Introduction system for locating compatible persons

An introduction system for participating users, includes for each user a personal device that is subject to activation by remote paging. Each user, also has a memory device that contains personal data defining the user by personal characteristics such as traits and interests. A local control unit receives the respective personal data from a plurality of user memory devices and using computer means compares the personal data of each user with the personal data of other users who have within the same time frame entered their personal data into the local control unit via their respective memory devices. Pairs who are matched to predetermined standards by the computer comparison are automatically paged via their personal devices and an introduction is facilitated.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
This invention relates generally to systems for introducing people who are 
desirous of making new acquaintances, and more particularly to an 
introduction system that seeks, substantially immediately, to bring 
together people having compatible traits and interests. In the past, a 
variety of systems has been suggested for introducing persons to each 
other. These systems have been rather simple and did not fulfill the 
expectations of the parties. None of the suggested systems attained 
commercial success. 
Introductions effected by dating or marriage agencies suffer from several 
drawbacks. Prospective partners have no way of assessing the situation 
prior to actually meeting, generally because the initial meeting has to be 
pre-arranged for a specific future time. It is quite common for either or 
both individuals to be in a particularly unreceptive mood at the appointed 
time, especially because the prospective couple has had no input in 
arranging an actual meeting. Agencies will eventually provide some 
introduction regardless of actual favorable prospects for a successful 
match. The user of such services has no control over who will be the 
recipient of his/her name and address, with the additional inherent danger 
that such information can be easily circulated. Further, days and weeks 
may pass before a first meeting is achieved. 
Singles' bars and clubs theoretically offer to overcome some of the 
problems associated with dating agencies but possess several inherent 
drawbacks of their own. Although immediate contacts are available, 
potential partners have no prior information about each other and there is 
the problem of "ice-breaking", that is finding a suitable basis and the 
privacy to introduce oneself to a total stranger. The only evidence that a 
"match" is possible is the presence of both persons at the same place and 
time. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,173,016 to Dickson offers an "on the spot" introduction 
system for the situation where prospective couples are in the same 
immediate area, for example, at a dance. In this patent, a first party has 
a short-range transmitter/receiver that identifies the first party and a 
very limited number of characteristics of the second party that the first 
party is seeking to meet. All of the potential second parties in the zone 
where the first party is operating, the dance, have receivers/transmitters 
that contain corresponding data indicative of the person that the 
potential second parties would be willing to meet. 
A potential second party receiver device interprets the first party's 
request and, if a suitable match is found, the second party's unit 
transmits a signal that is received by the first party. After that, a 
hunting process ensues wherein the strength of the exchanged signals 
depends upon the closeness of the parties. The parties search until they 
meet. 
This system is strictly one-to-one whereby the receiver device only accepts 
one response that matches the required parameters. Further simultaneous 
inquiries and responses will either jam the first signal or not be 
acknowledged at all. This system thus only accepts a first match, not 
necessarily the best match available. By its nature, the more people using 
the Dickson system, the more jamming problems there will be. Therefore, 
use of the Dickson system is restricted to a limited gathering and minimal 
range of distance where the two people have to be virtually within sight 
of each other. Also, this system is highly limited with regard to the 
number of parameters that are matched prior to giving a favorable response 
to the first party. 
What is needed is a "friend finder" system that is available to users in 
many different localities and, upon request, introduces parties, who, by 
their own standards, are well matched or compatible. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved 
introduction system that brings together people who, by their own 
standards, are desirous of meeting. 
Another object of this invention is to provide an introduction system that 
allows initial contact between "matched" persons by means other than an 
actual meeting, full identification of the parties being withheld until 
the first contact has been made with favorable responses. 
A further object of the invention is to provide an introduction system that 
enables the user to locate and identify a potential partner in his close 
vicinity within minutes. 
Still another object of the invention is to provide an introduction system 
that looks for best matches when more than one match is available. 
Yet another object of this invention is to provide an improved introduction 
system that is available to a user at many different geographic 
localities, but having a range that can be limited by the user on any 
particular occasion. 
Another object of this invention is to provide an introduction system that 
accepts and processes many competing requests for introduction without 
jamming. 
A further object of this invention is to provide an introduction system 
that provides substantially immediate, real time results. 
Yet another object of the invention is to provide an introduction system 
that automatically processes user requests for introduction and 
automatically notifies matched pair. 
Still another object of this invention is to provide an introduction system 
that does not introduce the same parties more than one time. 
With the introduction system in accordance with the invention, a plurality 
of first parties may seek out individual respective second parties, who 
may or may not exist. Seeking, identifying and introducing a respective 
first party and second party is accomplished by the introduction system, 
which initially is intermediate the parties. A person who wishes to become 
a user of the introduction system provides data concerning himself/herself 
and thereby characterizes the possibly non-existent person he/she would 
like to meet. The inputted data may also include the desired 
characteristics in a prospective matching person, geographic location and 
time constraints for meetings. In other words, a would-be user informs the 
system who and where he/she is and the personal characteristics and 
interests to be matched in a second party desired for introduction. The 
data is entered into a centralized computer system that attempts to match 
the first party request against data of other participants in the system, 
the data including the other party's characteristics and interests in 
prospective introductions, and also including geographic and time 
constraints to match those of the seeking party. 
Each party who is a user (subscriber) of the system has, and in most 
instances carries, a personal device whereon he/she is contacted by the 
introduction system, if a match is found, and an encoded membership or 
identification card that identifies the holder and his/her personal data. 
The personal device may be specially designed for this system, or the 
system may be adapted to use existing devices such as beepers, radio 
transceivers, cordless/cellular telpehones, and the like. 
In a preferred embodiment, a system local control unit is located in a 
particular geographic area, e.g., a popular restaurant. A user entering 
the geographic area inputs his data to the local control unit using the 
encoded user identification card. A centralized computer connected to many 
terminals, or a computer in a self contained local control unit, compares 
the data against other persons who have used the same local control unit 
to input their respective data within a time period (e.g. same evening) 
that indicates the likelihood of a continued presence in the geographic 
area. If a valid match is made by the computer, the computer pages that 
matched pair via the personal devices that each user carries, and the 
paged persons return to the control unit to meet. A display or printout 
can indicate, for example, the matched parties' first names when one party 
inserts his/her identification card in the control unit. This information 
provides a more comfortable ambience for the first contact and minimizes 
potential mix-up where many people may simultaneously be relying on a 
particular terminal to find companions at that time. 
In another embodiment of the invention where the personal device is solely 
a page-receiving device, upon being paged, the paged party telephones the 
local branch of the introduction system, and if both parties have 
responded to the paging, the first and second parties are connected and 
may converse for a limited time period. 
In another embodiment of the invention, the personal devices include 
transceivers. When a match is found, the central system sets both parties' 
transceivers to operate at a common frequency, pages the parties, and 
allows the first party to speak with the matched second party over that 
frequency channel for a limited period of time. 
Presumably, in all embodiments, if the voice communications between the 
first and second parties go favorably, previously withheld information, 
such as full names and addresses, can be exchanged. The parties future 
activities then become separated from the introduction system. 
When both parties fail to respond to their respective page calls, the 
introduction system can leave a message for a responding party, suggest a 
later time for contact between the parties, and even suggest meeting 
places and times based upon the geographic location. 
Local control units of the system may be provided in many different 
locations where the choice of potential partners is significant but 
opportunities to communicate are limited. For example, these local control 
units would be placed where time is spent in ordinary circumstances such 
as community centers, social clubs, exhibit halls, convention centers, 
auctions, theme parks, sporting facilities, office complexes, restaurants, 
parks, beaches, universities, shopping malls, museums, theaters (before 
curtain and after the final curtain), etc. 
Local inputs at the local control units may be made by magnetic 
identification cards that the users carry, or the card may include a 
memory chip and perhaps a computer chip for automatic interaction through 
the local control unit with the centralized computer. Contact with the 
system may also be by keyboard entry at the local control unit or by 
dialing a particular phone number. Data may be inputted from a touch-tone 
telephone and the local control unit may have a display and/or printer to 
provide instructions and feed-back, e.g. a person's first name, to the 
user, including the results of a matching effort, after the user has been 
paged. 
It should be understood, that when a "match" of two users has been made, it 
is not to imply that each and every parameter set out by the seeking party 
has been met. Certain mandatory factors, for example, religion, age 
ranges, educational background, may be required to be satisfied entirely 
whereas other factors such as hobbies and other preferences may be 
matched, for example, only with a 25% agreement. Such factors represent 
ground rules of the system, which are made known to the users, and form no 
part of the subject invention. Further, the individual entering the system 
at a particular time may have an option to indicate the degree of match 
that is acceptable on a given occasion. The computer then matches parties 
against the higher standard of the potential pair of participants. 
