Patent Publication Number: US-2005144024-A1

Title: Subscriber network system and method for viewing images and exchanging messages

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The present invention relates to systems and methods for viewing images and exchanging messages and, more specifically, to subscriber networks which incorporate such systems and methods.  
      2. Description of Related Art  
      There are numerous methods and systems in the prior art for effecting social introductions between individuals. These may include traditional methods, such as frequenting singles establishments for attempting in-person contact with another individual or posting an advertisement in a printed publication. Methods relying on technology include phone and Internet dating services. Each of the aforementioned methods includes both positive and negative aspects. For example, although in-person contact is the most personable form of acquainting oneself with another individual, it may be considered awkward and pose safety concerns for some individuals. Alternatively, although the initial contact through Internet dating may be safe and anonymous, it is performed in an asocial environment and through impersonal manners, such as e-mail. Prior art attempting to overcome these deficiencies includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,598,351 to Chater et al., which discloses a communication system for facilitating introductions by utilizing a plurality of terminals. The communication system in Chater et al. is deficient in that the use of a terminal constrains a user to the immediate area in which the terminal is located. Moreover, the communication system allows only one individual to utilize the terminal at a time, thus making it impractical for use in a large social establishment where more than one user would like to participate in the use of the communication system. Furthermore, the method of displaying user images is not dependent on the presence of users in other geographic areas and locales where the communication system is implemented. Therefore, the images displayed may become stale and outdated, which thereby reduces the relevancy and entertainment value of the communication system. Additionally, the prior art lacks the requisite secondary features, such as advertisement content and entertainment content, necessary to produce revenue and maintain the interest of users.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      To overcome the deficiencies of the prior art, what is needed, and has not heretofore been developed, is a system and method for introducing individuals to each other, while providing a degree of anonymity and safety, maintaining a level of interest and enjoyment in the system through various entertainment content and incentives, while also providing promotional advertisement and commercial content. Such a system must operate in a social environment as that is the most conducive environment in effecting social introductions between individuals. Additionally, such a system must be able to adapt to emerging technological trends so that it may continually maintain its appeal with users of the system.  
      Accordingly, a system for introducing individuals to each other is provided including a first and second subscriber subscribed to the network system and a service provider server configured to transmit content, wherein the content is at least one of a first image and a second image, wherein the first image is representative of the first subscriber and the second image is representative of the second subscriber. The network system also includes a first establishment, wherein the first establishment includes a) a first establishment server configured to receive the second image from the service provider server and b) a first video monitor configured to display the second image. Similarly, the network system also includes a second establishment, wherein the second establishment includes a) a second establishment server configured to receive the first image from the service provider server and b) a second video monitor configured to display the first image. A computer network communicatively connects the service provider server, the first establishment, and the second establishment. The first image is displayed on the second video monitor as a function of the first subscriber registering with the network system and the second image is displayed on the first video monitor as a function of the second subscriber registering with the network system.  
      The present invention provides a unique system and method for an individual to be introduced to other individuals who are also interested in meeting people. This has the effect of saving time and resources by creating a more efficient market than is typically encountered in current establishments oriented to socially introducing individuals to each other. Since this is a system by which the introduction process takes place in real time, individuals are contacting and being contacted during a period of time of their choosing, i.e., during a period of time when and where they wish to engage in the meeting process. Additionally, the system includes an inherent level of anonymity, yet allowing an individual to control the level of anonymity in relation to themselves. Due to the networked environment in which the system operates, subscribers to the system receive the advantage of viewing many more people than may be present in their immediate physical surroundings. Likewise, the individual by means of the invention may expand his or her presence to places beyond their immediate physical location. Furthermore, the requirement that a subscriber is only viewable to other subscribers when the subscriber is present in an establishment oriented to meeting other individuals results in the creation of a genuine collection of individuals who want to approach and be approached by other individuals.  
      The present invention also allows target marketing based upon particular demographics of the subscriber and non-subscriber individuals frequenting establishments participating in the system. The system allows for a variety of contents to be broadcast to individuals in the establishment, without the content being subject to governmental (i.e., FCC) imposed broadcasting restrictions. Thus, the content may include visual advertisements directed to tobacco, liquor, etc. In essence, the system provides a unique broadcasting medium encompassing a variety of content to be delivered to an audience in a social environment.  
