WO2005125026A2 - Method and a wireless device for matching computer records comprising predetermined profiles - Google Patents

Abstract

The following invention presents a method for matching compatible profiles by a means of a matching device comprising the following steps: defining personal profile on said PC (1 1); defining matching profile preferences (18); downloading said profile to said device (1) via a physical connection, wireless connection or internet programming; disconnecting said device from said PC (11); activating said device in the manner that said personal profile (18) and said device specific ID are transmitted; intercepting incoming profiles and devices' IDs; cross-referencing said received profiles with said preconfigured matching profile preferences (18); matching of said profiles; transmitting data comprising own-ID and ID of matching device; signaling both users that a match is obtained; time-of-flight of the communication signal is calculated; measurements are manifested via tactile/audible/visual signals; signal-strength calculation ensues after time-of-flight measurement accuracy decreases (51); measurements are manifested via tactile/audible/visual signals (50).

Description

METHOD AND A WIRELESS DEVICE FOR MATCHING COMPUTER RECORDS COMPRISING PREDETERMINED PROFILES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and device for remote matching compatible mates.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One of the most basic needs of men is to socialize and find people with whom to do so. People often go to great lengths to come in contact with potential mates in various ways. Most importantly people are spending great energy and time on trying to find a match.

Many methods have been created over the years to facilitate the matching of couples:

United States Patent 6,542,749 to Tanaka et al. discloses to a match making system relying on a remote server for user data, thus requiring long distance transmissions and bulkier devices. Furthermore it utilizes cellular networks' positioning system, which has unsatisfying accuracy concerning mentioned needs.

Yet another United States Patent 6,061,681 to Collins presents to a virtual match making system using Internet services alone.

Another United States Patent 6,618,593 Drutman et al. again teaches a main server for mediating communications.

From ancient times' match-makers to modern day internet dating services, all flourished on the rigid demand for a match. The described device can be efficiently used within communities of people who wish to remain discrete and reveal their interest only with an adequate level of certainty for non-rejection, e.g., religious people, the gay community, shy people etc. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to provide a useful method for matching compatible profiles by a means of a matching device comprising the following steps: defining personal profile on said PC; defining matching profile preferences; downloading said profile to said device Via a physical connection, wireless connection or internet programming; disconnecting said device from said PC; activating said device in the manner that said personal profile and said device specific ID are transmitted; intercepting incoming profiles and devices' IDs; cross-referencing said received profiles with said preconfϊgured matching profile preferences; matching of said profiles; transmitting data comprising own-ID and ID of matching device; signaling both users that a match is obtained; time-of-flight of the communication signal is calculated; measurements are manifested via tactile/audible/visual signals; signal-strength calculation ensues after time- of-flight measurement accuracy decreases; measurements are manifested via tactile/audible/visual signals. Profiles can be changed in specific ways using the devices' interface after programmed through the computer.

It is in the scope of the present invention to present a method as defined above wherein defining matching profile is provided by obtaining specific profile from any outsource means. It is also in the scope of the present invention to present a method as defined above the outsource means is selected from the Internet, Intranet, cellular communication networks or any combination thereof.

It is further in the scope of the present invention to present a method as defined above wherein the defining personal profile on said PC is provided only in an initial use; and/or wherein said device specific ID are transmitted at preset intervals.

It is furthermore in the scope of the present invention to present a method as defined above wherein matching profile preferences and/or specific profile is autonomous.

It is lastly in the scope of the present invention to present a method as defined above wherein the proximity detection process will be comprised of a multi phase software procedure utilizing multiple proximity measurement methods yielding the most accurate result in a given space and distance between devices. It is acknowledged in this respect that a cellular based method for matching compatible profiles is hereto provided, using a PC - Device interconnectivity (WUSB, USB, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Wifi, IR, Firewire or any other "PC - Device" interface protocol) Internet, Intranet, cellular communication networks or any combination thereof, to upload predefined data into the device.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a cost effective matching device for matching compatible profiles, comprising memory adapted to store a database comprising a plurality of matching profile preferences and personal profiles; communicating means adapted to interconnect said device with at least one PC in the manner that a matching profile preferences is transferred from said PC to the matching device; signaling means; transmitter and receiver; AC/DC electrical power source; and, a CPU adapted for matching said profile preferences with said personal profile such that whereat a match is obtained, a signal is provided.

