EVENT-CENTRIC MATCHING SYSTEM UTILIZING PRIVACY-PRESERVING DATA EXCHANGE
Provided herein are platforms and methods for exchanging escrowed data between multiple users while preserving privacy and systems, methods, and applications for event-centric matching that enables secure communications between users, and event location sharing. Further, the systems, methods, and applications herein enable users to easily find relevant and local events.
This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/189,785, filed on Mar. 2, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
BACKGROUNDIncreasingly, individuals meet and interact via websites, mobile applications, and electronic communications. However, these modes of interaction lack usability and efficacy and can introduce risks to privacy and security.
SUMMARYChief among the technical problems with existing platforms and applications is the fact that they are limited to profile-based matching. Users are matched based on their characteristics, “likes,” and “dislikes.” The result is interaction that fundamentally lacks direction and purpose. Provided herein are systems, methods, and applications for event-centric matching that enables secure communications between users, and event location sharing. The platforms, methods, and applications described herein allow users to offer or request event-based experiences. Users are matched on the basis of interest in these events. Therefore, such events provide a nucleus to initiate engagement and around which meaningful interaction can develop. Furthermore, the systems, methods, and applications herein enable users to easily find relevant and local events.
Another core technical problem with existing platforms and applications is that they necessarily and prematurely expose the contact information of users, such as email address, phone number, location, and the like, in order to allow engagement and interaction. Provided herein are platforms, methods, and applications for exchanging escrowed data between multiple users by use of a multi-stage “privacy handshake” procedure. The platforms, methods, and applications described herein allow users to meet and interact without exchanging sensitive contact information. The text chat and video chat features described herein allow users to communicate freely without any contact information risk, reducing any hesitancy to engage with others.
In one aspect, disclosed herein are platforms for exchanging escrowed data between multiple users while preserving privacy comprising: at least one mobile device comprising at least one mobile processor configured to provide a mobile application comprising: a touchscreen interface configured for a user to enter data; a software module accessing a GPS feature of the mobile device to determine a location; a software module transmitting the data and the location, to a remote escrow exchange server via a computer network, wherein at least a portion of the data is marked as public data and at least a portion of the data is marked as private data; and a software module providing a touchscreen interface for the user to generate requests to view private data of other users and to accept or reject requests by other users to view their private data; and at least one server comprising a secure storage device comprising at least one server processor configured to provide an escrow exchange server application comprising: a software module storing the public data and the private data in escrow at the secure storage device; a software module applying an algorithm to match the user to at least one other user based on the location, the stored public data, and the stored private data; and a software module conducting electronic communications with the at least one mobile device via the computer network to conduct a process comprising: pushing the user's public data to the at least one other user matched; receiving a request from the at least one other user to access the user's private data; notifying the user of the request to access their private data; and receiving a signal from the user accepting or rejecting the request to access their private data. In some embodiments, the mobile application further comprises a software module stripping the entered data of embedded information identifying the user. In some embodiments, the escrow exchange server application further comprises a software module pushing via the computer network, if the user accepts the request to access their private data, an electronic transmission of the user's private data to the at least one other user. In further embodiments, one or more features of the platform are restricted unless and until the user accepts the request to access their private data. In still further embodiments, the one or more features of the platform comprise messaging or data exchange between the user and the at least one other user matched. In various embodiments, the messaging comprises text messaging, audio messaging, video messaging, image exchange, document exchange, location exchange, or a combination thereof. In particular embodiments, the one or more features of the platform comprise the location.
In another aspect, disclosed herein are methods for exchanging escrowed data between users while preserving privacy comprising: receiving, at a remote escrow exchange server via a computer network, data entered by a user via a touchscreen interface of a mobile device and a location determined by accessing a GPS feature of the mobile device; marking, by the remote escrow exchange server, at least a portion of the data as public data and marking at least a portion of the data as private data; storing, by the remote escrow exchange server, the public data and the private data in escrow at a secure storage device; applying, by the remote escrow exchange server, an algorithm to match the user to at least one other user based on the location, the stored public data, and the stored private data; and conducting, by the remote escrow exchange server, electronic communications via the computer network to conduct a process comprising: pushing the user's public data to the at least one other user matched; receiving a request from the at least one other user to access the user's private data; notifying the user of the request to access their private data; and receiving a signal from the user accepting or rejecting the request to access their private data. In some embodiments, the method further comprises stripping, by the remote escrow exchange server, the entered data of embedded information identifying the user. In some embodiments, the method further comprises pushing, by the remote escrow exchange server via the computer network, if the user accepts the request to access their private data, an electronic transmission of the user's private data to the at least one other user. In further embodiments, one or more features of the mobile device are restricted unless and until the user accepts the request to access their private data. In still further embodiments, the one or more features comprise messaging or data exchange between the user and the at least one other user matched. In various embodiments, the messaging comprises text messaging, audio messaging, video messaging, image exchange, document exchange, location exchange, or a combination thereof. In particular embodiments, the one or more features of the mobile device comprise the location.
