METHOD AND COMPUTER SYSTEM FOR MATCHING MOBILE DEVICE USERS FOR BUSINESS AND SOCIAL NETWORKING
First Claim
1. Apparatus for identifying and introducing mobile device users to one another, wherein a given mobile device user has been registered by submitting given profile data, comprising:
- at least one processor;
code executable on the processor (a) for receiving a message from a first mobile device user that the first mobile device user desires to be introduced at least one other mobile device user;
(b) for initiating a request to identify a current location of the first mobile device user, (c) for receiving data identifying the location of the first mobile device user;
(d) for determining, based on the given profile data, whether a second mobile device user is within intellectual proximity to the first mobile device user, (e) if the first and second mobile device users are in intellectual proximity, for issuing a mutual collaboration opportunity message to each the first and second mobile device users to determine whether the first and second mobile device users desire to be introduced to one another, the mutual collaboration opportunity message masking personally identifying information, and (f) if the first and second mobile device users agree to be introduced, for establishing a direct private messaging session between the first and second mobile device users.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A business or social networking method is operative in a server. The method enables mobile device users to meet one another, on a permission basis. The determination of whether a given pair of mobile device users are introduced depends on whether the server determines they are in intellectual or “cognitive” proximity, which is typically a function of one or more factors, such as: each user'"'"'s reciprocal networking objective, the nature of the industry in which the user works, the user'"'"'s level within the management hierarchy of his or her company, any specialty function the individual may possess, and so on. Individuals who are matched in one or more of such attributes to a given degree or threshold are said to be in intellectual proximity. According to the invention, when given mobile devices users are within physical proximity of one another during an overlapping time window, the server determines whether the users are also within a given intellectual proximity. If so, and if both users have opted to receive new introductions, the server issues a mutual collaboration opportunity message to each of the mobile device users to determine whether they desire to be introduced to one another. Preferably, the mutual collaboration opportunity message masks personally identifying information. If the mobile device users agree to be introduced, the server establishes a direct private messaging session between them.
226 Citations
17 Claims
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1. Apparatus for identifying and introducing mobile device users to one another, wherein a given mobile device user has been registered by submitting given profile data, comprising:
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at least one processor;
code executable on the processor (a) for receiving a message from a first mobile device user that the first mobile device user desires to be introduced at least one other mobile device user;
(b) for initiating a request to identify a current location of the first mobile device user, (c) for receiving data identifying the location of the first mobile device user;
(d) for determining, based on the given profile data, whether a second mobile device user is within intellectual proximity to the first mobile device user, (e) if the first and second mobile device users are in intellectual proximity, for issuing a mutual collaboration opportunity message to each the first and second mobile device users to determine whether the first and second mobile device users desire to be introduced to one another, the mutual collaboration opportunity message masking personally identifying information, and (f) if the first and second mobile device users agree to be introduced, for establishing a direct private messaging session between the first and second mobile device users. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A server for identifying and introducing mobile device users to one another, wherein a given mobile device user has been registered by submitting given profile data, comprising:
code executable on a processor for (a) receiving messages from registered mobile users at a given location, (b) determining, based on the given profile data, whether first and second registered mobile users at the given location are also within intellectual proximity, (c) if the first and second registered mobile device users are in intellectual proximity, issuing a mutual collaboration opportunity message to each the first and second mobile device users to determine whether the first and second mobile device users desire to be introduced to one another, the mutual collaboration opportunity message masking personally identifying information, and (d) upon receipt of given messages from the first and second mobile device users, establishing a direct private messaging session between the first and second mobile device users.
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7. A method, operating in a server, for enabling mobile device users to meet one another, the mobile device users being within a given physical proximity during an overlapping time window, comprising:
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based on given profile data provided by each of first and second mobile device users, determining whether the first and second mobile devices users are within a given intellectual proximity;
if the first and second mobile device users are within a given intellectual proximity, issuing a mutual collaboration opportunity message to each the first and second mobile device users to determine whether the first and second mobile device users desire to be introduced to one another, the mutual collaboration opportunity message masking personally identifying information, and if the first and second mobile device users agree to be introduced, establishing a direct private messaging session between the first and second mobile device users. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification