Abstract:
The invention provides a personal introduction system for participating users that allows users to gain access to information about other users after an initial contact. The system according to the invention may also be configured to allow users to gain access to only those other users for which a mutual attraction is indicated. The invention allows at least two persons coming into contact with one another to be made aware of a mutual attraction, and to be given a mechanism for establishing contact with on another once the mutual attraction is confirmed by the introduction system.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of Invention  
           [0002]    The invention relates generally to a communication system. More particularly, the invention provides an integrated communications system allowing interested persons to gain access to additional information about other persons after an initial contact.  
           [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art  
           [0004]    Two people can meet in a variety of different forums and circumstances. After an initial meeting, two people may desire further interaction. There can be many different reasons why people desire further interaction. For example, in a business environment people may meet at a professional convention, retreat, or business meeting. Further business interaction may be desired in order to pursue a professional relationship, such as buyer-seller, recruiter-candidate or producer-consumer. The most common method for exchanging professional information is the business card. A typical business card may include a person&#39;s name, business address and telephone number. Thus, while business cards do convey at least basic information about a person, their limited size restricts how much information may be provided. In addition, business cards must be regularly updated when personal information changes, are easily lost, and are otherwise difficult to keep track of.  
           [0005]    People also meet new people or desire to meet new people for social reasons. Traditional venues for meeting people, such as bars and clubs may be less desirable for many people, including older singles, a demographic that had increased significantly in recent years. Many people would prefer to meet others during their normal daily activities. However, many people find it difficult to start conversation with a stranger. Even if one does strike up a conversation with a stranger, it may be difficult to ascertain whether that person is interested in pursuing further social contact. Many people are also hesitant to start a conversation with a stranger for fear of rejection. Even if one does strike up a conversation with a stranger, it may be difficult to determine whether there are any mutual interests.  
           [0006]    The success of alternative forums for people to meet, such as dating services and chat rooms illustrates the market for new and creative ways for people to meet and pursue social relations.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    Thus, the system and method according to the invention solves the problems with conventional introduction mechanisms. The system and method according to the invention provides a personal introduction system that allows users to access information about persons they have come into contact with.  
           [0008]    For example, according to one embodiment, the invention provides a system whereby two people meeting at a business convention can later access information about one another on-line without having actually physically exchanged a business card, phone number or any other information.  
           [0009]    In another embodiment, the invention also provides a mechanism for two persons to follow up on an initial encounter and determine whether a mutual attraction exists. By using the invention, a person has the ability to:  
           [0010]    1. Find out if a person they encounter (who is also using the invention) matches basic personal criteria;  
           [0011]    2. Register interest in that person;  
           [0012]    3. Find out that the other person is also interested in them (a mutual attraction);  
           [0013]    4. Know that if the attraction is not mutual, their interest is never revealed to the other person.; and  
           [0014]    5. Establish communication with the person, once a mutual attraction has been indicated.  
           [0015]    Thus, it is an object of the invention to provide a system and method allowing a first user who meets other users to have access to a database store providing information about all of the users that the first user has come into contact with. The available information may include, but is not limited to names, addresses, business names and addresses, education, business objectives and references. In addition, the database may provide further informational links allowing users to access even more information using the World Wide Web (“WWW”).  
           [0016]    It is a further object of the invention to provide a system and method that allows persons coming into contact with one another to register an interest in pursuing additional social interaction. According to one embodiment of the invention, further social interaction is only possible if both parties express a mutual interest in one another. This eliminates the possibility of facing public rejection. When mutual interest is indicated, the invention provides a common database allowing communication between the two interested parties.  
           [0017]    According to another object of the invention, a person wishing to meet other people attains permission to access a database store, attains a transceiver and a personal identification number. When the user subscribes, he or she provides basic personal information. The personal information is kept in complete confidence by the service and can be as limited or extensive as the individual desires. Only the person&#39;s picture is required to be publicly linked to the personal identification code assigned to them. After receiving the transceiver, a user enters data into the device via a user interface, which is transferred via a hardware interface. The data consists of items such as the person&#39;s identification number, and other information, such as professional information (company, position, expertise) or personal information (sex, age, etc). The user then carries the transceiver with them whenever they desire. As the user&#39;s own transceiver comes within range of other transceivers throughout the day, ID numbers and information are exchanged. It is important to note that the transceiver may be configured to include a user&#39;s personal and social preferences and thus, not store ID numbers of other users if the characteristics broadcast by another user&#39;s transceiver does not fall within his or her preferences. Based upon the settings/preferences loaded into each device, some ID numbers would be stored, while other would be filtered out and ignored.  
