Computer-Based Methods for Arranging Meetings and Systems for Performing the Same

• US 20120311460A1
• Filed: 08/16/2012
• Published: 12/06/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 09/02/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Tangible Social, LLC
• Original Assignee: Tangible Social, LLC
• Inventors: Boyd, John Edward
• Granted Patent: US 9,355,386 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 715/752
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/10 Office automation; Time management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/109 Time management, e.g. calendars, reminders, meetings or time accounting

Abstract

Methods and systems for assisting individuals arrange meetings such as networking meetings with other individuals at a specified time (or within a specified time range) and at a specified place (or within a specified geographic region). More specifically, methods and systems for allowing individuals to post an invitation to for a meeting on an on-line network.

Claims

1-21. -21. (canceled)

22. A computer-based method to facilitate networking between a first user and other users comprising:

receiving by a server a request from said first user over a network to create an invitation to network with a second user;

determining whether one or more rules associated with invitation creation apply to the request from the first user to create the invitation;

processing the request if all rules determined to be applicable are satisfied; and

denying the request if one or more rules determined to be applicable are not satisfied;

wherein;

(i) said method is performed using one or more computer devices and results in said first user networking with said second user and said method comprises automatically archiving invitations created by said first user and first user comments relating to said networking forming first user archived data; and

(ii) said method further comprises providing said first user with a clickable button for said first user archived data and transmitting via email attachment or downloadable format said first user archived data relating to said first user at the request of the first user.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein said first user and said second user do not know each other before said request is received by said server to create said invitation to network with said second user.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein said first user and said second user are fellow alumni.

25. The method of claim 22, further comprising deleting said archived data after said transmission.

26. A computer-based method of using an online banner advertisement, comprising:

receiving by a server a request for an invitation for a proposed meeting from an advertising user over a network, wherein said advertising user is a vendor or service provider or an agent for a vendor or service provider;

providing the request for the invitation to other users in the form of said online banner advertisement;

receiving an acceptance of the request by an accepting user;

generating the invitation for the proposed meeting in response to the acceptance; and

notifying the advertising user of the invitation;

wherein said method is performed using one or more computer devices and wherein the request for the invitation is displayed to the other users in the form of said online banner advertisement and the request for the invitation is accepted by said accepting user clicking on said displayed online banner advertisement and said accepting user then providing accepting user information and thereafter said accepting user information is transmitted to said advertising user for meeting confirmation.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising said advertising user accepting the invitation confirming the meeting with said accepting user and notifying said accepting user of said confirmed meeting.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein said clicking on the online banner advertisement generates a form for the accepting user to provide said accepting user information to transmit to said advertising user and said accepting user information includes location information.

29. The method of claim 26, wherein other users are provided with said invitation based on the other users'"'"' location determined or tracked via an electronic wireless device.

30. The method of claim 26, wherein said invitation remains open until a designated number of users accept.

31. The method of claim 26, wherein said advertising user and said accepting user do not know each other before said request is received by said server to create said invitation.

32. A computer-based method for arranging meetings between two or more users, comprising:

receiving by a server a request from a first user over a network to create a closed invitation for a proposed meeting;

determining whether one or more rules associated with invitation creation apply to the request from the first user to create the invitation;

processing the request if all rules determined to be applicable are satisfied; and

denying the request if one or more rules determined to be applicable are not satisfied;

wherein;

said closed invitation can be viewed only by other users having one or more specified user profile characteristics and is not available to users not having said one or more specified user profile characteristics and is not posted on a public invitation bulletin; and

said method is performed using one or more computer devices and wherein said method results in a meeting between said first user and at least one other user and wherein said first user and said at least one other user do not know each other prior to said request by said first user and wherein said one or more user profile characteristics are selected from;

(i) work in a certain industry;

(ii) graduated from a certain school;

(iii) have a specified profession;

(iv) current employer;

(v) past employer;

(vi) professional or social association;

or (vii) fraternity/sorority.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein said one or more user specified profile characteristics are alumni characteristics and said first user and said other users are fellow alumni.

34. The method of claim 32, wherein other users are notified of said closed invitation based on the other users'"'"' locations determined or tracked via an electronic wireless device.

35. The method of claim 32, wherein said invitation remains open until a designated number of users accept.

36. The method of claim 32, wherein said invitation includes a deadline for accepting said invite.

37. The method of claim 32, wherein said invitation includes a time or time range for said proposed meeting.

38. The method of claim 32, wherein said invitation includes a location for said proposed meeting.

39. The method of claim 32, wherein said invitation includes a location and a time or time range for said proposed meeting