Location-based networking methods and systems for performing the same

• US 8,838,685 B2
• Filed: 09/16/2010
• Issued: 09/16/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 02/29/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Inventors: Boyd, John
• Primary Examiner(s): Meky, Moustafa M
• Application Number:
  US12/883,301
• Publication Number:
  US 20110022659A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,461 Days
• Field of Search: 709200-205, 709217-227, 709/228
• US Class Current: 709/204
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/109 Time management, e.g. calendars, reminders, meetings or time accounting
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1101 Session protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/4038 with floor control
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/14 Session management for real-time applications in data packet communications networks H04L65/1066
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/62 Establishing a time schedule for servicing the requests
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/329 in the application layer [OSI layer 7]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/40 Network security protocols

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/or at a specified place (or within a specified geographic region). More specifically, methods and systems for allowing individuals to post an invitation for a meeting on an on-line network and for allowing one or more other individuals to accept such invitation.

Claims

1. A method for enabling users to network with other users comprising:

(a) creating a first user account;

(b) determining the location of a second user;

(c) providing a notification to said second user including updated information relating to said first user via a computer-based network, wherein the notification includes a response request;

(d) if said second user responds positively to said response request, transmitting an acceptance response from said second user to said first user via said computer-based network; and

(e) if said second user responds negatively to said response request, transmitting a counter-invitation response from said second user via said computer-based network,

wherein said steps (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) are performed using one or more computer devices and said method results in said first user networking with said second user.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said method results in a meeting including said first user and said second user.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein said first user and said second user do not know each other prior to said meeting.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said location of said second user is determined using a cellular communication network.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said location of said second user is determined using computer-implemented means for determining said location of said second user.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein said location of said second user is determined using an advanced positioning system in combination with a cellular communication network.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein said first user and said second user do not know each other prior to said notification.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said first user and said second user do not know each other prior to said networking.

9. The method of claim 1, further receiving a travel itinerary from a third user and allowing another user to provide said third user with information based on said travel itinerary.

10. The method of claim 1, where said method uses a wireless system comprising one or more computer devices.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein said one or more computer devices use a software program adapted to perform said method.

12. A computer-based system for performing the method of claim 1, comprising one or more computer devices for:

(a) allowing said first user to create said first user account;

(b) determining the location of said second user; and

(c) providing said notification to said second user including said updated information via said computer-based network.

13. A method for enabling users to network with other users comprising:

(a) receiving information from a first user;

(b) determining the location of a second user;

(c) providing a notification to said second user including updated information relating to said first user via a computer-based network, wherein the notification includes a response request;

(d) if said second user responds positively to said response request, transmitting an acceptance response from said second user to said first user via said computer-based network; and

(e) if said second user responds negatively to said response request, transmitting a counter-invitation response from said second user via said computer-based network;

wherein said steps (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) are performed using one or more computer devices and said method results in said first user networking with said second user.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein said method results in a meeting including said first user and said second user.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein said first user and said second user do not know each other prior to said meeting.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein said location of said second user is determined using a cellular communication network.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein said location of said second user is determined using computer-implemented means for determining said location of said second user.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein said location of said second user is determined using an advanced positioning system in combination with a cellular communication network.

19. The method of claim 13, wherein said first user and said second user do not know each other prior to said notification.

20. The method of claim 13, wherein said first user and said second user do not know each other prior to said networking.