Patent Application
20150334065
Many people today use electronic devices and media in their daily activities. For example, a typical person may have a smart phone and/or other electronic/computing devices. Smart phones and other types of electronic/computing devices may be used to place/receive phone calls, send/receive text messages, access the internet, create/edit documents, download/use software applications (often referred to as “apps” in the smart phone context), and many other functions. Software applications can be used on smart phones and other computing devices in an huge variety of ways, such as games, calendars, contact lists, etc. Software applications installed on computing devices may be able to interact with the hardware of a device to perform specific functions. For example, when a smart phone is used to place a telephone call, the smart phone may utilize a speaker and a microphone of the smart phone to allow the phone call. In another example, a computing device may utilize a display of the computing device to play a video media file.
An illustrative method according to a set of instructions stored on a memory of a computing device includes receiving, by a processor of the computing device, first user-profile information associated with a first user and second user-profile information associated with a second user. The method further includes determining, by the processor, a match between the first user and the second user based on the first user-profile information and the second user-profile information. The method further includes establishing, by the processor, in response to determining the match, a real time voice communication over a network between a first user device and a second user device. The method further includes sending or receiving information to the first user device and the second user device during the real time voice communication. First contact information associated with the first user device is not sent to the second user device. Second contact information associated with the second user device is not sent to the first user device.
An illustrative apparatus includes a memory, a processor operatively coupled to the memory, and a first set of instructions stored on the memory and configured to be executed by the processor. The processor is configured to receive first user-profile information associated with a first user and second user-profile information associated with a second user. The processor is further configured to determine a match between the first user and the second user based on the first user-profile information and the second user-profile information. The processor is further configured to establish, in response to the determined match, a real time voice communication over a network between a first user device and a second user device. The processor is further configured to send or receive information to the first user device and the second user device during the real time voice communication. First contact information associated with the first user device is not sent to the second user device. Second contact information associated with the second user device is not sent to the first user device.
An illustrative non-transitory computer readable medium has instructions stored thereon that, upon execution by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform operations. The instructions include instructions to receive, by a processor of the computing device, first user-profile information associated with a first user and second user-profile information associated with a second user. The instructions include instructions to determine, by the processor, a match between the first user and the second user based on the first user-profile information and the second user-profile information. The instructions include instructions to establish, by the processor, in response to determining the match, a real time voice communication over a network between a first user device and a second user device. The instructions include instructions to send or receive information to the first user device and the second user device during the real time voice communication. First contact information associated with the first user device is not sent to the second user device. Second contact information associated with the second user device is not sent to the first user device.
Illustrative embodiments will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Described herein are illustrative embodiments for methods and systems that provide for connecting individuals through electronic devices. In an illustrative embodiment, a first user may download a software application to his or her electronic device, such as a mobile smart phone. Upon opening the software application (also referred to herein as an “app”), the first user can be prompted to specify various information about his or her self. Such information may include demographic information such as height, weight, sex, name, nickname, age, etc. Such information may also include other information, such as an e-mail address, phone number, interests, etc. The first user may also provide call time preference data about when they are available for real time voice communications (such as a phone call). The first user may also input demographic, interest, geolocation, occupation, sex, fitness level, or other user match preference data defining characteristics of a second user that the first user would like to be matched to and have a conversation with via a real time voice communication. In one illustrative embodiment, the system may only make certain preference data options available for free. Other preference data options can be unlocked in exchange for currency (virtual or real).
The system can automatically match the first user with the second user using the user match preference data of the first user (and the second user) to determine that the first and second users might enjoy speaking to one another. Accordingly, the first user can be offered an opportunity to place a call (also referred to herein as a real time voice communication) to the second user. If the second user accepts the call, the real time voice communication is established between the first and second users. The users can then speak to each other through their respective computing devices. Advantageously, the users can be matched and a call can be established between the users anonymously. In other words, the users can speak without knowing personal information about each other, such as phone numbers, name, address, interests, etc. In an alternative embodiment, a user may not be completely anonymous during a call. Accordingly, a phone number may not be sent or shared between two user devices, even though the two devices are engaged in a call together. For example, a first name or nickname of the first may be shared with the second user when they are engaged in a call. In another example, additional information about the first user may be released to the second user based on time spent on the call or an assent to release the information from the first user. The system may also facilitate conversation by sending possible conversation questions to the first user's computing device during the call.
