Systems and methods for using social-networking accounts to identify characteristics that strangers share in common

A computer-implemented method may include facilitating registration for a service capable of determining whether strangers who come in contact with one another share one or more characteristics in common. The computer-implemented method may also include obtaining, as part of the registration for the service, permission for the service to access at least a portion of one or more social-networking accounts associated with each of the strangers. The computer-implemented method may further include determining, subsequent to the registration for the service, that the strangers registered for the service have come in contact with one another and then providing the service to the strangers in response to this determination. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, social-networking platforms (such as FACEBOOK, TWITTER, and LINKEDIN) have become popular with numerous Internet users. Such social-networking platforms may enable users to stay in touch with one another and/or connect with new people. For example, a user of a social-networking platform may create a personal account (sometimes referred to as a profile) and add one or more other users of the social-networking platform to a list of friends associated with his or her personal account. In this example, once the user and the other users have become friends on the social-networking platform, these users may be able to view personal information associated with each others' personal accounts and potentially identify one or more characteristics that they share in common.

However, the process of becoming friends on such a social-networking platform may involve one or more obstacles that delay the users' ability to view each others' personal information. For example, a user of a social-networking platform may send a friend request to another user to initiate the process of becoming friends on the social-networking platform. The user may then need to wait for the other user to accept the friend request before the user is able to view the personal information associated with the other user's personal account. As a result, these users may be unable to identify characteristics that they share in common upon coming in contact with one another for the first time (e.g., at a work function, at a social event, or in an online forum).

In addition, some Internet users may choose to utilize only a limited number of social-networking platforms. Unfortunately, users of one social-networking platform may be unable to interact with users of another social-networking platform. As a result, these users (like those mentioned in the example above) may be unable to identify characteristics that they share in common upon coming in contact with one another for the first time. As such, the instant disclosure identifies a need for efficient and effective mechanism for enabling users of different social-networking platforms to identify characteristics that they share in common upon coming in contact with one another for the first time.

SUMMARY

As will be described in greater detail below, the instant disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for using social-networking accounts to identify characteristics that strangers share in common. In one example, a computer-implemented method for using social-networking accounts to identify characteristics that strangers share in common may include (1) facilitating registration for a service capable of determining whether strangers who come in contact with one another share one or more characteristics in common, (2) obtaining, as part of the registration for the service, permission for the service to access at least a portion of one or more social-networking accounts associated with each of the strangers, (3) determining, subsequent to the registration for the service, that the strangers registered for the service have come in contact with one another, and then (4) providing the service to the strangers in response to this determination by (a) analyzing personal information about the strangers accessible via the social-networking accounts associated with the strangers, (b) determining, based on the analysis of the personal information, whether the strangers share one or more characteristics in common, and then (c) providing characteristics information that indicates whether the strangers share one or more characteristics in common to one or more computing devices associated with one or more of the strangers to facilitate presentation of the characteristics information to the strangers upon coming in contact with one another.

Examples of such characteristics that the strangers may share in common include, without limitation, a common friend, a common acquaintance, a common employer, a common profession, a common school, a common place of residence, a common online follower, a common person being followed online, a common religion, a common relationship status, a common political affiliation, a common conference, a common check-in location, a common association with a particular organization, a common association with a particular social-networking platform, a common business connection, a common musical interest, a common favorite book, a common favorite movie, a common favorite musical artist, a common favorite television show, a common favorite game, a common favorite activity, a common favorite athlete, a common hobby, and/or any other suitable characteristics that the strangers may share in common.

In some examples, the method may also include obtaining one or more usernames and one or more passwords associated with the strangers' social-networking accounts. In such examples, the method may further include enabling the service to access the strangers' social-networking accounts by entering the usernames and passwords associated with the strangers' social-networking accounts. The strangers' social-networking accounts may represent a plurality of social-networking accounts associated with a plurality of different social-networking platforms (such as FACEBOOK, TWITTER, and LINKEDIN).

In some examples, the method may also include accessing the strangers' social-networking accounts to obtain the personal information and storing a copy of the personal information in a storage device associated with the service to facilitate analyzing the personal information. The method may further include implementing a data mining technique that provides at least a portion of the service and/or a machine learning technique that provides at least a portion of the service.

In some examples, the method may also include parsing the personal information about the strangers into informational components and comparing the informational components parsed from the personal information about the strangers. In such examples, the method may further include identifying at least one pattern of informational components that is common to each of the strangers. In addition, the method may include configuring the characteristics information by (1) identifying the informational components that represent the common pattern and then (2) reforming the informational components that represent the common pattern to facilitate presentation of these informational components to the strangers upon coming in contact with one another.

In some examples, the method may also include determining that a computing device associated with a particular stranger is located physically proximate to a different computing device associated with a different stranger. In one example, the method may include using a transponder (such as a near field communication (“NFC”) technology, a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) technology, a contactless smart card technology, or a Bluetooth technology) associated with the computing device and a different transponder associated with the different computing device to determine that the computing device is located physically proximate to the different computing device.

In some examples, the method may also include receiving a communication manually initiated by at least one of the strangers that indicates that the strangers have come in contact with one another. In one example, the method may include detecting an in-person encounter between the strangers. In another example, the method may include detecting an online encounter between the strangers.

In one embodiment, a system for implementing the above-described method may include a registration module programmed to (1) facilitate registration for a service capable of determining whether strangers who come in contact with one another share one or more characteristics in common and (2) obtain, as part of the registration for the service, permission for the service to access at least a portion of one or more social-networking accounts associated with each of the strangers. The system may also include a service module programmed to (1) determine, subsequent to the registration for the service, that the strangers registered for the service have come in contact with one another and (2) provide the service to the strangers in response to this determination by (a) analyzing personal information about the strangers accessible via the social-networking accounts associated with the strangers, (b) determining, based on the analysis of the personal information about the strangers, whether the strangers share one or more characteristics in common, and then (c) providing characteristics information that indicates whether the strangers share one or more characteristics in common to one or more computing devices associated with one or more of the strangers to facilitate presentation of the characteristics information to the strangers upon coming in contact with one another.