The invention accordingly comprises the several steps and the relation of 
one or more of such steps with respect to each of the others, and the 
apparatus embodying features of construction, combinations of elements and 
arrangements of parts that are adapted to effect such steps, all as 
exemplified in the following detailed disclosure, and the scope of the 
invention will be indicated in the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
An introduction system 10 in accordance with the invention includes a 
central or master control unit 12 that fulfills a number of functions, and 
a plurality of substations assigned to individual participants in the 
system. These substations are herein designated as personal devices 14. A 
plurality of base or local control units 16 have a defined function in a 
given area 18, and the local control units 16 are intermediate the central 
control unit 12 and the personal devices 14. By means of a public or 
private telephone exchange 20, each local control unit 16 can communicate, 
as necessary, with the central or master control unit 12, and users may 
also be in communication with the central or local control units 12, 16 by 
using the telephone exchange 20. 
A basic feature of the introduction system is the provision of a large 
plurality of personal devices, which are respectively assigned to 
individual participants. Each personal device includes a paging system 
having an individualized address such that the central or local control 
unit 12, 16 can contact any personal device 14, which falls within the 
geographic service area 18 of the local control unit 16, to the exclusion 
of all other personal devices. 
A person, who wishes to become a participant (subscriber) in the 
introduction system 10, enters data concerning himself/herself and his/her 
interests. Data may preferably be entered from a written application form 
submitted to an assigned address, or data may be entered by telephone to a 
local control unit 16 or to the master control unit 12. The data, for 
example, could be broken into two categories. Included in the first 
category are, mandatory criteria such as, for example, ethnic background, 
religious affiliation, education, income, age, height, smoking and 
drinking habits, etc. Additionally, the data can include users' interests, 
life style, hobbies, etc., and even desired characteristics of a 
compatible matching person. 
After the data has been furnished and inputted, the new user is provided 
with an assigned personal device that is identified to that individual by 
an address code and may store a copy of the user's personal data. Other 
paraphernalia are also furnished, such as instruction booklets, encoded 
membership cards including the user's personal data, and renewal 
subscription forms, etc. From that time, the member can utilize the system 
in any available location that is covered by the system. 
Whenever the user is in a service area 18 covered by the system 10, that 
person can inform the system of his availability at a certain location by 
calling the local telephone number of the local control unit 16 from a 
touch-tone telephone and, by responding to a voice menu, the user inputs 
information. This information can include, for example, his personal code 
assigned by the system 10, his present location, planned duration of stay 
in that service area 18, and the service area within which an introduction 
to a second party is desired. 
Where a local control unit 16 is readily available, for example, in a 
restaurant, the user may enter the fixed data directly by inserting his 
membership card into the local control unit 16 and then by entering, using 
a local control unit keyboard, any requested variable information 
regarding the specific location for meeting and, for example, the planned 
duration of stay at that location. 
It is assumed that generally a male person is seeking to make contact with 
a female and vice versa. It should be understood that the invention is not 
so limited. In a given geographic area where the user finds 
himself/herself, the user may seek out persons of the same sex having 
common interests, for example, playing tennis, fishing, etc. 
In the particular service area 18 where a present request is being 
initiated, the local control unit 16 compares the user's entered personal 
data with the entered personal data of other users who are simultaneously 
and immediately available in the service area or particular location, for 
example, a museum or university, specified by the user. In an alternative 
embodiment where a personal device or card only identifies the user but 
provides no personal data, when the user is in a new service area, that 
is, in a geographic region or a particular place that he has not 
previously or recently visited, the local control unit may retrieve his 
data from the master control unit 12 by way of the telephone exchange 20. 
The local control unit 16 may store the data of its frequent users. 
When a compatible couple is found, the system automatically notifies 
(pages) the two users by activating their personal devices. Several 
methods may be used to initiate an immediate meeting. The paged parties 
may call the local control unit 16 from any public or private telephone. 
After entering his/her personal identification code, the system will 
automatically interconnect the two parties if both parties have called in. 
This allows a telephone conversation for a predetermined period of time. 
The parties then make their own arrangements for a meeting, if their 
conversation advances in that direction. 
