Computer algorithm and method for facilitating the networking of individuals

• US 20040184445A1
• Filed: 03/17/2004
• Published: 09/23/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 03/18/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Jeffrey K. Burne
• Original Assignee: Jeffrey K. Burne
• Inventors: Burne, Jeffrey K.
• Application Number:
  US10/803,744
• Publication Number:
  US 20040184445A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 370/352
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/66 Arrangements for connecting between networks having differing types of switching systems, e.g. gateways
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/066 Format adaptation, e.g. format conversion or compression
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/49 Connection to several service providers
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/55 for hybrid networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/56 for VoIP communications
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2201/60 Medium conversion
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2203/2061 Language aspects
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2203/4536 Voicemail combined with text-based messaging
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/202 VoIP; Packet switched telephony
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/2026 Wireless network, e.g. GSM, PCS, TACS
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/2046 Hybrid network
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/22 Bandwidth or usage-sensitve billing
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/32 Involving wireless systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/46 Connection to several service providers
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42008 Systems for anonymous communication between parties, e.g. by use of disposal contact identifiers
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/53316 Messaging centre selected by message originator
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/0054 where the data service is an electronic mail service
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/12 for working between exchanges having different types of switching equipment, e.g. power-driven and step by step or decimal and non-decimal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/24 Accounting or billing

Abstract

An algorithm and method for using computer services for facilitating the meeting and communication of individuals in a social networking environment. The algorithm and method allow for individuals using differing modes of communication, for example one using voice communication and another using computer communication, to be in direct communication with one another. The algorithm and method also facilitate direct communication when one party locates a potential candidate and is desirous of being in direct communication with that candidate. Message recording and playback are also facilitated as well as other advantages arising from the use of the algorithm and software program derived therefrom as well as the method of the invention.

Claims

1. A method enabling algorithm for enabling a networking of people with differing communication links, said method enabling algorithm comprising:

a) receiving either of a telephone communication or an e-mail communication from first individual attempting to contact a second individual who is a member of a group of networking people;

b) establishing an e-mail communication link with the second individual to communicate with the first individual;

c) providing a voice translation of a message the second individual presents over the e-mail;

d) sending the translation of the e-mail message via voice to the first individual;

e) converting voice messages from the first individual to an e-mail translation; and

f) sending the translation of the voice message to the second individual.

2. The method enabling algorithm for enabling a networking of people with differing communication links of claim 1 further characterized in that the networking comprises enabling people to meet one another on a personal social basis.

3. The method enabling algorithm of claim 2 further characterized in that said algorithm comprises:

steps for enabling individuals to access a database containing biographies of other individual members of a group of networking people.

4. The method enabling algorithm of claim 1 further characterized in that cost for using a networking group of the networking people is based on certain uses arising out of use of the algorithm.

5. The method enabling algorithm of claim 4 further characterized in that said method enabling algorithm comprises:

steps to validate message delivery.

6. A method enabling algorithm for enabling a networking of people which allows for private communication or separately group communication, said method enabling algorithm comprising:

a) accessing a communication by an individual in a networking group of such individuals who is desirous of meeting and contacting other individuals of said networking group;

b) determining from said communication if the individual initiating the communication is desirous of a private communication or a communication with individuals of a group of such individuals simultaneously; and

c) causing initiation of communication with the individual initiating the communication with the group if so selected by the initiating individual.

7. The method enabling algorithm for enabling a networking of people of claim 6 further characterized in that said method enabling algorithm comprises:

attempting to initiate a private communication between the initiating individual and a selected recipient individual of the group if so elected by the initiating individual and not with the group of individuals.

8. The method enabling algorithm of claim 7 further characterized in that said method enabling algorithm comprises:

validating the initiating individual if the latter seeks a private communication.

9. The method enabling algorithm of claim 7 further characterized in that said method enabling algorithm comprises:

a) attempting to initiate said private communication relies upon a sending of a page to the selected recipient member of the group; and

b) establishing the private communication if the selected recipient member responds to the page.

10. The method enabling algorithm of claim 6 further characterized in that said method enabling algorithm further comprises:

automatically accessing and crediting an account of one of the initiating individuals or the selected recipient individual if the communication therebetween is allowed to proceed.

11. The method enabling algorithm of claim 6 further characterized in that said method enabling algorithm further comprises:

giving to the selected recipient individual the opportunity to pay for said private communication if the initiating individual elects not to pay.