In another aspect, disclosed herein are computer-implemented systems comprising: at least one processor, a memory, and instructions executable by the at least one processor to create an event-centric matching application comprising: a software module allowing a user to configure a hosted event, the hosted event comprising: a type selected from the group consisting of individual and group, a location, and one or more attendee characteristics; a software module applying a matching algorithm to identify eligible attendees for the configured hosted event based on at least the location and the one or more attendee characteristics and distribute the hosted event to the eligible attendees; a software module allowing the user to configure a requested event, the requested event comprising: a type selected from the group consisting of individual and group, a location and one or more host characteristics; a software module applying a matching algorithm to identify eligible hosts for the configured requested event based on at least the location and the one or more host characteristics and distribute the requested event to the eligible hosts; and a software module generating an event feed for the user comprising configured hosted events and configured requested events. In some embodiments, the software module generating the event feed allows the user to view hosted events configured by other users and apply to be an attendee. In further embodiments, if a hosted event comprises a group type, the software module generating the event feed allows the user to apply to be an attendee, identify other attendees, and configure the application to be all-or-none. In further embodiments, the software module generating the event feed notifies the user when another user has applied to be an attendee for a hosted event they have configured. In further embodiments, the software module generating the event feed allows the user to view the hosted events they have configured and accept or reject applicant attendees. In some embodiments, the software module generating the event feed allows the user to view requested events configured by other users and apply to be a host. In further embodiments, the software module generating the event feed notifies the user when another user has applied to be a host for a requested event they have configured. In further embodiments, the software module generating the event feed allows the user to view the requested events they have configured and accept or reject applicant hosts. In some embodiments, the application further comprises a software module providing an anonymous communication system, wherein the anonymous communication system provides a first mode of communication between one or more hosts and one or more attendees accepted for an event. In further embodiments, the first mode of communication is text chat. In some embodiments, the anonymous communication system provides a second mode of communication between one or more hosts and one or more attendees accepted for an event after the first mode of communication is utilized. In further embodiments, the second mode of communication is video chat. In some embodiments, the anonymous communication system provides text and/or video communications without revealing the name, phone number, or email address of users. In some embodiments, the hosted event further comprises one or more of: an activity type, a date, and a time. In further embodiments, the software module allowing the user to configure the hosted event automatically identifies and retrieves one or more images relevant to the location and/or the activity type. In particular embodiments, no image curation is required by the user. In some embodiments, the software module allowing the user to configure the hosted event applies standardized image formatting to the one or more retrieved images, and wherein the formatting comprises one or more of: size, resolution, cropping, zoom, file type, and compression. In some embodiments, the software module allowing the user to configure the hosted event automatically identifies and retrieves one or more URIs relevant to the location and/or the activity type. In particular embodiments, no URI curation is required by the user. In some embodiments, if the hosted event comprises a group type, the hosted event further comprises a number of attendees. In some embodiments, the attendee characteristics comprise one or more of: gender, minimum age, maximum age, and location distance. In some embodiments, the requested event further comprises one or more of: an activity type, one or more images, a date, and a time. In some embodiments, the software module allowing the user to configure the requested event automatically identifies and retrieves images relevant to the location and/or the activity type. In particular embodiments, no image curation is required by the user. In some embodiments, the software module allowing the user to configure the requested event applies standardized image formatting to the one or more retrieved images, and wherein the formatting comprises one or more of: size, resolution, cropping, zoom, file type, and compression. In some embodiments, the software module allowing the user to configure the requested event automatically identifies and retrieves one or more URIs relevant to the location and/or the activity type. In particular embodiments, no URI curation is required by the user. In some embodiments, if the requested event comprises a group type, the hosted event further comprises a number of attendees. In some embodiments, the host characteristics comprise one or more of: gender, minimum age, maximum age, and location distance. In some embodiments, the software module applying a matching algorithm to identify eligible attendees and/or the software module applying a matching algorithm to identify eligible hosts acquires the location from a GPS feature of a mobile device. In some embodiments, the application further comprises a software module allowing the user to review completed events. In further embodiments, the reviews are non-public. In some embodiments, the application further comprises a software module allowing the user to create a profile. In further embodiments, the application further comprises a software module providing connectivity to a database of user profiles comprising user characteristics.