On the other hand, rather than initiating a direct telephone connection, 
and especially, where both paged parties do not telephone at the same time 
in response to being paged, the local control unit 16 informs the calling 
party, using digitized/synthesized voice messages, the possible partner's 
first name, and place and time of a possible meeting. Users can then 
leave/retrieve a verbal message regarding a future meeting when contact is 
again made with the local control unit 16 at a designated time. 
In another embodiment in accordance with the invention, users who have 
access to and make respective requests through a particular base control 
unit 16, return to that base control unit after being paged to receive a 
printout that includes a possible partner's first name and a listing of 
their shared interests. The time and place of the possible meeting is 
immediate and at the local control unit. Further, if both parties enter 
their respective identification data into the local control unit, a beeper 
will sound on the personal device of the first party to so enter his/her 
data, but only after the second party to return to the base control unit 
enters his/her identification. Further, if both parties enter their 
respective identification data into the local contral unit, a beeper will 
sound on the personal device of the first party to so enter his/her data, 
but only after the second party to return to the locl control unit enters 
his/her identification. 
By using a conventional telephone from such places as home, office, car, 
etc, a user can call the local control unit 16 from any place within the 
coverage area 18 of the paging system. The user may also call from the 
place where a meeting is desired, for example, a museum. The user can 
inform the system about the duration of his availability and the 
geographic area to be covered. By virtue of the computer's speed in 
providing matching data, if a compatible couple is found simultaneously 
within any acceptable area, the system will page the users, substantially 
immediately, asking them to dial the base control unit 16 by telephone. 
After entering their personal codes, the system automatically 
interconnects them and allows a telephone conversation between the two 
people. In such a case, the personal device is a pager of the conventional 
type that has been adapted to the introduction system with a proper 
addressing and user identification code. Alternatively, the paged parties 
approach the local control unit, where the personal data was recently 
input to meet. 
Following is an alternative introduction system in accordance with the 
invention that is again represented functionally in FIG. 1. Data is 
entered originally for each user into the master control unit 12, and 
stored as described above. When a person informs a local control unit 16 
of his presence in a given geographic area, the stored data is scanned, 
looking for compatibility among the predefined parameters of the seeking 
party and the person being sought. The contact by the local control unit 
16 between two matched parties is based on a radio communication, the use 
of ultrasonics, infra red radiation, etc., as compared to the public 
telephone system, that was used in an embodiment described above. 
The central or master control unit 12, when used in an embodiment in 
accordance with the invention, exercises overall control over the local 
control unit 16 and may have a computer storage capacity for storing and 
evaluating the data pertaining to all of the participants. The individual 
personal devices 14 are generally battery powered units of portable nature 
that are equipped with signaling means, that is, buzzers, LEDs or the 
like, or they may be provided with voice radio communication means 
(transceiver) operative over a predetermined limited range. 
The local control units 16 may be located in a plurality of locations in a 
given city, and each such unit is assigned a certain effective area 18 in 
which the unit 16 operates and in which it has adequate range and 
capability for making introductions. Features of various embodiments of 
such local control unit 16 are set out hereinafter. The local control 
units 16 temporarily store data of participants who have informed that 
unit about his/her presence in a given vicinity or location for a given 
period of time. Personal data need not be permanently stored in the local 
unit 16. During this period of time, the local control unit 16 scans the 
system memory for a compatible potential partner who has also announced 
his or her availability at such location during such time period. If such 
a compatible potential partner is found, and one may not exist, the local 
control unit 16 automatically establishes contact between the two 
participants. After making an introduction by a method indicated above, 
the local control unit 16 records this fact to prevent future repetition. 
A pair of users is only matched once. Where the personal devices 14 are 
provided with voice two-way communication means, in some circumstances a 
meeting can be arranged between such potential partners by themselves. 
Otherwise, contact with the local control unit 16 is necessary for 
effecting such a meeting. 
In another alternative embodiment, when a new user joins the system, the 
master control unit or central unit 12 analyzes an applicant's 
questionnaire, by whatever format is used to originally input the 
information, and arranges his/her personal details and preferences in a 
particular format and assigns a personal address code for the individual. 