      These and other advantages of the present invention will be understood from the description of the preferred embodiments, taken with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements throughout. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is schematic drawing of the entities and communications links involved in a subscriber network system; and  
       FIG. 2  is a front view of a video monitor displaying information relating to the subscriber network system. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
      The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures. It is to be understood that the specific system illustrated in the attached figures and described in the following specification is simply an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  
      With reference to  FIG. 1 , the entities and the communicative connectivity between the entities within a network system  10  for introducing individuals to each other will now be described. In a desirable embodiment, the network system  10  includes a central server  12 . Utilizing a computer network  14 , such as the Internet, the central server  12  is communicatively connected to one or more establishments, for example, a first, second, and third establishment,  16   a - 16   c , respectively, a mobile telecommunications network  18 , and a plurality of personal computing devices  20   a - 20   c . It is to be understood that communications between the above communicative entities may be implemented in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, land-line, wireless, and satellite-based systems. Thus, the communication links described hereinafter are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the invention in any manner.  
      The central server  12  may be any suitable computer system that is configured to transmit and receive data to and from one or more of the establishments  16   a - 16   c , the mobile telecommunications network  18 , and the plurality of personal computing devices  20   a - 20   c . The central server  12  is communicatively connected to a database  22  which is configured to store a plurality of user profiles. The central server  12  is operated by a service provider  24 , but it is to be understood that the central server  12  need not be within the physical premises of the service provider  24 , as the server may be co-located at a location more suitable for the requisite bandwidth and database demands. Additionally, the server  12  may be construed to embody more than one physical machine to allow for distributed computing.  
      The plurality of personal computing devices  20   a - 20   c  may be utilized by individuals to subscribe to the network system  10 . The personal computing devices  20   a - 20   c  may include, but are not limited to, a desktop computer  20   a , a personal digital assistant  20   b , and a notebook computer  20   c . Each potential subscriber would subscribe with the service provider  24 , preferably through a web site operated by the service provider  24 . The subscription process involves a first subscriber  25   a  providing billing information and personal contact information. The billing information would be used to charge or debit the first subscriber  25   a , preferably monthly, for a service fee associated with utilizing that network system  10 . It is to be understood that billing may be administered by an entity other than the service provider  24 . For example, the subscriber&#39;s service fee may be invoiced on the subscriber&#39;s phone bill by a communications service provider acting as an agent for the service provider  24 . The personal contact information would also include a profile that is representative of the subscriber&#39;s characteristics as well as those characteristics that the first subscriber  25   a  prefers a potential romantic interest to possess. For example, in addition to providing their full name and preferred contact method, such as a phone number or an e-mail address, the first subscriber  25   a  would also provide information pertaining to their age, height, weight, current marital status, sexual orientation, etc. Additionally, the first subscriber  25   a  would provide an image of themselves that would be associated with his or her profile, although it is to be understood the image is meant to also encompass a video freeze frame or another still extracted from a video. Additionally, a video or animation may substitute and/or supplant the image. The central server  12  then stores each profile in the database  22 . The central server  12  may also assign every subscriber a unique subscription number. The subscription number may be utilized to not only access the subscriber&#39;s account with the service provider  24  for profile update purposes and the like, but to also access system services from remote locations, as will be discussed hereinafter.  
      The establishments  16   a - 16   c  may be of various types of social gathering environments including, but not limited to, bars, clubs, restaurants, coffeehouses, and gaming facilities. Desirably, each establishment  16   a - 16   c  would enter into an agreement with the service provider for the establishments  16   a - 16   c  to serve as an affiliate in the network system  10 . As an affiliate, each establishment  16   a - 16   c  would provide demographical information to the service provider  24 . Demographical information may include the type of clientele who frequent the establishment  16   a - 16   c . For example, an upscale club may include the 25 to 45 year old professional crowd having an upper middle class income level, whereas an ordinary bar may include blue collar workers within any age range. There may also be establishments that cater to individuals with alternative lifestyles. These types of demographics are presented by the respective establishments  16   a - 16   c  to the service provider  24 . The service provider  24  then qualifies and/or quantifies this demographical information as data to be stored in the database  22 .  
