Patent Publication Number: US-11665122-B2

Title: Geolocation-based data sharing system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application comprises a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/501,617 filed May 10, 2019, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/720,424 filed Aug. 21, 2018 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/667,264 filed May 4, 2018, the entireties of which are being incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to a computerized data sharing system. More specifically, the present disclosure describes a geolocation-based data sharing system which enables end users to share computerized data, text, photos, music, etc. based on physical geolocation data recorded by end users within the system&#39;s databases. 
     Smartphones and other portable computing devices have become an indispensable part of everyday life. From texting, to video calls, etc. modern adults spend around five hours a day using their smartphones and tablets, with these devices traveling almost everywhere their users go. Almost all of these mobile devices contain a global positioning system (GPS) receiver (one or more antennas, microchips, etc.) which enable the devices to determine the physical location of device. 
     Some modern data sharing systems have taken GPS data into account when enabling the transfer of data from one user to another. For example, the popular dating applications and services Tinder and Grinder both take into account the end user&#39;s physical location (provided by GPS) when determining what other end users to match with a given end user. In these systems, GPS data enables those located physically near one another to be matched. 
     Other applications, such as the very popular Pokémon Go, utilize GPS data to enable an augmented reality treasure hunt of sorts. End users are able to venture around various locations and, within the application, find Pokémon, supplies, etc. The in-app treasure is unlocked based on actual real-world locations visited, as determined by GPS data. 
     The success of these apps and others demonstrate there is a large demand for geolocation-based entertainment platforms. In addition, there has been large levels of public interest in social networking sites (dating applications, image and multi-media sharing platforms, subject matter-based forums, etc.), especially on mobile devices. The existing social networking platforms have typically allowed connections based on existing friend or relationship groups. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a geolocation-based data sharing system that enables end users to connect and share electronic data, including text, photos, music, etc. in a social media platform environment based on the users&#39; interaction with geolocation points established by other users. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     To meet the needs described above and others, the present disclosure provides a geolocation-based data sharing system which enables end users to connect and share electronic data of any form based on the users&#39; interaction with geolocation points established by other users. 
     By combining a geolocation-based entertainment platform and a social media platform, users are provided an enjoyable and interactive experience. Users are able to create social networks in real-time based on their physical location or based on locations that relate to a user&#39;s general interests. For example, each user can set one or more geolocation markers, whether at the user&#39;s current GPS location or a location of the user&#39;s choice on a map. The map may be based on the real-world, a fictional map of a virtual world, or a combination of a real-world map overlaid by a fictional environment. Each user sees the geolocation markers of other users using a map view. Users can also see their own location relative to the other users, geolocation markers, and/or other users&#39; locations. When a user is within close proximity of a geolocation marker, an augmented reality geolocation marker icon is visible on a “camera view” provided by the mobile device. At that point, the user may unlock a connection to the user that placed the geolocation marker or other features in the system. 
     The platform allows users to form connections/relationships with new people based on geographical locations of shared interest. For example, requiring a user to travel to geographic locations in the real world in order to connect with another user&#39;s online profile adds a fun and entertaining element to the online social networking experience. 
     For example, if an end user of the platform was a big fan of country music, the user could set a geolocation-based marker at a country music festival to share the user&#39;s contact details with other users. Not only would the person seeking to find this geo-marker have to travel outdoors, as opposed to a static means of finding relationship matches online (e.g., not just browse a website), the other person would also have to attend a country music festival, which would presumably exclude those that dislike country music, thus boosting the chances for a successful match. This same method could also be applied to other events like sporting events, college classes, or even a church sermon for someone looking to meet another person of faith. 
     It should be noted a ‘connection’ formed between two end users could be either access to connection details of the user such as e-mail, telephone, social media links and/or access to a messaging/telephone platform within the system&#39;s graphical user interface (GUI). 
     One embodiment of the present system is embodied in a social networking/dating platform that matches users based on search criteria and connects them by requesting they travel to geolocation markers. A first user sets a number of geolocation markers at any chosen location using a digital map or the user&#39;s current global positioning system (GPS) location. The geolocations may specify, for example: a location; a first distance from the location within which other users may be considered to have visited the location; a second distance from the location within which other users must be to find the geolocation marker in a search; a duration/expiration time; and search criteria that may be used to identify the geolocation. A second user searching matching search criteria (e.g., sex, age, etc.) within the specified second distance of the geolocation marker, and while the marker is active, is then be able to view the location of the first user&#39;s geolocation markers on a digital map. Once the second user physically travels to the location of one of these markers (i.e., is within the first distance of the GPS location as confirmed by GPS data), the user is able to access and store the profile and contact information of the first user. 