During and/or after the real time voice communication (or call), the first and second users are invited by the system to provide feedback on the other user. For example, the system may provide a feedback question such as, “How funny was Claire?” In another example, the system may provide a feedback question such as, “Do you want to talk to Sam again?” Advantageously, the system can use the answers responsive to feedback questions to determine matches and establish real time voice communications for the users in the future. For example, if the user Claire gets high ratings from other users that indicate superior with and humor, Claire may be matched in the future with users who specify they like individuals that are funny and have a good sense of humor. In another example, if a user indicates that they would like to speak to Sam again, the system may prioritize connecting the user to Sam in a subsequent real time voice communication, pending Sam's availability. Such information may be stored as a part of a user's profile information and used when matching the user and or establishing calls for the user.
Accordingly, an illustrative embodiment may be a mobile app for smart phones such as an iPhone™ or Android™ smart phone that allows users to get acquainted with each other through anonymous or partially anonymous calls. The system can automatically identify a caller and a callee and initiate the call. The matches can be selected automatically by the system without specific user input of who a user wants to speak to. Accordingly, the users may be able to talk to and meet new people for conversation, discovery, and/or flirtation. The system may facilitate dating, social interactions, friendships, etc.
The systems and methods disclosed herein may advantageously address the pain of loneliness. For example, older generations of people may be very lonely and may have fallen out of touch with their peers or others that might enrich their lives. Other individuals may be interested in finding professional or hobby-driven contacts. For example, a user whose occupation involves event planning may wish to connect with other event planners to share tips, experience, etc. In another example, an origami enthusiast may wish to talk with and meet other paper folding fanatics.
Advantageously, the system can also accommodate different schedules. For example, a busy but lonely professional may have limited time to meet others because of demands from their job, taking care of children, other commitments, etc. Advantageously, the present system can accommodate a schedule by receiving, from the user, specified times and/or frequencies that the user would like to engage in calls. For example, a user may specify certain time ranges of specific days of the week during which the user would like to talk to other users (e.g., every Friday between 6 and 8 PM, central standard time). Further, the system may be able to track when the app is active on the user's computing device, such that calls are only initiated when the user is actively using the app. The system may also send an inquiry to the user through the app requesting whether the user would like to engage in a call at particular times. Further still, the system advantageously reduces the amount of time a user may spend looking at online profiles of others on dating websites or the like. Here, the system can automatically determine a match and connect the user on a call based on the user's previously entered profile information. Accordingly, the user does not need to repeatedly or tediously look through profiles and make speculative determinations about people they might be interested in based solely on a profile of another user. The system facilitates a user skipping the identification of potential partners and allows them to move ahead with the process of exploration and identification with another person.
Loneliness for individuals may be propagated by the demands of their job and the need to fulfill personal and family commitments. Putting pictures and personal histories on an online dating service profile may be personally embarrassing. Professionally or otherwise accomplished individuals may be concerned about the legitimacy of persons who reviews these profiles. The actions of a multitude of Internet websites may examine a user's pictures and profiles and use facial matching software with identified professional profiles on such services as Linked In™ or Facebook™ to scrape data for defamatory and/or possibly criminal activity. Individuals may not have the time to read profiles online, many of which are fictitious or spend hours at clubs or bars in the hope that a random meeting may connect them with a compatible partner.
Dating websites may facilitate social interaction between individuals who have never met, but rejection may occur unnecessarily because of incidental factors such as an unflattering photograph, or a writing style which causes an immediate rejection. If the individuals had spoken with the person in a real time voice communication, they might have continued the social interaction. Accordingly, without the present system and methods, people may be ignored because of superficial and/or cosmetic reasons. Advantageously, individuals may no longer miss out on successful social connections in this way, leading to improved satisfaction among users of the system and methods.