      Each establishment  16   a - 16   c  is provided with a Local Area Network (LAN) server  26   a - 26   c , respectively, configured to transmit and receive data to and from the central server  12 . Each establishment  16   a - 16   c  also includes a video monitor  28   a - 28   c , preferably a plasma or LCD screen monitor, so as to utilize very little space, be practical to mount, and provide a wide viewing area. Optionally, a video camera  30   a ,  30   b  may also be installed within the establishment  16   a - 16   c . The video monitor  28   a - 28   c  receives video signals from the respective server  26   a - 26   c , whereas the video camera  30   a ,  30   b  transmits video signals to the server  26   a - 26   b , respectively. Thus, the LAN, or intranet, of any establishment can be considered to include the server  26 , the video monitor  28 , and optionally, the video camera  30 , all of which are communicatively connected to the central server  12 . It is to be understood that more than one video monitor  28  and camera  30  may be utilized per each establishment  16   a - 16   c . Furthermore, the establishment  16   a - 16   c  may also offer a personal computing device, such as a kiosk  20   d , which allows the clientele of an establishment to subscribe to the network system  10  while patronizing the establishment. If any of the cellular phones  32   a - 32   d  are camera phones, then such cellular phones  32   a - 32   d  may also be used to subscribe to the network system  10 . The subscription process would be similar to that carried out via the personal computing devices  20   a - 20   c  outside the establishment (e.g., a home computer).  
      The mobile telecommunications network  18 , such as a GSM cellular network, is configured to route both voice and data communications to and from the central server  12  to a plurality of personal communication devices, such as cellular phones  32   a - 32   d  or other suitable devices. Preferably, in addition to voice capabilities including voice-mail, the cellular phones  32   a - 32   d  are capable of receiving and transmitting data in the form of text messages, i.e., SMS text messaging.  
      With continuing reference to  FIG. 1 , the operation of network system  10  will now be described. After having established a subscription with the service provider  24 , the first subscriber  25   a  may utilize the benefits associated with the network system  10 . Specifically, the first subscriber  25   a  may visit any establishment  16   a - 16   c  affiliated with the network system  10 . Upon entering any such establishment, for example, the first establishment  16   a , the first subscriber  25   a  is required to register with the network system  10 . Registering entails notifying the central server  12  that one has entered the first establishment  16   a . Registering may be done either automatically, manually, or a combination thereof.  
      In one embodiment of the present invention involving manual registration, the first subscriber  25   a  may be issued a member card bearing a unique identifier that corresponds to the individual&#39;s profile. The member card may be of any suitable type, including a bar-coded card that may be read by a bar-code scanner. Thus, the first subscriber  25   a  would scan their member card upon entry into the first establishment  16   a . Preferably, the bar-coded identifier would then be transmitted via the server  26   a  to the central server  12 . The central server would then be alerted to the presence of the first subscriber  25   a  in the first establishment  16   a . In another embodiment of the present invention, also involving manual registration, the first subscriber  25   a  may use his or her cellular phone  32   a  to dial an access number provided by the service provider  24 . After being prompted, preferably by an automated system, the first subscriber  25   a  would enter their subscription number and an establishment identifier, uniquely identifying the first establishment  16   a . The establishment identifier may be posted in a visible area within the first establishment  16   a . Any communications via the cellular phone  32  would be routed through the mobile telecommunications network  18  to the central server  12 . Additional techniques that may be employed to allow the first subscriber  25   a  to manually register on the network system  10  may include, but are not limited to, submitting to biometric recognition hardware such as fingerprint scanners (which may be integrated into the cellular phone), voice scanners, or retinal scanners.  
      In one embodiment of the present invention involving automatic registration, the first subscriber  25   a  may carry a wireless device  34  capable of wi-fi communications within “hot-zones”, such as a SmartPhone. It is known to those of ordinary skill in the art that “hot-zones” are localized areas providing wireless networking services within a predetermined distance from a transceiver. The compatible wireless device  34  may be recognized and operate within the “hot-zone” by utilizing an auto-sensing and/or auto-authentication protocol (i.e., 802.11b, Bluetooth, etc.) inherent in such wireless technology. Thus, the first subscriber  25   a  may be automatically registered with the network system  10  when the wireless device  34  that he or she is carrying enters a “hot-zone” in the first establishment  16   a.    
      When the first subscriber  25   a  leaves the establishment, the first subscriber  25   a  needs to be either manually or automatically unregistered from the network system  10 . With manual unregistration, the first subscriber  25   a  would either subject him or herself to any of the above-mentioned scanners, or alternatively, may use their cellular phone  32   a  by dialing the number designated by the service provider  24  in order to notify the network system  10  that he or she has left the first establishment  16   a . With automatic unregistration, the system would be alerted that the first subscriber  25   a  has left the first establishment the moment the wireless device  34  carried by the first subscriber  25   a  is outside the “hot-zone” of the first establishment  16   a.    
