issued by the event organizer.

[0099] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary architecture of customer engagement and reward computation system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As can be seen in FIG. 1, a customer engagement and reward platform 102 enables one or more users (interchangeably referred to as participants herein) to participate in an event managed by customer engagement and reward platform 102 from different locations at the convenience of the participants. One or more participants can create one or more entries for the participation in the event using their respective user/computing devices, such as user device 104-1, user device 104-2 and user device 104-N, collectively and interchangeably referred to as user device(s) 104 hereinafter. Each of the user devices 104 can have a participation application installed on their devices. For example, user device 104-1, user device 104-2 and user device 104-N can have participationapplication 106-1, participationapplication 106-2, and participationapplication 106-N, respectively installed on them. Participationapplication 106-1, participationapplication 106-2, and participationapplication 106-N, can be collectively and interchangeably referred to as participationapplication 106 hereinafter. In an exemplary implementation, the participation application 106 can be configured to receive user credential from the participant to authenticate them and then allow them to create and edit unique entries (each of which is also called participant entry herein) for their participation in the event.

[00100] In an aspect participation application 106 can be configured to allow a participant to select an event for which he/she wants to create one or more entries (by selecting a string from plurality of strings configured by the event organizer, wherein the plurality of strings can be one or combination of numbers, images, alphabets, special character or symbols, and dictionary words), and allow the participant to create one or more entries for the selected event.

[00101] The participants cancreate an entry (also called participant entry herein) by selecting reward category from the plurality of reward categories enabled by the event organizer, for which he/she wants to create an entry. The plurality of reward categories can include partial match based reward category, full match based reward category, and string nature based reward category. The partial match based reward category and full match based reward category can collectively and interchangeably be referred as string match based reward category. In an exemplary implementation, full match based reward category can be any or a combination of full number match based reward category, full string match based reward category, and full image match based reward category. Similarly, partial match based reward category can be partial number based reward category, number and position match based reward category, partial string match based reward category and partial image match based reward category. In another aspect, string nature based reward category can be a digital root match reward category and an even-odd match reward category. One or more reward categories can be enabled or disabled by the proposed system or by the event organizer. Further, for each entry, a participant can select a string/choicefrom a plurality of pre- configured strings for that reward category and can assign a participant fund value to that entry. For instance, in case the user wishes to participate using only numbers, option can be to select any number from 00 to 99. Similarly, in case the user wishes to participate using alphabets, option can be to select any set of characters from A to Z or from AA to ZZ or any other desired format.

[00102] In an aspect, system disclosed can assign, to each participant, an initial fund based upon funds purchased by him from the system using any method such as credit card well known in the art. In an exemplary implementation, the fund value can be in form of credit note, hard cash, reward points, tokens, coupons etc.

[00103] In another aspect, system disclosed can dynamically keep updating the initial fund to a total participant fund according to fund values assigned by a participant to his participant entries and rewards earned by his winning entries, as elaborated hereunder. At any time, a participant can assign any participant fund value to any of his participant entries, subject to amount being available in his total participant fund at the time.

[00104] In an aspect, system disclosed can assign, to each participant entry, a unique entry ID interchangeably referred as participant entry ID, that can be generated by the system disclosed, and correlate this to that of a user/participant who created that entry; number, image, alphabet or word selected by the user out of the corresponding values preconfigured by the system or event organizer, and participant fund value assigned by the user to the entry.

[00105] In exemplary string match based reward category, for instance a number match reward category, a user can select a number of his/her choice between a defined range of numbers, say 00-99, wherein the defined range of numbers can be preconfigured by the event organizer or can be automatically preconfigured by the customer engagement and reward platform (also referred to as system disclosed herein) .Next, the user can assign any participant fund value to the selected number that he/she wishes. In a number match reward category, the system can calculate rewards based on match of a single digit or exact match of a random number generated to that selected by the user.As one may appreciate, the number match reward category inherently has a single number match reward category and an exact match reward category. By participating in a number match reward category, a participant has possibility of getting rewards of number match reward category as elaborated hereunder.

[00106] Likewise, in string nature based reward category, for instance an even-odd reward category, system disclosed can calculate rewards based on match of whether the random string, for instance a random number generated is evenor odd, to the option selected by a user. The user can select any option (even or odd),and can assign anyparticipant fund value to his selected option. In an exemplary embodiment, the user can be provided an option to select a particular odd or even number (from the preconfigured range of numbers defined by the event organiser or system disclosed) along with the option.By participating in an even-odd reward category, a participant has possibility of getting rewards of even-odd reward category as elaborated hereunder.

[00107] In another exemplary implementation, another string nature based reward category for instance in a digital root match reward category, system disclosed can calculate rewards based on match of the digital root of the random number generated to that selected by user. The user can select any digital root number from 1 to 9 and can assign anyparticipant fund value to the selected digital root number.

[00108] By participating in a digital root match reward category, a participant has possibility of getting rewards of digital root match reward category as elaborated hereunder.

[00109] In another aspect, in another string match based reward category, for instance an image match reward category, system disclosed can calculate rewards based on match of an image randomly selected (interchangeably referred to as random image generated) by the system disclosedout of a defined set of visually different images say a set comprising fifty visually different images with a participant selected image. A participant can select an image of his/her choice from the defined set of visually different images and can assign any participant fund value against the image selected.

[00110] In an aspect, the defined set of visually different images can be preconfigured by the event organizer or can be automatically preconfigured by the customer engagement and reward platform. By participating in an image match reward category, a participant has possibility of getting rewards of image match reward category as elaborated hereunder.

[00111] In another aspect, for another string match based reward category, for instance for an alphabet match reward category, system disclosed can calculate rewardsbased on match of an alphabet randomly selected (interchangeably referred to as random alphabet generated) by the system disclosed out of a defined set of alphabets say a set comprising twenty alphabets with a participant selected alphabet. The participant can select an alphabet of his/her choice from the defined set of alphabets and can assign any participant fund value against the alphabet selected.

[00112] In an aspect, the defined set of alphabets can be preconfigured by the event organizer or can be automatically preconfigured by the customer engagement and reward platform. By participating in anystring match based reward category, a participant has possibility of getting rewards of in any of the string match based reward category as configured by the event organizer.

[00113] In another aspect, for another string match based reward category, for instance for a word match reward category, system disclosed can calculate rewards based on match of a word randomly selected (interchangeably referred to as random word generated) by the system disclosed out of a defined set of words say a set comprising fifty words with a participant selected word, a participant can select a word of his/her choice from the defined set of words and can assign any participant fund value against the word selected.In an aspect, the defined set of words can be preconfigured by the event organizer or can be automatically preconfigured by the customer engagement and reward platform. The predefined words can be any dictionary words, preferably a group of word related in some aspect. For example words can be name of sun signs, name of months in a calendar, name of animals, etc. The plurality of predefined words can be in any language and can be presented to the user in language of the user. By participating in a word match reward category, a participant has possibility of getting rewards of word match reward category as elaborated hereunder.

[00114] In an aspect, system disclosed can allow any participant to participate in any or in any combination of reward categories disclosed, assigning to each reward category a participant fund he wishes to. For example, a user can participate only in full match reward category, by selecting only one string, for instance a number, and assigning it a participant fund value. [00115] Likewise, system disclosed can allow a participant to select more than one string in a reward category as per configuration of the system disclosed. For example, he can select two numbers, three images and two words, if the system configured allows the same.

[00116] In an exemplary implementation, participant fund value can be assigned by a participant from a cumulative credit fund of the participant. In an exemplary implementation, a participant can create an entry for any event only if the participant has a predefined minimum cumulative credit fund value, wherein the predefined minimum cumulative credit fund value can be configured by the event organizer or by the customer engagement and reward platform dynamically based on the participant fund value being assigned by the other participant for the selected event.