In another embodiment, the above-described method may be encoded as computer-readable instructions on a computer-readable-storage medium. For example, a computer-readable-storage medium may include one or more computer-executable instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of a computing device, may cause the computing device to (1) facilitate registration for a service capable of determining whether strangers who come in contact with one another share one or more characteristics in common, (2) obtain, as part of the registration for the service, permission for the service to access at least a portion of one or more social-networking accounts associated with each of the strangers, (3) determine, subsequent to the registration for the service, that the strangers registered for the service have come in contact with one another, and then (4) provide the service to the strangers in response to this determination by (a) analyzing personal information about the strangers accessible via the social-networking accounts associated with the strangers, (b) determining, based on the analysis of the personal information, whether the strangers share one or more characteristics in common, and then (c) providing characteristics information that indicates whether the strangers share one or more characteristics in common to one or more computing devices associated with one or more of the strangers to facilitate presentation of the characteristics information to the strangers upon coming in contact with one another.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

As will be described in greater detail below, the instant disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for using social-networking accounts to identify characteristics that strangers share in common. The term “strangers,” as used herein, generally refers to users of a service who do not know one another, or do not know one another very well. In addition, for purposes of simplicity, the terms “strangers” and “users” may be used interchangeably throughout the instant disclosure.

In one example, two or more strangers may register for a service capable of determining whether the strangers share any characteristics in common. As part of the registration process, the strangers may each provide permission for the service to access one or more of their social-networking accounts. After registering for the service, the strangers may meet one another for the first time at a social event and wonder if they have any mutual friends or share any common interests. The service may detect this in-person encounter between the strangers based on transponders integrated in the strangers' mobile devices. In response to detecting this in-person encounter, the service may access the strangers' social-networking accounts to analyze personal information about the strangers.

In one example, the service may determine, based on this analysis of the strangers' personal information, that the strangers have two mutual friends and both enjoy gardening. The service may generate characteristics information that identifies the strangers' mutual friends and common interests and then provide the characteristics information to the strangers' mobile devices for presentation to the strangers. By presenting the characteristics information to the strangers when they come in contact with one another for the first time, the service may help the strangers become instantly familiar with one another and provide a common-ground basis upon which the strangers may build a friendship.

The following will provide, with reference toFIGS. 1-2, detailed descriptions of exemplary systems for using social-networking accounts to identify characteristics that strangers share in common. Detailed descriptions of corresponding computer-implemented methods will also be provided in connection withFIGS. 3-6. In addition, detailed descriptions of an exemplary computing system and network architecture capable of implementing one or more of the embodiments described herein will be provided in connection withFIGS. 7 and 8, respectively.

FIG. 1is a block diagram of an exemplary system100for using social-networking accounts to identify characteristics that strangers share in common. As illustrated in this figure, exemplary system100may include one or more modules102for performing one or more tasks. For example, and as will be explained in greater detail below, exemplary system100may include a registration module104programmed to (1) facilitate registration for a service capable of determining whether strangers who come in contact with one another share one or more characteristics in common and (2) obtain, as part of the registration for the service, permission for the service to access at least a portion of one or more social-networking accounts associated with each of the strangers.

The system may also include a service module106programmed to (1) determine, subsequent to the registration for the service, that the strangers registered for the service have come in contact with one another and (2) provide the service to the strangers in response to this determination by (a) analyzing personal information about the strangers accessible via the social-networking accounts associated with the strangers, (b) determining, based on the analysis of the personal information about the strangers, whether the strangers share one or more characteristics in common, and then (c) providing characteristics information that indicates whether the strangers share one or more characteristics in common to one or more computing devices associated with the strangers to facilitate presentation of the characteristics information to the strangers upon coming in contact with one another. Although illustrated as separate elements, one or more of modules102inFIG. 1may represent portions of a single module, application, and/or service (such as the service described herein).

As illustrated inFIG. 1, exemplary system100may also include one or more databases, such as database120. In one example, database120may be configured to store registration information122, personal information124, and/or characteristics information126. As will be described in greater detail below, one or more of modules102may use at least a portion of the information stored in database120to identify characteristics that strangers share in common.

Registration information122generally represents any type or form of information obtained as part of a registration process that involves registering for a service capable of determining whether strangers share characteristics in common. Examples of registration information122include, without limitation, identification information that identifies users of the service, contact information (such as physical addresses, email addresses, and/or telephone numbers of users), device information that identifies users' computing devices (such as device identifiers associated with users' computing devices), account information that facilitates access to users' social-networking accounts (such as usernames and passwords associated with users' social-networking accounts), policy information that identifies which portions of the users' social-networking accounts are accessible to the service, and/or any other suitable registration information.

Personal information124generally represents any type or form of information obtained from social-networking accounts associated with users that have registered for a service capable of determining whether strangers share characteristics in common. Personal information124may also identify characteristics of users that have registered for such a service. Examples of personal information124include, without limitation, information that identifies users' friends, users' acquaintances, users' employers, users' professions, schools attended by users, users' places of residence, users' online followers, people being followed online by users, users' religions, users' relationship statuses, users' political affiliations, conferences attended by the users, check-in locations identified by the users, users' associations with particular organizations, users' associations with particular social-networking platforms, users' business connections, users' musical interests, users' favorite books, users' favorite movies, users' favorite musical artists, users' favorite television shows, users' favorite games, users' favorite activities, users' favorite athletes, users' hobbies, and/or any other suitable personal information that identifies characteristics of users that have registered for a service capable of determining whether strangers share characteristics in common.

Characteristics information126generally represents any type or form of information that identifies one or more characteristics that particular strangers share in common. For example, characteristics information126may indicate that two particular strangers who have come in contact with one another have two mutual friends and both enjoy gardening. Although characteristics information126generally represents information that identifies one or more characteristics that particular strangers share in common, characteristics information126may also, in some examples, represent information that indicates that particular strangers share no known characteristics in common.