     Either, or both, of the first and second distances described in the example above may be set by a user or may be set by the platform. For example, in one embodiment, the search radius may be set by the user and the distance used to determine arrival at the location may be set by the platform. 
     Users may also place or allocate a geo-marker associated with different types of information (e.g., photos, video, document files, etc.) that can only be accessed and stored by another user when the other user is within a specified distance of the geo-marker. These geolocation markers can be placed anonymously by users or associated with the user&#39;s account and may be in the form of a single-user geolocation marker, a group geolocation marker, or a public geolocation marker (for all users of a platform). Once a connection between two users has been made (e.g., via selection of a geolocation marker while a user is within a specific proximity), then each user may send the other user further information via further geolocation markers or traditional communication means (e.g., SMS message, email, text, voice call, etc.). 
     For example, a platform focused around dating may allow the first user to provide a second user access to a photo of the first user by interacting with a geolocation marker placed by the first user. This would require the second user to travel to the location of the geolocation marker to access and save the photo. 
     In other embodiments, users may be able to provide geolocation markers to entire groups of connections and/or all users on the platform. In yet other embodiments, geolocation markers may be placed by the platform itself for individuals, groups, or all users of the platform. Again, the placement of the geolocation markers includes identifying a location and specifying a distance from the location (i.e., proximity to the location) within which the system treats users as having visited the location. The distance may be specified by the platform or by the user identifying the location. For example, in some instances, the platform may require users to be located within a certain number of feet of a given geolocation marker before treating the user as having arrived at the geolocation marker. In other examples, a user may specify that distance. A distance may be any size. For example, it is contemplated that in some examples, the specified distance might be measured in miles. 
     Yet another embodiment of the present invention may also utilize multiple GPS based geo-markers to enable various challenges or tasks to be set up by end users within the present system. For example, if a young single woman who was very serious about physical fitness is looking for a partner (romantic or otherwise), the young woman could set two geo-markers a few miles apart (in this example) and require another user to travel between the two markers on a designated path within a certain time (tracked via GPS data collected by the system) if the second user wishes to be matched with her. The system could also use the rate at which the end users are traveling between the two designated geo-markers to prevent cheating by use of a car or other means. 
     The end user device interface may feature both a map view and augmented reality view, which can be switched between on the fly. For example, an end user may look at a top down map view of all geo-markers in their general area (a few blocks in this example) to locate all geo-markers previously set by other end users. When they approach a given geo-marker, the end user may then opt to switch to an augmented realty view (or the system may do this automatically). In the augmented reality view, the end user attempting to find a geo-marker may view an augmented reality enhanced view of the area physically surrounding the user with the geo-marker potentially being placed anywhere in that area. The geo-marker could be set at another end user&#39;s favorite booth in a restaurant, on the top shelf of a liquor store, or at the bottom of a pool, for the truly adventurous. Each end user can then select the found geo-marker to receive various types of data and/or switch back to the map view and find other markers. 
     Geo-location markers may also be automatically collected by the system when a user travels within a close proximity of a given marker. This enables the user to collect geo-markers throughout the day and review them at a later time. This passive means of marker collection may be preferable to consumers, as opposed to having to actively interact with each geo-marker within the system&#39;s GUI. 
     The geolocation markers in the system may expire after a given duration. That duration may be specified by the platform or the user. For example, some geolocation markers and the access to the data they enable may only be active for minutes, while others may remain active for days or months. In some embodiments, geolocation markers, and the access they provide, may be turned on and off by a user, as desired. 