[00117] In an exemplary implementation, a participant can use the participation application 106 to manage his/her previous entries for the selected event. The participation application 106 can be configured to allow the participants to edit the existing entries by editing the selected string, for example number or selecting a different image, alphabet or word as appropriate and corresponding participant fund value. The participation application 106 can be configured to allow as many entries as the participants wish to make for the selection event as well as delete any existing entries before a predefined time limit. In another exemplary implementation, the participation application 106 can be configured to allow a fixed total number of entries from each participant for a particular event. In yet another embodiment, participation application 106 can be configured to allow a fixed maximum number of entries in each reward category, such fixed maximum number being the same for each reward category or varying across different reward categories.

[00118] In an aspect, customer engagement and reward platform of the present disclosure can allow different participants to make entries for a single event. Each participant can use his/her personal user device 104, which can be a mobile phone, or a laptop, or a specific event participation remote control device, or any other similar device, to run the participation application 106, which can be a standalone application or can be a web based application. As shown in FIG. 1, participation application 106, for example participation application 106-1 shows the user ID 108-1 of the participant, and all the entries made by the participant for the selected event. Participation application 106-1 shows user ID 108-1 as XYZ, and all the entries made by participant XYZ. Similarly, participation application 106-2 show user ID 108-2 as ABC and all the entries made by the participantABC, and participation application 106-N shows user ID 108-N as LMN, and all the entries made by the participant LMN for the selected event. As shown in the zoom -in screen of the participation application 106-1 of the participant XYZ, there are thirteen entries made by the participant XYZ.

[00119] In an aspect, each entry can be presented as a row, which can include entry ID, reward category, participant string selection in that reward category, participant fund value assigned by participant to participant's selection, and edit option.The participation application 106 can allowa participant to edit all the exiting entries at one go, or allow the participant to selectively edit any of the existing entries.

[00120] In an exemplary implementation, a participant can manage entries through the participation application 106 before a predefined time interchangeably referred as participation entry expiry time. The participation application 106 can also show the time left for managing the existing entries, and/orfor adding more entries for the event. In an exemplary implementation, the predefined time can be selected by the organizer of the event and/or by the customer engagement and reward platform.

[00121] In an exemplary implementation, the customer engagement and reward platform 102 can collect the participant entries for the event from different user devices 104 through a suitable communication network. The customer engagement and reward platform 102 can be configured to receive participant entries from interested participants until participation entry expiry time (say before midnight of a defined date (say 23.11.2015)). After expiry of this time, the customer engagement and reward platform can automatically block any further entries attempt and configure the participation applications 106 to block further participant entry for the selected event.

[00122] On expiry of the predefined time, customer engagement and reward platform 102 can generate at least one random string out of the plurality of preconfigured strings by the system or event organizer using a random string generation algorithm and display the generated random string on the participation application screen 106. As one may appreciate, random string can be selected from a plurality of preconfigured strings, which are any or a combination of number, alphabet, special character or symbol, dictionary words, name of images and hash value of images. For example, a random string can be a random number selected from a preconfigured set of numbers, or a random image selected from a set of preconfigured images, or a random alphabet selected from a preconfigured set of alphabets, or a random word selected from a set of preconfigured words.

[00123] In another aspect, on expiry of predefined time, customer engagement and reward platform 102 can generate a random number, or random image, a random alphabet and a random word out of the corresponding images, alphabets and words preconfigured by the system disclosed or event organizer and display those on participation application screen 106.

[00124] In an aspect,customer engagement and reward platform 102 can generate at-least one random string from the plurality of preconfigured strings.

[00125] In an exemplary implementation, the customer engagement and reward platform 102 can compute rewards for full match based reward category, partial match based reward category and string nature based reward category based on the random string generated above and as elaborated hereunder.

[00126] In an exemplary implementation, full match based reward category, for instance an exact digit match reward can be given to participant entries and corresponding participants wherein the selected string, for instance selected number exactly matches with the randomgenerated string, for instance random number generated. In one embodiment, partial match based reward category, for instance, single digit match rewards can be given to participant entries and corresponding participants wherein, part of selected string, for instance last digit of selected numbermatches partially with the random generated string, for instance with the last digit number of the random number generated. In an alternate embodiment, single digit match rewards can be given to participant entries and corresponding participants whereinfirst digit of number selected matches with the first digit of the random number generated.

[00127] In another exemplary embodiment, string nature based rewards, for instance digital root match rewards can be given to participant entries and corresponding participants whereinnature of the selected string, for instance selected digital root number (any number from 1-9) matches with the nature of random generated string, for instance digital root number of the random number generated.

[00128] In another aspect, string nature based rewards, for instance even-odd rewards can be given to participant entries and corresponding participants whereinan odd number is selected if the random numbergenerated is an oddnumber, or to participant entries and corresponding participants whereinan even number is selected if the random numbergenerated is an even number.

[00129] In various exemplary embodiments, the reward value for a match in a category can be calculated by system disclosed based upon winning multiplier factor for that category, as elaborated hereunder.

[00130] In an exemplary implementation, reward value for full match based rewards, for instance,exact match rewards can be X times, (for example 16 times) of the participant fund value assigned by a participant in his participant entry, wherein the selected number exactly matches the random number generated. Likewise, reward value for partial match based rewards, for instance,single digit match rewards can be X/2 times, (for example 8 times) of the participant fund value assigned by a participant in his participant entry, wherein the last digit of the selected number matches that of the random number generated. In an exemplary implementation, reward value for the string nature based rewards, for instance, digital root match rewards can be Y times, (for example 8 times ) of the participant fund value assigned by a participant in his participant entry wherein the digital root number selected matches the digital root of random number generated

[00131] In an exemplary implementation, reward value for string nature based awards, for instance, even-odd match reward, can be N times (for example 2 times) of the participant fund value assigned by a participant in his participant entry, wherein the reward is given when the selected number and the random number generated are either both even or both odd. In another exemplary implementation, reward value for even-odd match rewards can also be Z times (for example 3 times) of the participant fund value assigned by a participant in his participant entry, such as when both the numbers of odd. Any other configuration is therefore completely within the scope of the present disclosure.

[00132] In another exemplary embodiment, even-odd rewards can be more if the particular number selected by a participant using even/odd option is exactly the random generated number. For example, even-odd reward can be 4 times of the participant fund value if the particular number selected with the even/odd option is exactly same as the random generated number.

[00133] To elaborate further, participant 106-1 can select a string nature, for instance even for number (even-32) combination as shown at FIG. 1A at entry ID 8881. Now, if the random string generated, for instance random number generated is 4 (even but not matching the number selected by participant 106-1), participant entry 8881 and corresponding participant 106-1 can get an even-odd reward of 400 as participant fund value in this entry is 200. However, if the random generated number is 32 (even as well as matching the number selected by participant 106-1), participant entry 8881 and corresponding participant 106-1 can get an even-odd reward of 800 instead.

[00134] In an aspect, value of X can be 16, 18, or 20, and therefore reward fund value for exact match reward can be 16, 18 or 20 times of participation fund value for winning participant entries and corresponding participants. [00135] In another exemplary embodiment, string match based reward, for instance, image match reward can be given to participant entries and corresponding participants when selected image matches with a randomly generated image; random image generated being chosen randomly from a set of images preconfigured by the system or event organizer.

[00136] Likewise, in another exemplary embodiment, string match based reward, for instance alphabet match reward can be given to participant entries and corresponding participants wherein selected alphabet matches with a random generated alphabet; random alphabet generated being chosen randomly from the set of alphabets preconfigured by the system or event organizer.

[00137] In yet another exemplary embodiment, string match based reward, for instance word match reward can be given to participant entries and corresponding participants wherein selected word matches with a random word generated; random word generated being chosen randomly from the set of words preconfigured by the system or event organizer.

[00138] In another exemplary implementation, the reward value for the image match rewards can be J times (for example 2 times), of the participant fund value assigned by a participant in his participant entry wherein the selected image matches the random image generated.