           [0018]    If a first user feels as though he or she met or saw someone (i.e., a second user) that they believe may be mutually interested, they can use the Internet service to confirm that interest, and establish contact with them. The first user would download all ID numbers stored in their transceiver onto their personal computer, where they in turn would be uploaded to the Internet service. The service would provide the pictures associated to all ID numbers that have been collected by their transceiver. If the second user is also using the service, they will find the picture of that person. Once they have found the person&#39;s picture, they can “tag” the ID number associated to the picture to indicate that they are interested. At this point no personal information is exchanged. The service simply registers the interest. If by the same process, the second user notifies the service of interest in the first user, the service now has a match. The service can then notify both people of the mutual interest. The two users now have the option to authorize the service to share personal information (i.e. interests), convey greetings, or perform any other type of correspondence the users desire. This communication through the service promotes continued security, because neither person has to reveal phone numbers, email addresses, regular addresses, or even real names until they feel secure to do so.  
           [0019]    The objects of the invention as described herein are accomplished by providing an introduction system for participating users that includes at least one transceiver capable of broadcasting and receiving data from a plurality of other transceivers; a user interface; a hardware interface for exchanging data between the at least one transceiver and the user interface; and a database accessible by the user interface. The database is accessible by all of the users and includes information about users, including business/professional and/or social information. The transceivers may also include user ID information, user personal information, as well as, a user&#39;s social preferences.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]    [0020]FIG. 1 is a functional illustration of the introduction system according to an embodiment of the invention;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 2 is a functional illustration of the introduction system according to another embodiment of the invention;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 3 is a functional diagram of a transceiver component in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 4 is a functional diagram of a hardware interface component in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 5 is a functional diagram of a transceiver component according to another embodiment of the invention;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a process according to an embodiment of the invention;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 7 continues the process shown in FIG. 6;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 8 is sequential illustration of the operating modes of the transceiver component according to an embodiment of the invention; and  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 9 is a schematic drawing of the transceiver component according to an embodiment of the invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0029]    [0029]FIG. 1 illustrates the personal introduction system according to an embodiment of the invention. A user P 1  carries a transceiver  100   a,  and a user P 2  carries a transceiver  100   b.  Users P 1  and P 2  may share a brief encounter during normal daily life activities or during an organized gathering. The transceivers  100   a  and  100   b,  receive data broadcast from the other. The characteristics broadcast by the transceiver  100   a  match the preferences of the transceiver  100   b,  so the transceiver  100   b  stores an ID number associated with the transceiver  100   a.  Likewise, the characteristics broadcast by the transceiver  100   b  match the preferences of the transceiver  100   a,  so the transceiver  100   a  stores an ID number associated with the transceiver  100   b.  Later, the user P 1  uploads any captured ID numbers to her user interface  108   a  (in this case a personal computer), via a hardware interface  102   a,  and the user P 2  uploads any captured ID numbers to his the user interface  108   b  (also a personal computer), via a hardware interface  102   b.  The user P 1  uses the user interface  108   a  to connect to a common database store  107 , and uploads the captured ID numbers.  
         [0030]    The database store  107  sends back to the computer  108   a  pictures of the users assigned to the ID numbers. One of these pictures will be of the user P 2 . The user P 1  decides whether she would like to follow up on the initial encounter with the user P 2 , so she registers with the data store  107  interest in the user P 2 . In a similar fashion, the user P 2  uses the user interface  108   b  to connect to the common database store  107 , and uploads the captured ID numbers. The database store  107  sends back to the computer  108   b  pictures of the users assigned to the ID numbers. One of these pictures will be of the user P 1 . The user P 2 , after uploading his captured ID numbers, also decides he would like to follow up on the initial encounter with user P 1 , so he registers with the data store  107  interest in user P 1 . At this point both user P 1  and P 2  have registered interest in each other, so the database store will indicate to P 1  and P 2  of the mutual attraction via user interface  108   a  and  108   b  respectively. The database store  107  then provides the mechanism for the users P 1  and P 2  to correspond with each other through the database store  107  using their respective user interfaces  108   a  and  108   b.    
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 2 illustrates the personal introduction system according to another embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 2, a user P 3  carries a transceiver  200   a , and a user P 4  carries a transceiver  200   b.  The users P 3  and P 4  share a brief encounter during a business event, such as a convention. The transceivers  200   a  and  200   b,  receive data broadcast from one another. Later, user P 3  uploads any captured ID numbers to her user interface  208   a  (in this case a personal computer), via her hardware interface  202   a  and user P 4  uploads any captured ID numbers to his user interface  208   b  (also a personal computer), via his hardware interface  202   b.  User P 3  uses user interface  208   a  to connect to a common database store  207 , and uploads captured ID numbers.  
         [0032]    The database store  207  sends back to the computer  208   a  pictures of the users assigned to the ID numbers, and basic information pertaining to their business offerings. One of these sets of pictures and information will be of user P 4 . User P 3 , noting offerings similar to her needs, decides she would like to follow up on the initial encounter with user P 4 , so she registers with the data store  207  interest in user P 4 . User P 4 , after uploading his captured ID numbers, also decides he would like to follow up on the initial encounter with user P 3 , so he registers with the data store  207  interest in user P 3 . At this point both user P 3  and P 4  have registered interest in each other, so the database store will indicate to P 3  and P 4  of a mutual attraction via user interface  208   a  and  208   b  respectively. The database store  207  then provides the means for users P 3  and P 4  to correspond with each other through the database store  207  using their respective user interfaces  208   a  and  208   b.    
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 3 illustrates the components of transceiver  100   a  according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. The transceiver is powered by a power source  315  consisting of a battery connected to a voltage converter circuit. The power source  315  includes a regulated voltage adequate to power all the components in the transceiver. An antenna  312  is connected to both the transmitter  303  and the receiver  304 . The transmitter  303  and receiver  304  are interfaced to a microcontroller  306  such that the microcontroller  306  can broadcast and receive data from other transceivers. When data is received by the receiver  304 , the data is sent to the microcontroller  306 . The microcontroller  306  decodes the received data into a personal ID number and personal characteristics. The microcontroller  306  also performs data integrity checking to insure that data was received accurately. The microcontroller  306  compares the received personal characteristics against preferences stored in the microcontroller&#39;s  306  memory  307 . If the characteristics match the preferences, the microcontroller will store the received personal ID number into the microcontroller&#39;s memory  307 . A plurality of ID numbers can be stored in the memory  307 . The timer  305  is logic circuit configured to generate an astable signal to the microcontroller  306  so that the microcontroller  306  receives a pulse once every few seconds. The microcontroller  306  will use the pulse as a basis to repeatedly turn on or off the receiver  304 , and to transmit data via the transmitter  305 . In between pulses, the microcontroller  306  puts itself into an idle mode, which conserves power. The on/off switch  311  is used to set the transceiver into a maximized power saving mode. When set to the “off” position, the microcontroller  306  will turn off the receiver  304 , and put itself into hibernate mode.  
         [0034]    In hibernate mode, memory  307  contents are maintained, but all other functions are shut down. The hibernate mode is more energy saving than the idle mode. When the on/off switch  311  is set to the “on” position, the microcontroller  306  returns to idle mode. The status button  309 , is a momentary-action button, that when pressed by a user, will signal the microcontroller  306  to check if any ID numbers have been stored since the last time the status button  309  was pressed. If ID numbers have been stored, the microcontroller  306  will flash the L.E.D.  308  (Light Emitting Diode) twice. If no ID numbers have been stored, the microcontroller  306  will flash the L.E.D.  308  once. The fact that the L.E.D.  8  will flash in either condition also serves to inform the user that the transceiver  100   a  is still working. If L.E.D.  308  does not flash, either the transceiver  100   a  is broken, or the power source  319  has been exhausted. The transfer button  310  is used to initiate a data transfer between the transceiver  100   a  and the hardware interface  102   a  that is depicted in FIG. 1. The data transferred will be personal characteristics and preferences being sent from the user interface  108   a  (also depicted in FIG. 1) to the transceiver  100   a,  and captured ID numbers being sent from the transceiver  100   a  to the user interface  108   a.    