Database120may represent portions of a single database or computing device or a plurality of databases or computing devices. For example, database120may represent a portion of server206inFIG. 2, computing system710inFIG. 7, and/or portions of exemplary network architecture800inFIG. 8. Alternatively, database120inFIG. 1may represent one or more physically separate devices capable of being accessed by a computing device, such as server206inFIG. 2, computing system710inFIG. 7, and/or portions of exemplary network architecture800inFIG. 8.

Exemplary system100inFIG. 1may be implemented in a variety of ways. For example, all or a portion of exemplary system100may represent portions of exemplary system200inFIG. 2. As shown inFIG. 2, system200may include computing devices202(1)-(N) and social-networking platforms208(1)-(N) in communication with server206via a network204. In addition, social-networking platforms208(1)-(N) may collectively include social-networking accounts210(1)-(N) and212(1)-(N).

In one embodiment, one or more of modules102fromFIG. 1may, when executed by at least one processor of server206, enable server206to use social-networking accounts210(1)-(N) and212(1)-(N) to identify characteristics that strangers share in common. For example, and as will be described in greater detail below, one or more of modules102may cause server206to (1) facilitate registration for a service capable of determining whether strangers who come in contact with one another share one or more characteristics in common, (2) obtain, as part of the registration for the service, permission for the service to access at least a portion of one or more social-networking accounts associated with each of the strangers, (3) determine, subsequent to the registration for the service, that the strangers registered for the service have come in contact with one another, and then (4) provide the service to the strangers in response to this determination by (a) analyzing personal information about the strangers accessible via the social-networking accounts associated with the strangers, (b) determining, based on the analysis of the personal information, whether the strangers share one or more characteristics in common, and then (c) providing characteristics information that indicates whether the strangers share one or more characteristics in common to one or more computing devices associated with one or more of the strangers to facilitate presentation of the characteristics information to the strangers upon coming in contact with one another.

Computing devices202(1)-(N) generally represent any type or form of computing device capable of reading computer-executable instructions. Examples of computing devices202(1)-(N) include, without limitation, laptops, desktops, servers, cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), multimedia players, embedded systems, combinations of one or more of the same, exemplary computing system710inFIG. 7, or any other suitable computing devices.

Server206generally represents any type or form of computing device that is capable of accessing, collecting, analyzing, and/or providing information associated with characteristics that strangers may share in common. Examples of server206include, without limitation, application servers, web servers, and database servers configured to provide various database services and/or run certain software applications.

Social-networking platforms208(1)-(N) generally represent any type or form of software (such as a website) that enables users of the software to remotely connect and/or communicate with one another. Each of social-networking platforms208(1)-(N) may be implemented on at least one computing device (such as a web server) accessible to server206via network204. Examples of social-networking platforms208(1)-(N) include, without limitation, FACEBOOK, TWITTER, LINKEDIN, MYSPACE, GOOGLE+, TAGGED, MYYEARBOOK, MEETUP, MYLIFE, MYHERITAGE, MULTIPLY, ORKUT, NING, CLASSMATES.COM, BEBO, FRIENDSTER, HI5, ORKUT, PERFSPOT, ZORPIA, NETLOG, HABBO, or any other website that facilitates online social networking.

Social-networking accounts210(1)-(N) and212(1)-(N) generally represent any type or form of personal account (such as a profile) provided by a social-networking platform. Each of social-networking accounts210(1)-(N) and212(1)-(N) may be associated with a particular user or entity. In addition, social-networking accounts210(1)-(N) and212(1)-(N) may include various personal information about the user or entity associated with social-networking accounts210(1)-(N) and212(1)-(N).

FIG. 3is a flow diagram of an exemplary computer-implemented method300for using social-networking accounts to identify characteristics that strangers share in common. The steps shown inFIG. 3may be performed by any suitable computer-executable code and/or computing system. In some embodiments, the steps shown inFIG. 3may be performed by one or more of the components of system100inFIG. 1, system200inFIG. 2, computing system710inFIG. 7, and/or portions of exemplary network architecture800inFIG. 8.

As illustrated at step302inFIG. 3, one or more of the various systems described herein may facilitate registration for a service capable of determining whether strangers who come in contact with one another share one or more characteristics in common. For example, registration module104may, as part of server206inFIG. 2, facilitate registration for a service capable of determining whether users of computing devices202(1)-(N) share one or more characteristics in common. In this example, users of computing devices202(1)-(N) may be strangers who do not know one another very well or even at all.

The systems described herein may perform step302in a variety of ways. In some examples, registration module104may provide a user interface accessible to the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) to enable the users to register (or sign up) for the service. In one example, registration module104may provide a website that facilitates registration for the service to the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) via network204. In this example, the website may interface with registration module104via network204to enable the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) to transmit user input to registration module104as part of the registration process.

In another example, registration module104may provide a software application or plug-in capable of being downloaded by the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) to enable the users to register (or sign up) for the service. In this example, the downloadable software application or plug-in may interface with registration module104via network204to enable the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) to transmit user input to registration module104as part of the registration process.

In some examples, the user interface provided by registration module104may enable each of the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) to create, as part of the registration process, a personal profile associated with the service. For example, the user of computing device202(1) may enter user input to create a username (e.g., “JJOHNSON”) and password (e.g., “MYPASSWORD”) associated with this service profile. In this example, registration module104may obtain the user input entered by the user of computing device202(1) and create the user's profile for the service based on the user input.

As will be described in greater detail below, this service may be capable of determining whether strangers who come in contact with one another share any characteristics in common. Examples of such characteristics that the strangers may share in common include, without limitation, a common friend, a common acquaintance, a common employer, a common profession, a common school, a common place of residence, a common online follower, a common person being followed online, a common religion, a common relationship status, a common political affiliation, a common conference, a common check-in location, a common association with a particular organization, a common association with a particular social-networking platform, a common business connection, a common musical interest, a common favorite book, a common favorite movie, a common favorite musical artist, a common favorite television show, a common favorite game, a common favorite activity, a common favorite athlete, a common hobby, and/or any other suitable characteristics that the strangers may share in common.

