System and method for searching, finding and contacting dates on the Internet in instant messaging networks and/or in other methods that enable immediate finding and creating immediate contact
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Accused Products
Abstract
Computer dating is applied to instant messaging, in a novel, systematic and flexible way. This system and method enable the user to search and find instantly compatible dates in instant messaging networks on the basis of attribute search or 1-way compatibility search or 2-way compatibility search, and to search either for potential dates that are currently Online or also for dates that are currently Offline. Many additional features are described, and especially for example features that are based on improved integration between computer dating and instant messaging. Important features include for example: a. Integration of the dating environment with the contactee list (buddy list). b. Generating a list of compatible dates with different markings for people that are online or offline or a list divided into sub-lists or separate lists according to this. c. Applying a reverse variation by adding Instant messaging features to an Online dating site. d. Automatic instant notification when a new highly compatible date is available, instead of only periodical reports. e. Using a database of systematic pictures to which the users relate in defining their own appearance and the appearance of the desired date. f. Automatic finding of duplicate records. g. Addition of “OR” and/or “IF” relationships between questions instead of only the usual “AND”.
578 Citations
142 Claims
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1. (canceled)
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4. A method for searching, finding and contacting dates on the Internet in instant messaging networks, comprised of at least the following steps:
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a. Providing a Client program, located on the User'"'"'s computer;
b. Providing at least one Server, located on the Internet;
c. Providing at least one module for filling and making changes to a computer dating compatibility questionnaire;
d. Providing a search module for finding potential dates which can check also if said potential dates are currently Online;
e. Providing at least one of;
An ability to search also for dates who are not currently Online, and The ability to search for dates based on reciprocal compatibility;
f. Providing an instant messa ging element which knows if the user is currently On-line, and also enables instant exchange of messages between users. - View Dependent Claims (71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 78, 82, 86, 87, 88, 92, 96, 101, 102, 103, 107, 110, 111, 118, 125, 135, 137, 138, 140, 141)
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5-44. -44. (canceled)
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45. In an Online computer Dating service, a method wherein a systematic data pool of pictures and/or images of males and of females is used, and the pictures are at least one of photographs and systematically drawn images, and each user can at least one of:
- Mark at least one picture that is most similar to said user, and Mark the pictures of the opposite sex that said user most likes.
- View Dependent Claims (77, 89, 90)
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97. A dating system over an interactive TV network, wherein to determine if someone is currently Online system uses at least one of the following methods:
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a. The Cable TV or satellite decoder or set-top-box senses any button that the user presses on the remote control and/or even senses if other remote controls are used, and if any such button has been pressed within a certain time period, the system assumes that the user is currently Online;
b. The said decoder can sense the signal of turning the TV on or off and assumes that someone is “
Online”
if the TV is currently turned on;
c. The said decoder senses if the TV is currently on by sensing the electromagnetic field emitted by the TV;
d. Such detection features are integrated in the TV itself;
e. Someone is considered Online only if he/she is currently on the Interactive TV channel;
f. The decoder has a video camera and/or volumetric sensor and/or other sensor or sensors that can sense automatically if someone is moving in the room and/or is sitting in front of the TV. - View Dependent Claims (98)
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Specification