It is in the scope of the present invention to present the device as defined above wherein said communicating means is selected from USB plug, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Wi-fi, IR, or any combination thereof.

It is also in the scope of the present invention to present the device as defined above wherein the matching signal is provided by visual, audio, vibration means or any combination thereof; and/or wherein the transmitter and/or receiver are selected from RF, IR, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Wi-fi or any other cordial or wireless communication means.

It is also in the scope of the present invention to merge various localization methods into an optimal software process yielding accurate proximity data. The localization methods that may be incorporated in various fashions are hereby explained at length:

Localization approaches typically rely on some form of communication between reference points with known positions and the receiver node that needs to be localized. We classify the various localization approaches into two broad categories based on the granularity of information inferred during this communication. Approaches that infer fine grained information such as the distance to a reference point based on signal strength or timing measurements fall into the category of fine grained localization methods and those that infer coarse grained information such as proximity to a given reference point are categorized as coarse grained localization methods. In this project we will deploy mainly Fine-grained localization. Fine-grained localization methods can be further classified into range-finding and directionality based methods, depending on whether ranges or angles relative to reference points are being inferred. Additionally, signal pattern matching methods are also included as fine grained localization methods. In range-finding methods, the ranges of the receiver node to several reference points are determined by one of several timing or signal strength based techniques. The position of the node can then be computed using multi lateration.

Timing:

The distance between the receiver node and a reference point can be inferred from the time-of-flight of the communication signal.

The time-of-flight may be calculated using the timing advance technique which measures the amount that the timing of the measuring unit has to be advanced in order for the received signal to fit into the correct time slot.

Signal Strength:

An important characteristic of radio propagation is the increased attenuation of the radio signal as the distance between the transmitter and receiver increases. Radio propagation models in various environments have been well researched and have traditionally focused on predicting the average received signal strength at a given distance from the transmitter (large scale propagation models), as well as the variability of the signal strength in close spatial proximity to a location (small scale or fading models).

Directionality:

Another way of estimating location is to compute the angle of each of the reference points with respect to the mobile node in some reference frame. The position of the mobile node can then be computed using triangulation methods.

Convex Position Estimation:

A method for estimating unknown node positions in a sensor network based exclusively on connectivity-induced constraints is described. Known peer-to-peer communication in the network is modeled as a set of geometric constraints on the node positions. The global solution of a feasibility problem for these constraints yields estimates for the unknown positions of the nodes in the network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be implemented in practice, few preferred embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the portable device;

FIG. 2 is an operational diagram of the first embodiment interfacing with the PC;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of multiple portable devices interacting; and,

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the initial operation of the device and autonomous matching process.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the time-of-flight/signal-strength calculation processes

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description is provided, alongside all chapters of the present invention, so as to enable any person skilled in the art to make use of said invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventors of carrying out this invention. Various modifications, however, will remain apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined specifically to provide improved method and system for matchmaking.

The Object of the proposed invention is to take the facilitation of the matching one step further. In essence the invention will allow the user to enjoy the advantages of the internet dating services outside cyberspace. The idea behind the invention is to use a mobile device that is capable of communicating with other similar devices in order to assist in the initial screening of undesired matches. The device will also allow for the initial ice braking and the comfort of lowering the probability of rejection. The device could either be initially connected to a base station for the uploading of profiles or be autonomous. The first stage will be to define the profile of the holder of the device and the profiles of the desired mates. Then the owner can take the device with him and whenever a device with a matching profile who's owner's desired profile matches in turn the first owner's profile is in the vicinity, either both devices or just one (according to the owners preferences) will signal (by visual, audio, vibration etc.) . Once a signal is being detected the owner can find the other person with the aid of the proximity detector.

Such a system and device can be used to match profiles and desired profiles on a larger basis than that of match-making and socializing. Any need for multiple dimension profile matching can use the same platform and system (sellers/buyers, travel buddy's seekers, hobby's seekers etc.)

The invention is comprised of two elements: The portable device, it is carried by the users. Its form factor is compact and light.

The device is comprised of a transmitter/receiver module (Wi-Fi, FM, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Infra red or any RF system), microprocessor, battery, data transfer port (USB, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Ethernet, Wi fi, or any other applicable protocol), a user interface and a visual/audio or vibrating indicators, or any combination of the three.

The second element is specific software installed on a personal computer; the software is capable of constructing a personal profile of the user, and a dataset comprising either of the users' preferences or chosen profiles acquired from an online web site or both.

(1) The software enables the user to interact via a menu system and choose either predefined characteristics of his potential mate, or choose specific profiles of individuals.

(2) The software can draw data from Internet sites and seamlessly allow the user to browse and choose other profiles.

(3) All the relevant data is transferable to the portable device via any protocol available (e.g., USB, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Ethernet, Wifi, or any other applicable protocol).

(4) Each portable device has a unique id, once connected to the personal computer which houses the specific software; it transfers its unique id to the pc

(5) The software integrates it to the personal profile of the user (i.e. personal profile). (6) Whilst connected to the personal computer the user can upload his own profile, his preferences and selected other users' profiles to the device (i.e. potential mate profile)

(7) Once disconnected from the personal computer the portable device is completely autonomous.

(8) When the device is turned on it transmits a signal containing data of the owner's profile selected earlier.

(9) The device may operate in 2 modes; "open profile" and/or "closed profile".

(10) When operating in "open profile" mode the device will indicate to the user via the indicators if any device containing a profile matching the user's preferences is in the near vicinity.

(11) The indication will occur only if the potential mate profile matches the owner's personal preferences and the personal profile of the owner matches the potential mate's preferences.

(12) When operating in "closed profile" mode the device will indicate via the user interface if any devices contain the previously chosen profiles are in the near vicinity.

(13) The indication will occur only if the potential mate selected the first device's owner profile as well.

(14) When a match is made the user is notified via the indicators. The notification may include audio signals; visual queues may be LED formation color change and rate, and/or graphic display. Further notification method may be physical vibration.

(15) All of which may be interfaced to the proximity meter and indicate accordingly.

(16) Once a two-way match has been made, the proximity detector system (and/or directional gage) engages, time-of-flight of the communication signal is calculated, the time-of-flight may be calculated using the timing advance technique which measures the amount that the timing of the measuring unit has to be advanced in order for the received signal to fit into the correct time slot. This measurement technique may apply mainly to the 10-50 meter range. (17) signal-strength calculation ensues after time-of-flight measurement accuracy decreases, usually in the 1-10 meter range, the proximity software estimates and averages incoming signal strength, an effective estimation of distance in the aforementioned close range. Alternately the software may sent a packet with acknowledgement request, once an acknowledgement has been received the transmission strength decreases, once no acknowledgement is received the transmission strength is increased, thus obtaining a continuous measurement applicable to distance estimation;

(18) Measurement readings are manifested via tactile/audible/visual signals.

In a second embodiment of the invention the two elements of the system may be integrated to a single device and operate independently.