     In one example, a geolocation-based data sharing system includes: a first mobile user device including a first GPS receiver, a first communications module, and a first graphical user interface; a second mobile user device including a second GPS receiver, a second communications module, and a second graphical user interface; a server including one or more data storage devices, wherein the server is in communication with each of the first communications module and the second communications module, the server further including a controller and a memory coupled to the controller, wherein the memory is configured to store program instructions executable by the controller; wherein in response to executing the program instructions, the controller is configured to: receive, by the server and from the first mobile user device, a first data set to be stored in the memory storage device; receive, by the server and from the first mobile user device, a first GPS location (chosen by the first user or by the platform itself) and a first set of searchable data to be stored in the memory storage device in association with the first data set; store and associate, by the server in the memory storage device, the first data set, the first GPS location, and the first set of searchable data; in response to receiving, by the server and from the second user device, search input data matching the first set of search data, display a geolocation marker identifying the first GPS location on a graphical user interface in the second mobile user device; and receive a request, by the server and from the second user device, to access the first data set; wherein, when the second user device is within a first distance of the first GPS location, enable the second user device to access the first data set, further wherein, when the second user device is outside of the first distance of the first GPS location, do not enable the second user device to access the first data set; and in response to gaining access to the first data set, enable the second user device to communicate with the first user device, whether peer-to-peer or through the server. 
     In another example, a geolocation-based data sharing method includes the steps of: providing a server including one or more data storage devices, wherein the server is in communication with each of a first communications module in a first mobile user device and a second communications module in a second mobile user device; receiving, by the server and from the first mobile user device, a first data set to be stored in the memory storage device; receiving, by the server and from the first mobile user device, a first GPS location (chosen by the first user or by the platform itself) and a first set of searchable data to be stored in the memory storage device in association with the first data set; storing and associating, by the server in the memory storage device, the first data set, the first GPS location, and the first set of searchable data; in response to receiving, by the server and from the second user device, search input data matching the first set of searchable data, displaying a geolocation marker identifying the first GPS location on a graphical user interface in the second mobile user device; and receiving a request, by the server and from the second user device, to access the first data set; wherein, when the second user device is within a first distance of the first GPS location, the sever enables the second user device to access the first data set, further wherein, when the second user device is outside of the first distance of the first GPS location, the sever does not enable the second user device to access the first data set; and in response to gaining access to the first data set, enabling, by the server, the second user device to communicate with the first user device, whether peer-to-peer or through the server. 
     In some embodiments, the first data set is a dating profile. For example, the dating profile may include an age or age range and a sex or gender. It may also include photos and additional information. 
     The search input data matching the first set of searchable data may be communicated to the server by the second user device in response to a manually executed search by a user of the second mobile user device or it may be communicated to the server by the second user device automatically in response to the second mobile user device entering a second distance of the first GPS location. 
     In some embodiments, the first GPS location is updated in real-time to be the position of the first mobile user device. In some embodiments, the first GPS location expires after a prescribed duration. That duration may be provided/selected by the user or by the platform. 
     In some embodiments, when the second user device is inside the first distance of the first GPS location, the server enables the second user device to access the first data set only after the second user device has interacted in a prescribed manner with a second GPS location. In some embodiments, displaying a geolocation marker identifying the first GPS location on a graphical user interface in the second mobile user device includes displaying an augmented reality element as the geolocation marker. 
     An object of the present invention is to create an augmented reality, accessible via a geolocation-based data sharing end user application, which enables end users to explore their surrounding areas and find new information, music, movies, friends, etc. The present system enables end users to create a media rich augmented reality environment, overlaid and displayed upon a real-world map. This media rich augmented reality environment creates a new level of interactivity with and engagement of end users not previously possible. 
     An advantage of the present invention is its potential to encourage exercise as well as more community involvement. Modern technology has created a much more efficient society but has in some ways hampered real-world interaction. Most people can order food, do their work, and even find a date all from their smartphone. However, most if not all of these activities require no physical movement, let alone the need to leave one&#39;s home. The present system helps combat this sedentary lifestyle by requiring end users to venture outside to obtain dating matches, new music, new movies, etc. 
     Yet another advantage of the present invention is the potential for augmented reality marketing. The present system creates an augmented reality map of the real-world surrounding a given end user. This augmented reality map may feature various advertisements, and/or the system may play a short advertisement before providing the end user with a dating match, new song, etc. when the user reaches a certain geo-marker. The system may also provide directions which purposefully steer end users past certain businesses, landmarks, etc. during their quest to find a given geo-marker. 
     Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the examples will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following description and the accompanying drawings or may be learned by production or operation of the examples. The objects and advantages of the concepts may be realized and attained by means of the methodologies, instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic diagram of a geolocation-based data sharing system. 
         FIG.  2 A  is an example of a homepage screen of a graphical user interface of a geolocation-based data sharing system. 
