SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS FOR LOCATION-BASED SOCIAL NETWORKS

• US 20150245168A1
• Filed: 02/25/2014
• Published: 08/27/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 02/25/2014
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Flock, Inc. (Zynga Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Flock, Inc. (Zynga Incorporated)
• Inventors: Martin, Jordan Ari
• Application Number:
  US14/190,022
• Publication Number:
  US 20150245168A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/01 Social networking
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/52 specially adapted for the location of the user terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/02 Services making use of location information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/029 Location-based management or tracking services

Abstract

Global Positioning System (GPS) data and/or functionality of various users'"'"' mobile devices may be used to enable the users to share with their friends or contacts their current location in real time or near real time. There may be an individual graphical marker for each user that is presented on a map corresponding to the current location of the user'"'"'s device. The graphical marker may represent an online social network identity of the user. This interactive graphical marker is presented at a location on the map corresponding to the current physical location of the user'"'"'s device based on the associated GPS data and/or other location data. If the location of the device moves, this is shown on the map by the associated graphical marker making corresponding movements on the map. A user may set a beacon on the map at a location at which an event is to occur and connections or friends of the user will be sent information indicative of the location on the map and associated GPS directions. The user can select any associated graphical marker on the map and receive information or video chat and/or messaging services related to the user whose online social network identity is represented by the graphical marker.

Claims

1. A method performed by at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, the method comprising:

electronically receiving, by at least one communications component of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, information regarding a current physical location of a device of at least one member of an online social network;

electronically presenting, by at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, a map on a graphical user interface;

electronically presenting on the map presented on the graphical user interface, by at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, an interactive graphical marker at a location on the map corresponding to the current physical location of the device based on the received information regarding the current physical location of the device, the interactive graphical marker representative of an online social network identity of the at least one member;

electronically receiving, by at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, an indication that a user has selected the interactive marker on the map presented on the graphical user interface; and

in response to the receiving the indication that the user has selected the interactive marker, electronically providing to the user, by at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, information associated with the at least one member of the online social network.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

moving, by at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, the interactive marker on the map presented on the graphical user interface in substantially real time as corresponding updated information is received by the at least one communications component regarding a new current physical location of the device of the at least one member of the online social network, wherein the interactive marker is displayed on the map by at least one processor as the interactive marker moves.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the corresponding updated information received by the at least one communications component is based on global positioning system (GPS) information regarding a current location of the device of the at least one member of the online social network.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

in response to the receiving the indication that the user has selected the interactive marker presented on the map, initiating activation of an online video conference session between the user and the at least one member.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein the initiating activation of the online video conference session includes:

graphically transforming the interactive marker presented on the map to an online video conference session window located on the map at the location of the interactive marker on the map.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein the indication that the user has selected the interactive marker presented on the map is an indication that the user has touched a location on a touch screen at which the interactive marker is presented.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

electronically receiving, by at least one communications component of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, information regarding current physical locations of a plurality of devices, each of the plurality of devices associated with a corresponding one of a plurality of members of an online social network; and

for each of the plurality of devices, electronically presenting on the map presented on the graphical user interface, by at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, an interactive graphical marker at a location on the map corresponding to a current physical location of the device based on the received information regarding the current physical locations of the plurality of devices, the graphical marker representative of an online social network identity of the corresponding member of the online social network.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising:

electronically receiving, by at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, one or more indications that a user has selected multiple interactive markers presented on the map, the selected interactive markers representative of different online social network identities of corresponding members of the online social network; and

in response to the receiving the one or more indications that the user has selected multiple interactive markers presented on the map, initiating activation of a group online video conference session including the user and the corresponding members of the online social network of which the selected interactive markers are representative.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein the interactive graphical marker includes an image of the at least one member of which the interactive graphical marker is representative.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

electronically receiving, by at least one communications component of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, an indication that a user has selected to zoom in on the map presented on the graphical user interface; and

in response to the received indication that the user has selected to zoom in on the map presented on the graphical user interface, electronically presenting, by at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, an enlarged section of the map on the graphical user interface including a plurality of interactive graphical markers on the enlarged section of the map, each interactive graphical marker of the plurality of interactive graphical markers being at a location on the enlarged section of the map corresponding to a physical location of a corresponding device of a member of the online social network identified by the interactive graphical marker.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:

electronically receiving, by at least one communications component of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, an indication that a user has selected to zoom out on the map presented on the graphical user interface; and