Examples of use:

Example 1 "Open profile" a. John defines his parameters (say height 178, good looking, brown eyes and hair, likes sports and politics, smokes) and the parameters of a potential mate (say height 175-185, blue eyes and black hair, very good looking, likes to talk politics and smokes). Tonight John is feeling flirty so he defines he is looking for a flirt. John then uploads this data to the device and leaves the house to go clubbing with his friends. Jill, a very good looking 180cm tall black haired blue eyed political aid to a parliament member also has a device of the sort (Jill also smokes a pack of cigarettes a day). Jill purchased a device and uploaded her profile and preferences to the device. Jill likes men who are not taller then her, with brown or green eyes, who enjoy sports and a good talk of politics. Jill is having a wonderful day and is in a flirty mood so she defines she is looking for a flirt tonight. Jill takes her device with her as she goes clubbing. When dancing on the dance floor Jill feels the device vibrating in her pocket (she disabled audio and visual cues earlier to be discrete). She than proceeds to have a short glance around to see who fits her visual preferences. She spots four people, two dancing and two sitting at the bar. Jill dances closer to one but the proximity detector does not vibrate stronger so she knows it's not the guy. She does so again and she notices it must be the guy sitting on the bar. She finishes the dance and goes to have a drink next to John. John feels the device vibrating in his pocket too. When Jill approaches, the device vibrates stronger because the proximity meter senses a matching device getting closer, so he knows this beautiful girl is into politics and wouldn't mind him smoking. He also knows she is feeling flirty tonight. When Jill leans over the bar to order he waves to the bartender and buys her a drink. b. John and Bob are two gay men. Neither of them is "out of the closet" yet. Both buy a device and upload their preferences to it. Bob has the characteristics John is looking for and vice versa (like in example 1). Both of them select their preferred mate to be male and of course define themselves as male. When Bob and John will go out that night to the local pub and take the device with them it will indicate to them that there is someone to their liking and with their sexual preferences in the pub. If either should choose to find the other they can end the night together. If Bob feels this is the wrong time for it he can simply turn the device off.

If Bob is going with his friends and does not want to be noticed at all he can put the device on stealth mode and only he will know that John is there, if he fancies him he can put his device on regular mode or approach John with the aid of the proximity meter.

Example 2 "Closed Profile"

User may purchase a unit, once holding it, the user plugs the device into a USB port on a PC, (Other interfacing methods are also applicable - USB, Bluetooth, Zigbee, WUSB, Infrared etc) the software may be included in the package of the purchased device or can be downloaded via the dedicated Web Site. Once interfaced with the personal computer the user interacts with the dedicated software. The user is asked to fill out his/hers personal profile containing various characterizations. Once the personal profile is completed the user advances in choosing his desired potential mates. In a "Closed Profile" mode the user logs on to the web site, (either through browsing software or through the software itself which may incorporate on-line capabilities) once on-line the user can browse through the various categories dividing the database.

The user may browse through general categories selecting specific profiles as potential mates, according to mentioned characteristics in each profile. The profiles may include a pre-uploaded image of the owner of the profile. Further to selecting profiles through general categories the user may browse through user made categories. For example a user, which goes to "Jefferson High School" in Los Angeles, may log in for the first time and manually create the category "Jefferson High School"

Under - Country: Unites States, State: California, City: Los Angeles, Subcategory: High schools. He then may enter his own profile to the subcategory. Once a fellow student of that high school who owns a device will enter the dedicated site, he will then be able to browse through the city's high schools and enter his profile to the already registered "Jefferson High School". Once the specific High School category has many registered profiles any student of that school may login and choose his/hers potential mates in his own school.

Two students (Lee and Cameron) in "Jefferson High" are interested in forming a relationship between them. Unfortunately they are too shy or fearful of rejection. Both students who own a device, login to the dedicated web site at their leisure, and browse through the profiles of the students in "Jefferson High". Once Lee locates Cameron's profile in the "Jefferson High School" category, and Cameron locates Lee's profile, they both choose each other's profiles as selected potential mates. (Further selection options may include "purpose of relationship" such as: Fun, Romance, and Friendship etc). Once Lee and Cameron choose each other they apply their choices and these are uploaded to the unit. Once disconnected from the computer the two eager students retire and await their next school day.