The master control unit 12 then adapts a personal device 14 for use by 
each individual subscriber by transferring the personal address code and 
personal data to a memory of the personal device. The master control unit 
12 retains a record of information on the assigned address code and may 
retain the personal data in its memory. The master control unit 12 when 
maintaining data for each system user, on demand transfers data to a 
requesting base control unit 16 by way of communication means, such as the 
telephone lines (FIG. 1). Personal data is updated in the master control 
unit memory as new inputs are received. The master control unit can 
display information to users (subscribers) at a local control unit 16 by 
way of the telephone exchange 20 and a display device at the local control 
unit 16. Further, the master control unit 12 can periodically check the 
local control units 16 and initiate an alert in case any local unit is 
malfunctioning. The memory associated with the master control unit 12 may 
be located at the master control unit or remotely therefrom with suitable 
access means. 
The master control unit 12 may include a computer, a computer to personal 
device interface, a computer to personal memory interface, a telephone 
modem or other communication means. 
It is recognized that the favorable trends in technology and economics of 
data storage may in time eliminate any need for a central master control 
unit and its memory. Also, the ability of "identification" cards to store 
all personal data for an individual, and also to include a computer chip, 
may in time eliminate any need for long term personal data storage in the 
local control units 16. 
In different embodiments, the local control unit 16 identifies the presence 
of a user by reading his/her personal address code and personal data from 
his/her memory unit (identification card), by keyboard or telephone input, 
or by receiving transmitted personal coded signals from the user's 
personal device. The local control unit 16 compares each user's 
requirements and characteristics with those of all potentially suitable 
users immediately available in the geographic area, and determines the 
best compatibilities. The local control unit 16 automatically assigns a 
discrete communication channel, where more than one channel is available, 
and switches the personal devices of the two chosen users to the assigned 
channel by sending appropriate coded signals to the personal devices of 
the selected parties. The transmissions from the users' transceivers are 
connected via the base control unit 16 that serves as an intermediate step 
between the two personal transceiver devices. 
"Best" matches are accomplished by the computer based on a level of 
interest in an activity (for example, going to the opera) that a user 
indicates in the original application to, and entry of data into the 
introduction system. When several matches are simultaneously available, 
the computer can select the "best" match based upon the overall closeness 
in expressed interests of the potential pairs. 
From the above description it is apparent that a variety of personal 
devices 14 can be used. In one embodiment of the invention, the received 
addressed signal triggers only a buzzer and the meeting is initiated by 
both subscribers approaching the local control unit by telephone as 
described above. In another embodiment of the invention, the received 
signal triggers voice communication between two personal devices that 
contain transceivers via the local control unit 16, which assigns a 
frequency channel. The personal device may be either a transponder or an 
interrogator; it may be capable of independent communication on one or 
more channels with other personal devices bypassing the local control unit 
16. Messages may be displayed on an alphanumeric display. 
In another alternative embodiment in accordance with the invention, where 
potential matching parties are expected to be geographically close 
together at the outset of a search, the personal devices 14 may include 
self-contained transceivers, memory means holding the user's personal 
data, a microprocessor, and some form of display or indicator. When the 
person is outside the service area 18 of a local control unit 16, on a 
periodically timed basis, for example, every thirty seconds, the 
transceiver transmits the user's personal data. Between these 
transmissions, the transceiver listens for data transmitted from other 
nearby personal devices and the processor in the personal device compares 
any incoming personal data with the user's stored data. When there is a 
match, the display (e.g., LCD) or buzzer of each matched person's personal 
device is activated. Where a display is used, the first name of the other 
party may appear. The parties can then converse by transceiver to complete 
meeting arrangements. Operation is autonomous and in real time without any 
intervention by a local control unit 16. 
When such a personal device with an autonomously operable transceiver is 
brought within the service area 18 of a local control unit 16, signals 
from the local control unit 16 partially inactivate the user's personal 
device so that only reception and transmission of signals between the 
local control unit 16 and the personal device 14 is possible. Thus, the 
local control unit 16 prevents autonomous operation by a user of his/her 
personal device. The local control unit 16 then immediately matches 
interested parties within that geographic area 18 if a match exists. 
Matched users are paged by the local control unit 16 and an introduction 
can ensue by any suitable means described above, for example, on an 
assigned transceiver frequency channel, by telephoning the local control 
unit 16, by approaching the local control unit, etc. The personal devices 
may also include a cordless telephone and the local control unit can 
interconnect a matched pair of users. 
When the user again leaves the geographic area 18 serviced by the local 
control unit 16, that is, transmissions from the local control unit no 
longer reach a user's personal device, the personal device reverts to the 
autonomous operational mode, described above, without reliance on the 
local control unit to provide introductions. 