         FIG.  2 B  is an example of a geo-marker placement screen of a graphical user interface of a geolocation-based data sharing system. 
         FIG.  2 C  is an example of a geo-marker browsing screen of a graphical user interface of a geolocation-based data sharing system. 
         FIG.  3    is an example of an augmented reality screen of a graphical user interface of a geolocation-based data sharing system. 
         FIG.  4    is an example of a connected user profile screen of a graphical user interface of a geolocation-based data sharing system. 
         FIG.  5    is an example of an exercise challenge setup screen of a graphical user interface of a geolocation-based data sharing system. 
         FIG.  6 A  is an example of an exercise challenge initiation screen of a graphical user interface of a geolocation-based data sharing system. 
         FIG.  6 B  is an example of an exercise challenge screen of a graphical user interface of a geolocation-based data sharing system. 
         FIG.  6 C  is an example of an exercise challenge completion screen of a graphical user interface of a geolocation-based data sharing system. 
         FIG.  7    is an example of a geo-marker browsing screen of the graphical user interface of a geolocation-based data sharing system featuring paid advertisements. 
         FIG.  8    is an example of an augmented reality screen of a graphical user interface of a geolocation-based data sharing system featuring a paid advertisement. 
         FIG.  9    is a diagram of the components of a smartphone capable of running an embodiment of the geolocation-based data sharing system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG.  1    is a schematic diagram of a geolocation-based data sharing system  10 . As shown in  FIG.  1   , the system  10  may include a centralized server  12 , end user devices  14 , and a Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite  16 . In this embodiment, there are two end users  18 , end user one  18   a  and end user two  18   b . Each user  18  creates a profile within the geolocation-based data sharing system  10  that includes details about the user  18 , including his or her name, gender, age, and a photo. The user  18  then selects search criteria, such as an age range, a gender, and other specific interests. The user  18  also selects the gender and proximity from their location of users with whom the user  18  would like to connect. 
     End user one  18   a  utilizes his or her end user device  14 , a mobile device (smartphone, tablet, etc.), to set a geolocation marker via a stand-alone end user device application. The end user device application enables end user one  18   a  to record and communicate his or her global position (obtained from the GPS satellite  16 ) to the centralized server  12 . In some embodiments, the GPS location is updated in real-time such that the GPS location is a real-time indicator of the location of the end user device  14 . The geolocation marker set by the first user  18   a  may feature GPS data as well as other information such as a dating profile, pictures, music, etc. All of this geolocation marker data is stored within one or more databases of the centralized server  12 . 
     Once a geolocation marker is set by an end user  18  (e.g. first user  18   a ), the system  10  may then enable other end users  18  (e.g., second user  18   b ) to view this geolocation marker on a map when outside of the proximity settings and further to access this marker&#39;s data by physically traveling to the location set by first user  18   a  (i.e., being within a first distance defined by the proximity settings). It is noted that while “first user  18   a ” and “second user  18   b ” are used throughout the description to illustrate the examples provided, the terms “first” and “second” are used simply to provide clarification throughout the description and may be interchanged and are not intended to be limiting. For example, in the present example, the geolocation marker is set by the first user  18   a  and searched by the second user  18   b . However, it is understood that each user  18  in the system  10  may take one of the varied roles at any point in time such that the second user  18   b  may be the one setting the geolocation marker and the first user  18   a  may be searching for that marker. 
     The system  10  may be configured to enable all end users  18  to access every geolocation marker set by other end users  18  or filter which markers are displayed based on various data concerning an end user  18 . For example, if the system  10  was being utilized to support an online dating social network, various attributes about the end users  18  including demographic data, social media data, etc. might be utilized by the system  10  to display only relevant geolocation markers to end users  18 . Alternatively, if the system  10  is utilized by an advertiser to set up a virtual treasure hunt, every end user  18  with access to this instance of the system  10  may be able to access each geolocation marker. End users  18  may also choose to manually send geolocation markers they set to other end users  18 . 