Halfway through the school day Cameron and Lee are within 30 meters of each other, Lee's device begins to throb, (so is Lee's heart...) a small comical heart is pounding on the display of the device, Cameron is having the same experience, and only Cameron's device was preset to flashing lights instead of vibration as indication. Lee only chose Cameron's profile as a potential mate, so he immediately knew Cameron was interested. Cameron however chose a couple of other profiles, So in order to make sure and identify the exact user who matched Cameron's device, the little pounding heart on the display grows larger as the matched individual is closer. (Using the proximity meter function) Cameron looks at the display every couple of meters to see if it's getting closer, once half a meter away from Lee, Cameron notices Lee is also holding his device, making the last verdict if indeed they both chose each other they line up the two and watch as the lighting sequence in each of the devices match. (If the sequence was not in sync then they would know they are not the matched pair). The rest is up to them.

Reference is made now to FIG. 1, which is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention. The portable device 1 is comprised of a receiving/transmitting module 2, a central processing unit 3, a memory bank 4, interface apparatus 5 (in this embodiment the interface is a USB port) a vibrating mechanism 6, illuminating indicator 7, a speaker 8, a graphical display 9, a user interface 10 (may comprise of multiple buttons).

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the connection between the portable device 2 and a personal computer 11 , in this embodiment the portable device 2 connects to a USB port 12 on the personal computer 11 the personal computer may be a PC, a Macintosh, PDA or any other computer with accessible user interface.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of wireless interaction between multiple portable devices 13-17, all of which are operating post personal configuration. The following description is a general explanation of the software process, and is in no way limiting the software structure that is protocol and communication handshake dependant. Device 13 once turned on transmits it's unique ID entangled with predefined personal profile 18. All of the other devices 14-17, are transmitting their own ID entangled with their predefined personal profiles 19-22. The transmission 18 from device 13 does not match any predefined preferences on device 17. The transmission 19 from device 17 does not match any predefined preferences on device 13 either, no further interaction occurs. The transmission 18 from device 13 matches a predefined preference on device 16, thus a trigger authentication transmission 25 is sent from device 16 entangled with the unique ID's of both devices 16, 13. The transmission 20 from device 16 does not match any predefined preferences on device 13 thus it does not transmit any trigger authentication and ignores the trigger authentication transmission 25 sent by device 16.

The transmission 21 from device 15 matches a predefined preference on device 13, thus a trigger authentication transmission 26 is sent from device 13 entangled with the unique ID's of both devices 13, 15. The transmission 18 from device 13 does not match any predefined preferences on device 15 thus it does not transmit any trigger authentication and ignores the trigger authentication transmission 26 sent by device 13.

The transmission 18 from device 13 matches a predefined preference on device 14, thus a trigger authentication transmission 24 is sent from device 14 entangled with the unique ID's of both devices 14, 13. The transmission 22 from device 14 matches a predefined preference on device 13, thus a trigger authentication transmission 23 is sent from device 13 entangled with the unique ID's of both devices 13, 14. Both devices 13, 14 have issued trigger transmissions and received trigger transmissions containing the same ID's, causing both devices 13, 14 to trigger and carry out the notification process to the users. Once matched the two devices 13, 14 can measure the distance between one another utilizing the multi phase proximity process.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the operation of the system; first the user connects the device 1 to the computer 11 the computer may be a conventional personal computer, the connection may be via USB 5, 12 or any applicable connectivity technology. The user now defines his own profile 28 using the dedicated software; the profile may include physical parameters of the user: Height, hair color, eye color, complexion, skin tone, fitness, weight.