      With reference to  FIG. 2  and with continuing reference to  FIG. 1 , upon registering with the network system  10 , the first subscriber  25   a  is assigned a unique identification number  36 , such as “123”. Use of the identification number allows the first subscriber  25   a  to maintain a level of anonymity while providing a way for others to contact the first subscriber  25   a . It is to be understood that the identification number  36  is different than the subscription number previously obtained by the first subscriber  25   a  during the subscription process. The identification number  36  is unique in that it is valid only while the first subscriber  25   a  is present in the first establishment  16   a . Thus, when unregistering from the system by leaving the first establishment  16   a , and then registering on the system by entering a different establishment, such as the second establishment  16   b , the first subscriber  25   a  will be assigned a different identification number  36  than what was assigned to the first subscriber  25   a  when they were present within the first establishment  16   a , even if the change in establishments occurs within the same evening, for example.  
      With reference to  FIG. 2  and with continuing reference to  FIG. 1 , the display area of the video monitor  26   a  may be partitioned into frames of various dimensions such that each frame may have different content associated with it and which is displayed therein. Primarily, the video monitor  28   b  is configured to display images of registered subscribers, specifically, the image provided by the subscriber during the subscription process. The video monitor  28   b  may include an image matrix  38  that may accommodate one or more images  40   a - 40   d  of the registered subscribers on the network system  10 . Preferably, the displayed images  40   a - 40   d  are of registered subscribers who are currently present in establishments other than the first establishment  16   a  in which the registered first subscriber  25   a  is currently present. Thus, subscribers present within the same establishment would not see images of each other displayed on the video monitor. For example, images  40   a - 40   d  of the registered subscribers in establishments other than the first establishment  16   a  are routed from the central server  12  through the computer network  14  to the server  26   a  of the first establishment  16   a  to then be displayed on the video monitor  28   a . The image of the first subscriber  25   a  would appear in the image matrix of the video monitors  28   b ,  28   c  of the second and third establishment  16   b ,  16   c , respectively. For example, assuming that the image  40   a  is the image associated with first subscriber  25   a , the image matrix  38  of the video monitor  28   b  in the second establishment  16   b  would display the image  40   a . Furthermore, an identifier, such as an identification number, corresponding to the subscriber shown is visually associated with each image  40   a - 40   d . Thus, the identification number “123” that was assigned to first subscriber  25   a  may appear on, adjacent to, or in the vicinity of the image  40   a  of the first subscriber  25   a  within the image matrix  38 . The images  40   a - 40   d  may cycle with other images of subscribers in other establishments at pre-determined intervals. Thus, the content of the image matrix  38  is dynamic in that images displayed may constantly vary throughout an evening. The images  40   a - 40   d  may be grouped by establishment and may be preceded by or have simultaneously displayed thereon an indicator designating which establishment the subscribers whose images are displayed are currently patronizing. Hence, the image  40   a  depicting the first subscriber  25   a  and the name of establishment  16   a  would be displayed on the video monitor  28   b  of establishment  16   b  for other subscribers, such as a second subscriber  25   b , to view.  
      It is to be understood that the service provider  24  is able to control which profiles are displayed in each establishment based upon the demographical information of each establishment that is stored in the database  22 . For example, if the first establishment  16   a  is frequented by mainly heterosexual patrons and the third establishment  16   c  is an openly gay establishment, then the central server  12  will not transmit images of individuals present in the first establishment  16   a  to the third establishment  16   c . Rather, the central server  12  will transmit such images to establishments that are designated by the demographical information in the database  22  as being frequented by mainly heterosexual patrons. Similarly, demographical information, such as the typical socio-economic status of patrons frequenting a particular establishment, may be used to direct images to the appropriate establishments.  