Advantageously, the system may not immediately display an image of the second user to the first user. Hence, the users can start to interact and get to know one another without prejudging each other based on physical appearance or other information that may have been listed in a user profile. As such, a user may not as easily mislead other users with a picture or photo that is not representative of their current appearance (or with a picture or photo of an entirely different person). In other words, the system allows users to communicate before reading profiles and viewing photos. Advantageously, more users may also have meaningful interactions because the system automatically generates matches. In this way, there are not certain users who are overlooked by other users and never get a match. Such a situation can improve satisfaction of users with the app. Users may more favorably view a photo or profile information if they already have a good impression of the other user from the real time voice communication.
Further, even though the system may not utilize vast profiles that a user must search and read through to find potential matches, the system may still accommodate the preferences of its users when determining a match. For example, a first user may enter preference data to be included in the first user-profile information that is used in determining a match. Such information may include desired characteristics such as age, sex, interests, etc. of who the first user would like to meet.
The system may incorporate a currency or virtual currency aspect. For example, a call may be free at first. If the users are enjoying the call, a user may pay for additional time for the users to interact. The payment may be with a virtual currency, real currency, or a virtual currency that is tied to or can be purchased with real currency. In other illustrative embodiments, the system may also deduct currency for other actions, such as declining a call or ending a call before a predetermined time has elapsed. In this way, users may be incentivized to interact more with the user they have been matched with.
After a call or during the call, the users may be engaged for feedback about the other user. The users may earn currency for answering questions about another user. The answers may also be stored in the user profiles and used for subsequent matching and calls established. For example, a first user may be asked feedback questions about a second user. The answers may be stored in the first user's profile and used to identify trends about the types of people the first user likes. The answers may also be stored in the second user's profile and used to identify the type of person the second user is or determine things that other users like or do not like about the second user. The more feedback that is gathered regarding different users, the more trend data can emerge, and the more the information can be used to determine matches and establish calls. In other words, the system gradually forms a portrait of its users. If the users give high ratings on each other or expressly assent to talking with each other again, such data may be used to subsequently match them in the future and/or establish a call between them.
The system may also receive referral contact information from a user device. The referral contact information may be directly entered by a user into the app, or the contact information could be accessed through a user device's contact list. If a first user refers another individual, the first user may receive currency. If the other individual signs up for the service and becomes a second user, the first user may receive additional currency. If the second user enters a predetermined amount of user-profile information, the first user may receive still additional currency. The second user may also receive currency for completing part or all of presented user-profile questions. The first user may also receive currency if the second user participates in a real time voice communication with another user.
Another way the system may add information to a user-profile is through detecting questions and answers during the calls a user is on. A user may earn currency for answering a question. Voice recognition software may be utilized to determine questions and/or answers spoken by a user. In another example, the system may send questions to the user's computing device. The user may answer on the computing device, and the answer is sent back to the system and included in the user-profile information. In one embodiment, the answer may also be sent to the second user's computing device. In this way, the users may interact with each other based on conversation questions generated by the system and the system can collect more information for the user-profiles. Such information can be used in subsequent matching and call establishment for the users. Similarly, the system may be able to determine if certain questions/answers or certain types of questions/answers work better for facilitating conversation by comparing the questions presented to the users feedback ratings after the conversation. Similarly, the system may also be able to track information on what questions and/or types of questions are actually answered by users while on a call. Questions sent to a user device may be open ended. An open ended question may be answered by entering text via the user's computing device, or an open ended question may be meant merely to stimulate conversation and no answer is entered at all. Other types of questions may include discreet answer fields/choices. For example, questions may be yes/no, multiple choice, select from a list, etc. Such questions sent to a mobile device may be configured so that the user sees the various choices/fields and can answer accordingly using the computing device.
Advantageously, a user can connect with another user without having to express interest in matching with the user first. Accordingly, this also saves the user from a potential rejection before the users have interacted. This is possible because the system automatically determines matches and establishes calls, often with two users who know nothing about each other before the call. Users can also advantageously avoid having a public profile with significant amounts of personal information.
In another embodiment, the system may utilize a black list feature. In one example, if a first user gives a feedback answer that the first user does not want to talk to a second user again, the second user may be added to the first user's black list. A user on the black list cannot be matched to the first user (and similarly cannot be put on a call with the first user).