In another aspect, disclosed herein are methods for event-centric matching comprising: providing a touchscreen interface allowing a user to configure a hosted event, the hosted event comprising: a type selected from the group consisting of individual and group, a location, and one or more attendee characteristics; applying a matching algorithm to identify eligible attendees for the configured hosted event based on at least the location and the one or more attendee characteristics and distribute the hosted event to the eligible attendees; providing a touchscreen interface allowing the user to configure a requested event, the requested event comprising: a type selected from the group consisting of individual and group, a location and one or more host characteristics; applying a matching algorithm to identify eligible hosts for the configured requested event based on at least the location and the one or more host characteristics and distribute the requested event to the eligible hosts; and generating an event feed for the user comprising configured hosted events and configured requested events. In some embodiments, the event feed allows the user to view hosted events configured by other users and apply to be an attendee. In further embodiments, if a hosted event comprises a group type, the event feed allows the user to apply to be an attendee, identify other attendees, and configure the application to be all-or-none. In further embodiments, the event feed notifies the user when another user has applied to be an attendee for a hosted event they have configured. In further embodiments, the event feed allows the user to view the hosted events they have configured and accept or reject applicant attendees. In some embodiments, the event feed allows the user to view requested events configured by other users and apply to be a host. In further embodiments, the event feed notifies the user when another user has applied to be a host for a requested event they have configured. In further embodiments, the event feed allows the user to view the requested events they have configured and accept or reject applicant hosts. In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing an anonymous communication system, wherein the anonymous communication system provides a first mode of communication between one or more hosts and one or more attendees accepted for an event. In further embodiments, the first mode of communication is text chat. In further embodiments, the anonymous communication system provides a second mode of communication between one or more hosts and one or more attendees accepted for an event after the first mode of communication is utilized. In still further embodiments, the second mode of communication is video chat. In some embodiments, the anonymous communication system provides text and/or video communications without revealing the name, phone number, or email address of users. In some embodiments, the hosted event further comprises one or more of: an activity type, a date, and a time. In further embodiments, the method further comprises automatically identifying and retrieving one or more images relevant to the location and/or the activity type associated with the hosted event. In particular embodiments, no image curation is required by the user. In some embodiments, the method further comprises applying standardized image formatting to the one or more retrieved images, and wherein the formatting comprises one or more of: size, resolution, cropping, zoom, file type, and compression. In some embodiments, the method further comprises automatically identifying and retrieving one or more URIs relevant to the location and/or the activity type associated with the hosted event. In particular embodiments, no URI curation is required by the user. In some embodiments, if the hosted event comprises a group type, the hosted event further comprises a number of attendees. In some embodiments, the attendee characteristics comprise one or more of: gender, minimum age, maximum age, and location distance. In some embodiments, the requested event further comprises one or more of: an activity type, one or more images, a date, and a time. In further embodiments, the method further comprises automatically identifying and retrieving images relevant to the location and/or the activity type associated with the requested event. In particular embodiments, no image curation is required by the user. In some embodiments, the method further comprises applying standardized image formatting to the one or more retrieved images, and wherein the formatting comprises one or more of: size, resolution, cropping, zoom, file type, and compression. In some embodiments, the method further comprises automatically identifying and retrieving one or more URIs relevant to the location and/or the activity type associated with the requested event. In particular embodiments, no URI curation is required by the user. In some embodiments, if the requested event comprises a group type, the hosted event further comprises a number of attendees. In some embodiments, the host characteristics comprise one or more of: gender, minimum age, maximum age, and location distance. In some embodiments, applying the matching algorithm to identify eligible attendees and/or applying the matching algorithm to identify eligible hosts comprise acquiring the location from a GPS feature of a mobile device. In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing a touchscreen interface allowing the user to review completed events. In further embodiments, the reviews are non-public. In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing a touchscreen interface allowing the user to create a profile. In further embodiments, the method further comprises providing connectivity to a database of user profiles comprising user characteristics.
