System for data collection and matching compatible profiles

• US 6,272,467 B1
• Filed: 01/16/1997
• Issued: 08/07/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 09/09/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Spark Network Services Incorporated (Advanced Telecom Services, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Spark Network Services Incorporated (Advanced Telecom Services, Inc.)
• Inventors: Low, Michael D., Durand, Pierre E., Stoller, Melissa K.
• Primary Examiner(s): MacDonald, Allen R.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Patel, Jagdish
• Application Number:
  US08/784,713
• Time in Patent Office: 1,664 Days
• Field of Search: 705/1, 705/26, 707/5
• US Class Current: 705/5
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/02 Reservations, e.g. for tickets, services or events
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0601 Electronic shopping [e-shopping]

Abstract

This invention relates to an automated method for identifying matches between a set of predetermined traits and a set of preferences. This method can be used to find compatible matches in a variety of situation s where participants are identified by a profile of traits and a set of criteria desired in at match, including, for example, matching candidates to residency program, and matching job hunters with employment opportunities. The present invention offers advantages and improvements over prior computer matching systems because, it provides an automated, effective method for matching traits with corresponding preferences and insures that only matches of the highest degree are made. The, present invention utilizes two-way matching of selected criteria, which measures not only how compatible the potential match is with the desired traits of the user, but also how well the user fits the potential match'"'"'s idea of the perfect match.

Claims

1. A method for using a computer processor to select and match profiles comprised of a set of predetermined traits and preferences,

collecting information collecting information about the relevant traits of each profile;

collecting information about the preferences for each profile;

comparing selected preferences in each profile with the traits of each other profile in a database of profiles to eliminate incompatible profiles;

calculating a compatibility score for each remaining compared profile based on a comparison of selected preferences in each profile with the traits of each other profile to identify a plurality of matched profiles;

sorting the matched profiles according to the compatibility score;

reporting the matched profiles.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of establishing a minimum threshold for the compatibility score and reporting only those matched profiles achieving the minimum threshold.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of varying a preference of a profile based upon the traits of past matched profiles.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of adjusting the compatibility score based on the traits of past matched profiles.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of varying a preference of a profile based upon normative data associated with selected traits correlated to that preference.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of increasing the compatibility score when a profile contains a preference for a certain trait but does not require that trait in a potential match, and the potential match possesses the certain trait.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the steps of collecting information are performed by entering the information using a touch-tone telephone keypad in response to audible prompts.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

ranking the importance of selected preferences in each profile;

collecting information about the rank of each such preference;

adjusting the compatibility score by weighting comparisons to a preference by a factor correlating to the ranking of importance assigned to such preference.

9. A method for using a computer processor to match two users based on their personal traits and preferences, comprising the steps of:

collecting information about the relevant traits of a user;

collecting information about the preferences the user desires in a match;

comparing selected preferences and traits of the user and other users to determine potential matches;

calculating a compatibility score for each potential match based on a comparison of selected preferences of the user with traits of the potential match and the preferences of the potential match with traits of the user to identify a plurality of matched profiles;

sorting the matched profiles according to the compatibility score;

reporting the highest scoring matched profiles to the user; and

permitting the user to access information regarding selected personal traits of the matched profiles.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising the steps of establishing a minimum threshold for the compatibility score and reporting only those matched profiles achieving the minimum threshold.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of varying a preference of the user based upon the traits of past matched profiles.

12. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of adjusting the compatibility score based on the traits of past matched profiles.

13. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of increasing the compatibility score if the user indicates a preference for a certain trait but does not require that trait in a potential match, and the potential match possesses the certain trait.

14. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of generating an additional trait for a user based upon selected traits of that user and normative data correlated to those selected traits.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the selected traits are weight and height which are used to generate additional traits representing the user'"'"'s build based on normative build data.

16. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of varying a preference of the user based upon normative data associated with selected traits correlated to that preference.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the preferences varied are the minimum and maximum age of a potential match and those preferences are relaxed by a factor correlated to the percentage of the user'"'"'s age trait based upon normative data.

18. The method of claim 16 wherein the preference varied is the build desired in a potential match which is adjusted upward by a factor correlated to the user'"'"'s build based upon normative data.

19. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of increasing the compatibility score if the potential match is an active user of the system and thereby is likely to respond if a match is made.

20. The method of claim 9, further comprising the steps of:

ranking the importance of selected preferences of the user;

collecting information about the rank the user assigns to each such preference;

adjusting the compatibility score by weighting comparisons to a preference by a factor correlating to the ranking of importance assigned to such preference.

21. The method of claim 9 wherein the steps of collecting information are performed by having a user enter the information using a touch-tone telephone keypad in response to audible prompts.

22. The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of permitting the user to contact the potential matches.

23. A system to select and match profiles comprised of a set of predetermined traits and preferences, comprising:

computer processor means for processing data;

first means for collecting information about the relevant traits for each profile;

second means for collecting information about the preferences of each profile;

third means for comparing selected preferences in each profile with traits of each other profile in a database of profiles to eliminate incompatible profiles;

fourth means for calculating a compatibility score for each remaining compared profile based on a comparison of selected preferences in each profile with the traits of each other profile to identify a plurality of matched profiles;

fifth means for sorting the matched profiles according to the compatibility score; and

sixth means for reporting the matched profiles.

24. A system for selecting and matching two users of the system based on their personal traits and preferences, comprising:

computer processor means for processing data;

first means for collecting information about the relevant traits of a user;

second means for collection information about the preferences the user desires to match;

third means for comparing selected preferences and traits of the user and other users of the system to determine potential matches;

fourth means for calculating a compatibility score for each potential match based on a comparison of selected preferences of the user with the traits of the potential match and the preferences of the potential match with the traits of the user to identify a plurality of matched profiles;

fifth means for sorting the matched profiles according to the compatibility score; and

sixth means for reporting the highest scoring matched profiles to the user.

25. The system of claim 24 further comprising seventh means for permitting the user to contact the potential matches through the system.