in response to the received indication that the user has selected to zoom out on the map presented on the graphical user interface, electronically presenting, by at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, a zoomed-out version of the map presented on the graphical user interface including additional surrounding area and an additional plurality of interactive graphical markers on the zoomed-out version of the map, each interactive graphical marker of the additional plurality of interactive graphical markers being shown at a location in the surrounding area on the zoomed-out version of the map corresponding to a physical location of a corresponding device of a member of the online social network identified by the interactive graphical marker.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein the information associated with the at least one member of the online social network that is provided to the user in response to the receiving the indication that the user has selected the interactive marker includes online social network profile information of the member of the online social network.

13. The method of claim 1 wherein the information associated with the at least one member of the online social network that is provided to the user in response to the receiving the indication that the user has selected the interactive marker includes information enabling the user to communicate with the member of the online social network.

14. A system for facilitating location-based social networks comprising:

at least one communications component of at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks that receives information regarding a current physical location of a device of at least one member of an online social network;

at least one processor coupled to the at least one communications component; and

at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium coupled to the at least one processor, the at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium having computer executable instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to;

electronically present a map on a graphical user interface;

electronically present on the map presented on the graphical user interface an interactive graphical marker at a location on the map corresponding to the current physical location of the device based on received information regarding the current physical location of the device, the interactive graphical marker representative of an online social network identity of the at least one member;

be able to electronically receive an indication that a user has selected the interactive marker on the map presented on the graphical user interface; and

in response to the receiving the indication that the user has selected the interactive marker, electronically provide to the user services associated with the at least one member of the online social network.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the computer executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the at least one processor to:

move the interactive marker on the map presented on the graphical user interface in substantially real time as corresponding updated information is received by the at least one communications component regarding a new current physical location of the device of the at least one member of the online social network, wherein the computer executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the at least one processor to display the interactive marker on the map as the interactive marker moves.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the received corresponding updated information is based on global positioning system (GPS) information regarding a current location of the device of the at least one member of the online social network.

17. The system of claim 14, wherein the computer executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the at least one processor to:

in response to the receiving the indication that the user has selected the interactive marker presented on the map, cause an initiation of an online video conference session between the user and the at least one member.

18. The system of claim 17 wherein the initiation of the online video conference session includes a graphical transformation of the interactive marker presented on the map to an online video conference session window located on the map at the location of the interactive marker on the map.

19. The system of claim 18 wherein the indication that the user has selected the interactive marker presented on the map is an indication that the user has touched a location on a touch screen at which the interactive marker is presented.

20. The system of claim 14, wherein the computer executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the at least one processor to:

cause the at least one communications component to be able to electronically receive information regarding current physical locations of a plurality of devices, each of the plurality of devices associated with a corresponding one of a plurality of members of an online social network; and

for each of the plurality of devices, electronically present on the map presented on the graphical user interface, by at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, an interactive graphical marker at a location on the map corresponding to a current physical location of the device based on the received information regarding the current physical locations of the plurality of devices, the graphical marker representative of an online social network identity of the corresponding member of the online social network.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the computer executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the at least one processor to:

be able to electronically receive one or more indications that a user has selected multiple interactive markers presented on the map, the selected interactive markers representative of different online social network identities of corresponding members of the online social network; and

in response to the receiving the one or more indications that the user has selected multiple interactive markers presented on the map, initiate a group online video conference session including the user and the corresponding members of the online social network of which the selected interactive markers are representative.

22. The system of claim 14 wherein the interactive graphical marker includes an image of the at least one member of which the interactive graphical marker is representative.

23. The system of claim 14, wherein the computer executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the at least one processor to:

cause the at least one communications component to be able to electronically receive an indication that a user has selected to zoom in on the map presented on the graphical user interface; and

in response to the received indication that the user has selected to zoom in on the map presented on the graphical user interface, electronically present an enlarged section of the map on the graphical user interface including a plurality of interactive graphical markers on the enlarged section of the map, each interactive graphical marker of the plurality of interactive graphical markers being at a location on the enlarged section of the map corresponding to a physical location of a corresponding device of a member of the online social network identified by the interactive graphical marker.