Social parameters such as: Sexual orientation, political orientation, general spirits, habits, occupation, financial status, and marital status. This one time operation 29 will be saved on the device and not be changed unless warranted. User now chooses preferences of potential mate 30, same attributes that defined own profile may be used to define potential mate preferences. User may logon to dedicated web site specifically built for this purpose 32, this website may contain many profiles which may be categorized by location, gender, age etc... from those available individual profiles the user may choose specific profiles 31 as potential mates. After the configuration process the user may disconnect the device from the personal computer 33. Once the user is roaming with the device he may wish to activate it 34. Alternately the user may wish to turn off the device at periods of time, which it is not needed. Once activated the device transmits data packet including own profile, own unique ID 35. This transmission may be divided into predefined time intervals 36 to reduce power consumption. The device may listen to incoming transmissions 37 of the same nature as sent by it 35. The listening may be as well at intervals. Once a transmission packet is intercepted 37, the device cross- references the incoming data with the pre-stored preferences 38. If the data is unmatched (a matching percentage requisite may be also pre defined for flexible matching) 39 the device remains idle and returns to its normal operation mode. If the data is matched 40 the device transmits yet another data packet containing own ID and ID of matched device 42. If no return transmission is received the device remains idle 44 and returns to normal operation mode. If a return transmission with matched ID and own ID is received 43, (even if received prior to own transmission) the device alerts the user 45. Once alerted the device may indicate the proximity of the matched device 46 utilizing signal strength measurements.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the time-of-flight/signal-strength calculation processes. Once a two-way match has been made 47, time-of-flight of the communication signal is calculated 48, if the readings 49 are compatible with the time-of-flight measuring standard the device extrapolates the estimated distance accordingly and manifest the measurements on the device 50, if the readings 49 are abnormal and incompatible with the time-of-flight measuring standard the device alternates the proximity detection method to signal-strength 51, if the readings 52 are compatible with the signal-strength measuring standard the device extrapolates the estimated distance accordingly and manifest the measurements on the device 53, if the readings 52 are abnormal and incompatible with the time-of-flight measuring standard the device alternates the proximity detection method to time-of-flight 48.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A method of matching compatible profiles by a means of a matching device comprising the following steps: a. connecting said device to a PC; b. defining personal profile on said PC; c. defining matching profile preferences ; d. uploading said profile to said device; e. discom ecting said device from said PC; f. activating said device in the manner that said personal profile and said device specific ID are transmitted; g. intercepting incoming profiles and devices' IDs; h. cross-referencing said received profiles with said preconfigured matching profile preferences; i. matching of said profiles; j. transmitting data comprising own-ID and ID of matching device; k. Await external transmission incorporating ID of matching device and own- ID; And then; Both devices of both users alert that a match has been obtained; 1. Calculating time-of-flight (round trip) of signal; m. Calculating signal-strength of signal; n. Manifesting proximity measurements via tactile/audible/visual signals.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein defining matching profile is provided by obtaining a specific profile from any outsource means.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the outsource means is selected from Direct PC interconnectivity, (WUSB, USB, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Wifi, IR, Firewire or any other "PC - Device" interface protocol) Internet, Intranet, cellular communication networks or any combination thereof.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the defining personal profile on said PC is provided only in an initial use.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein said device specific ID are transmitted at preset intervals.

6. The method according to claim 1, matching profile preferences and/or specific profile are autonomous.

7. A cellular and internet-cellular based method for matching compatible profiles as defined in claim 1 or in any of its dependent claims.

8. A matching device for matching compatible profiles, comprising a. memory adapted to store a database comprising a plurality of matching profile preferences and personal profiles; b. communicating means adapted to interconnect said device with at least one PC in the manner that a matching profile preferences is transferred from said PC to the matching device; c. signaling means; d. transmitter and receiver; e. AC/DC electrical power source; and, f. CPU adapted for matching said profile preferences with said personal profile such that whereat a match is obtained, a signal is provided.

9. The matching device according to claim 8, wherein said communicating means is selected from USB plug, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Wi-fi, IR, or any combination thereof.

10. The matching device according to claim 8, wherein the matching signal is provided by visual, audio, vibration means or any combination thereof.

1. The matching device according to claim 8, wherein the transmitter and/or receiver are selected from RF, IR, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Wi-fi or any other cordial or wireless communication means.