     The location of the relevant (or all) geolocation markers stored by the system  10  may be displayed for other end users  18 . For example, each of the users  18  that have selected search criteria in their respective profiles that correspond to the user data of the first user  18   a  may be shown the first user&#39;s geolocation markers. Display of such information may be carried out on a traditional digital map interface familiar to most smart phone users. The map may feature various icons, avatars, colored pins, etc. on the digital map which indicate the specific geolocation of a given marker. When an end user  18  (e.g., second user  18   b ) approaches the actual, physical geolocation of the marker (displayed as an “X” in this example) the system  10  may automatically (or manually) download the given geolocation marker&#39;s data, presuming the search criteria are met. The marker&#39;s data may contain various information about another end user  18  as well as a manner by which they may be contacted (e.g., email, phone number, etc.) or may also be anonymously set with the source of the data content of the marker protected by the centralized server  12  or even scrubbed to provide enhanced security. 
     Communication between the various elements of the present system  10  may be carried out via GPS signal, wireless telecommunication networks (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G, EDGE, etc.), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and/or wired connections. It should be noted that the various components pictured may also be integrated into one another as technology advances with the need for a centralized server  12  and/or GPS satellite  16  varying for some applications. 
     For example, communication between end user devices  14  may be carried out solely via peer-to-peer connection and/or an arrangement where a server  12  is used to initially connect the end users  18  and their devices  14  and then a peer-to-peer connection is maintained going forward. Processing of information required for the system  10  to operate may also be carried out by the server  12  and/or the end user&#39;s mobile device(s)  14  depending on the scale and resources available for a given deployment of the system  10 . 
       FIG.  2 A  is a homepage screen  20  of the graphical user interface of a geolocation-based data sharing system  10 . As shown in  FIG.  2 A , users  18  can access different system screens (and functions) from the homepage screen  20 . At a first step, a user  18   a  creates a profile, including his or her name, sex, age, and a photograph, by selecting the profile button  22  on the system  10 . The profile information is a data set that is stored in the memory of the geolocation-based data sharing system  10 . The user  18   a  may select the search criteria button  24  to select search criteria or search input data similar to Tinder or another dating application. The user  18   a  may select sex, age, and the proximity from their location as the search input data or search criteria to be used to find other users  18   b  with whom the first user  18   a  would like to connect. A data set comprising a user&#39;s profile information may include a subset of searchable data that can be searched by the system  10  when matching a first user, who sets the search criteria, with a second user, whose searchable data matches the first user&#39;s search criteria. 
     Before the user  18  accesses the search results, the user  18  selects the place geo-marker button  26  to access the geo-marker placement screen  28  shown in  FIG.  2 B . The user  18  places a number of his or her own geolocation markers  30  on a map  32  or at the user&#39;s current GPS location. The geolocation markers  30  are stored and visible to the user in the user&#39;s profile section on the platform. As shown in  FIG.  2 B , when an end user sets a geo-marker  30 , they may do so via “pin-drop” similar to the function in Google Maps or other smart phone navigation applications. Users have the option to place geolocation markers  30  at their current GPS derived location or at any location shown on the map. In both instances a geolocation marker  30  and/or an augmented reality icon/object (such as a flag, or box, or marker) are set at these co-ordinates. The set locations of the GPS coordinates can be placed against a real-world map or a virtual world map laid over real world coordinates. One intention of the markers is that they are to be placed by users at locations that hold a specific level of interest for that person and therefore are also likely to hold a level of interest to other users that frequent that location. 
     For example, if someone frequents an art museum or is particularly interested in art, that person may choose to set a geo-marker at the Louvre. The system may also suggest such placement based on data obtained by the system from an end users social media profile(s), web usage, physical travel routine, etc. 
     Once the user  18   a  has placed one or more markers  30  via the geo-marker placement screen  28  of  FIG.  2 B  and provided the search criteria, the user  18   a  may access the geo-locations  36  of other users  18  whose searchable data match the search criteria of the user  18   a . The user  18   a  may access the matching users&#39; geo-locations  36  by selecting the search geo-locations button  33  on the home screen  20  shown in  FIG.  2 A . Selection of the search geo-locations button  33  directs the user to the geo-marker browsing screen  34  of the graphical user interface of a geolocation-based data sharing system  10  shown in  FIG.  2 C . In other embodiments, the geo-marker browsing screen  34  illustrating the geo-locations  36  of other users  18  whose searchable data match the search criteria may appear automatically in response to the first user  18   a  being within a specified distance of the users  18  of the geo-locations  36 . This distance (e.g., automatically show matching results within a 2 mile radius) may be user selectable or may be determined by the system  10 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  2 C , the geo-marker browsing screen  34  displays the geolocation markers  36  of other users  18  on a map  38 . Users can also see their own location  40  relative to the other user&#39;s location  36 . The first user  18   a  may have the option to view the geolocation markers  36  of users that match their search criteria selections, providing the other users  18  have also identified the first user as part of their search criteria. For example, a first user  18   a  may have selected, females, aged 18-35, within five km of current location. The geolocation markers  36  of all users  18  of the platform that match this criteria and have placed geolocation markers  36  within the proximity of the first user  18   a  are visible to the first user  18   a  in the first user&#39;s geo-marker browsing screen  34 . 
     The visible geolocation markers  36  in this embodiment are visible as a pin or marker on a 2D or 3D map view, the geo-markers  36  may also be visible as an augmented reality object or marker via the camera view on a mobile device (see  FIG.  3   ). The geolocation markers  36  may be in the visual form of something non-specific to the user (e.g., a nondescript pin, box, or emoji icon as shown here) or the markers may be something more specific to a given end user such as a graphic of their name or photo. 
     The geo-markers  30 ,  36  placed by a user  18  may last indefinitely or expire and be removed from view of other users  18  after a selected period of time determined by the user who sets the marker or by the platform itself. Each geolocation marker may have an individual expiration criterion, or all geolocation markers may have the same expiry duration. The durations for expiry may be set in seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months or years. 
     The geo-markers  30 ,  36  may also be removed after they have been located and selected by a certain number of other users, this number of users can either be determined by the user themselves or determined by the platform. Each individual geolocation marker may have an individual maximum number of user selections or all geolocation markers may have the same number of maximum user selections before its expiry. 
     For example, once a first user  18   a  has placed multiple geolocation markers  30  that appear on a map of a second user  18   b  (with a matching search criteria), and once the second user  18   b  has traveled and collected one of the multiple markers  36  shown on the location map  38  from the first user  18   a , the remaining geolocation markers for the first user  18   a  may no longer be visible on the second user&#39;s location marker map screen. A location marker map  38  may show hundreds of location markers (or more) from numerous users that have matching search criteria at any given time. In some instances, many of these markers  36  may be related to the same user  18   b . However, when one of the markers  36  relating to a user  18   b  is collected by another user  18   a , the remaining markers  36  of user  18   b  may no longer be visible to the user  18   a  that has collected it. 
     Users  18  may also be able to place a maximum number of geolocation markers  30  at any given time. This maximum number of geolocation markers  30  may be different for different users  18  within the platform and further geolocation markers can potentially be purchased within the platform for a set monetary value. 
     Live geolocation markers may also be utilized by the present system. These are geolocation marker that tracks the live GPS position of a given end user&#39;s device and present a moving target for other end users to seek out. Like the normal static markers discussed above, the user may elect for the live marker to expire after a duration of time or after a set number of geolocation marker selections by other end users. This type of marker may be appropriate for situations where a user is on a night out and wants to attract potential connections to meet immediately or could even be used as the basis for a sort of game. Similar to the popular children&#39;s game “Tag”, end users could be required to find one another&#39;s live marker in alternating turns for several rounds before a match is made by the system or the system revealing more and more details about an end user after each subsequent match. 
       FIG.  3    is an augmented reality screen  42  of the graphical user interface of a geolocation-based data sharing system  10 . As shown in  FIG.  3   , an augmented reality (AR) geolocation marker icon  44  is visible on the camera view of the mobile device when the user  18  is within a close and/or specified proximity of the marker  44 . The system  10  may allow users to switch between the map view  34  ( FIG.  2 C ) and the augmented reality camera view  42  to locate other users&#39; geolocation markers  36 . Once the user  18   a  is within a specified distance the GPS marker location  36  of another user  18   b , the system  10  may allow the user  18   a  to the select the geolocation marker  44  (or an AR representation of the marker) by either touching the screen  42  or selecting the AR feature in a viewfinder (in this embodiment), thereby requesting access the first user&#39;s profile data. In some examples, the first user  18   a  may not have access to the profile data of the second user  18   b  if the first user  18   a  is not within the specified distance of the GPS marker. Still further, the second user  18   b  may specify the distance within which access to the profile data is provided. Once selected, the user  18   a  may access the profile information  46  of the user  18   b  that placed the geolocation marker  36 ,  44 , as shown in  FIG.  4   . 