      Upon viewing the images on the video monitor, a subscriber whose interest was piqued when viewing another subscriber&#39;s image may wish to initiate contact with that other subscriber. For example, the second subscriber  25   b  may be viewing the images  40   a - 40   d  displayed in the image matrix  38  of the video monitor  28   b . Upon viewing the image  40   a  representative of the first subscriber  25   a , the second subscriber  25   b  finds the first subscriber  25   a  to be attractive and thereby the second subscriber  25   b  wishes to initiate contact with the first subscriber  25   a . It is to be understood that the network system  10  operating in the context of displaying heterosexual images will not allow a subscriber to contact another subscriber that is of the same sex. The second subscriber  25   b  then notes the identification number  36 , i.e., “123”, of the first subscriber  25   a . The second subscriber  25   b  may use his or her cellular phone  32   c  or any other suitable device to dial an access number provided by the service provider  24 . When prompted, the second subscriber  25   b  may enter the identification number  36 . The second subscriber  25   b  may then leave a voice-mail message for the first subscriber  25   a . This message may range from a straightforward greeting to a detailed message providing contact information relating to the second subscriber  25   b . The second subscriber  25   b  has the option to reveal as much or as little about him or herself. It is to be understood that the service provider  24  may limit the length of time allotted to leaving a message. Shortly thereafter, the network system  10  alerts the first subscriber  25   a  that a message has been left for them. This alert may be transmitted to the first subscriber  25   a  in any number of ways including, but not limited to, as an SMS text message to the cellular phone  32   a  of the first subscriber  25   a , or as an instant message or e-mail message to a wireless device of the first subscriber  25   a . It is envisioned that any such alert will include the identification number of the second subscriber  25   b . Thus, upon receipt of the alert, the first subscriber  25   a  may view the images displayed on the video monitor  28   a  and be able to see which image corresponds to the identification number of the second subscriber  25   b . Upon viewing the image of the second subscriber  25   b , the first subscriber  25   a  may choose to ignore the second subscriber  25   b  or may listen to the voice-mail message left by the second subscriber  25   b . Preferably, the voice-mail message is able to be listened to only once and is then deleted by the network system  10 . Adhering to this protocol, allows the second subscriber  25   b  to leave a natural-sounding message, without worrying that the message would be replayed to embarrass him or her. The first subscriber  25   a  may then directly contact the second subscriber  25   b  according to the type of contact information that was provided in the voice-mail message. Thus, the first subscriber  25   a  may call the second subscriber  25   b  directly, send an SMS text message to the cellular phone  32   c  of the second subscriber  25   b , or send an e-mail to the second subscriber  25   b . Alternatively, if the first subscriber  25   a  is aware of the second establishment  16   b  in which the second subscriber  25   b  is present, the second subscriber  25   b  may wish to travel to the second establishment  16   b  to make contact with the second subscriber  25   b  in person. Optionally, it is also envisioned that the first subscriber  25   a  may dial the access number provided by the service provider  24 , enter the identification number of the second subscriber  25   b  when prompted, and thereby be able to retrieve the profile of the second subscriber  25   b  to know more about second subscriber  25   b  before contacting him or her.  
      The kiosk  20   d  may be configured to allow the second subscriber  25   b  to input the identification number  36  of the first subscriber  25   a  through a console at the kiosk  20   d . The kiosk  20   d  may then print out a photo corresponding to the picture  40   a  of the first subscriber  25   a  shown on the video monitor  28   b . Additionally, the second subscriber  25   b  may also obtain and print out a background check relating to the first subscriber  25   a . It is envisioned that the background check would maintain the anonymity of the first subscriber  25   a , but would provide the second subscriber  25   b  with information relating to the criminal history (i.e., misdemeanors and higher) of the first subscriber  25   a , if any. Instead of or in addition to printing out a hard copy, the kiosk  20   d  may be configured to send the photo or background information via email to the second subscriber  25   b . Transaction fees for the photo or background information may be received by the service provider  24  in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, debiting the second subscriber  25   b  directly from a debit account or applying any costs incurred while utilizing the kiosk  20   d  to the monthly subscription fee charged to the second subscriber  25   b . It is to be understood that the first subscriber  25   a  may also input the identification number of the second subscriber  25   b  into the kiosk at the first establishment  16   a  after the first subscriber views the picture of the second subscriber. The kiosk  20   d  may also be utilized by the second subscriber  25   b  to remotely purchase a beverage, meal, or flowers for the first subscriber  25   a . For example, by utilizing a credit system, the second subscriber  25   b  may enter the identification number  36  of the first subscriber  25   a  and submit an alert to the first subscriber  25   a  informing them that they have now received a drink from the second subscriber  25   b  in the form of a drink credit. The account of the second subscriber  25   b  would be debited for the cost of a drink, whereas the account of the first subscriber  25   a  would be credited with the cost of the drink. In essence, the first subscriber  25   a  receives a drink at no cost to them.  