[00139] In another exemplary implementation, the reward value for the alphabet match rewards can be K times (for example 1.5 times), of the participant fund value assigned by a participant in his participant entry wherein the selected alphabet matches the random alphabet generated.

[00140] Likewise, in another exemplary implementation, the reward value for the word match rewards can be M times (for example 3 times), of the participant fund value assigned by a participant in his participant entry wherein the selected word matches the random word generated.

[00141] As can be readily understood, the value of the variables X, Y, N, Z, J, K and L can be set by event organizer or system disclosed and advised to participants and the values illustrated above and used herein are just for illustration purposes. Similarly such variables can be assigned for any other reward such as last digit match, first digit match etc. Likewise variables can also be assigned for combinations of reward categories. For example, a reward can be given when both the image as well as the number selected by a participant match those randomly generated, the value of multiplier for such a case being 25 times the sum of participant fund value assigned by the participant to his selected image and selected number that matches those randomly generated, the multiplier of 25 being used here only for illustrative purposes.

[00142] As shown in FIG. 1A, user XYZ has selected string match based entry, comprising of all number, for example 03, 82, 17, 85, string nature match based entry, for example root number 9, root number 6, and option of even with number 32, and assigned them participant fund value as 1000, 500, 5000, 2000, 200, 100, and 200 respectively in corresponding participant entries, each with a unique ID generated by system disclosed. He has also selected an image of sun, another image of house, an alphabet D, another alphabet G, a word 'APPLE' and another word 'CORN' and assigned them participant fund value as 400, 1000, 100, 50, 300 and 200 respectively in corresponding participant entries, each with a unique ID generated by system disclosed. In an exemplary implementation, if even-odd number based participation is allowed by the event organizer, XYZ can also select even number, and assign a participant fund value to it. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, XYZ has selected even number 32 and assigned a participant fund value of 200 to it as shows in participant entry ID 8881. Till the time the event is open, system of the present disclosure can allow participants to add/modify values of categories and/or add/modify the associated participant fund values that can correspondingly be credited or debited to the participant's total participant fund with the system disclosed. For instance, the user XYZ can, if desired, at a later time change the selection 03 to 13 and decrease the associated participant fund value to 250 for participant entry ID 1001. Similarly, the user can also delete the selection of 82 for participant entry ID 2011, or can add a new selection say 56 and associate a participant fund value to it from the total participant fund he has with him/her at the time. Similarly, user XYZ can delete participant entry ID 1441 with word 'APPLE' already selected by him altogether when the associated participant fund value can be credited back to his total participant fund with the system disclosed. Any or a defined extent of modification can therefore be allowed by the proposed system.

[00143] Once the participation entry expiry time of the event is over, at least one random string can be generated, which can be random selection of a string from a plurality of preconfigured strings. As described earlier, the plurality of preconfigured strings can be any or combination of numbers, alphabets, special symbols, special characters, dictionary words, name of image or hash value of image.

[00144] In an aspect, random string generated can be used by the system disclosed to compute reward of a participant for partial match based reward category, full match based reward category, and string nature based award category, or their associated sub-categories. [00145] For instance, if the randomly generated string, for instance, random number generated is 37,it does not match with any of the selections made by user XYZ, but the last digit of the user selection number, for example 17, matches with the last digit of the random generated number 37. The user can get partial match based reward and can be given say 5 times of the assigned participant fund value say 5000*5=25000 for corresponding participant entry, if the system has been so configured. Similarly, as user ABC on device 104-2 has selected the number 37, he can get full match based reward and can be given 10 times of the assigned participant fund value for corresponding participant entry , if the system has been so configured, i.e. 2000* 10, i.e., 20000.

[00146] As illustrated, User XYZ has selected string nature based reward category and made entries for two digital root numbers 9 and 6. However digital root of the random number generated is 1. Hence, User XYZ cannot be granted any reward by the system disclosed in the string nature based reward category, particularly under digital root match reward category.

[00147] As also illustrated, User XYZ has selected Even-32 for string nature match based reward, for example even-odd match reward category. This entry is also not matching with the random generated string (number 37), the system disclosed cannot grant any reward to user XYX in this category as well.

[00148] Likewise if system disclosed randomly selects an image of 'sun' (out of the defined set of visually different images preconfigured by the system) that can match first image selected by user XYZ on his device 104-1, the user can be given J (J being two, for example) times of the assigned participant fund value and so he can get 400*2 = 800 for corresponding participant entry. Likewise, in another exemplary embodiment, if system disclosed randomly selects an alphabet of G that matches second alphabet selected by user XYZ on his device 104-1, the user can be given K times ( K being 1.5, for example ) of the assigned participant fund value and so he can get 50* 1.5=75 for corresponding participant entry. In yet another exemplary embodiment, if system disclosed randomly selects a word 'APPLE' that matches first word selected by user XYZ on his device 104-1, the user can be given L times ( L say 7 times being 3, for example ) of the assigned participant fund value and so he can get 300*3=900 for corresponding participant entry.

[00149] In an aspect, each participant entry that has earned a reward can be called a winning participant entry. In this fashion, a user of system disclosed can get rewarded for his/her participation for each winning participant entry.

[00150] In another embodiment, system disclosed can calculate total reward due to a participant and credit this reward to that participant total participant fund. [00151] Any winning multiplier factor can be assigned to any reward category of the system disclosed, all of which variations are completely within the scope of the present disclosure.

[00152] In an aspect, event organizer can configure the winning multiplier factor for each category or any of their combination in such a manner such that he/she never suffers a loss and/or makes at least a defined profit. In another aspect, even the random number, image, alphabet and word generated by the system disclosed or by the event organizer can be based on selections made by different users/participants so as to enable the event organizer to make at least a defined profit.

[00153] FIG. IB illustrates an exemplary architecture of customer engagement and reward computation system that allows user engagement through different authorized terminals located at different locations, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. IB, a user 156 can go to any authorized terminal, such as authorized terminal 154-1, authorized terminal 154-2, and authorized terminal 154-N, collectively and interchangeably referred as authorized terminal 154, that can be located at different locations, as authorized by the event organizer, to participate in an event. All the authorized terminals 154 can be connected to a customer engagement and reward platform 152 to get the event details. Customer engagement and reward platform 152 can store one or more participation entries as created by the user 156 and use such entries as required. The user 156 can go to any authorized terminal 154 to participate in an event, such as a gaming event, lottery event etc. To participate in the event, the user can register himself/ herself at any of the authorized terminal 154 and generate user credentials that can be used for further participation in the same event, or events organized by the same event organizer, by the user, wherein the user credentials can include a participation ID and password, which can be any one or combination of alphanumeric password, fingerprint, and physical token. Once registered, the user 156 can authenticate himself/ herself with user credentials at any of the participating terminal 154 through an appropriate authentication mechanism. In an aspect, the customer engagement and reward computation system (interchangeably referred as system disclosed) can have one or more authorized terminals 154 placed at different locations, where user 156 can go to participate in the event. User 156 can visit any of the authorized terminals 154 to change, edit, or delete any of the previous entries, made by him/her, before the expiry of event's participation entry expiry time. In an exemplary implementation, the user 156 can assign a participant fund value for each participating entry by credit/debit card, cash or tokens issued by the event organizer or any combination of these. [00154] As shown in FIG. IB, each of the authorized terminal can have an authentication module 158 configured to receive user credential and authenticate the user, and a participation module 160 configured to allow creation of participation entries by the user or allow him to edit or delete his previously created participation entries.

[00155] In an exemplary embodiment, the authorized terminals can be placed either at the event organizer's premises, or at any public place such as community centres, malls etc. The authorized terminals 154 can be operator managed/assisted terminal or can be a self-operated kiosk. In another exemplary embodiment the authorized terminal can be configured on a user's mobile device using an application developed for the purpose and can communicate with customer engagement and reward platform 152 using wireless telecommunication technologies.