In general, where a user has checked into a particular geographic region 
(e.g., restaurant) by inserting his/her encoded identification card in a 
local control unit, the user will check out by again inserting his/her 
identification card and providing inputs as requested by the local control 
unit. 
FIG. 2 is a functional diagram of a local or base control unit 16 having a 
transmitter 22 for contacting personal devices 14, a receiver 24 for 
receiving communication from personal devices 14 when such devices have 
transceiver capability, and a computer 26 that does local matching of 
users. A telephone modem 30 allows for interconnection with the master 
control unit 12 and with users when the mode of contact with the local 
control unit 16 is by telephone after the user is paged by the transmitter 
22. A cathode ray tube 32 gives instructions to a user for inputting data, 
and also is used for delivering messages. A reader 34 is provided to take 
information from a user's identification card. 
FIG. 3 illustrates a more sophisticated local or base control unit 16', 
wherein there are a plurality of transceivers 36 operating on different 
channels (1 . . . N) that are reserved for contacting the personal devices 
14 of men. There are also a plurality of channels 1 . . . N associated 
with transceivers 37 for contacting the personal devices 14 of female 
users of the system. The transceivers 36, 37 pass through telephone 
interfaces 38 to a computer operated telephone exchange 40. The local 
control unit 16' pages, by way of the transceivers 36, 37, both parties 
for an intended introduction. If both parties respond by way of their 
transceivers, the intermediate telephone exchange 40 connects the two 
parties allowing immediate communication by way of the local control unit 
16'. In an alternative embodiment, not shown, after the computer 26 
contacts two users by paging for an intended match, the transceiver in 
each user's personal device is assigned a channel that is common to both 
parties and the parties communicate directly by radio. 
FIG. 4a is a functional block diagram of a personal device 14 that 
functions solely as a paging device. When a radio transmission is received 
from the base control unit 16 by way of the receiver 42, the signal is 
decoded in a decoder 44 to determine the addressee of the signal. The 
addressed personal device, if turned ON by the on/off switch 46, receives 
the transmission and activates a buzzer 48 for a limited time set in a 
timer 50. The user then must call the local control unit 16 by telephone, 
as described above. All other personal devices in the area receiving the 
transmitted coded signal, but not particularly addressed, do not respond. 
FIG. 4b is a functional diagram of an alternative personal device 14' that 
includes means for voice communication between the user and the control 
unit or between the matched pair. Such a personal device 14' can be used 
with a local control unit 16' as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. 
The personal device 14" of FIG. 5a allows for voice communication as in 
FIG. 4b but has elements such as the microcontroller, modem, data 
interface, etc. that enables autonomous operation while out of range of a 
base control unit. Instead of voice communication, the device of FIG. 5b 
provides a data display for indicating information of the matched person. 
FIG. 6 is a flow diagram indicating the method of operation of an 
introduction system in accordance with the invention using a local control 
unit (LCU) that is located at a place where users tend to gather, for 
example, at a health club, museum, the theater, shopping center, etc., as 
indicated above. Positioning of the local control unit is indicated by 
functional block 60. 
Users at the activity site enter their personal data into the local control 
unit (block 62). This is accomplished, for example, by using a coded 
magnetic card. The local control unit compares the data of the different 
users who have input their personal data (block 64) to determine whether 
compatability, i.e., a match, is indicated between a pair of users (block 
66). 
If there is no match, the local control unit continues to make comparisons 
as additional users enter their personal data. When a pair of users are 
found to be compatible, that is, matched, the local control unit pages the 
users (block 68) by activating the personal device which each user 
possesses. 
At that time, the paged users, still unknown to each other, approach the 
local control unit and again enter (block 70) their personal 
identification data, for example, by means of the magnetic card mentioned 
above. At that time, the local control unit provides information to the 
user who has entered his/her identification. The information includes 
sufficient data to enable simple identification of the other member in the 
matched pair, for example, the first name of the other party (block 72). 
The matched users are then able to meet proximate the local control unit 
(block 74). 
It should be understood that this flow diagram represents one of the many 
alternative embodiments described above and does not preclude any means of 
entering data into the local control unit (block 62), or any type of 
output by the local control unit (block 72) to identify the matched 
parties. 
It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made 
apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, 
since certain changes may be made in carrying out the above method and in 
the constructions set forth without departing from the spirit and scope of 
the invention, it is intended that all manner contained in the above 
description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as 
illustrative and not in a limiting sense.