      In addition to providing a method for introducing individuals to each other, the network system  10  offers proprietary entertainment content delivered directly to the establishment and displayed on the video monitor  28   b . Similar to the images, the entertainment content may be routed from the central server  12  through the computer network  14  to servers  26   a - 26   c  of the respective establishment. The entertainment content may encompass a variety of subject matter including, but not limited to, a trivia game, a live camera view depicting other establishments, a sports game, a sports highlight, and a sports interview. Specifically, the entertainment content may be displayed in one or more frames of the video monitor  28   b . For example, a trivia frame  42  may display random trivia questions, which would allow individuals within the establishment to compete against each other. It is to be understood that the entertainment content may include an interactive element, thereby allowing for competition with oneself as a subscriber or between other subscribers. For example, the second subscriber  25   b  may utilize his or her cellular phone  32   c  to answer the trivia questions displayed in the trivia frame  42 . A scoring system may be maintained by the service provider to allow the central server  12  to maintain a record of correct guesses by each subscriber. A reward system may be employed by the service provider  24  under which the subscriber is rewarded for accumulating a certain percentage of correctness. Such rewards may include, but are not limited to, promotional gifts or free beverages. As a further example of entertainment content displayed on the video monitor  28   b , a live cam frame  44  may display a live video feed via camera  30   a , showing the inside of the first establishment  16   a . The live cam frame  44  may also display the name of the first establishment  16   a , e.g., Joe&#39;s Bar. The live video feed may be useful to patrons of the second establishment  16   b  in establishing as to whether or not they would be interested in visiting the first establishment  16   a  or remaining in the second establishment  16   b . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the entertainment content and the image matrix  38  are displayed in separate frames, yet it is to be understood that the entertainment content may occupy the entire viewable area of the video monitor  28   b . It is to be understood that the aforementioned entertainment content is mentioned for exemplary purposes and should not be construed as limiting the types of subject matter that may be classified as entertainment content to be displayed on the video monitor  28   b.    
      In addition to entertainment content, advertising content may also be transmitted by the service provider  24  and be displayed on the video monitor  28   b . Specifically, the entertainment content may be displayed in one or more frames, such as advertising frame  46   a  and advertising frame  46   b . The advertising content may encompass a variety of subject matter including, but not limited to, drink specials, concert promotions, merchandise, and vacations. It is to be understood that the network system  10  is not subject to governmental imposed broadcasting restrictions. Therefore, in addition to mainstream advertising, the video monitor  28   b  may also display advertisements that may be considered inappropriate for traditional broadcasting mediums. For example, the first advertising frame  46   a  may display an advertisement for cigarettes. In another example, the second advertising frame  46   b  may contain information concerning a Bahamas vacation, the advertised price thereof, and the contact information necessary to obtain more information and/or purchase the vacation. Any of the advertising displayed within the advertising frames  46   a ,  46   b  may be qualified by attaching a “shelf life” to them. For example, if the advertising frame  46   a  contains a bar special for a particular drink, the advertisement may be qualified by indicating within the advertisement that the bar special expires within a set period of time, e.g., fifteen minutes. It is to be understood that due to the demographical information available to the service provider  24 , targeted advertising and marketing based upon the demographics of the clientele frequenting the establishment as well as the demographics of the establishment itself may be delivered to each particular affiliate establishment. For example, a 30 to 50 year old crowd may be exposed to an advertisement for a luxury automobile, whereas a 21 to 29 year old crowd may be exposed to a beer commercial.  
      Furthermore, the video monitor  28   b  may include a promotion frame  48  that may display content that promotes the network system  10  itself, thereby providing non-subscribers with information as to how they may become subscribers of the network system.  