As illustrated at step304inFIG. 3, one or more of the various systems described herein may, as part of the registration process, obtain permission for the service to access at least a portion of one or more social-networking accounts associated with the strangers. For example, registration module104may, as part of server206inFIG. 2, obtain permission (whether implicit or explicit) for the service to access at least a portion of social-networking accounts210(1)-(N) and212(1)-(N) associated with the users of computing devices202(1)-(N). In one example, such permission may be implied by the users' attempts to register for the service. In another example, such permission may be explicitly obtained from the users as part of the registration process.

The systems described herein may perform step304in a variety of ways. In one example, registration module104may obtain one or more usernames (such as nicknames, screen names, and/or email addresses) associated with social-networking accounts210(1)-(N) and212(1)-(N). In this example, registration module104may also obtain one or more passwords associated with social-networking accounts210(1)-(N) and212(1)-(N). By obtaining such usernames and passwords associated with social-networking accounts210(1)-(N) and212(1)-(N), registration module104may enable the service to access at least a portion of social-networking accounts210(1)-(N) and212(1)-(N) by entering the usernames and passwords in social-networking platforms208(1)-(N).

In a more specific example, a user of computing device202(1) may enter his username (e.g., “JOHNJOHNSON@EMAIL.COM”) and password (e.g., “MYPASSWORD”) associated with social-networking platform208(1) into the user interface provided by registration module104. In this example, the user of computing device202(1) may also enter a different username (e.g., “JJOHNSON”) and a different password (e.g., “MYOTHERPASSWORD”) associated with social-networking platform208(N) into the user interface. Registration module104may then obtain the user's usernames and passwords via the user interface and store the usernames and passwords as part of registration information122located in database120. Upon storing the user's usernames and passwords as part of registration information122, registration module104may enable the service to access at least a portion of social-networking accounts210(1) and212(1) by entering the usernames and passwords in social-networking platforms208(1)-(N).

Although the above example demonstrates that usernames and passwords associated with a particular user may vary across different social-networking platforms, such usernames and/or passwords may also, in some examples, remain identical across different social-networking platforms. For example, a user of computing device202(N) may enter her username (e.g., “JANEJACKSON@EMAIL.COM”) and password (e.g., “PASSWORD1”) associated with social-networking platform208(1) into the user interface provided by registration module104. In this example, the user of computing device202(N) may enter additional user input indicating that the same username and password also apply to her social-networking account associated with social-networking platform208(N).

In one example, registration module104may provide certain terms and conditions for use of the service to the users registering for the service. For example, prior to obtaining the usernames and passwords associated with the users registering for the service, registration module104may provide a dialog box that displays the terms and conditions for use of the service to the users. In this example, the terms and conditions may explicitly request permission from the users to access social-networking accounts210(1)-(N) and212(1)-(N) as part of the service. The users may need to agree to such terms and conditions to qualify for the service and/or to complete the registration process.

As illustrated at step306inFIG. 3, one or more of the various systems described herein may, subsequent to the registration process, determine that the strangers registered for the service have come in contact with one another. For example, service module106may, as part of server206inFIG. 2, determine that the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) have come in contact with one another. In this example, the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) may be strangers at the point in time that service module106determines that the users have come in contact with one another.

The systems described herein may perform step306in a variety of ways. In some examples, service module106may detect an in-person encounter between the users of computing devices202(1)-(N). For example, service module106may detect the in-person encounter by determining that computing device202(1) is located physically proximate to computing device202(N). In one example, service module106may receive at least one communication from at least one of computing devices202(1)-(N) via network204. The communication received by service module106may indicate that computing devices202(1)-(N) are located physically proximate to one another.

In some examples, each of computing devices202(1)-(N) may include a transponder capable of transmitting communications to and/or receiving communications from compatible transponders located within a particular operating range. In such examples, the service may use the transponders included in computing devices202(1)-(N) to determine that the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) have come in contact with one another. Examples of such transponders include, without limitation, NFC technologies, RFID technologies, contactless smart card technologies, Bluetooth technologies, and/or any other suitable transponders.

In a more specific example, the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) may attend a particular social event and bring computing devices202(1)-(N) to the social event. While attending the social event, the users may bring computing devices202(1)-(N) sufficiently close to one another to facilitate communication between the transponders included in computing devices202(1)-(N). For example, the transponder included in computing device202(1) may transmit (or broadcast) a communication capable of being received by the transponder included in computing device202(N). The communication transmitted by the transponder may specify that computing device202(1) transmitted the communication and/or indicate that the user of computing device202(1) is registered for the service.

In one example, the transponder included in computing device202(1) may transmit the communication in response to user input. For example, the user of computing device202(1) may manually enter user input that initiates transmission of the communication. In another example, the transponder included in computing device202(1) may be configured to periodically transmit such a communication to facilitate detection of an in-person encounter between the user of computing device202(1) and at least one other user registered for the service (e.g., the user of computing device202(N)).

In one example, in response to receiving the communication, the transponder included in computing device202(N) may prompt computing device202(N) to transmit an additional communication to service module106via network204. The additional communication transmitted by computing device202(N) may indicate that computing devices202(1)-(N) are located physically proximate to one another. Service module106may receive the additional communication transmitted by computing device202(N) and then determine, based at least in part on the additional communication, that the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) have come in contact with one another.

In another example, the transponder included in computing device202(N) may transmit a reply communication to the transponder included in computing device202(1). The reply communication may specify that computing device202(N) received the communication transmitted by computing device202(1) and/or indicate that the user of computing device202(N) is registered for the service. The transponder included in computing device202(1) may then receive the reply communication transmitted by the transponder included in computing device202(N).

In this example, in response to receiving the communication, the transponder included in computing device202(1) may prompt computing device202(1) to transmit a further communication to service module106via network204. The further communication transmitted by computing device202(1) may indicate (similar to the additional communication described above) that computing devices202(1)-(N) are located physically proximate to one another. Service module106may receive the further communication transmitted by computing device202(1) and then determine, based at least in part on the further communication, that the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) have come in contact with one another.