[00156] The customer engagement and reward platform 152 enables one or more participants such as user 156 to participate in an event managed by the customer engagement and reward platform 152 from different locations at the convenience of the participants /usersl56. One or more participants can make one or more participation entries for the participation in the event using any of the authorized terminals 154. The authorized terminals 154 can have a participation application installed on their devices and can include the authentication module 158 and participation module 160. For example, authorized terminal 154-1, can have the authorization module 158-1, and participation module 160-1. In an exemplary implementation, the authorization module 158 of the authorized terminals 154 can be configured to receive user credential, such as participation ID and password, from the users 156 to authenticate them and then uniquely present to each individual user one or more entries created by him for the event as well as allow him to create more participant entries, per configuration of system disclosed. The terminals 154can be configured to allow a participant to select an event for which he/she wants to create one or more entries (by selecting string from the plurality of preconfigured strings and/or nature of string from the preconfigured nature of strings), and allow the participant to create one or more entries for the selected event.

[00157] In an exemplary embodiment, the participant fund value can be assigned in any form, including but not limiting to cash payment at the terminal 154, by way of presenting tokens issued by the event organizers, or credit or debit card linked payment or mobile wallet payment, reward points, hard cash, tokens etc. For each participant entry that a participant/user 156 wishes to make for a selected event, he/she needs to select a number, image, alphabet or word and assign a participant fund value to what he/she has selected. [00158] In an exemplary implementation, the authorized terminal 154 allows the users 156 to create new entries as well as manage his/her previous entries for an event. The authorized terminal 154 can be configured to allow the participants/users 156 to edit any of the existing entries by editing the already selected string and/or string nature. The authorized terminal 154 can be configured to allow as many entries as the participants wish to make for an event, before the expiry of the participation entry expiry time for the event. In another exemplary implementation, the authorized terminal 154 can be configured to allow a fixed number of entries from each user for an event.

[00159] In another aspect, authorized terminal 154 can be configured for a plurality of events and allow users 156 to select any event out of those for which the participation entry expiry time is not yet over and allow users 156 to create and manage participant entries for event selected in a similar fashion as elaborated above.

[00160] The customer engagement and reward platform 152 of the present disclosure can allow different users to make entries for a single event from different locations either by using the application installed on the user's mobile device or web based application, or from any authorized terminals 154. Each participant/user 156 can use his/her personal user device, which can be a mobile phone, or a laptop, or a specific event participation remote control device, or any other similar device, or an authorized terminal 154 to participate in the event.

[00161] In an exemplary implementation, the customer engagement and reward platform 152 can collect the participant entries for the event from different authorized terminals 154 through a suitable communication network, store them and use them further as appropriate. The customer engagement and reward platform 152 can be configured to receive participant entries from interested participants until a predefined time, referred also as participation entry expiry time (say before midnight of a defined date (say 23.11.2015), which can be before the time of reward computation. After expiry of the participation entry expiry time for an event, the customer engagement and reward platform 152 can automatically block further participant entries as well as configure the authorized terminals 154 to appropriately inform users 156 attempting to create participant entries for the event.

[00162] On expiry of the participation entry expiry time, the customer engagement and reward platform 152 can generate a random string, which can be randomly selected string from the plurality of preconfigured strings. In another aspect, customer engagement and reward platform 152 can do such random generations/selection of strings at a second predefined time, also referred as reward computation time, which can be later than the participation entry expiry time. The randomly generated string can be displayed on all the authorized terminals 154 and can be communicated to all the users 156 who may have participated for the event.

[00163] In another aspect, system disclosed can be configured to generate more than one random strings and rewards can be computed accordingly for users who made selections accordingly.

[00164] In an exemplary implementation, customer engagement and reward platform 152 can also announce one or more offers such as reward will be 2 times higher than the previously announced award for all the reward categories of the event or for selected reward categories. Reward computation for one or more reward category can be done based on the randomly generated string. In an exemplary implementation, customer engagement and reward platform 152 can be configured to communicate one or more of new event declaration, reward categories for the event, participation entry expiry time for the event, reward computation time for the event, reward policies etc. to the user 156 directly using registered mobile number, or email address of the user or through the authorized terminals 154.

[00165] In an aspect, customer engagement and reward platform 152 can compute rewards won by each winning participant entry and corresponding participant as explained in exemplary methods elaborated above and inform each participant reward won by him/her for each of his winning participant entry and total reward won by him/her.

[00166] The user 156 can receive the reward directly in their respected credit /debit card accounts, or can receive the cash from any of the authorized terminals 154. To collect the reward from authorized terminal 154, the user 156 will need to authenticate himself /herself at the authorized terminal 154. In an exemplary implementation, the customer engagement and reward platform 152 can communicate the reward collection code to the users 156 that the usersl56 can present at the authorized terminal 154 to receive the rewards.

[00167] FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary functional modules of customer engagement and reward computation system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG.1A, a customer engagement and reward computation system has been disclosed, wherein the system can include a participation application 106that can be installed/accessed by different participants from remote places to receive one or more participation entries from different participations, and a customer engagement and reward platform 102that collects one or more participation entries from different participants and computes rewards for plurality of reward categories, based on the participation entries and a random generated string. [00168] In an aspect, the customer engagement and reward system of the present disclosure can include a participant entry create and manage module 202 that can be configured to allow a participant/user, over a computer network, to create an entry for an eventby selecting a reward category from a plurality of reward categories configured by an event organizer, and selecting a string from a plurality of preconfigured strings and allocating a fund value to the selected string.

[00169] In an aspect, participant entry create and manage module 202 can allow a user to participate in the event by selecting reward category from the plurality of reward categories enabled by an event organizer, for which he/she wants to makes an entry. The module 202 can allow the participant to manage at least one participant entry for an event and to collect, store and use as required the at least one participant entry. In an exemplary implementation, the plurality of reward category can be full match based reward category, partial match based reward category, and string nature based reward category. The full match based reward category and partial match based reward category has been referred throughout the document collectively as string match based reward category. In an exemplary implementation, full match based reward category can be full number match based reward category, full string match based reward category, and full image match based reward category. The partial match based reward category can be partial number based reward category, number and position match based reward category, partial string match based reward category and partial image match based reward category. Similarly, the string nature based reward category can be a digital root match reward category, and an even-odd match reward category. One or more reward categories can be enabled or disabled by the event organizer.

[00170] In an exemplary implementation, plurality of preconfigured strings can be prelisted/preconfigured for listing by the event organiser, and these plurality of preconfigured strings can be one or combination of number, alphabets, special characters, special symbols dictionary words, name of an image or hash value of an image.

[00171] A participant can create an entry for the event by selecting a reward category for which he/she wants to create an entry, selecting a value for it from a set of values predefined by the system or event organizer, and assigning a participant fund value to the entry. In an exemplary embodiment, system/platform of present disclosure can be configured by the event organizer, wherein the event organizer can treat a single entry by user in any reward category to be treated as entry for other reward category. For example, if a user creates an entry for exact match reward category the system can be configured to automatically qualify the user for even-odd match reward category as well. [00172] For participating in a string match based reward category, for instance a number match reward category, where the rewards can be calculated based on match of a single digit or exact match of a random generated string, for instance random generated number with participant selected number, a participant can select a string from the plurality of predefined string, for instance a number of his/her choice from a defined range of numbers, say 00-99, wherein the defined range of numbers can be preconfigured by the organizer or can be automatically preconfigured by the customer engagement and reward platform (system disclosed). The participant can select any number from a defined range of numbers, and can assign a participant fund value to the selected number. By participating in a string match based reward category, for instance number match reward category, the participant has possibility of getting rewards of partial match based reward category, for instance single digit match reward category and full match based reward category, for instance exact match reward category.

[00173] In an aspect, system disclosed can instead provide a certain set of numbers out of the defined range and allow the participant to select numbers out of this set only.

[00174] For participating in a string nature based reward category, for instance an even-odd number match based reward, where rewards are calculated based on whether the random generated number is even or odd, a user can select any option even or odd and can assign any participant fund value to the selected option.