Advantageously, users may also be able to utilize a black list to maintain anonymity while utilizing the system. The user may select certain users (using any of a name, phone number, birthdate, etc.) to be on the black list. For example, a user may not want to be inadvertently matched with a coworker. Accordingly, the user may enter contact information of colleagues to ensure that they are on the black list. The system, when determining a match, does not match the user with a profile that has information related to the contacts on the black list. In one embodiment, the system may be able to access a user's contact list through an app on a computing device. In this way, the user may easily select some or all of the user's contacts to be added to the black list. In another embodiment, the system may access a user's social network accounts to determine friends or other social networking profiles that the user has a relationship with. In this way, the user may also specify some or all of their social networking contacts to be included on the black list. Social networks may include any type of social network, such as LinkedIn™, Facebook™, Twitter™, Instagram™, WhatsApp™, Snapchat™ Instagram™, or any other social network. The system can also automatically update to expand the black list if a user's social network or contact list expands over time. In one embodiment, the system may make an exception on blacklisting someone if the user has previously connected to that person using the methods or systems disclosed herein. In other words, if a person is matched through the present system and gets to know them, the user may add them to a social network. Accordingly, the user may not wish the other person to be added to the black list since both parties are already aware of each other's use of the system. In another embodiment, the user may wish the other person to be on the black list, since the user now has an alternative means to communicate with the person (such as the social network). In another embodiment, any referrals that a user specifies or invites may also be added to the black list, since the user presumably already has ways to connect with the invited individuals.
Advantageously, the system and methods described herein facilitate interactions between those looking for human interaction. The system can facilitate conversations with conversation questions. The system can help remove a psychological barrier to starting a conversation with a stranger.
When a potential user receives a referral or other form of invitation, the invitation may include a universal resource identifier (URI) that navigates a computing device to a webpage, app store, or other location. The app store, webpage, etc. can include instructions for downloading or otherwise procuring the app. After downloading the application or otherwise procuring it, the app can be opened and utilized by a user on a user device.
Some references generally directed toward social interaction include U.S. Pat. No. 7,907,149 to Daum (2011), U.S. Pat. No. 7,203,674 to Cohen (2007), and U.S. Pat. No. 6,735,568 to Buckwalter et al. (2004). However, the references fail to encompass the advantages of the methods and systems disclosed herein. As just one illustrative example, the references do not offer an easy way to start conversations with others without the hassle of creating or perusing through lengthy profiles, and no waiting to find out if any of you hopeful matches have opted to be interested in you as well. The embodiments disclosed herein also, as one additional illustrative example, cut down on fake profiles that are common on social interaction platforms, because the users have to talk to someone in a real time communication before getting any information about another person. The systems and methods disclosed herein offer many other advantages.
The methods and systems disclosed herein are directed to overcome some of the past deficiencies in these social communication sites by taking an active role in gathering profile information of users, intelligently associating users by their interests, proactively making connections between users, during the interaction between the users in real time performing complex semantic analysis of the voice and text data exchanged between the users in order to understand the satisfaction level to continue or discontinue the connection, to making a future connections, and finally protecting the active information obtained to safeguard users.
The GUI 100 includes a yes button 120 and a question button 115. In this embodiment, the app has automatically identified the phone number of the smart phone for the first user that is signing up for the service. If the phone number is correct, the user can press the yes button 120. If not, or the user has other questions, the user can press the question button 115. The user can, on other GUIs not shown here, manually enter their phone number or other contact information. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the user may be using a personal computer that does not have a phone number associated with it. Accordingly, the system may ask for a confirmation email, confirmation email verification, and/or other sorts of confirmation steps.
A notch 415 indicates that the user may scroll down to another part of the current page, such as the part shown in
Although only two profile entry screens were shown (
The GUI 600 also includes a connect button 605. If a user pushes the connect button 605, the system will automatically match the user with a second user according to the systems and methods disclosed herein. In an alternative embodiment, the app may receive a call even if the user has not pressed the connect button 605. Information 610 indicates various data to the user. For example, the user has 54 possible connections, 7 of whom are available for talking now. The user also has 14 coins (or currency). If the user selects the connect button 605, a call may be through the internet (such as voice over internet protocol, or VoIP), or some other way to perform a call such as a video call through Skype™ or another video calling service. The system may thereby avoid placing a call through standard phone lines and prevent a call from being shown in the call log of a smart phone. Further, this may protect the users from inadvertently sharing contact information with one another, increasing anonymity and security of personal information. If no matches are found, the system may ask the user to try again later.