In some examples, service module106may detect an online encounter between the users of computing devices202(1)-(N). In one example, service module106may detect the online encounter by receiving a manually initiated communication indicating that the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) have come in contact with one another in an online forum (such as a message board or chat room). For example, the user of computing device202(1) may meet the user of computing device202(N) in an online chat room hosted by CHATROULLETTE.COM. In this example, while chatting in the online chat room hosted by CHATROULETTE.COM, the user of computing device202(1) may obtain sufficient information about the user of computing device202(N) (e.g., the username associated with the user's profile for the service) to identify the user of computing device202(N) to service module106.

Upon obtaining such information about the user of computing device202(N) in the online chat room, the user of computing device202(1) may manually initiate transmission of a communication to service module106via network204. The manually initiated communication may indicate that the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) have come in contact with one another in an online forum. Service module106may receive the manually initiated communication and then determine, based at least in part on the manually initiated communication, that the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) have come in contact with one another.

The users of computing devices202(1)-(N) may have varying degrees of familiarity with one another at the point in time that service module106determines that the users have come in contact with one another. In some examples, the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) may not know one another at all at the point in time that service module106determines that the users have come in contact with one another. For example, the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) may be coming in contact with one another for the first time on this occasion. In one example, the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) may have never heard of one another prior to coming in contact with one another on this occasion. In another example, the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) may have heard of one another but never come in contact with one another prior to this occasion.

In other examples, the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) may be at least somewhat familiar with one another at the point in time that service module106determines that the users have come in contact with one another. For example, the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) may have come in contact with one another on at least one prior occasion. In one example, the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) may have met one another in person on at least one prior occasion. In another example, the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) may have encountered one another online on at least one prior occasion.

As illustrated at step308inFIG. 3, one or more of the various systems described herein may provide the service to the strangers in response to the determination that the strangers registered for the service have come in contact with one another. For example, service module106may, as part of server206inFIG. 2, provide the service to the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) in response to the determination that the users have come in contact with one another. As will be described in greater detail below, this service may be configured to determine, based at least in part on social-networking accounts210(1)-(N) and212(1)-(N), whether the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) share any characteristics in common.

The systems described herein may perform step308in a variety of ways. In some examples, service module106may access social-networking accounts210(1)-(N) and212(1)-(N) to obtain personal information about the users of computing devices202(1)-(N). For example, service module106may identify one or more usernames and passwords associated with social-networking accounts210(1)-(N) and212(1)-(N) stored in registration information122. In this example, service module106may enter the usernames and passwords associated with social-networking accounts210(1)-(N) and212(1)-(N) in social-networking platforms208(1)-(N). By entering the username and password associated with social-networking accounts210(1)-(N) and212(1)-(N) in social-networking platforms208(1)-(N), service module106may access social-networking accounts210(1)-(N) and212(1)-(N) to obtain any personal information about the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) that is included in these social-networking accounts.

Although some examples provided in connection with step308demonstrate that service module106may access the users' social-networking accounts in response to determining that the users have come in contact with one another, service module106may also, in other examples, access the users' social-networking accounts prior to determining that the users have come in contact with one another. For example, service module106may access one or more of social-networking accounts210(1)-(N) and212(1)-(N) and copy personal information about the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) from such social-networking accounts to database120immediately after the users register for the service.

In one example, service module106may enter the username “JOHNJOHNSON@EMAIL.COM” and password “MYPASSWORD” in social-networking platform208(1) to access social-networking account210(1) associated with the user of computing device202(1). In this example, as shown inFIG. 4, social-networking account210(1) may include personal information that identifies the user (in this example, “John Johnson”), the user's friends (in this example, “Joe Dawson,” “Chris Henneman,” “Ashley Jackson,” “Naomi Lewis,” “Troy Richardson,” and “Chip Taylor”), the user's employer (in this example, “State Insurance”), the user's past employer (in this example, “Custom Computers”), the user's education (in this example, “State University”), the user's place of residence (in this example, “Reno, Nev.”), the user's religion (in this example, “Christian”), the user's political affiliation (in this example, “Liberal”), the user's favorite books (in this example, “THREE MUSKETEERS,” “HAMLET,” and “A TALE OF TWO CITIES”), the user's favorite movies (in this example, “GONE WITH THE WIND,” “A NIGHT AT THE OPERA,” and “CASABLANCA”), the user's favorite musical artists (in this example, “THE BEATLES” and “FRANK SINATRA”), and the user's hobbies (in this example, “Chess,” “Gardening,” and “Piano”). Upon accessing social-networking account210(1), service module106may copy the user's personal information included in social-networking account210(1) to personal information124located in database120.

In one example, service module106may also enter the username “JJOHNSON” and password “MYOTHERPASSWORD” in social-networking platform208(N) to access social-networking account212(1) associated with the user of computing device202(1). In this example, as shown inFIG. 5, social-networking account212(1) may include personal information that identifies the user (in this example, “John Johnson”), the user's connections (in this example, “Keri Hollister,” “Tracy Bowman,” “Rochelle Foster,” “Naomi Lewis,” “Ross Harper,” and “Tyler West”), the user's employer (in this example, “State Insurance”), the user's past employer (in this example, “Custom Computers”), the user's education (in this example, “State University”), and the user's place of residence (in this example, “Reno, Nev.”). Upon accessing social-networking account212(1), service module106may copy the user's personal information included in social-networking account212(1) to personal information124located in database120.

Similarly, service module106may enter the username “JANEJACKSON@EMAIL.COM” and password “PASSWORD1” in social-networking platform208(1) to access social-networking account210(N) associated with the user of computing device202(N). In this example, as shown inFIG. 4, social-networking account210(N) may include personal information that identifies the user (in this example, “Jane Jackson”), the user's friends (in this example, “Angie Adams,” “Tracy Bowman,” “Ron Drake,” “Naomi Lewis,” “Richard Newton,” and “Hope Tolbert”), the user's employer (in this example, “Custom Computers”), the user's past employer (in this example, “Universal Capital”), the user's education (in this example, “State University”), the user's place of residence (in this example, “Las Vegas, Nevada”), the user's religion (in this example, “Christian”), the user's political affiliation (in this example, “Conservative”), the user's favorite books (in this example, “THE CALL OF THE WILD,” “HAMLET,” and “A TALE OF TWO CITIES”), the user's favorite movies (in this example, “GONE WITH THE WIND,” “FORREST GUMP,” and “SCHINDLER'S LIST”), the user's favorite musical artists (in this example, “TINA TURNER” and “PRINCE”), and the user's hobbies (in this example, “Painting,” “Gardening,” and “Guitar”). Upon accessing social-networking account210(N), service module106may copy the user's personal information included in social-networking account210(N) to personal information124located in database120.