A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present subject matter will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments and the accompanying drawings of which:
Provided herein are systems, methods, and applications for event-centric matching that enables secure communications between users, and event location sharing. The platforms, methods, and applications described herein allow users to offer or request event-based experiences. Users are matched on the basis of interest in these events. Therefore, such events provide a nucleus to initiate engagement and around which meaningful interaction can develop. Furthermore, the systems, methods, and applications herein enable users to easily find relevant and local events.
Described herein, in certain embodiments, are computer-implemented systems comprising: at least one processor, a memory, and instructions executable by the at least one processor to create an event-centric matching application. In some embodiments, comprising: a software module allowing a user to configure a hosted event, the hosted event comprising: a type selected from the group consisting of individual and group, a location, and one or more attendee characteristics; a software module applying a matching algorithm to identify eligible attendees for the configured hosted event based on at least the location and the one or more attendee characteristics and distribute the hosted event to the eligible attendees; a software module allowing the user to configure a requested event, the requested event comprising: a type selected from the group consisting of individual and group, a location and one or more host characteristics; a software module applying a matching algorithm to identify eligible hosts for the configured requested event based on at least the location and the one or more host characteristics and distribute the requested event to the eligible hosts; and a software module generating an event feed for the user comprising configured hosted events and configured requested events. In some embodiments, the software module generating the event feed allows the user to view hosted events configured by other users and apply to be an attendee. In further embodiments, if a hosted event comprises a group type, the software module generating the event feed allows the user to apply to be an attendee, identify other attendees, and configure the application to be all-or-none. In further embodiments, the software module generating the event feed notifies the user when another user has applied to be an attendee for a hosted event they have configured. In further embodiments, the software module generating the event feed allows the user to view the hosted events they have configured and accept or reject applicant attendees. In some embodiments, the software module generating the event feed allows the user to view requested events configured by other users and apply to be a host. In further embodiments, the software module generating the event feed notifies the user when another user has applied to be a host for a requested event they have configured. In further embodiments, the software module generating the event feed allows the user to view the requested events they have configured and accept or reject applicant hosts. In some embodiments, the application further comprises a software module providing an anonymous communication system, wherein the anonymous communication system provides a first mode of communication between one or more hosts and one or more attendees accepted for an event. In further embodiments, the first mode of communication is text chat. In some embodiments, the anonymous communication system provides a second mode of communication between one or more hosts and one or more attendees accepted for an event after the first mode of communication is utilized. In further embodiments, the second mode of communication is video chat. In some embodiments, the anonymous communication system provides text and/or video communications without revealing the name, phone number, or email address of users. In some embodiments, the hosted event further comprises one or more of: an activity type, a date, and a time. In further embodiments, the software module allowing the user to configure the hosted event automatically identifies and retrieves one or more images relevant to the location and/or the activity type. In particular embodiments, no image curation is required by the user. In some embodiments, the software module allowing the user to configure the hosted event applies standardized image formatting to the one or more retrieved images, and wherein the formatting comprises one or more of: size, resolution, cropping, zoom, file type, and compression. In some embodiments, the software module allowing the user to configure the hosted event automatically identifies and retrieves one or more URIs relevant to the location and/or the activity type. In particular embodiments, no URI curation is required by the user. In some embodiments, if the hosted event comprises a group type, the hosted event further comprises a number of attendees. In some embodiments, the attendee characteristics comprise one or more of: gender, minimum age, maximum age, and location distance. In some embodiments, the requested event further comprises one or more of: an activity type, one or more images, a date, and a time. In some embodiments, the software module allowing the user to configure the requested event automatically identifies and retrieves images relevant to the location and/or the activity type. In particular embodiments, no image curation is required by the user. In some embodiments, the software module allowing the user to configure the requested event applies standardized image formatting to the one or more retrieved images, and wherein the formatting comprises one or more of: size, resolution, cropping, zoom, file type, and compression. In some embodiments, the software module allowing the user to configure the requested event automatically identifies and retrieves one or more URIs relevant to the location and/or the activity type. In particular embodiments, no URI curation is required by the user. In some embodiments, if the requested event comprises a group type, the hosted event further comprises a number of attendees. In some embodiments, the host characteristics comprise one or more of: gender, minimum age, maximum age, and location distance. In some embodiments, the software module applying a matching algorithm to identify eligible attendees and/or the software module applying a matching algorithm to identify eligible hosts acquires the location from a GPS feature of a mobile device. In some embodiments, the application further comprises a software module allowing the user to review completed events. In further embodiments, the reviews are non-public. In some embodiments, the application further comprises a software module allowing the user to create a profile. In further embodiments, the application further comprises a software module providing connectivity to a database of user profiles comprising user characteristics.
