Abstract: The functions and operations of a matching service are disclosed. This includes approximating the satisfaction that a user of the matching service has in the relationships that the user forms with others and identifying candidates for a relationship with the user based on the approximated satisfaction. This also includes approximating the satisfaction that the user will have in a relationship with a particular candidate. The matching service also identifies two parties for a relationship. The matching service makes available a plurality of communication levels at which the parties can communicate. Each communication level allows the parties to exchange information in a different format. The parties are permitted to exchange information at one of the communication levels.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 10, 2000
Date of Patent:
May 11, 2004
Assignee:
Eharmony.com
Inventors:
J. Galen Buckwalter, Steven R. Carter, Gregory T. Forgatch, Thomas D. Parsons, Neil Clark Warren