     There are a number of different methods by which a geolocation marker  44  can be selected by a first user once they are in close proximity. A user may select the option for the platform to automatically select a geolocation marker when there are within a set distance (e.g., 20 m, 50 m, 100 m) proximity of the marker. In another arrangement the user may select the geolocation marker by pressing an automatic push notification sent to their mobile device by the platform. In yet another arrangement a user my select the geolocation marker by selecting the marker icon on a 2D/3D map on their mobile device. In another arrangement the user may select the geolocation marker by capturing its AR marker in the camera view of the mobile device. 
     The AR geolocation markers may be in the visual form of something non-specific to the user (e.g., a nondescript pin, box, or emoji icon) or the markers may be something more specific to a given end user such as AR graphic of their name or photo. These specific and non-specific representations of the user geo-location markers may also be used in the map view (see  FIGS.  2 B and  2 C ). The AR geolocation markers may also be set upon a given object. For instance, if the geolocation marker was set within Wrigley Field, an end user could set their AR marker as the score board with the system displaying the scoreboard as a different color to other end users when viewed through the system&#39;s application. This would indicate to other end users that the scoreboard is also acting as an AR marker and that the person who set the marker is likely a baseball fan (in this example). 
       FIG.  4    is a connected user profile screen  48  of the graphical user interface of a geolocation-based data sharing system  10 . As shown in  FIG.  4   , in this embodiment, once a user  18  has selected the geolocation marker  44  of another user, he or she may have access to the user&#39;s profile information  46 . The profile information  46  includes the connected user&#39;s name and age, and gives the user  18  the option to contact the user via electronic messaging by selecting a message button  48 . This profile and messaging information may be stored on the platform  10  within the connections section accessed by selecting the connections button  49  on the home screen  20 , as shown in  FIG.  2 A . 
     As mentioned above, connections are made with other users by selecting their geolocation markers  44  when in close proximity to their locations. Once a marker  44  is selected, a user may have access to information about the user that placed the geolocation marker. This information may include, but not be limited to, the following: profile pictures, name, age, interests. The location, time, and date of the selected marker may also be saved and stored as part of the connection information. The user that selected the marker may also have the ability to send the user that placed the marker an electronic message via the platform once the connection has been made. This may involve the user that has selected the marker having the ability to send the initial message, via the platform, to the user that placed the marker. In another arrangement this may involve both users having the ability to message each other once the geo-marker has been selected in its geolocation. 
     In other embodiments of the present invention, each (or a single) user may be provided contact details for the connected user that can be used outside (or integrated with) the system, such as phone number or e-mail address. The platform may also give users the opportunity to share photo, video, audio, AR or virtual reality communications via the platform. 
     As a user collects multiple geolocation markers, he or she may build and store more connections within the system. These connections can be used to communicate and build new relationships for the user on social media, etc. in addition to the system. 
     The system may feature a GUI screen from which end users may view all the profiles associated with previously collected geolocation markers (e.g., connections formed within the system). These profiles may each have the option to message, call, or share documents with an end user associated with the given profile. This GUI screen may also enable end users to block or delete a connection formed with another end user. The block option may prevent another end user from being able to view the connection information (such as profile pic, messages, etc.) or interact with the blocking end user until such a time as the blocking user elects to unblock the blocked user. There may also be a delete option, which may remove a connection between two end users whereas the block function may prevent either user from being able to further see the connection information but not totally removing the connection. 
       FIG.  5    is an example of a physical challenge setup screen  50  of the graphical user interface of a geolocation-based data sharing system  10 . As shown in  FIG.  5   , an end user  18   a  may create multiple geo-markers  52  in the system and require other end users  18   b  to travel between the first and second geo-markers  52  within a certain amount of time. In this embodiment, when the second user  18   b  is within the first distance of the first geo-marker  52 , the system  10  enables a second user  18   b  to access the user profile of the first user  18   a  only after the second user  18   b  has interacted with the second geo-marker  52  in a prescribed manner, such as within a specified time frame. If the end user  18   b  successfully completes the challenge, he or she may be rewarded with another end user&#39;s dating profile information, new music, an exclusive movie trailer, etc. depending on how the system is being utilized. 