[00175] For participating in a string nature based reward category, for instance a digital root match reward category, where rewards are calculated based on digital root of the random generated number, a user can select digital root number from 1-9, and can assign any participant fund value to the selected digital root number.

[00176] For participating in another string match based reward category, for instance an image match reward category, where rewards are calculated based on the random image generated, a user can select any image from the set of images preconfigured by the organizer or automatically preconfigured by the customer engagement and reward platform (system disclosed) and can assign any participant fund value to the selected image.

[00177] For participating in another string match based reward category, for instance an alphabet match reward category, where rewards are calculated based on the random alphabet generated, a user can select any alphabet from the set of alphabets preconfigured by the organizer or automatically preconfigured by the customer engagement and reward platform (system disclosed) and can assign any participant fund value to the selected alphabet. [00178] For participating in another string match based reward category, for instance a word match reward category, where rewards are calculated based on a randomly generated word, a user can select any word from the set of words preconfigured by the organizer or automatically preconfigured by the customer engagement and reward platform (system disclosed) and can assign any participant fund value to the selected word. The words can be selected from dictionary words or group of words, such as sun-signs, name of months of calendar, names of planets, names of fruits, names of animals etc, or any other combination of letters

[00179] In an aspect, a participant can assign a participant fund value to an entry being created by him subject to a maximum of total funds available in his account with the system disclosed. The system disclosed can dynamically modify the total funds available according to the entries being created, modified or deleted by the participant debiting or crediting the total fund account of the participant accordingly.

[00180] In this fashion participant entry create and manage module 202can allow a plurality of participants to create a plurality of entries in the various reward categories for which the system disclosed is configured.

[00181] In another aspect, participant entry create and management module 202 can allow a single user to create multiple entries for a given event before a predefined time limit, which is also referred to as participation entry expiry time. In an exemplary implementation, participant entry create and manage module 202can be configured to receive entries from remotely located participants through a web based participating application or mobile based participation application. Participant entry create and management module 202 can allow the participants to edit existing entries to change their selected strings, which can be any or a combination of number, image, alphabet or word, along with also being able to change participant fund value of each selection before the predefined time limit. Participant entry create and manage module 202 can allow participants to delete any existing entry altogether, before the predefined time limit.

[00182] In an aspect, system disclosed can assign, to each participant entry, a unique entry ID and correlate this to that of a user/participant who created that entry; string selected by the user out of the plurality of preconfigured strings by the system or event organizer, and participant fund value assigned by the user to the entry.

[00183] System of the present disclosure can further include a randomization module 204 that can be configured to generate at-least one random output/winning string, which can be random selection of at-least one string from the plurality of preconfigured strings. [00184] In an exemplary embodiment, system can further include a participation and randomization based reward computation module 206 that can be configured to compute rewards for a plurality of reward categories based on match of a participants' selected strings (number(s) or option(s) or images, alphabets and words or combination thereof) with corresponding random generated strings/winning string(s).As one may appreciate, rewards for plurality of reward categories can be calculated based on a single random generated string. In some instance, rewards for the plurality of reward category can be calculated based on a single random generated number.

[00185] On expiry of predefined time limit, randomization module 204 can randomly select at-least one string from the plurality of preconfigured strings using suitable random generation/selection algorithms. For example, the randomization module 204 can generate any number between 00-99 if the number range for which the system is pre -configured is 00-99. In another example, module 204 can randomly select a string, for example a name of a sun sign from all existing sun-signs, or a dictionary word from a list of preconfigured words or any string from the plurality of preconfigured strings. As stated earlier, a plurality of preconfigured strings can be created using one or a combination of numbers, alphabets, special characters or special symbols, words, name of images, hash values of images. In an exemplary implementation, words can be name of sun-sign, name of months in a calendar, name of animals, name of fruits, name of cities, and any such group of words or random words. The plurality of predefined strings can be any or a combination of number, alphabets, special characters etc. For example a string can be XYZ941#$1, another string can be ABDC 12#$% and similarly any such string can be preconfigured by the event organizers.

[00186] In an aspect, participation and randomization based reward computation module 206 can include a full match based reward computation module 208, partial match based reward computation module 210, and a string nature based reward computation module 212.

[00187] In an exemplary implementation, full match based reward computation module 208 can include full number match based reward computation module, full string match based reward computation module, and full image match based reward computation module. The partial match based reward computation module 210 can include a partial number match based reward computation module, a number and position match based reward computation module, and a partial image match based reward computation module. In an exemplary implementations, string nature based reward computation module 212 can include even-odd number based reward computation module, and a digital root number based reward computation module. [00188] In an exemplary implementation, modules 208, 210, and 212 can compute reward under different reward categories based on at-least one random selected string.

[00189] In an exemplary implementation, module 208 can be configured to compute full match rewards for participant strings that fully/exactly match with random selected string/winning string. Module 210 can be configured to compute partial match rewards for participant string that partially matches with randomly selected string/winning string, and module 212 can be configured to compute string nature based rewards for participant strings, nature of which matches with the nature of randomly selected string.

[00190] In an exemplary implementation, participation and randomization based reward computation module 206 can compute a reward for various reward categories for participant entries and corresponding participants based on participant entries and generated/selected string(s).

[00191] In an exemplary implementation, full number match based reward computation module of the full match based reward computation module 208 can be configured to compute exact digit match rewards, wherein the exact digit match rewards can be given to participant entries, where selected number exactly matches with the random number generated. The full string image match based reward computation module of the module 208 can be configured to compute exact full image match rewards, wherein the full image match rewards can be given to participants, where participant selected image (name or hash value of image) exactly matches with randomly generated image (name or hash value of image). The module 208 can be configured to compute other exact string match based rewards, wherein participant selected string exactly matches with the randomly selected strings.

[00192] The single digit number match based reward computation module of the partial match based reward computation module 210 can be configured to compute single digit match rewards. In one embodiment, single digit match rewards can be given to participant entries where last digit of the participant number matches with the last digit of the random number generated. In an alternate embodiment, single digit match rewards can be given to participant entries where first digit of number selected matches with the first digit of the random/winning number generated. Partial string image match based reward computation module of the module 210 can be configured to compute partial image match rewards, wherein the partial image match rewards can be given to participants where participant selected image (name or hash value of image) partially matches with random generated image (name or hash value of image). Module 210 can be configured to compute other partial string match based rewards, wherein the participant selected string, partially matches with the randomly selected strings. [00193] In an exemplary implementation, even-odd number based reward computation module for instance of the string nature based reward computation module 212 can be configured to calculate even-odd rewards, wherein rewards can be given to participant entries where odd number option was selected by the participants who created those entries, if the random generated string, for instance random generated number is an odd number, or to participant entries where even number option was selected by the participants who created those entries, if the random generated string, for instance random generated number is an even number.

[00194] In an exemplary embodiment, digital root number based reward computation module for instance of the string nature based reward computation module 212 can be configured to compute digital root match rewards, wherein digital root match rewards can be given to the participant entries where digital root selected matches with the digital root number of the random generated string, for example random generated number. The digital root number based reward computation module can first calculate digital root number of the random generated number. Digital root (also repeated digital sum) of a non-negative integer is the (single digit) value obtained by an iterative process of summing digits on each iteration using the result from the previous iteration to compute a digit sum. The process continues until a single-digit number is reached. For instance, for number 85, the total of the digits is 13, for which the total of digits is 4, and therefore the digital root for 85 is 4.

[00195] In an aspect, participant entries that have earned a reward can be called winning participant entries.

[00196] In another aspect, event organizer of system disclosed can assign any winning multiplier factor to any reward category of the system disclosed based upon which winning participant entries and their corresponding participants can be rewarded.

[00197] In an exemplary implementation, winning multiplier factor for exact match reward category can be X, say 16. Then reward value for the winning participant entries in this category can be X times, say 16 times, of the participant fund value assigned in each and reward value for winning participant entries in single digit match reward category can be X/2 times (for instance), say 8 times, of the participant fund value assigned in each.

[00198] In another exemplary implementation, winning multiplier factor for digital root match reward category can be Y, say 8. Then, reward value for the winning participant entries in this category can be Y times, say 8 times, of the participant fund value assigned in each. [00199] In another exemplary implementation, winning multiplier factor for even-odd match category can be N, say 2. Then, reward value for the winning participant entries in this category can be N times, say 2 times of the participant fund value assigned in each.

[00200] In another exemplary implementation, winning multiplier factor for full image match reward category can be J, say 2. Then, reward value for the winning participant entries in this category can be J times, say 2 times, of the participant fund value assigned in each.

[00201] In another exemplary implementation, winning multiplier factor for other full string match reward category for instance for alphabets match reward category can be K, say 1.5. Then, reward value for the winning participant entries in this category can be K times, say 1.5 times, of the participant fund value assigned in each.

[00202] In another exemplary implementation, winning multiplier factor for other full string match reward category for instance word match reward category can be L, say 3. Then, reward value for the winning participant entries in this category can be L times, say 3 times, of the participant fund value assigned in each.

[00203] In an exemplary implementation, the customer engagement and reward system can be configured to authenticate each participant, keep a record of the activity of the participants and the rewards won by them and accordingly, keep the total fund value in his account updated based upon which a participant can assign participant funds to further entries being created by him. The participation application of the customer engagement and reward system can be a web based application or a mobile application, that allows participants to participate in the event from anywhere.

[00204] FIG. 3A illustrates exemplary interfaces of participation application in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG.3 A at Screen 1, a participation application 302 can include a user authentication 304 interface that can receive user ID 306 and password 308 in order to authenticate the user. In an exemplary implementation, an event organizer can organize multiple events scheduled at different times/dates and allow the user to participate in one or more events of user's choice. The plurality of events can relate to different type of reward models. In an exemplary embodiment, an organizer can include different reward categories for a single event and allow the user to participate in the event by selecting any reward category. The event organizer can include plurality of reward categories and can allow the user to participate in the event using any reward category. Participant can select a reward category from preconfigured plurality of reward categories for which he/she wants to create an entry. The plurality of reward categories can include full match based reward category, partial match based reward category, and string nature match based reward category wherein one or more reward categories can be enabled or disabled by the event organizer.

[00205] In an aspect, participation application 302 can present to a user after authentication the events presently being offered by the system from which he can select one .Participation application 302 can the show him his present participant entries for this event and allow him to add more entries as well as edit existing ones if he so wishes, till the participation entry expiry time, as shown at Screen 2.

[00206] In an exemplary embodiment, user can participate for partial match based reward category, for instance single digit match reward category and full match based reward category, for instance exact match reward category (referred hereafter as number match based reward categories) by making a single entry and allocating a single fund value, as shown at Screen 3.

[00207] In an exemplary embodiment, one reward category of the plurality of reward categories can be full based reward category, where full/exact match rewards can be decided based on the exact match of user selected strings with random selected/generated strings. In an exemplary embodiment, another reward category of plurality of reward categories can be partial match based reward category, for instance single digit match reward where winning entry can be decided based on partial match of user selected strings with random selected/generated strings, for instance match of last digit match of the user selected number in that entry with the last digit of random number generated. In another exemplary embodiment, another reward category of plurality of reward categories can be single digit match reward where winning entry can be decided based on first digit match of the user selected number in that entry with the first digit of random number generated.

[00208] In an exemplary embodiment, exact match reward category can be exact image match reward category where winning entry can be decided based on exact match of the user selected image in that entry with the random image generated. In another exemplary embodiment, another exact match reward category can be alphabet match reward where winning entry can be decided based on exact match of the user selected alphabet in that entry with alphabets of random generated string In yet another exemplary embodiment, another reward category of the exact match reward category can be word match reward where winning entry can be decided based on match of the user selected word in that entry with the word of random generated string.

[00209] In an exemplary implementation, a participant can be allowed to participate in an event only if the organizer authenticates the participant. On successful authentication by the organizer of the event, the participant can create one or more entries for the event. Once the participant is authenticated by the appropriate authentication server, the participation application 302 shows the user ID 306 and the time at that moment. In an exemplary implementation, the participation application 302 can also display participation entry expiry time before which the participants can add the entries and can edit the existing entries. As shown in the second interface (Screen II) of the participation application 302, the participant can be shown a select event 312 option, through which he/she can select the event in which he/she wishes to participate and/or manage the entries therein. On selection of appropriate event, for example event C, the participant can access his/her entries related to the selected event. The participation application 302 presents to participant participation management 314- 1 options to manage one or more existing entries related to the selected event. The participation application 302 also allows participants to add/modify one or more entries for a selected event. When a participant selects add entry option, the next interface of participation application 302 (Screen III) can provide an option to reward category from a list of reward categories, for example exact match based reward category, partial match based reward category, and string nature based reward category. As shown in FIG. 3C, each reward category can be selected from different types of reward categories that can be enabled/disabled by the event organizer. As shown in FIG. 3C, the present system can allow the participant to select a reward category, for instance even-odd under string nature based reward category, as shown at select category 316 option and then enable the participant to add a new participant entry as shown at add entry 318 (Screen III). The user can select a reward category from the plurality of reward categories enabled by the event organizer for the selected event, and create an entry for the same. Participant can create an entry for the event by selecting a reward category for which he/she wants to create an entry, selecting a value (that later shows up in Participant Selection column in participation management 314-2 at Screen IV) and assigning a participant fund value to that entry. For example, a participant can select single digit match category option that allows user to select a number 320between the predefined number range, and allocate a participant fund value 322 against the selected number. For example the participant selects a string, number 85, and assigns participant fund value of 800 units (such as Dollars or INR or points). On submission of the new entry, a new row can be added to the existing list of entries as shown in the fourth screen of the participation application 302 at entry ID 1852.

[00210] Likewise, a participant can select any reward category or any combination of these as illustrated in fourth screen of participation application 302. [00211] In an exemplary implementation, the participant can edit and drop any entry by exercising the participation management option 314 before expiry of the predefined time limit.

[00212] FIG. 3B illustrates further exemplary interfaces of participation application 302 that allow user an option to participate in an event by selecting different reward categories in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3B, at screen I the user/participant can select digital root match reward category under string nature based reward category that allows the user to select a root number 324 that can be any number between 0-9, and assign fund value 326 to participate in the event. For example, user can select digital root number 9, and allocate a participant fund value 324 of 200 rupees/dollar/points. The entry made by user gets updated for participation management as showing at screen II at entry ID 1382 at Screen II. Further, the user can select even-odd match reward category as showing at screen III that allows the user to select either even or odd option 328-1 and allocate a participant fund value 330 to participate in the event. As the user confirms the entry, an entry can be updated for participation management. In an exemplary embodiment the user can be provided an option to select a particular odd or even number 328- 2, along with the option 328-1 and allocate a participant fund value 3308, as showing at screen III. For example, user can select option 328-1 as even and select a particular number 32 as shows at 328-2, and allocate a fund value of 200 as shown at 330 in the present illustration. By selecting the particular number, user can get more reward if the random selected number is exactly the same as the particular selected number 328-2. As the user confirms the entry, it can be updated for participation management as shown at screen IV, entry ID 8881.

[00213] Each participant can accordingly add/edit one or more entries under different reward categories of the selected event, and can submit his/her entries before the predefined time limit say midnight of 23 'rd November 2015. On expiry of the predefined time limit(participation entry expiry time), no more entries can be made by any participant for the selected event. After the expiry of the predefined time limit, rewards for the participants can be computed at a reward computation time, based on at-least one randomly generated string that can be generated by the system.

[00214] In an exemplary embodiment, between the participation entry expiry time and the reward computation time, the event organizer can announce different special offers and rewards which can be communicated to the user or displayed on the terminals of authorized terminals. The special offers and rewards announced between the participation entry expiry time and the reward computation time can be in addition to the original reward categories. The special offers and rewards announced between the participation entry expiry time and the reward computation time can be an opportunity for the user to get, for example, gold coin, silver coin, extra bonus points/funds, car, discount coupons, travel vouchers, gift cards and any other rewards, on a special match, say, for example, a special number match. The special number match can be a match of user selected number that is x number, example 5, less than the random number generated , or a match of user selected number that is y number, example 8, greater than the random number generated. For example special number match, for a random generated number "85" can be number 80 (85-5) or number 93 (85+8).

[00215] In an exemplary implementation, the special offers and rewards can be a safe number option, wherein the participant fund value assigned by a participant to a special number can be returned back to total fund of the participant even if the random number generated does not match the participant selection of the special number. For example say the user selects a number 90 and assigns a participant fund value of Rs. 100 to this. After participation entry expiry time the event organiser declares 90 as a safe number. At reward computation time, random number generated is 85. In this case, 90 being a safe number, the participant will not lose his Rs.100 but instead that will be credited back to his total fund with the system/event organizer.

[00216] In an exemplary implementation, special rewards and offers can be announced and communicated to the users for future events as well. The special reward and offers can be an offer for users to get extra points or fund values, if the assigned participant fund value on a matching number (exact number match, single digit match reward match or special number match, image match, alphabet match or word match )is more than a predefined threshold value. For example, if the user assigns any fund more than Rs. 1000/- on a user selected number, the user can have opportunity of winning extra points/funds, in addition to the regular rewards, if the user selected number is a matching number and the threshold value declared by the system disclosed / event organizer is Rs.999.

[00217] FIG. 3Cillustrates exemplary reward calculation for different reward categories based on a single random string generation in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. These reward categories can include exact match reward, single digit match, digital root match and even-odd match.

[00218] On expiry of predefined time limit (or at reward computation time ), customer engagement and reward platform 352 can generate a random string, also referred interchangeably to as random generated string, using a random string generation algorithm that can generate any string randomly from a set of preconfigured strings by the system or event organizer. For example, randomization module 204 can generate any string, for instance, a number between 00-99 if the given number strings are numbers in range ofOO- 99. The customer engagement and reward platform 352 can compute rewards under different categories based on matching of user's/participant's selected strings, for example number(s)with the random generated strings, for example random generated number. In an exemplary implementation, customer engagement and reward platform 352 can generate a random string at a second predefined time that is later than the first predefined time limit that was set as time limit for accepting the participation entries (the participation entry expiry time). At the second time 354, customer engagement and reward platform 352 can generate a random number 356 that can be used for calculating full match based rewards, partial match based rewards (single digit match rewards), and string nature match based rewards (even-odd number based rewards and digital root number based rewards).

[00219] In the present illustration, randomly generated (winning) string by the platform 352 is 85, and hence all the participant entries and corresponding participants wherein the selected string was 85 will get the exact match reward. In exemplary implementation, reward value for exact match rewards can be 16 times of the participant fund values assigned by the participants. For example if a participant has assigned the participant fund value of 800 units against number 85, the reward value for the participant would be 12800 units, and if the participant has assigned the participant fund value 1000 units against the number 85, the reward value for the participant would be 16000 units as shown at entry IDs 1852 and 221 respectively as shown at exact match rewards computation table 358.

[00220] As can be seen in FIG. 3C, the exact match rewards computation table 358 shows the list of user IDs, entry IDs, participants' selected number for each entry ID , participant fund value assigned for each entry ID, and final reward value based on matching of selected number for each entry ID with the random number generated. All the participant entries and corresponding participants with a participation selection of string 85, which exactly matches with the random number generated, get a reward value that is 16 times of the participant fund value that was associated by the user/participant with the string 85 in his entry.

[00221] In the exemplary implementation, entries wherein selected string were 05, 15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, and 95 can get the partial match based reward, for instance single digit match rewards. In an exemplary implementation, the reward value for the single digit rewards can be 8 times of the participant fund values assigned by the participants in corresponding participant entries as shown at table 360. [00222] Partial match based (Single digit match based) rewards computation table 360 shows a list of user IDs, entry IDs, participants' selected string (number), participant fund values, and reward values for each entry for which the last digit matches with that of random generated string, reward valuebeing8 times more than the participant fund value for that entry, as showing at entries with ID 1532 and 3285 respectively.

[00223] In another exemplary implementation, the reward value for the even-odd number based rewards can be 1.8 times the participant fund value for an odd number and 4 times the participant fund value for an odd number that is exactly the same as random number generated, as shown at table 362.

[00224] Even-odd number based rewards computation table 362 can show a list of user IDs, entry IDs, participants' selected number, participant fund values, and reward values for such computation. A participant who had selected an odd number can get reward value 1.8 times more than his participant fund value for that entry as shown at entry ID 4840. In another aspect, a participant who had selected an odd number that is exactly the same as random number generated (85 in this example) can get reward value 4 times more than his participant fund value for that entry as shown at entry ID 5112.

[00225] In another exemplary implementation, the reward value for digital root number based rewards can be 8 times the participant fund values, as shown at table 364.

[00226] String nature based (Digital root number based) rewards computation table 364 can show a list of user IDs, entry IDs, participants' selected number, participant fund values, and reward values for such computation. The digital root number value of the random generated string (number) being four, a participant who had selected a number with the same digital root number value can get a reward value of 8 times his participant fund value for that entry ID, as shown at entry IDs 2310 and 5689.

[00227] Likewise randomization module 204 can generate string (random image, alphabet and/or word, etc.) and customer engagement and reward platform 352 can compute reward in these categories as well, as illustrated in FIG. 3D.

[00228] In an exemplary implementation randomization module 204 can generate random image of sun as shown at 368, choosing it randomly from the set of images preconfigured by the system or event organizer. Image match rewards computation table 366 can show a list of user IDs, entry IDs, participants' selected image, participant fund values, and reward values for such computation. A participant who had selected an image of a sun can get reward value 2 times more than his participant fund value for that entry, as showing at entries with ID 8438 and 2752 respectively. [00229] In another exemplary implementation randomization module 204 can generate random alphabet D as shown at 372, choosing it randomly from the set of alphabets preconfigured by the system or event organizer. Alphabet match rewards computation table 370 can show a list of user IDs, entry IDs, participants' selected alphabet, participant fund values, and reward values for such computation. A participant who had selected an alphabet D can get reward value 1.5 times more than his participant fund value for that entry, as showing at entries with ID 3846 and 7543 respectively.

[00230] In yet another exemplary implementation randomization module 204 can generate random word APPPLE as shown at 376, choosing it randomly from the set of words preconfigured by the system or event organizer. Word match rewards computation table 374 can show a list of user IDs, entry IDs, participants' selected word, participant fund values, and reward values for such computation. A participant who had selected a word APPLE can get reward value3 times more than his participant fund value for that entry, as showing at entries with ID 283 and 3748 respectively.

[00231] In this fashion the customer engagement and reward platform 152 can compute rewards for each category where a successful entry has been made by a participant, successful entry being one where he is entitled to a reward as explained above.

[00232] In an exemplary implementation, the customer engagement and reward platform 352 can communicate reward values to respective participants, and can directly credit the reward value in the linked bank account of the participants, or add such rewards to corresponding total participant fund.

[00233] In an exemplary implementation, the customer engagement and reward computation system can be configured to use different models for reward computation. For example, in one model the single digit match rewards can be calculated based on the match of the last digit of the random generated number with the last digit of the user selected numbers. In another model, the single digit match rewards can be calculated based on the match of first digit of the random generated number with the first digit of the user selected numbers.

[00234] FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary reward modeland a user winning possibility for getting one or more reward against a user selected number for reward model lin accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein set of numbers preconfigured by the system or event organizer is all numbers in range 00-99, set of images comprises eight images as shown, set of alphabets comprises alphabets from A to L as shown and sets of words comprises eight words as shown. These sets form the various winning possibilities as shown. [00235] In reward model 1, single digit rewards can be computed based on matching of last digit of random generated number with last digit of user selected number. Assuming that the random number generated by the system is number 85, the exact rewards will be given to user who had made the participation entry using number 85. As shown in FIG. 4A, user can have different possibilities under different reward categories to get reward for his/her participation under that category. If a user selects number 15, 85, option even, and option of digital root-9, he/she has different possibilities of getting reward. For example, single digit match reward can be based on matching of last digit of random number generated with the last digit of user selected number. As one may appreciate, each user who participates in the event has 1/10 probability of winning at least one reward under the single digit match based reward category. As shown in FIG. 4A for a user selected number, 15, user can receive reward if the random generated number is one of 05, 15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85, and 95 in this category. Similarly, for a user selected number, 85, user can receive reward if the random generated number is one of 05, 15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85, and 95 in this category. If a user has made an entry by selecting even option, he/she has probability of ½ of getting the even-odd numbed based reward, as the user can win if the random generated number is any of the even number, for example 00, 02, 04, 06, 08, ... . 98. Similarly if the user had made an entry by selecting odd option, he/she can get reward if the random generated number is any of the odd number, for example 01, 03, 05, ...99. If the user have made an entry by selecting digital root 9, he/she will have probability of 11/lOOto get a digital root number match based reward, as the user can win if the digital root of random number generated is 09. For example if the random number generated is any of thenumbers09, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, 72, 81, 90, or 99. However, his probability of getting an exact match award is 1/100, that of an even match award is 1/2 and that of even-32 award is 1/100.

[00236] Likewise, probability of a user getting a reward in the image category is 1/8, in alphabet category is 1/2 and word category is 1/8.

[00237] FIG. 4B illustrates another exemplary reward model 2 that provides a user possibility of getting one or more rewards against a user selected number in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein set of numbers preconfigured by the system or event organizer is all numbers in range 00-99. In this model, the single digit match rewards can be calculated based on matching of first digit of random generated number with first digit of user selected number,. In this model also, the user has 1/10 probability of getting a reward for any participation in the single digit match category and 11/100 for participation in digital root-9 match based reward category or digital root-6 match based reward category. As shown in FIG. 4B, for a user selected number 15, the user can receive reward if the random number generated is eitherlO, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19. Similarly, for a user selected number 85, user can receive reward if the random selected number is 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, or 89.

[00238] As one may appreciate, for the even-odd number match based reward category, the probability of user getting a reward for a single participation is ½, for the digital root-9 or digital root-6 match based reward category, the probability of user getting a reward for a single participation is 11/100, and for the single digit match based reward category, the probability of user getting a reward for a single participation is 1/10.

[00239] In other exemplary implementations, system disclosed can be configured to provide vary probability of user getting rewards for each participation entries made by the user by varying the numbers comprising the set pre-configured. For example, the set preconfigured can have only 20 even numbers but 50 odd numbers, total numbers still being 100. In such a case, probability of an even number match will go down to 1/5 while that of an odd number match will remain at ½.

[00240] System of present invention provides an interactive platform to customer, wherein such platform allows customers to interact with enterprises or participate in one or more events anytime from anywhere and using any computing device. The participant can make entry for any event through a participation application of the present disclosure anytime from anywhere according to their convenience.

[00241] In an exemplary implementation, all communications between participation application and customer engagement and reward platform can be made as secure communication. The system can be configured to initiate user authentication every time a participant wants to make a new entry for participating in an event.

[00242] FIG. 5 illustrates via a flow chart the working of the system disclosed, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00243] As shown, in an aspect, system disclosed can include, at step 502, pre -configuring it with at least one reward category that has a set of unique values.

[00244] In an aspect, the at least one reward category can include one from categories of full match based reward category, partial match based reward category, and string nature match based reward category.

[00245] In another aspect, system disclosed can include, at step 504, allowing a participant to create at least one participant entry , till a participant entry expiry time, the at least one participant entry comprising one string selected by the participant from the set of unique string and a participant fund value assigned by the participant.

[00246] In another aspect, system disclosed can include, at step 506, after the participant entry expiry time is over, selecting a string randomly from the set of unique strings to get a random generated/selected string.

[00247] In another aspect, system disclosed can include, at step 508, rewarding the user in proportion to the participant fund value if the string selected by the user, partially/fully matches the random value generated based on any of the predefined reward category.

[00248] In different exemplary embodiments, system disclosed can increase customer engagement. For example, the system disclosed can be enabled at a website after a visitor has been browsing it for a pre-defined time, say 10 minutes, thereby rewarding him for increased engagement. Similarly system disclosed can be provided to a customer who has visited a restaurant five times over last six months. In other exemplary embodiments, engaged customers can be provided the facility to place some participant entries of a fixed value free cost. Hence, there can be a plurality of applications of the system disclosed leading to increased user / participant engagement.

[00249] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention can be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[00250] The present disclosure provides a system and method for stronger customer engagement by rewarding such engagement with rewards.

[00251] The present disclosure provides a system and method for customer engagement that enables customers to participate from a remote location in an event organized by an organizer.

[00252] The present disclosure provides a system and method that allows customers/participants to participate in an event through a mobile computing device, and to allow customer freedom to create many entries as the customer/participants wants to make for a single event. [00253] The present disclosure provides a system and method that allow a customer to manage one or more entries made by him/her from a remote location.

[00254] The present disclosure provides a system and method that allows different rewards categories to be defined by an event organizer.

[00255] The present disclosure provides systems and method that allows a user to participate in an event by selecting any reward categories.

Claims

CLAIMS We Claim:

1. A system for customer engagement and reward computation, said system comprising:

a participant entry creation and management module configured to present, to a participant on its first computing device, a plurality of reward categories selected from exact match reward category, partial match reward category, digital root based reward category, and even-odd match based reward category, wherein the participant entry creation and management module is further configured to enable the participant to select at least two reward categories, select at least one string from a defined number of strings, and associate a fund value with each selected at least one string;

a randomization module configured to identify, at a second computing device, at least one random string from the defined number of strings; and

a reward computation module configured to compute, at the second computing device, a reward for the participant based on matching of the identified random string with the at least one string selected by the participant with respect to the selected at least two reward categories and the associated respective fund value.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the defined number of strings are generated based on any or a combination of numbers, alphabets, alphanumeric characters, symbols, images, words, and other characters.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein reward for the exact match reward category is given when the identified random string matches exactly with the at least one string selected by the participant.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein reward for the partial match reward category is given when the identified random string matches partially with the at least one string selected by the participant, wherein the system defines portion of the partial string that needs to match in order for the reward to be given.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein defined number of strings are defined by the system and changes in real time based on system configuration or user preferences.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the randomization module is executed after a pre-defined time post initiation of the participant entry creation and management module.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the participant is allowed to change the at least one string selected by the participant along with the associated fund value any time before the randomization module is executed.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the digital root based reward category is configured to compute the digital root of the identified random string and match it with the digital root of the at least one string selected by the participant.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the even-odd match based reward categoryis configured to determine whether both the identified random string and the at least one string selected by the participant are even or odd.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the fund value is in the form of any or a combination of points, tokens, money, credit, or coins.

11. A method for customer engagement and reward computation, said method comprising the steps of:

presenting, to a participant on its first computing device, a plurality of reward categories selected from exact match reward category, partial match reward category, digital root based reward category, and even-odd match based reward category;

enabling the participant to select at least two reward categories from the plurality of presented reward categories, select at least one string from a defined number of strings, and associate a fund value with each selected at least one string;

identifying, at a second computing device, at least one random string from the defined number of strings; and

computing, at the second computing device, a reward for the participant based on matching of the identified random string with the at least one string selected by the participant with respect to the selected at least two reward categories and the associated respective fund value.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the defined number of strings are generated based on any or a combination of numbers, alphabets, alphanumeric characters, symbols, images, words, and other characters.