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 4 illustrates the hardware interface  102   a  according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. The hardware interface  402  utilizes an antenna  412 , receiver  414 , and transmitter  403  that are identical to those used in the transceiver  100   a.  Through these like components, a communication means is possible. The hardware interface  102   a  attaches to the user interface  108   a  via a standard RS232 serial port. The hardware interface  102   a  draws power from the serial port to which it is attached. An antenna  412  is connected to both the transmitter  403  and the receiver  414 . The transmitter  403  and receiver  414  connect to a voltage converting circuit  413 , which in turn connects to the serial port of the user interface  108   a.  The voltage converter  413  permits, if necessary, data from the transmitter and receiver to converted from a 0 to +5 volt range to the RS232 port&#39;s −12 to +12 volt range. Software on the user interface  108   a  will decode all data received from the receiver  414 , and encode all data to be transmitted by the transmitter  403 .  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment in which the transceiver  100   a,  hardware interface  102   a,  and user interface  108   a.  as shown in FIG. 1 are now contained in one unit, in this case transceiver  500 . In this variation, the transmitter  513 , receiver  514 , and microcontroller  516  are integrated directly to a portable personal electronic device  516  via an integrated hardware interface  519 . The electronic device  516  may be a cell phone, pager, Personal Data Assistant, personal computer, or any other portable device of similar capabilities, and could provide a wireless connection to the database  517 . An integrated user interface  520  is provided by the electronic device  516 . In this embodiment, all components of the invention excluding the database store  107  (seen in FIG. 1) are in one package.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show the process according to an embodiment of the invention as depicted in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a continuation of the flow chart in FIG. 6. In the step S 100 , two users subscribe to a service that provides access to a common database ( 107  of FIG. 1). Then, through the subsequent steps S 101 -S 119 , the two users are able to establish contact after an initial encounter. The steps S 100 -S 119  are detailed below.  
         [0038]    The process begins with step S 100 . In step S 100 , a first user P 1  subscribes to a service, thus gaining access to a database store. The user P 1  also submits a photograph of him or herself and is assigned a user ID number. The process then moves to step S 101 .  
         [0039]    In step S 101 , the user P 1  receives a transceiver, hardware interface, and software from the services, and installs the hardware interface and software onto a personal computer. The process then goes to step S 102 . In step S 102 , Using the computer, user P 1  configures the transceiver with his or her personal characteristics, preferences, and personal ID number. The process then moves to S 103 . In step S 103 , the user P 1  carries the transceiver during the course of a social function, meeting, conversation, or even during normal activities. The process them moves to step S 104 .  
         [0040]    Step S 104  illustrates a second user P 2  who has followed steps parallel to steps S 100 -S 103  as followed by the user P 1 . Thus, in step S 104 , the user P 2  has also subscribed to the service and is carrying a transceiver. The process then moves to step S 105 . In step S 105 , the users P 1  and P 2  encounter one another. Each transceiver picks up the broadcast of the other. The process then moves to step S 106 .  
         [0041]    In step S 106 , the user P 1 &#39;s transceiver determines that user P 2 &#39;s characteristics as broadcast by user P 2 &#39;s transceiver match user P 1 &#39;s preferences as defined in user P 1 &#39;s transceiver. User P 1 &#39;s transceiver stores the user P 2 &#39;s personal ID number in memory. The process then moves to step S 108 . In step S 108 , the user P 1  decides he or she would like to express interest in user P 2 . The process the moves to step S 109 . In step S 109 , the user P 1  uploads all stored ID numbers from the transceiver to the database store using the computer. The process them moves to step S 110 .  
         [0042]    In step S 110 , the database store provides pictures of all persons assigned to the uploaded ID numbers. Thus, the user P 1  can view the pictures corresponding to all the uploaded ID numbers. The process then moves to step S 111 .  
         [0043]    In step S 111 , the user P 1  registers with the services his or her interest in user P 2 . The process then goes to step S 112 . In step S 112 , the database store determines whether user P 2  has registered an interest in user P 1 . If user P 2  has not expressed interest, the process ends at step S 112 . Otherwise the process moves to step S 118  since both user P 1  and P 2  have expressed mutual interest in each other.  
         [0044]    In step S 118 , both users are notified of their respective mutual interest in one another. The process then moves to step S 119 . In step S 119 , the users P 1  and P 2  are able to communicate via the database store. They may do this as long as desired, at least until they agree to other communication means.  
         [0045]    It should be noted that the process described above in conjunction with the FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 described the process from the viewpoint of the first user. However, a similar process also occurs from the viewpoint of a second user.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 8 illustrates the operating method sequence of the transceiver  100   a  (as depicted in FIG. 3). The illustration demonstrates a method of operation so that power consumption of the entire unit is minimized. The sequence depicted is organized by events starting with Event  0 , in which the transceiver is turned off. Event  1  through Event  16 , then occur in chronological order, with Event  16  being the last. The primary theory of operation is that all components do not need to be on continuously. The method utilizes the interrupt-handling capabilities of the microcontroller  306  to allow components within the transceiver  100   a  to be enabled only when needed. The microcontroller  306 , spends most of its time in an idle state waiting for an interrupt signal. An interrupt will come in the form of a signal from the timer circuit  305 , a pressed status button  309 , a pressed transfer button  310 , or a data-being-received signal from the receiver  334 . The only unit that stays in a normal operating mode at all times is the timer circuit  305 . The timer circuit  305  is the “heart beat” to which the transceiver  303  will broadcast data, and turn on or off the receiver  304 . According to one embodiment of the invention, the timer circuit  305  is set to signal the microcontroller  306  approximately every 4 seconds. At each signal, the microcontroller  306  is activated, which broadcasts data via the transmitter  303  and, based on how the transceiver  100   a  is configured, turn on or off the receiver  304 . Once the microcontroller  306  has finished these tasks, it puts itself back into idle mode. If the transceiver  100   a  is turned off, the receiver  304  is turned off (if it is on), and the microcontroller  306  is put into hibernate mode, in which it will no longer recognize interrupts. In this state only the contents of the microcontroller&#39;s  306  memory is preserved, and no attempts to receive or broadcast data is made.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram of transceiver  100   a  (as depicted in FIG. 1) in its one embodiment as depicted in FIG. 1. Components show are defined as follows:  
         [0048]    U 1  Maxim ICM7555IPA (Timer)  
         [0049]    U 2  Atmel AT89C2051-12PC (Microcontroller)  
         [0050]    U 3  Linx RXM-418-LC (Receiver Module)  
         [0051]    U 4  Linx TXM-418-LC (Transmitter Module)  
         [0052]    U 5  Microchip MCP101-270DI/TO-92 (Microcontroller Supervisor)  
         [0053]    U 6  Linear Technologies LT1610 Step-up Converter  
         [0054]    T 1 , T 2 , T 3  MPS2222A (Transistor)  
         [0055]    C 1 , C 2 , C 3  22 uf Capacitor  
         [0056]    R 1 , R 2  100K Resistor  
         [0057]    R 3  220 ohm Resistor  
         [0058]    R 4  330K Resistor  
         [0059]    R 5  1.7K Resistor  
         [0060]    R 6  1M Resistor  
         [0061]    R 7  681K Resistor  
         [0062]    D 1 , D 2  General Purpose Diode  
         [0063]    D 3  Low Drain Light Emitting Diode  
         [0064]    D 4  0.5A, 20V Schottky Diode  
         [0065]    SW 1  SPST Switch  
         [0066]    SW 2 , SW 3  Contact Switch  
         [0067]    Y 1  12 Mhz Quartz Crystal  
         [0068]    ANT 1  Wire Antenna  
         [0069]    L 1  TOKO TKS2524CT 4.7 uf Inductor  
         [0070]    It is important to note that the transceiver show in FIG. 9 is illustrative of one embodiment of the invention, but that other configurations are possible and contemplated by the disclosure herein.  
         [0071]    While specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.