     In this example, the end user  18   a  has dropped two geo-markers  52  on the map  54  which are one mile apart. The end user  18   a  has also stipulated that there is a time limit  56  of ten minutes to travel between the two geo-markers  52  to successfully complete the challenge. It should be noted that this challenge can be attempted and/or completed a set number of times as dictated by the end user setting the challenge (or by the system automatically). To prevent cheating the system may also monitor an end user device&#39;s (smartphone, tablet, etc.) gyroscopes, accelerometers, etc. as well as synchronized smartwatches, pedometers, heart rate monitors, etc. to ensure the end user(s) attempting the challenge do not cheat. Once the user  18   a  has entered the details, the user  18   a  selects the set challenge button  58  so that the challenge registers with the system  10 . 
       FIG.  6 A  is an exercise challenge initiation screen  60  of the graphical user interface of a geolocation-based data sharing system  10 . As shown in  FIG.  6 A , if an end user  18   b  wishes to accept an exercise challenge  62 , he or she approaches one of the geo-markers  52  set by another end user  18   a  and accepts the challenge  62  by selecting the go button  64 . The system  10  may provide the end user  18   b  attempting a given challenge  62  basic information about the challenge  62  while not revealing, in this embodiment, any information about the user  18   a  who set the challenge. 
     It should be noted that like the dating profile search criteria mention above (see  FIG.  2 A ), the exercise challenge  62  may also be tailored based on basic search criteria (e.g., a man may only want to complete challenges set by a woman looking to meet a man or vice versa). 
       FIG.  6 B  is a subsequent exercise challenge screen  66  of the graphical user interface of a geolocation-based data sharing system  10 . As shown in  FIG.  6 B , once an exercise challenge  62  has been initiated, the system  10  may track the user&#39;s progress  68  in real time and display it for them. In this example, the end user has 0.5 miles remaining, as indicated in the distance display  70 , and five minutes remaining, as indicated in the time limit display  72 , to complete the challenge  62 . The system  10  may also provide directions similar to GPS navigation apps (e.g., Google Maps) to keep end users on route and help them complete the challenge. The system  10  could also display messages of encouragement left by the user who set the challenge as it is attempted. 
       FIG.  6 C  is an exercise challenge completion screen  74  of the graphical user interface of a geolocation-based data sharing system  10 . As shown in  FIG.  6 C , when an exercise challenge  62  is successfully completed, the system  10  may display a message  76  confirming as much and then display for the end user their reward for completing the given challenge. In this example, the reward is the ability to view the dating profile (see  FIG.  4   ) of the end user  18   a  who set up the challenge. 
       FIG.  7    is a geo-marker browsing screen  34  of the graphical user interface of a geolocation-based data sharing system  10  featuring paid advertisements. As shown in  FIG.  2 C , the user  18  is displayed the geolocation markers  36  of other users  18  using their map view  38 . Users can also see their own location  40  relative to the other user&#39;s location  36 . The end user  18  is also displayed two paid advertisements  78  for restaurants in the area (Taco Bell and Chick-fil-a). 
       FIG.  8    is an augmented reality screen  42  of the graphical user interface of a geolocation-based data sharing system  10  featuring a paid advertisement. As shown in  FIG.  8   , an augmented reality geolocation marker icon  44  is visible on the camera view of the mobile device  14  when the user  18  is within a close proximity of the marker  44 . An advertisement  80  for Dick&#39;s Sporting Goods is also shown in the AR view. It should be noted the advertisements  80  displayed by the system may be random in nature or derived from data collected by the system concerning end users likes, dislikes, etc. and the advertising content may be loaded into the present system via date integration with various ad networks, external databases, etc. 
       FIG.  9    is a diagram of the components of a smartphone capable of running an embodiment of the geolocation-based data sharing system. As shown in  FIG.  9   , the geolocation-based data sharing system  10  may be run on a smartphone featuring a processor, memory, etc. The smartphone shown features a front facing camera and read facing camera. The front facing camera is the camera which is faced towards the end user when operating the smartphone&#39;s screen (e.g., the camera utilized for selfies, etc.) while the rear facing camera is the one opposite to the smartphone&#39;s screen (e.g., the camera positioned on the back of the device). The present system may utilize the front facing camera, rear facing camera, or both and as technology advances, the present system is fully realized as being able to utilize any number of end user device cameras to capture images, survey geolocation markers via augmented reality, etc. 
     It should also be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages.