Method and system for matching users for relationships using a discussion based approach
First Claim
1. A method of operating a relationship matching service comprising:
- (a) collecting and storing information about users of the service;
(b) providing online discussion forums allowing the community of said users to interact with each other; and
(c) informing said users about potential relationship matches based on said collected and stored information.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system of matching users for relationships based upon both user provided profile information, and preferences they develop as they participate in discussion forums. User profile information can be used to determine the universe of users who have mutually compatible relationship criteria, but not necessarily the actual pairs of users who have the best chance of a successful relationship. The invention introduces the concept of discussion-based matching, wherein users interact in online forums to discuss topics of interest to them. The system informs users about which other users in the discussion are potential matches. As they interact, they begin to narrow down the universe of compatible matches to a smaller set of users who they have observed or interacted with in the discussion forum. This eases the transition to private communication, which is necessary for a personal relationship to begin, and results in more successful relationships. The system also regulates abusive or rude users in the online forums by allowing other users to report such behavior. The system records these reports and can automatically take punitive action against offending users, such as displaying a list of offending users, displaying special icons next to those user'"'"'s usernames, and ultimately blocking a user from accessing the system.
95 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method of operating a relationship matching service comprising:
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(a) collecting and storing information about users of the service;
(b) providing online discussion forums allowing the community of said users to interact with each other; and
(c) informing said users about potential relationship matches based on said collected and stored information. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of influencing behavior of users in multiparty communication mediums, comprising:
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(c) providing a reporting mechanism that allows a user to report on the behavior of other users;
(d) recording information from said reports on individual users;
(e) analyzing said recorded information to determine if reports on an individual user have exceeded a threshold; and
(f) informing the user community of said multiparty communication medium about the users determined to have exceeded the threshold. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A system for matching users of an online service based on their personal profile information and user interactions, comprising:
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(g) computer processor means for processing data;
(h) first means for collecting information about the relevant traits of a user;
(i) second means for collecting information about preferences the user desires in relationships;
(j) third means for allowing the community of users to interact in online discussion forums;
(k) fourth means for comparing selected preferences and traits of the user with other users participating in the discussion forums to determine potential matches; and
fifth means for informing users about said potential matches.
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Specification