24. The system of claim 23 wherein the computer executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the at least one processor to:

be able to electronically receive an indication that a user has selected to zoom out on the map presented on the graphical user interface; and

in response to the received indication that the user has selected to zoom out on the map presented on the graphical user interface, electronically present a zoomed-out version of the map presented on the graphical user interface including additional surrounding area and an additional plurality of interactive graphical markers on the zoomed-out version of the map, each interactive graphical marker of the additional plurality of interactive graphical markers being shown at a location in the surrounding area on the zoomed-out version of the map corresponding to a physical location of a corresponding device of a member of the online social network identified by the interactive graphical marker.

25. The system of claim 14 wherein the services associated with the at least one member of the online social network that is provided to the user in response to the receiving the indication that the user has selected the interactive marker includes communications services for communication with the member of the online social network by the user.

26. The system of claim 14 wherein the services associated with the at least one member of the online social network that is provided to the user in response to the receiving the indication that the user has selected the interactive marker includes selection of the member of the online social network for inclusion in a subgroup of members of the online social network.

27. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon that, when executed by at least one processor of a computer system, causes the at least one computer system to:

electronically present a map on a graphical user interface of the computer system;

electronically present on the map presented on the graphical user interface an interactive graphical marker at a location on the map corresponding to a current physical location of a device of at least one member of an online social network based on received information regarding the current physical location of the device, the interactive graphical marker representative of an online social network identity of the at least one member; and

move the interactive marker on the map presented on the graphical user interface in substantially real time as corresponding updated information is received regarding a new current physical location of the device of the at least one member of the online social network, wherein the computer executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the at least one processor to display the interactive marker on the map as the interactive marker moves.

28. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 27 wherein the computer system is a mobile device.

29. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 27, wherein the received corresponding updated information is based on global positioning system (GPS) information regarding a current location of the device of the at least one member of the online social network.

30. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 27, wherein the computer executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the at least one processor to:

in response to the receiving an indication that a user has selected the interactive marker presented on the map, cause an initiation of an online video conference session between the user and the at least one member.

31. A method performed by at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, the method comprising:

electronically presenting to a user, by at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, a map on a graphical user interface;

electronically receiving, by at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, information indicative of a location on the map selected by the user at which an event is to occur; and

electronically communicating, by the at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, information indicative of the selected location to a plurality of members of an online social network.

32. The method of claim 31 wherein the electronically communicating information indicative of the selected location to a plurality of members of the online social network is in response to the receiving the information indicative of a location on the map selected by the user at which the event is to occur.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the electronically communicating information indicative of the location to a plurality of members of an online social network includes:

selecting, by the at least one processor, the plurality of members of the online social network to whom to communicate the information indicative of the location based on individual associations between the user and the plurality of members as defined in an account of the user on the online social network.

34. The method of claim 33 wherein the selecting the plurality of members includes:

determining, by the at least one processor, members of the online social network who are friends of the user as defined in the account of the user on the online social network; and

electronically communicating, by the at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, the information indicative of the selected location to the members determined to be friends of the user.

35. The method of claim 31 further comprising:

in response to the receiving the information indicative of the location on the map selected by the user at which the event is to occur, electronically presenting to the user, by at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, a menu enabling the user to select the plurality of members of the online social network to whom the information indicative of the location is to be communicated.

36. The method of claim 31 further comprising:

electronically presenting on the map presented on the graphical user interface, by at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, a graphical marker at a location on the map corresponding to the location on the map selected by the user at which an event is to occur.

37. The method of claim 36 further comprising:

electronically receiving, by at least one communications component of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, information regarding current physical locations of a plurality of devices, each of the plurality of devices associated with a corresponding member of the plurality of members of the online social network to whom the information indicative of the location had been communicated; and

for each device of the plurality of devices, electronically presenting on the map presented on the graphical user interface, by at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, a graphical marker at a location on the map corresponding to a current physical location of the device based on the received information regarding the current physical locations of the plurality of devices, the graphical marker representative of an online social network identity of the corresponding member of the online social network associated with the device.

38. The method of claim 37 further comprising:

for each device of the plurality of devices, updating a location on the map of the graphical marker corresponding to a current physical location of the device in substantially real time as corresponding updated information is received regarding the current physical locations of the plurality of devices.

39. The method of claim 37 further comprising:

for each device of the plurality of devices, showing a path on the map that the device is travelling substantially in real time as corresponding updated information is received regarding the current physical locations of the plurality of devices.

40. The method of claim 37 wherein the at least one of the plurality of devices is a mobile communications device or a vehicle.

41. The method of claim 36, wherein the electronically communicating information indicative of the location to a plurality of members of an online social network includes:

receiving input indicative of a selection of an area on the map by the user; and

selecting, by the at least one processor, each member of the online social network, for which an associated graphical marker representative of the online social network identity of the member is on the map and falls within the selected area, as one of the plurality of members of the online social network to whom to communicate the information indicative of the location.

42. The method of claim 36 further comprising:

in response to the electronically receiving the information indicative of the location on the map selected by the user at which an event is to occur, electronically presenting on the map, by at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, a menu located on or next to the graphical marker on the map enabling the user to provide information regarding the event including one or more of;

a written description of the event, a voice-recorded description of the event and a video description of the event; and

electronically communicating, by the at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, the information regarding the event to the plurality of members of the online social network.

43. The method of claim 42 wherein the menu located on or next to the graphical marker on the map includes a menu selection enabling the user to activate the communicating of the information indicative of the selected location to the plurality of members of the online social network.

44. The method of claim 43 wherein the menu located on or next to the graphical marker on the map includes a menu selection enabling the user to set a desired meeting time for the event.

45. The method of claim 44, further comprising:

receiving information indicative of a selection by the user of the menu selection enabling the user to activate the communicating of the information indicative of the selected location, wherein the electronically communicating information indicative of the selected location to the plurality of members of the online social network is in response to the receiving the information indicative of the selection by the user of the menu selection enabling the user to activate the communicating of the information indicative of the selected location.

46. The method of claim 45, further comprising:

in response to receiving the information indicative of the selection by the user of the menu selection enabling the user to activate the communicating of the information indicative of the selected location, electronically communicating, by the at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, the desired meeting time for the event to the plurality of members of the online social network.

47. The method of claim 31 wherein the information indicative of the selected location communicated to the plurality of members of the online social network includes directions to the selected location.

48. The method of claim 31 wherein the information indicative of the selected location communicated to the plurality of members of the online social network includes global positioning system (GPS) coordinates of the selected location.

49. The method of claim 31 wherein the information indicative of the selected location communicated to the plurality of members of the online social network includes a link which, when selected, activates one or more navigation systems to provide navigation particularly to the selected location for one or more of the plurality of members.

50. The method of claim 31 wherein the information indicative of the selected location communicated to the plurality of members of the online social network includes one or more of a written description of the event, a voice-recorded description of the event, and a video description of the event.

51. The method of claim 31 further comprising:

before the electronically receiving the information indicative of the location on the map selected by the user at which an event is to occur, electronically presenting on the graphical user interface, by at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, a menu enabling the user to select the location on the map at which an event is to occur by enabling the user to indicate a point on the map indicative of the location on the map at which an event is to occur.

52. The method of claim 51 wherein the menu enabling the user to indicate a point on the map includes enabling the user to be able to touch a desired point on the map corresponding to the point on the map at which an event is to occur.

53. The method of claim 31 further comprising:

before the electronically receiving the information indicative of the location on the map selected by the user at which an event is to occur, electronically presenting on the graphical user interface, by at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, a menu enabling the user to select the location on the map at which an event is to occur by providing an option to the user to indicate a selection to tie the location on the map at which an event is to occur to a current location of a device of the user; and

tying the location on the map at which an event is to occur to a current location of a device of the user based on the selection to tie the location on the map at which an event is to occur to the current location of the device of the user.

54. The method of claim 31 further comprising:

before the electronically receiving the information indicative of the location on the map selected by the user at which an event is to occur, electronically presenting on the graphical user interface, by at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, a menu enabling the user to select the location on the map at which an event is to occur by enabling the user to indicate a point on the map by providing an option to the user to tie the location on the map at which an event is to occur to a current location of a particular device.

55. The method of claim 54 further comprising:

receiving updated information regarding the current location of the particular device; and

updating the location on the map at which an event is to occur substantially in real time as the updated information regarding the current location of the particular device is received.

56. A system for facilitating location-based social networks comprising:

at least one communications component of at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks;

at least one processor coupled to the at least one communications component; and

at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium coupled to the at least one processor, the at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium having computer executable instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to;

electronically present to a user a map on a graphical user interface;

be able to electronically receive information indicative of a location on the map selected by the user at which an event is to occur; and

cause the at least one communications component to electronically communicate information indicative of the selected location to a plurality of members of an online social network.

57. The system of claim 56 wherein the computer executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to:

cause the at least one communications component to electronically communicate the information indicative of the selected location to the plurality of members of the online social network is in response to the receiving of the information indicative of the location on the map selected by the user at which the event is to occur.

58. The system of claim 57, wherein the computer executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the at least one processor to:

select the plurality of members of the online social network to whom to communicate the information indicative of the location based on individual associations between the user and the plurality of members as defined in an account of the user on the online social network.

59. The system of claim 58 wherein the selecting the plurality of members includes:

determining members of the online social network who are friends of the user as defined in the account of the user on the online social network; and

electronically communicating the information indicative of the selected location to the members determined to be friends of the user.

60. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon that, when executed by at least one processor of a computer system, cause the computer system to:

electronically present to a user a map on a graphical user interface;

be able to electronically receive information indicative of a location on the map selected by the user at which an event is to occur; and

cause the at least one communications component to electronically communicate information indicative of the selected location to a plurality of members of an online social network.

61. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 60 wherein the computer executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the at least one processor to:

in response to the receiving the information indicative of the location on the map selected by the user at which the event is to occur, electronically present to the user, by at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, a menu enabling the user to select the plurality of members of the online social network to whom the information indicative of the location is to be communicated.

62. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 60 wherein the computer executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the at least one processor to:

electronically present on the map presented on the graphical user interface, by at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, a graphical marker at a location on the map corresponding to the location on the map selected by the user at which the event is to occur.

63. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 62 wherein the computer executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the at least one processor to:

be able to electronically receive information regarding current physical locations of a plurality of devices, each of the plurality of devices associated with a corresponding member of the plurality of members of the online social network to whom the information indicative of the location had been communicated; and

for each device of the plurality of devices, electronically present on the map presented on the graphical user interface a graphical marker at a location on the map corresponding to a current physical location of the device based on the received information regarding the current physical locations of the plurality of devices, the graphical marker representative of an online social network identity of the corresponding member of the online social network associated with the device.

64. A method performed by at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, the method comprising:

electronically receiving, by at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, input from a user including selection criteria;

electronically determining, by at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, one or more members of an online social network based on the selection criteria; and

in response to the electronically determining the one or more members of the online social network based on the selection criteria, for each of the determined one or more members, electronically presenting on a map presented on a graphical user interface, by at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, an interactive graphical marker at a location on the map corresponding to a current physical location of a device associated with the member, the interactive graphical marker representative of an online social network identity of the member of the online social network.

65. The method of claim 64 wherein the selection criteria is based on voice recorded input from the user.

66. The method of claim 64 wherein the selection criteria includes one or more of:

a name, online social network member identification, an email address, a phone number, online social network member profile information, likes of one or more members of the online social network, activities of one or more members of the online social network, events that one or more members of the online social network had attended, and interests of one or more members of the online social network.

67. The method of claim 64 wherein the selection criteria includes an inquiry input from the user and the determining the one or more members of the online social network based on the selection criteria includes determining the one or more members of the online social network based on determining which members of the online social network have input similar inquiries.

68. The method of claim 64, wherein the determining the one or more members of the online social network based on the selection criteria includes obtaining data originating from one or more online social network accounts on one or more other online social networks of the one or more users.

69. The method of claim 64, wherein the electronically determining one or more members of the online social network based on the selection criteria includes determining the one or more members of the online social network additionally based on individual associations between the user and the one or more of members as defined in an account of the user on the online social network.

70. A system for facilitating location-based social networks comprising:

at least one communications component of at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks;

at least one processor coupled to the at least one communications component; and

at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium coupled to the at least one processor, the at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium having computer executable instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to;

be able to electronically receive input from a user including selection criteria;

electronically determine one or more members of an online social network based on the selection criteria; and

in response to the determination of the one or more members of the online social network based on the selection criteria, for each of the determined one or more members, electronically present on a map presented on a graphical user interface an interactive graphical marker at a location on the map corresponding to a current physical location of a device associated with the member, the interactive graphical marker representative of an online social network identity of the member of the online social network.

71. The system of claim 70 wherein the selection criteria includes an inquiry input from the user and the determining the one or more members of the online social network based on the selection criteria includes determining the one or more members of the online social network based on determining which members of the online social network have input similar inquiries.

72. The system of claim 70, wherein the determining the one or more members of the online social network based on the selection criteria includes obtaining data originating from one or more online social network accounts on one or more other online social networks of the one or more users.

73. The system of claim 70, wherein the electronically determining one or more members of the online social network based on the selection criteria includes determining the one or more members of the online social network additionally based on individual associations between the user and the one or more of members as defined in an account of the user on the online social network.

74. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon that, when executed by at least one processor of a computer system, cause the computer system to:

be able to electronically receive input from a user including selection criteria;

electronically determine one or more members of an online social network based on the selection criteria; and

in response to the determination of the one or more members of the online social network based on the selection criteria, for each of the determined one or more members, electronically present on a map presented on a graphical user interface an interactive graphical marker at a location on the map corresponding to a current physical location of a device associated with the member, the interactive graphical marker representative of an online social network identity of the member of the online social network.

75. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 74 wherein the selection criteria includes an inquiry input from the user and the determining the one or more members of the online social network based on the selection criteria includes determining the one or more members of the online social network based on determining which members of the online social network have input similar inquiries.

76. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 74, wherein the determining the one or more members of the online social network based on the selection criteria includes obtaining data originating from one or more online social network accounts on one or more other online social networks of the one or more users.

77. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 74, wherein the electronically determining one or more members of the online social network based on the selection criteria includes determining the one or more members of the online social network additionally based on individual associations between the user and the one or more of members as defined in an account of the user on the online social network.

78. A method performed by at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, the method comprising:

electronically obtaining, by at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, information regarding one or more social network accounts of a first member of an online social network;

electronically obtaining, by at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, information regarding one or more social network accounts of one or more other members of the online social network;

electronically comparing, by at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, the information regarding the one or more social network accounts of the first member of the online social network and the information regarding the one or more social network accounts of the one or more other members of the online social network;

electronically associating, by at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, the first member of the online social network with one of the one or more other members of the online social network based on the comparison;

electronically selecting, by at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, a physical location for the first member of the online social network and the one of the one or more other members of the online social network to meet at; and

electronically communicating, by the at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, information indicative of the selected location to the first member of the online social network and to the one of the one or more other members of the online social network.

79. The method of claim 78 wherein the electronically communicating information indicative of the selected location includes:

causing a presentation on a map on a graphical user interface, by at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, a graphical marker at a location on the map corresponding to the selected location.

80. The method of claim 78 wherein the information indicative of the selected location includes global positioning system (GPS) coordinates of the selected location.

81. The method of claim 78 wherein the information indicative of the selected location includes a link which, when selected, activates one or more navigation systems to provide navigation particularly to the selected location for the first member of the online social network and the one of the one or more other members of the online social network.

82. The method of claim 78 further comprising:

electronically communicating, by the at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, information indicative of one or more alternative physical meeting locations to at least one of the first member of the online social network and to the one of the one or more other members of the online social network;

receiving, by the at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, an indication of a selected alternative physical meeting location of the one or more alternative physical meeting locations; and

electronically communicating, by the at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, information indicative of the selected location to the first member of the online social network and to the one of the one or more other members of the online social network.

83. The method of claim 78 wherein the electronically selecting the physical location for the first member of the online social network and the one of the one or more other members of the online social network to meet is based on current physical locations of the first member of the online social network and the one of the one or more other members of the online social network.

84. The method of claim 78 wherein the electronically selecting the physical location for the first member of the online social network and the one of the one or more other members of the online social network to meet is based on compensation received for selection of one or more locations.

85. The method of claim 78 wherein the electronically selecting the physical location for the first member of the online social network and the one of the one or more other members of the online social network to meet is based on the comparing of the information regarding the one or more social network accounts of the first member of the online social network and the information regarding the one or more social network accounts of the one or more other members of the online social network, wherein the comparing includes comparing one or more of:

online social network member profile information, likes of one or more members of the online social network, activities of one or more members of the online social network, events that one or more members of the online social network had attended, and interests of one or more members of the online social network.

86. A system for facilitating location-based social networks comprising:

at least one communications component of at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks;

at least one processor coupled to the at least one communications component; and

at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium coupled to the at least one processor, the at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium having computer executable instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to;

electronically obtain information regarding one or more social network accounts of a first member of an online social network;

electronically obtain information regarding one or more social network accounts of one or more other members of the online social network;

electronically compare the information regarding the one or more social network accounts of the first member of the online social network and the information regarding the one or more social network accounts of the one or more other members of the online social network;

electronically associate the first member of the online social network with one of the one or more other members of the online social network based on the comparison;

electronically select a physical location for the first member of the online social network and the one of the one or more other members of the online social network to meet at; and

electronically communicate information indicative of the selected location to the first member of the online social network and to the one of the one or more other members of the online social network.

87. The system of claim 86 wherein the electronically communicating information indicative of the selected location includes:

causing presentation on a map on a graphical user interface of a graphical marker at a location on the map corresponding to the selected location.

88. The system of claim 86 wherein the information indicative of the selected location includes global positioning system (GPS) coordinates of the selected location.

89. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon that, when executed by at least one processor of a computer system, cause the computer system to:

electronically obtain information regarding one or more social network accounts of a first member of an online social network;

electronically obtain information regarding one or more social network accounts of one or more other members of the online social network;

electronically compare the information regarding the one or more social network accounts of the first member of the online social network and the information regarding the one or more social network accounts of the one or more other members of the online social network;

electronically associate the first member of the online social network with one of the one or more other members of the online social network based on the comparison;

electronically select a physical location for the first member of the online social network and the one of the one or more other members of the online social network to meet at; and

electronically communicate information indicative of the selected location to the first member of the online social network and to the one of the one or more other members of the online social network.

90. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 89 wherein the electronically communicating information indicative of the selected location includes:

causing a presentation on a map on a graphical user interface a graphical marker at a location on the map corresponding to the selected location.

91. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 89 wherein the information indicative of the selected location includes global positioning system (GPS) coordinates of the selected location.

92. A method performed by at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, the method comprising:

electronically receiving, by at least one communications component of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, information regarding current physical locations of a plurality of devices, each of the plurality of devices associated with a corresponding one of a plurality of members of an online social network;

electronically presenting, by at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, a map on a graphical user interface; and

for each of the plurality of devices;

electronically presenting on the map presented on the graphical user interface, by at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, an interactive graphical marker at a location on the map corresponding to a current physical location of the device based on the received information regarding the current physical locations of the plurality of devices, the graphical marker representative of an online social network identity of the corresponding member of the online social network; and

moving, by at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, the interactive marker on the map presented on the graphical user interface based on corresponding updated information received by the at least one communications component regarding a new current physical location of the device.

93. The method of claim 92, further comprising:

electronically executing, by at least one processor of the at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks, at least a portion of an online game including the plurality of members of the online social network as players wherein the game has rules based on a physical proximity, as depicted on the map, of one or more of the plurality of devices of one or more of the plurality of members of the online social network to one or more other devices of the plurality of devices of one or more other members of the plurality of members of the online social network.

94. The method of claim 93, wherein the corresponding updated information received by the at least one communications component is based on global positioning system (GPS) information regarding current physical locations of the plurality of devices.

95. The method of claim 92 wherein each device of the plurality of devices is a mobile device.

96. The method of claim 92 wherein the plurality of members of the online social network is a subset of all current members of the online social network.

97. A system for facilitating location-based social networks comprising:

at least one communications component of at least one machine for facilitating location-based social networks;

at least one processor coupled to the at least one communications component; and

at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium coupled to the at least one processor, the at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium having computer executable instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to;

be able to electronically receive information regarding current physical locations of a plurality of devices, each of the plurality of devices associated with a corresponding one of a plurality of members of an online social network;

electronically present a map on a graphical user interface; and

for each of the plurality of devices;

electronically present on the map presented on the graphical user interface an interactive graphical marker at a location on the map corresponding to a current physical location of the device based on the received information regarding the current physical locations of the plurality of devices, the graphical marker representative of an online social network identity of the corresponding member of the online social network; and

move the interactive marker on the map presented on the graphical user interface in substantially real time as corresponding updated information is received by the at least one communications component regarding a new current physical location of the device, wherein the interactive marker is displayed on the map as the interactive marker moves.

98. The system of claim 97, wherein the computer executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the at least one processor to:

electronically execute at least a portion of an online game including the plurality of members of the online social network as players wherein the game has rules based on a physical proximity, as depicted on the map, of one or more of the plurality of devices of one or more of the plurality of members of the online social network to one or more other devices of the plurality of devices of one or more other members of the plurality of members of the online social network.

99. The system of claim 98, wherein the received corresponding updated information is based on global positioning system (GPS) information regarding current physical locations of the plurality of devices.

100. The system of claim 97 wherein each device of the plurality of devices is a mobile device.

101. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon that, when executed by at least one processor of a computer system, cause the computer system to:

be able to receive information regarding current physical locations of a plurality of devices, each device of the plurality of devices associated with a corresponding one of a plurality of members of an online social network;

present a map on a graphical user interface; and

for each of the plurality of devices;

present on the map presented on the graphical user interface a graphical marker at a location on the map corresponding to a current physical location of the device based on the received information regarding the current physical locations of the plurality of devices, the graphical marker representative of an online social network identity of the corresponding member of the online social network; and

move the graphical marker on the map presented on the graphical user interface as corresponding updated information is received regarding a new current physical location of the device.

102. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 101, wherein the computer executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the computer system to:

electronically execute at least a portion of an online game including the plurality of members of the online social network as players wherein the game has rules based on a physical proximity, as depicted on the map, of one or more of the plurality of devices of one or more of the plurality of members of the online social network to one or more other devices of the plurality of devices of one or more other members of the plurality of members of the online social network.

103. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 102, wherein the received corresponding updated information is based on global positioning system (GPS) information regarding current physical locations of the plurality of devices.

104. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 101 wherein each device of the plurality of devices is a mobile device.

105. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 101, wherein the computer executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the computer system to:

present on the map a marker expandable by a user; and

be able to receive input indicative of expansion or contraction of the marker by the user;

expand or contract the marker on the map according to the received input indicative of expansion or contraction; and

broadcast a message to each member of the online social network for which an associated graphical marker representative of the online social network identity of the member is on the map and falls within the marker.

106. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 101, wherein the marker expandable by the user is a circular or rectangular.

107. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 101, wherein the computer executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the computer system to:

present on the graphical user interface a matrix of profile images each representative of an online social network identity of a member of the online social network associated with the user;

be able to receive input indicative of selection by the user of one or more of the profile images in the matrix; and

cause communication to occur with each member of the online social network for which the one or more of the profile images in the matrix was selected based on the received input indicative of the selection by the user of the one or more of the profile images in the matrix.

108. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 101, wherein the computer executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the computer system to:

be able to receive input indicative of selection regarding a visibility setting; and

set a preference regarding whether a graphical marker presentable at a location on a map on a graphical user interfaces of devices of other members of the online social network is to be presented on the map on the graphical user interfaces of devices of the one or more other members of the online social network based on one or more criteria.

109. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 108 wherein the one or more criteria is regarding one or more of:

a threshold distance between a device of the user and the devices of the one or more members of the online social network;

an association between the one or more members of the online social network and the user as defined in a user account of the user of the online social network; and

a reciprocal preference setting regarding visibility as defined in a user account of the one or more members of the online social network.

110. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 101, wherein the computer executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the computer system to:

provide a notification to the user when one or more other members of the online social network associated with the user is within a particular distance from the user; and

communicate to the user information indicative of a suggested location at which the user and the one or more other members associated with the user can meet.

111. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 101 wherein the communicating to the user information indicative of a suggested location includes:

presenting on the map presented on the graphical user interface a graphical marker at a location on the map corresponding to the suggested location.

112. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 101, wherein the computer executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the computer system to:

communicate to the user an incentive to go to the suggested location.

113. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 101, wherein the computer executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the computer system to:

be able to receive input indicative of a selection by the user to follow a selected member of the online social network for which a graphical marker is displayed at a location on the map corresponding to a current physical location of a device of the selected member; and

move the map on the graphical user interface to make the graphical marker displayed at the location on the map corresponding to the current physical location of the device of the selected member stay in view on the graphical user interface substantially in real time as updated information is received regarding a new current physical location of the device of the selected member of the online social network.

114. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 101, wherein the computer executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the computer system to:

receive information indicative of a location on the map selected by a user at which an event is to occur; and

in response to receiving the information indicative of the location, communicate information indicative of the selected location to the plurality of members of the online social network.

115. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 101, wherein the computer executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the computer system to:

be able to receive user input indicative of a marking to be made on the map;

present on the map a marking corresponding to the input indicative of the marking to be made on the map; and

communicate information regarding the marking to enable corresponding markings to be presented on corresponding maps on graphical user interfaces of devices of one or more of the plurality of members of the online social network.