In some examples, service module106may analyze personal information124and determine, based on this analysis, whether the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) share any characteristics in common. In one example, service module106may parse at least a portion of personal information124into informational components associated with the users. For example, service module106may divide at least a portion of personal information124associated with the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) into informational components that represent different categories of information (such as friends, employers, places of residence, religions, political affiliation, favorite books, favorite movies, favorite musical artists, and/or hobbies).

In some examples, service module106may implement one or more artificial intelligence techniques used to analyze personal information124. For example, service module106may implement one or more data mining and/or machine learning techniques used to (1) divide at least a portion of personal information124and (2) reform the portion of personal information124into the informational components associated with the users of computing devices202(1)-(N). Such data mining and/or machine learning techniques may be configured to perform one or more approximation algorithms on personal information124to facilitate dividing and reforming the portion of personal information124into the informational components.

In some examples, service module106may be able to recognize that different types of informational components parsed from personal information124represent substantially similar categories of information. These different types of informational components may result from varying nomenclatures used across social-networking platforms208(1)-(N). For example, social-networking account210(1) inFIG. 4includes a “friends” category of information, and social-networking account212(1) inFIG. 5includes a “connections” category of information. In this example, both the “friends” category included in social-networking account210(1) and the “connections” category included in social-networking account212(1) may effectively represent known friends of the user of computing device202(1).

In some examples, service module106may treat the informational components that represent substantially similar categories of information as if they represented the same category of information. For example, service module106may identify at least one informational component that represents the user's friends enumerated in social-networking account210(1) and at least one other informational component that represents the user's connections enumerated in social-networking account212(1). In this example, service module106may treat both of these different types of informational components as effectively representing known friends of the user of computing device202(1).

In some examples, upon parsing the portion of personal information124into informational components associated with the users of computing devices202(1)-(N), service module106may compare the informational components associated with the users to determine whether the users share any characteristics in common. In one example, service module106may identify at least one pattern in the compared informational components that is common to both the user of computing device202(1) and the user of computing device202(N). For example, service module106may compare at least one informational component that identifies known friends of the user of computing device202(1) with at least one other informational component that identifies known friends of the user of computing device202(N).

In some examples, service module106may determine, based on this comparison of the informational components, whether the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) share any characteristics in common. For example, service module106may determine that the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) are both friends with Naomi Lewis and Tracy Bowman by identifying character patterns “Naomi Lewis” and “Tracy Bowman” in informational components that represent known friends of the users. In another example, although not demonstrated by the illustrations shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, service module106may determine that the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) share no known characteristics in common.

In some examples, service module106may generate characteristics information126that indicates whether the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) share any known characteristics in common. In one example, service module106may configure characteristics information126by identifying any informational components that represent a pattern that is common to the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) and then reforming these informational components to facilitate presentation of these informational components to the users upon coming in contact with one another. For example, upon identifying character patterns “Naomi Lewis” and “Tracy Bowman” in informational components that represent known friends of the users of computing devices202(1)-(N), service module106may reform these informational components to represent at least a portion of characteristics information126.

In one example, as shown inFIG. 6, characteristics information126may include information that identifies the users that have come in contact with one another (in this example, “John Johnson” and “Jane Jackson”), friends that the users share in common (in this example, “Naomi Lewis” and “Tracy Bowman”), education that the users share in common (in this example, “State University”), an employer (whether past or present) that the users share in common (in this example, “Custom Computers”), a religion that the users share in common (in this example, “Christian”), favorite books that the users share in common (in this example, “HAMLET” and “A TALE OF TWO CITIES”), and a hobby that the users share in common (in this example, “Gardening”). In another example, although not demonstrated by the illustration shown inFIG. 6, the characteristics information generated by service module106may include information indicating that the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) share no known characteristics in common.

In other examples, service module106may generate characteristics information that represents an abstract level of commonality between the users of computing devices202(1)-(N). In these examples, service module106may ensure that the users' privacy is protected by initially withholding certain details about the users' common characteristics from the characteristics information. By initially withholding such details, service module106may avoid disclosing more information about the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) than is necessary for the users to determine whether they wish to learn more about one another.

In one example, the characteristics information may include a commonality score that represents the level of commonality between the users of computing devices202(1)-(N). For example, service module106may compute, based on the analysis of personal information124, a commonality score of 75% that represents the level of commonality between the users of computing devices202(1)-(N). In this example, the commonality score of 75% may indicate that the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) have a fairly high level of commonality.

In addition, when computing the commonality score, service module106may apply weighted multipliers to certain characteristics based on the relative importance of such characteristics to the users of computing devices202(1)-(N). For example, the users of computing device202(1)-(N) may feel that the “religion” characteristic is twice as important to them as the other characteristics. In this example, the user of computing devices202(1)-(N) may configure the service to apply a “2×” weighted multiplier to the portion of the computation associated with the “religion” characteristic.

Similarly, when computing the commonality score, service module106may override the computation based on certain incompatibilities between the users of computing devices202(1)-(N). For example, the user of computing device202(1) may generally dislike democrats. In this example, the user of computing device202(1) may configure the service to always compute a commonality score of 0% whenever the user comes in contact with a democrat (regardless of whether the user and the democrat share any characteristics in common).