The GUI 1100 also shows a conversation question 1115 sent from the system. The GUI 1100 also includes an end button 1125 that, if selected, can end the real time voice communication. The GUI 1100 also includes a speaker button 1130 that, if selected, may activate a speaker on the user device so that the user may more easily interact with and see the GUI 1100. The GUI 1100 also includes the add more time button 1120. The add more time button 1120 may be selected if a free portion of a call is running out and the user wants to redeem a currency (coin) for more time to talk with the other user. Such a system incentivizes a user to stay on at least long enough for the free portion of the call (and possible earn some incentive currency). After the first predetermined portion, a user may then have to pay the currency to keep talking to the second user after they have started liking talking to the second user. The second user may also pay to extend a call. If the second user extends the call, an indication of that extension may be displayed on the first user's device. This may be nice for the first user to see, as it serves as a compliment from the second user that the second user desires to keep talking. If the first user was not receptive and chose to end the call before the currency was redeemed, the second user could be refunded of the currency.
In other illustrative embodiments, a GUI during a call may show various other interactive information that results from the system sending and receiving information to and from a first user device and a second user device. For example, the system may facilitate conversation questions and answers to be input through a GUI. The system may allow for real time ratings and feedback of a user during a call input through a GUI. Touches to a GUI of a first user device may be seen in real time by the second user device so that the call is even more interactive. In this way, users may see each other's answers to conversation questions and see user-profile information shared with each other. Such interactivity enhances the conversation and connection between the callers. A user may also be prompted with feedback questions, such as “Would you like to continue this conversation?” If so, the user may be prompted to spend currency.
In another alternative embodiment, a user may be able to select a mood before a call. A reminder may be sent to the user device about a scheduled call or call interval time. The reminder may include a request for the user's mood. The mood may be used as part of the user-profile information in selecting the match for the user.
In another alternative embodiment, the system can recognize conversations by converting speech to text. The system can recognize questions and answers, and use this information to form a dossier about each user. Such a dossier may not be visible to users, but the system may store this information as user-profile information and use it for the best selection of matches and for other smart actions. The system may semantically analyze the questions, answers, and conversation to lead the conversation, generating particular questions which may appear on the screen or may be acoustically announced during conversation. The more a user participates in conversations, the more the system will know about this user. This can result in better matching and more stimulating conversations.
In alternative embodiment, fewer or more feedback questions may be vertically scrolled to similar to
The GUI 1800 includes a call history entry 1805 for Kimberly. The call history entry includes questions 1810. The questions 1810 include whether a user can talk now and whether to share user-profile information with Kimberly. In one embodiment, if yes is selected to share information with Kimberly, user-profile information will show up in Kimberly's call history (similar to
If the ‘can you talk’ question is set to no, a call between Kimberly and the user will not take place. If yes is selected, Kimberly may be connected to the user on a call. In one embodiment, Kimberly will be notified that the user is available and will have the opportunity to initiate a call. In another embodiment, the system may recognize that the user is available, and Kimberly and the user may be automatically matched by virtue of their both being available at the same time and their desire to start a call. In one embodiment, one or both of the questions 1810 are only displayed if the user has indicated a desire to talk to Kimberly again.
The GUI 1800 also includes a notes 1815 field where a user can write anything they would like to recall about Kimberly. The GUI 1800 also includes a call log 1820 regarding each time that the user has talked to Kimberly. In other embodiments, the GUI 1800 may include additional or different information. For example, the GUI 1800 may show feedback data from Kimberly about the user, feedback data about Kimberly, more conversation notes such as questions discussed and their respective answers, audio notes of or about the conversation, etc. The GUI 1800 may also organize the call history based on different factors. The GUI 1800 can be vertically scrolled to other entries in the call history with other users. The users may be organized such that most recent calls are on top. In another embodiment, users may be organized based on feedback ratings from the user. For example, the highest overall ratings or highest appearance may be at the top.