      Preferably, the video monitors do not output sound due to the inherent noise levels associated with social establishments. The content displayed on the video monitors is therefore designed to be effectively communicated through images, animation, and video. Any audio that is associated with content on the video monitor may either be conveyed in the form of text subtitles or may be accessible to the second subscriber  25   b  through an audio communications device, such as the cellular phone  32   c . For example, there may be an audio identifier  50  associated with particular content displayed on the video monitor that indicates that an audio stream accompanies that particular content. This audio stream would only be made available to subscribers of the network system  10 . Thus, similar to how the second subscriber  25   b  utilizes another subscriber&#39;s identification number to initiate contact with him or her, the second subscriber  25   b  may use the audio identifier  50  to access the audio portion of the content displayed on the video monitor. For example, the second subscriber  25   b  may observe the Bahamas vacation depicted in the second advertising frame  46   b . The second advertising frame  46   b  also makes reference to a password which, when provided to the operator after dialing the contact number, i.e., “1-800-BAHAMAS”, would entitle the second subscriber  25   b  to the discounted advertised price, i.e., “$399”. The second subscriber  25   b  would dial the access number provided by the service provider  42 , and when prompted would enter the audio identifier  50  associated with the Bahamas vacation namely, “#8”. Thereafter, the second subscriber  25   b  would be provided with the password necessary to obtain the Bahamas vacation at the discounted advertised price. It is to be understood that any content presented on the video monitor  28   b  may have audio content associated with it. As a further example, a sports interview may be shown on the video monitor without subtitles. The only way to listen to the simultaneously broadcast audio portion of the sports interview is to enter the corresponding audio identifier. The audio content of any such broadcast may also be made available to subscribers on the web site operated by the service provider  24 . This feature is useful in that it allows a subscriber who may have missed a portion of the broadcast or the broadcast as a whole the opportunity to listen to the broadcast at a future time. It is to be understood that only subscribers are able to take advantage of the incentives or audio broadcasts relating to the visual content displayed on the video monitor  28   b , as accessing the audio is limited to subscribers to the network system  10 . Consequently, this arrangement provides yet another incentive for non-subscribers to subscribe to the network system  10 . Furthermore, different subscription levels may be employed to provide higher value features or services to higher subscription level subscribers.  
      A further aspect to the invention involves a subscriber to the network system  10  having access to a web site managed by the service provider  24 . The web site operates in conjunction with the central server  12  to allow a subscriber who is not present within an affiliate establishment (e.g., accessing the web site from home on their desktop computer  20   a ) to log in to the web site and view the images of subscribers who are currently present at any of the affiliate establishments. Although the subscriber is able to view the images, he or she is not able to contact any of the pictured subscribers. Thus, an incentive is created for the subscriber to travel to and enter any of the affiliate establishments since only then, upon registering with the system, is he or she able to contact any of the other subscribers. The web site may also serve a function of providing information relating to special events that may be occurring at each affiliate establishment, either at the present or in near future. Furthermore, the web site may offer coupons valid for drink and/or meal specials that the subscriber may print out and bring to the appropriate affiliate establishment. Due to the highly networked environment of the network system  10 , the content associated with each establishment on the service provider web site may be quickly and easily altered by the proprietor of each affiliate establishment. For example, the coupons may have a “shelf life”, e.g., valid only for that particular evening and, therefore, the promotion advertised thereon may change from day to day or from hour to hour as determined by the proprietor of each affiliate establishment.  
      It is envisioned that revenue from operation of the network system  10  would be derived from any one or all of the following: individual subscription fees, affiliate establishment subscription fees, and advertising fees. It is to be understood that the presentation of images, entertainment, and advertising/promotion is based upon the notion of revolving content controlled by the service provider  24  and provided to each affiliate establishment. Thus, even the frame layout is dynamic and does not necessarily need to be configured as shown in  FIG. 2 . Each affiliate establishment may include wholly different content and layout thereof. By providing revolving dynamic content, the video monitor displays an overall visual dynamic content. This is deemed to be an important aspect of the present invention, as it lends itself to focusing the attention of subscriber individuals and non-subscriber individuals to the video monitor, and thereby resulting in increased revenue.  
      It is envisioned that each establishment utilizing the network system  10  is in a different geographic location within a city, so as to provide each establishment with a competitive advantage over establishments that are not utilizing the network system  10 . For example, the first establishment  16   a  would be sufficiently geographically distanced from the second establishment  16   b , preferably not within reasonable walking distance of the first establishment  16   a . Although it is envisioned that the network system  10  displays profiles and registers subscribers within a single city, it is to be understood that the network system  10  may be implemented to show profiles of subscribers from more than one city. Accordingly, additionally information may be displayed in the image matrix  38 , such as the city name and/or region.  
      The above invention has been described with reference to the preferred and alternative embodiments. Obvious modifications, combinations, and alterations will occur to others upon reading the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications, combinations, and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.