In another example, the characteristics information may include a heat map that graphically represents the users' level of commonality by coloring different regions of a multi-dimensional table (such as a planar or cubic table) to indicate varying degrees of commonality across different areas of interest. For example, service module106may generate a heat map that includes a brightly colored region that represents a relatively high level of commonality in a particular area of interest and at least one darkened region that represents a relatively low level of commonality in a different area of interest. In this example, the brightly colored region of the heat map may indicate that the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) have several mutual friends, and the darkened region of the heat map may indicate that the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) share no hobbies in common.

In one embodiment, service module106may ensure that the heat map does not initially disclose the different areas of interest represented by the different regions. For example, service module106may configure the heat map to simply show that the users share varying degrees of commonality across the different areas of interest represented by the different regions. In this example, service module106may intentionally fail to identify the different areas of interest represented by the different regions of the heat map in order to avoid disclosing more information than is necessary for the users to determine whether they wish to learn more about one another.

In a further example, the characteristics information may include a raw count that represents the number of known characteristics that the users share in common. For example, service module106may calculate, based on the analysis of personal information124, a raw count indicating that the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) share 8 known characteristics in common. In this example, the raw count may simply indicate that the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) share 8 known characteristics in common rather than identifying the 8 known characteristics that the users share in common.

In some examples, service module106may provide characteristics information126to one or more of computing devices202(1)-(N) to facilitate presentation of characteristics information126to the users of computing devices202(1)-(N). For example, service module106may transmit characteristics information126to each of computing devices202(1)-(N). In this example, computing devices202(1)-(N) may each receive characteristics information126and then present characteristics information126to the users. By facilitating presentation of characteristics information126to the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) when the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) come in contact with one another, service module106may help the users become instantly familiar with one another and/or provide a common-ground basis upon which the users may build a friendship.

In some examples, service module106may act as a brokering mechanism that obtains various personal information about the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) but avoids disclosing certain details from such personal information. For example, service module106may be able to access any personal information included in social-networking accounts210(1)-(N) and212(1)-(N) but unable to disclose certain details from such personal information. In this example, the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) may have defined, as part of the registration process described above, which details service module106is able to disclose to other users that have registered for the service.

In some examples, the users of computing devices202(1)-(N) may enable service module106to disclose additional details that have yet to be disclosed to one another. For example, upon reviewing the characteristics information provided to computing device202(1), the user of computing device202(1) may verify that he and the user of computing device202(N) share a fairly high level of commonality. In this example, the user of computing device202(1) may then provide permission for the service to disclose additional details about him to the user of computing device202(N) in an attempt to learn more about one another.

FIG. 7is a block diagram of an exemplary computing system710capable of implementing one or more of the embodiments described and/or illustrated herein. For example, all or a portion of computing system710may perform and/or be a means for performing, either alone or in combination with other elements, one or more of the facilitating, obtaining, determining, providing, enabling, accessing, storing, parsing, comparing, identifying, reforming, implementing, detecting, determining, using, and receiving steps described herein. All or a portion of computing system710may also perform and/or be a means for performing any other steps, methods, or processes described and/or illustrated herein.

Computing system710broadly represents any single or multi-processor computing device or system capable of executing computer-readable instructions. Examples of computing system710include, without limitation, workstations, laptops, client-side terminals, servers, distributed computing systems, handheld devices, or any other computing system or device. In its most basic configuration, computing system710may include at least one processor714and a system memory716.

Processor714generally represents any type or form of processing unit capable of processing data or interpreting and executing instructions. In certain embodiments, processor714may receive instructions from a software application or module. These instructions may cause processor714to perform the functions of one or more of the exemplary embodiments described and/or illustrated herein.

System memory716generally represents any type or form of volatile or non-volatile storage device or medium capable of storing data and/or other computer-readable instructions. Examples of system memory716include, without limitation, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash memory, or any other suitable memory device. Although not required, in certain embodiments computing system710may include both a volatile memory unit (such as, for example, system memory716) and a non-volatile storage device (such as, for example, primary storage device732, as described in detail below). In one example, one or more of modules102fromFIG. 1may be loaded into system memory716.

In certain embodiments, exemplary computing system710may also include one or more components or elements in addition to processor714and system memory716. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 7, computing system710may include a memory controller718, an Input/Output (I/O) controller720, and a communication interface722, each of which may be interconnected via a communication infrastructure712. Communication infrastructure712generally represents any type or form of infrastructure capable of facilitating communication between one or more components of a computing device. Examples of communication infrastructure712include, without limitation, a communication bus (such as an ISA, PCI, PCIe, or similar bus) and a network.

Memory controller718generally represents any type or form of device capable of handling memory or data or controlling communication between one or more components of computing system710. For example, in certain embodiments memory controller718may control communication between processor714, system memory716, and I/O controller720via communication infrastructure712.

I/O controller720generally represents any type or form of module capable of coordinating and/or controlling the input and output functions of a computing device. For example, in certain embodiments I/O controller720may control or facilitate transfer of data between one or more elements of computing system710, such as processor714, system memory716, communication interface722, display adapter726, input interface730, and storage interface734.

Communication interface722broadly represents any type or form of communication device or adapter capable of facilitating communication between exemplary computing system710and one or more additional devices. For example, in certain embodiments communication interface722may facilitate communication between computing system710and a private or public network including additional computing systems. Examples of communication interface722include, without limitation, a wired network interface (such as a network interface card), a wireless network interface (such as a wireless network interface card), a modem, and any other suitable interface. In at least one embodiment, communication interface722may provide a direct connection to a remote server via a direct link to a network, such as the Internet. Communication interface722may also indirectly provide such a connection through, for example, a local area network (such as an Ethernet network), a personal area network, a telephone or cable network, a cellular telephone connection, a satellite data connection, or any other suitable connection.

In certain embodiments, communication interface722may also represent a host adapter configured to facilitate communication between computing system710and one or more additional network or storage devices via an external bus or communications channel. Examples of host adapters include, without limitation, SCSI host adapters, USB host adapters, IEEE 1394 host adapters, SATA and eSATA host adapters, ATA and PATA host adapters, Fibre Channel interface adapters, Ethernet adapters, or the like. Communication interface722may also allow computing system710to engage in distributed or remote computing. For example, communication interface722may receive instructions from a remote device or send instructions to a remote device for execution.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, computing system710may also include at least one display device724coupled to communication infrastructure712via a display adapter726. Display device724generally represents any type or form of device capable of visually displaying information forwarded by display adapter726. Similarly, display adapter726generally represents any type or form of device configured to forward graphics, text, and other data from communication infrastructure712(or from a frame buffer, as known in the art) for display on display device724.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, exemplary computing system710may also include at least one input device728coupled to communication infrastructure712via an input interface730. Input device728generally represents any type or form of input device capable of providing input, either computer or human generated, to exemplary computing system710. Examples of input device728include, without limitation, a keyboard, a pointing device, a speech recognition device, or any other input device.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, exemplary computing system710may also include a primary storage device732and a backup storage device733coupled to communication infrastructure712via a storage interface734. Storage devices732and733generally represent any type or form of storage device or medium capable of storing data and/or other computer-readable instructions. For example, storage devices732and733may be a magnetic disk drive (e.g., a so-called hard drive), a solid state drive, a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, a flash drive, or the like. Storage interface734generally represents any type or form of interface or device for transferring data between storage devices732and733and other components of computing system710. In one example, database120fromFIG. 1may be stored in primary storage device732.

In certain embodiments, storage devices732and733may be configured to read from and/or write to a removable storage unit configured to store computer software, data, or other computer-readable information. Examples of suitable removable storage units include, without limitation, a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, an optical disk, a flash memory device, or the like. Storage devices732and733may also include other similar structures or devices for allowing computer software, data, or other computer-readable instructions to be loaded into computing system710. For example, storage devices732and733may be configured to read and write software, data, or other computer-readable information. Storage devices732and733may also be a part of computing system710or may be a separate device accessed through other interface systems.

The computer-readable-storage medium containing the computer program may be loaded into computing system710. All or a portion of the computer program stored on the computer-readable-storage medium may then be stored in system memory716and/or various portions of storage devices732and733. When executed by processor714, a computer program loaded into computing system710may cause processor714to perform and/or be a means for performing the functions of one or more of the exemplary embodiments described and/or illustrated herein. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the exemplary embodiments described and/or illustrated herein may be implemented in firmware and/or hardware. For example, computing system710may be configured as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) adapted to implement one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 8is a block diagram of an exemplary network architecture800in which client systems810,820, and830and servers840and845may be coupled to a network850. As detailed above, all or a portion of network architecture800may perform and/or be a means for performing, either alone or in combination with other elements, one or more of the facilitating, obtaining, determining, providing, enabling, accessing, storing, parsing, comparing, identifying, reforming, implementing, detecting, determining, using, and receiving steps disclosed herein. All or a portion of network architecture800may also be used to perform and/or be a means for performing other steps and features set forth in the instant disclosure.

Client systems810,820, and830generally represent any type or form of computing device or system, such as exemplary computing system710inFIG. 7. Similarly, servers840and845generally represent computing devices or systems, such as application servers or database servers, configured to provide various database services and/or run certain software applications. Network850generally represents any telecommunication or computer network including, for example, an intranet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), a personal area network (PAN), or the Internet. In one example, client systems810,820, and/or830and/or servers840and/or845may include all or a portion of system100fromFIG. 1.

As illustrated inFIG. 8, one or more storage devices860(1)-(N) may be directly attached to server840. Similarly, one or more storage devices870(1)-(N) may be directly attached to server845. Storage devices860(1)-(N) and storage devices870(1)-(N) generally represent any type or form of storage device or medium capable of storing data and/or other computer-readable instructions. In certain embodiments, storage devices860(1)-(N) and storage devices870(1)-(N) may represent network-attached storage (NAS) devices configured to communicate with servers840and845using various protocols, such as NFS, SMB, or CIFS.

Servers840and845may also be connected to a storage area network (SAN) fabric880. SAN fabric880generally represents any type or form of computer network or architecture capable of facilitating communication between a plurality of storage devices. SAN fabric880may facilitate communication between servers840and845and a plurality of storage devices890(1)-(N) and/or an intelligent storage array895. SAN fabric880may also facilitate, via network850and servers840and845, communication between client systems810,820, and830and storage devices890(1)-(N) and/or intelligent storage array895in such a manner that devices890(1)-(N) and array895appear as locally attached devices to client systems810,820, and830. As with storage devices860(1)-(N) and storage devices870(1)-(N), storage devices890(1)-(N) and intelligent storage array895generally represent any type or form of storage device or medium capable of storing data and/or other computer-readable instructions.

In certain embodiments, and with reference to exemplary computing system710ofFIG. 7, a communication interface, such as communication interface722inFIG. 7, may be used to provide connectivity between each client system810,820, and830and network850. Client systems810,820, and830may be able to access information on server840or845using, for example, a web browser or other client software. Such software may allow client systems810,820, and830to access data hosted by server840, server845, storage devices860(1)-(N), storage devices870(1)-(N), storage devices890(1)-(N), or intelligent storage array895. AlthoughFIG. 8depicts the use of a network (such as the Internet) for exchanging data, the embodiments described and/or illustrated herein are not limited to the Internet or any particular network-based environment.

In at least one embodiment, all or a portion of one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be encoded as a computer program and loaded onto and executed by server840, server845, storage devices860(1)-(N), storage devices870(1)-(N), storage devices890(1)-(N), intelligent storage array895, or any combination thereof. All or a portion of one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may also be encoded as a computer program, stored in server840, run by server845, and distributed to client systems810,820, and830over network850.

As detailed above, computing system710and/or one or more components of network architecture800may perform and/or be a means for performing, either alone or in combination with other elements, one or more steps of an exemplary method for using social-networking accounts to identify characteristics that strangers share in common.

In addition, one or more of the modules described herein may transform data, physical devices, and/or representations of physical devices from one form to another. For example, one or more of the modules recited herein may transform a characteristic or property of one or more physical devices (such computing devices202(1)-(N) inFIG. 2) by receiving and presenting characteristics information that indicates whether strangers using such devices share any known characteristics in common.