The selection bubbles 2215 and 2220 are examples of bubbles that can be used to select particular contacts to invite. For example, the selection bubble 2215 is currently selected and the selection bubble 2220 is not selected. Accordingly, if the user selected an invite button 2225, the contact associated with the selection bubble 2215 would be invited to join. In an alternative embodiment, a GUI similar to the GUI 2200 may be utilized to select individuals for inclusion on a black list.
The second user device 2440 includes a processor 2455 that is coupled to a memory 2445. The processor 2455 can store and recall data and applications in the memory 2445. The processor 2455 may also display objects, applications, data, etc. on a display/interface 2450. The display/interface 2450 may have a touchscreen, but may also include or incorporate a keyboard, a game system controller, a remote control, a mouse, a trackpad, a microphone, a camera, a set of buttons, a standard electronic display screen, a television, a computer monitor, or any combination of those or similar components. The processor 2455 may also receive inputs from a user through the display/interface 2450. The processor 2455 is also coupled to a transceiver 2460. With this configuration, the processor 2455, and subsequently the second user device 2440, can communicate with other devices, such as the first user device 2400 through a connection 2495 and the network 2425.
The server device 2465 includes a processor 2475 that is coupled to a memory 2475. The processor 2475 can store and recall data and applications in the memory 2485. The processor 2475 may also display objects, applications, data, etc. on a display/interface 2480. The display/interface 2480 may be a touchscreen, a game system controller, a keyboard, a remote control, a mouse, a trackpad, a microphone, a camera, a set of buttons, a standard electronic display screen, a television, a computer monitor, or any combination of those or similar components. The processor 2475 may also receive inputs from a user through the display/interface 2480. The processor 2475 is also coupled to a transceiver 2470. With this configuration, the processor 2475, and subsequently the viewer electronic device 2465, can communicate with other devices, such as the second user device 2440 through a connection 2490 and the network 2425. Although
The devices shown in the illustrative embodiment may be utilized in various ways. For example, any of the connections 2487, 2490, and 2495 may be varied. Any of the connections 2487, 2490, and 2495 may be a hard wired connection. A hard wired connection may involve connecting the devices through a USB (universal serial bus) port, serial port, parallel port, or other type of wired connection that can facilitate the transfer of data and information between a processor of a device and a second processor of a second device. In another embodiment, any of the connections 2487, 2490, and 2495 may be a dock where one device may plug into another device. While plugged into a dock, the client-device may also have its batteries charged or otherwise be serviced. In other embodiments, any of the connections 2487, 2490, and 2495 may be a wireless connection. These connections may take the form of any sort of wireless connection, including but not limited to Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi connectivity, or another wireless protocol. Other possible modes of wireless communication may include near-field communications, such as passive radio-frequency identification (RFID) and active (RFID) technologies. RFID and similar near-field communications may allow the various devices to communicate in short range when they are placed proximate to one another. In an embodiment using near field communication, two devices may have to physically (or very nearly) come into contact, and one or both of the devices may sense various data such as acceleration, position, orientation, velocity, change in velocity, IP address, and other sensor data. The system can then use the various sensor data to confirm a transmission of data over the internet between the two devices. In yet another embodiment, the devices may connect through an internet (or other network) connection. That is, any of the connections 2487, 2490, and 2495 may represent several different computing devices and network components that allow the various devices to communicate through the internet, either through a hard-wired or wireless connection. Any of the connections 2487, 2490, and 2495 may also be a combination of several modes of connection. The network 2425 may also include similar components described above with respect to the connections 2487, 2490, and 2495. In addition, the network 2425 may include intermediate servers, routing devices, processors, data traffic management services, and wired or un-wired connections.
To operate different embodiments of the system or programs disclosed herein, the various devices may communicate using the software systems and methods disclosed herein. Software applications may be manually installed on the devices or downloaded from the internet. Such software applications may allow the various devices in
In one embodiment, a download of a program to the first user device 2400 involves the processor 2415 receiving data through the transceiver 2420 through connection 2487 and the network 2425. The network 2425 may be connected to the internet. The processor 2415 may store the data (like the program) in the memory 2405. The processor 2415 can execute the program at any time. In another embodiment, some aspects of a program may not be downloaded to the server device 2415. For example, the program may be an application that accesses additional data or resources located in a server. In another example, the program may be an internet-based application, where the program is executed by a web browser and stored in a server that is part of the network 2425. In the latter example, temporary files and/or a web browser may be used on the first user device 2400 in order to execute the program, system, application, etc. In additional embodiments, the second user device 2440 and the server device 2465 may use, store, or download software applications and web based programs in a similar way.
The configuration of the first user device 2400, the portable the second user device 2440, the server device 2465, and the network 2425 is merely one physical system on which the disclosed embodiments may be executed. Other configurations of the devices shown exist to practice the disclosed embodiments. Further, configurations of additional or different devices than the ones shown in
In an operation 2515, the system establishes, in response to the determined match, a real time voice communication over a network (such as a land line phone call, cellular network phone call, or VoIP) between a first user device and a second user device. With regard to the real time voice communication, the first and second user device contact information is not sent to each other. In other words, the first user device does not see or receive the contact information of the second user device, and vice versa. Further, the system may send and/or receive information to the first and second user devices during the real time voice communication. For example, in an operation 2520, a conversation question is sent to the first user device. In an operation 2525, an indication of an answer to the conversation question is received. In an operation 2530, the answer to the conversation question is stored as part of the first-user profile information in order to be used in determining subsequent matches for the second user.
In an operation 2610, the system ends the real time voice communication. In an operation 2615, the system sends a feedback question about the second user to the first user device. In an operation 2620, the system receives a feedback answer response to the feedback question. In an operation 2625, the system stores the feedback answer as part of the first-user profile information, wherein the feedback answer is configured to be used in determining subsequent matches for the first user. In an alternative embodiment, the feedback answer may additionally or instead be stored in the second user-profile information for determining subsequent matches for the second user.
In an operation 2710, the system determines whether the feedback indicates that the first user wants to talk to the second user again. This determination may be implicit based on feedback or may be explicit based on affirmative assent to talk to the second user again. If the first user would not like to have a second real time voice communication (operation 2720) with the second user, the system stores as part of the first user-profile information, the second user on the first user's black list. That is, the first user will not be matched or have a real time voice communication with anyone including the second user that is on the black list. If the first user would like to have the second real time voice communication (operation 2715), the system stores as part of the first user-profile information, an opt-in indication such that the second real time voice communication can be subsequently established.
In an operation 2810, the system receives an assent to share user-profile information about the first user with the second user device. In an operation 2815, the system sends the user-profile information about the first user to the second device in response to receiving the assent. The information can be displayed on the second user device on a graphical user interface (GUI).
In an operation 3010, the system adds a first predetermined amount of the incentive currency to the virtual currency account after the real time voice communication occurs for a first predetermined amount of time. For example, if the real time voice communication lasts for three minutes, the system may add the incentive currency to the virtual currency account.
In an operation 3015, the system deducts a second predetermined amount of the incentive currency if the real time voice communication occurs for a second predetermined amount of time. For example, the system may deduct currency as a sort of payment for talking longer, such as deducting one coin for every extra ten minutes after the first three. A deduction may also be taken for punitive purposes. For example, if the real time voice communication lasts less than a minute, the user who ends the call may be deducted a penalty amount for not giving the other user much of a chance.
In an operation 3020, the system receives referral contact information of a third user from the first user device. In an operation 3025, the system adds, in response to receiving the referral contact information, a predetermined amount of currency to the virtual currency account of the first user. In an operation 3030, the system receives the third user's user-profile information from a third user device. That is, the third user has signed up using the app. As a result, the first user is rewarded again. In an operation 3035, the system adds another predetermined amount of the incentive currency to the virtual currency account in response to receiving the third user-profile information.
In another illustrative embodiment, a user may get more virtual or incentive currency by buying it with real currency. For example, the system may receive an authorization to transfer real currency (such as from a bank account or through a credit card company), from an account associated with the first user. In response to the transfer, the system can then add the incentive currency to the virtual currency account.
In an operation 3110, the system stores the recognized word or words as a part of the first user-profile information. The stored words can be used to determine subsequent matches for the first user (operation 3120). For example, if the user talks a lot about airplanes, the first user may later be matched with someone who likes flying. In an operation 3115, the stored word or words may also be used to determine a conversation question configured to further facilitate discussion for the ongoing real time voice communication or a subsequent real time voice communication. For example, the system may recognize that a user is talking a lot about pets. As a result, the system may introduce a conversation question directed to an upcoming local dog show.
Accordingly, the hidden information may include manual reviews that can review a user's photo, manually assess body type (fitness) of the user (lean, athletic, overweight, etc.) and add the information to the hidden part of a user's profile. Such information can be used by the system for more accurate search and matching for people's preferences.
In an illustrative embodiment, users may pay fees in real currency to use the app. For example, users may pay a five dollars per month for the service. In one embodiment, the users would then get ten free coins per month. Users may also buy coins, for example one coin for $0.25. In another embodiment, currency may be used to send other users gifts. For example, the gifts may be virtual, such as a message with virtual flowers or an email with a talking chimp. A user may buy an online gift card and electronically gift it to another user. A user may buy something online, such as a streaming song or service and send it directly to another user. Anytime a user uses the system to procure or send something from/through a third party, revenue might be generated by the system. The system may also facilitate donations to charities.
In another illustrative embodiment, the system may be used to buy and deliver real products to another user. For example, a first user may wish to send a second user flowers. The first user can pick the flowers and pay for them through the app or a third party website/app linked from the system app. After the flowers are paid for, the system can determine where to have them delivered, since the first user might not necessarily have access to the second user's contact information, including address. Other types of products may also be integrated into the system such as chocolates, coffee, reservations to restaurants, movie theaters, snacks, etc. In one embodiment, the app may also facilitate setting up an in person meeting or date for two users that have talked through the app, such as by helping set up a reservation at a restaurant or helping buy movie tickets.
In another illustrative embodiment, disclosed herein is a computer implemented method for enhancing electronic social communication between users. The method uses prior received data and makes an intelligent computer implemented determination of associating a first to a second user. The method also includes establishing a real time voice connection through a server with a first user and then establishing a connection through said server to a second different user and subsequently said server linking the first and second users to provide an electronic linkage and real time voice communication there between. Further, the method includes using data derived in real time from the electronic linkage to ascertain further attributes of the communications between said users to make determinations of the satisfaction of first and second users of the communication. The determinations may be made by using a hypothesis based upon a degree of satisfaction obtained from said linkage data. The method also includes receiving additional input data from said users in real time via user inputs of said first and second user and using both the additional input data and derived real time data to ascertain whether to continue, not continue, or to proceed at a later time the electronic communication between the users. The method may also include modifying the hypothesis of satisfaction of the electronic communications.
The data being derived in real time may include inputs via an user interface. The degree of satisfaction may be displayed to the users so the users can ascertain empirically the communications are going between the users. The data derived in real time may include biometric data about said users. For example, the data may include heart rate data, how hard an individual presses on an interface screen or button, breathing data, or voice pattern data including volume, frequency, etc. The data may include motion data derived from movement of the user devices. The data derived may also include speech to text, voice recognition, semantic analysis, and/or sentiment analysis of the voice data of the users conversation. The data derived may include language independent voice data of sounds of the user for voice recognition and/or sentiment analysis of the user. The method may also include, during said electronic linkage between users, providing said users desirable information about said users in such a manner that enables the users to better facilitate the interaction between each other to improve the degree of satisfaction of the interaction. The method may also include determining the degree of veracity of the user responses to questions posed by the system using the derived real time data of a component of biometric information received by comparing the biometric information received to a baseline empirical results via a computer implemented algorithm.
In an illustrative embodiment, any of the operations described herein can be implemented at least in part as computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable medium or memory. Upon execution of the computer-readable instructions by a processor, the computer-readable instructions can cause a computing device to perform the operations.
The foregoing description of illustrative embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and of description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting with respect to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.
This non-provisional application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 62/000,476 filed on May 19, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62000476 | May 2014 | US |
