Information sharing in an online community
First Claim
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1. A method for sharing information in an online community which has at least two users, the method comprising:
- receiving a first search request to search a website from a first user;
obtaining a list of search results matching the first search request;
causing the list of search results to be displayed on a screen of the first user;
searching for a plurality of associated users who search the website with search requests, each of which has a scope that at least partly overlaps with a scope of the first search request;
providing, to the first user, a plurality of options with respect to each of the associated users, wherein a plurality of options with respect to an associated user include an option that allows the first user to request to follow the associated user and the associated user is displayed to the first user to facilitate the first user to select the option to follow; and
when the first user selects the option to follow the associated user and is accepted by the associated user as a follower, causing information about real time browsing activities of the associated user to be displayed on the screen of the first user.
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Abstract
A system and method which may allow users, who are looking for similar products or services on a website and thus belong to an online community, to directly communicate with each other. The method may be used in eCommerce, e.g., online shopping or online auction. The method may also be used in other contexts, such as social networking and online photo albums.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method for sharing information in an online community which has at least two users, the method comprising:
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receiving a first search request to search a website from a first user; obtaining a list of search results matching the first search request; causing the list of search results to be displayed on a screen of the first user; searching for a plurality of associated users who search the website with search requests, each of which has a scope that at least partly overlaps with a scope of the first search request; providing, to the first user, a plurality of options with respect to each of the associated users, wherein a plurality of options with respect to an associated user include an option that allows the first user to request to follow the associated user and the associated user is displayed to the first user to facilitate the first user to select the option to follow; and when the first user selects the option to follow the associated user and is accepted by the associated user as a follower, causing information about real time browsing activities of the associated user to be displayed on the screen of the first user. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A system for information sharing in an online community which has at least two users, the system comprising:
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a computer system which runs a website and is coupled to a computer network; and a database, wherein the computer system; receives a first search request to search the website from a first user; obtains a list of search results matching the first search request; causes the list of search results to be displayed on a screen of the first user; searches for a plurality of associated users who search the website with search requests, each of which has a scope that at least partly overlaps with a scope of the first search request; provides, to the first user, a plurality of options with respect to each of the associated users, wherein a plurality of options with respect to an associated user include an option that allows the first user to request to follow the associated user and the associated user is displayed to the first user to facilitate the first user to select the option to follow; and when the first user selects the option to follow the associated user in is accepted by the associated user as a follower, cause information about real time browsing activities of the associated user to be displayed on the screen of the first user. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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21. A computer program product comprising a computer-readable memory having instructions which, when performed by a computer, perform a method for sharing information in an online community which has at least two users, the method comprising:
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receiving a first search request to search a website from a first user; obtaining a list of search results matching the first search request; causing the list of search results to be displayed on a screen of the first user; searching for a plurality of associated users who search the website with search requests, each of which has a scope that at least partly overlaps with a scope of the first search request; providing, to the first user, a plurality of options with respect to each of the associated users, wherein a plurality of options with respect to an associated user include an option that allows the first user to request to follow the associated user and the associated user is displayed to the first user to facilitate the first user to select the option to follow; and when the first user selects the option to follow an associated user and is accepted by the associated user as a follower, causing real time browsing activities of the associated user to be displayed on the screen of the first user.
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Specification