Also described herein, in certain embodiments, are methods for event-centric matching comprising: providing a touchscreen interface allowing a user to configure a hosted event, the hosted event comprising: a type selected from the group consisting of individual and group, a location, and one or more attendee characteristics; applying a matching algorithm to identify eligible attendees for the configured hosted event based on at least the location and the one or more attendee characteristics and distribute the hosted event to the eligible attendees; providing a touchscreen interface allowing the user to configure a requested event, the requested event comprising: a type selected from the group consisting of individual and group, a location and one or more host characteristics; applying a matching algorithm to identify eligible hosts for the configured requested event based on at least the location and the one or more host characteristics and distribute the requested event to the eligible hosts; and generating an event feed for the user comprising configured hosted events and configured requested events. In some embodiments, the event feed allows the user to view hosted events configured by other users and apply to be an attendee. In further embodiments, if a hosted event comprises a group type, the event feed allows the user to apply to be an attendee, identify other attendees, and configure the application to be all-or-none. In further embodiments, the event feed notifies the user when another user has applied to be an attendee for a hosted event they have configured. In further embodiments, the event feed allows the user to view the hosted events they have configured and accept or reject applicant attendees. In some embodiments, the event feed allows the user to view requested events configured by other users and apply to be a host. In further embodiments, the event feed notifies the user when another user has applied to be a host for a requested event they have configured. In further embodiments, the event feed allows the user to view the requested events they have configured and accept or reject applicant hosts. In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing an anonymous communication system, wherein the anonymous communication system provides a first mode of communication between one or more hosts and one or more attendees accepted for an event. In further embodiments, the first mode of communication is text chat. In further embodiments, the anonymous communication system provides a second mode of communication between one or more hosts and one or more attendees accepted for an event after the first mode of communication is utilized. In still further embodiments, the second mode of communication is video chat. In some embodiments, the anonymous communication system provides text and/or video communications without revealing the name, phone number, or email address of users. In some embodiments, the hosted event further comprises one or more of: an activity type, a date, and a time. In further embodiments, the method further comprises automatically identifying and retrieving one or more images relevant to the location and/or the activity type associated with the hosted event. In particular embodiments, no image curation is required by the user. In some embodiments, the method further comprises applying standardized image formatting to the one or more retrieved images, and wherein the formatting comprises one or more of: size, resolution, cropping, zoom, file type, and compression. In some embodiments, the method further comprises automatically identifying and retrieving one or more URIs relevant to the location and/or the activity type associated with the hosted event. In particular embodiments, no URI curation is required by the user. In some embodiments, if the hosted event comprises a group type, the hosted event further comprises a number of attendees. In some embodiments, the attendee characteristics comprise one or more of: gender, minimum age, maximum age, and location distance. In some embodiments, the requested event further comprises one or more of: an activity type, one or more images, a date, and a time. In further embodiments, the method further comprises automatically identifying and retrieving images relevant to the location and/or the activity type associated with the requested event. In particular embodiments, no image curation is required by the user. In some embodiments, the method further comprises applying standardized image formatting to the one or more retrieved images, and wherein the formatting comprises one or more of: size, resolution, cropping, zoom, file type, and compression. In some embodiments, the method further comprises automatically identifying and retrieving one or more URIs relevant to the location and/or the activity type associated with the requested event. In particular embodiments, no URI curation is required by the user. In some embodiments, if the requested event comprises a group type, the hosted event further comprises a number of attendees. In some embodiments, the host characteristics comprise one or more of: gender, minimum age, maximum age, and location distance. In some embodiments, applying the matching algorithm to identify eligible attendees and/or applying the matching algorithm to identify eligible hosts comprise acquiring the location from a GPS feature of a mobile device. In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing a touchscreen interface allowing the user to review completed events. In further embodiments, the reviews are non-public. In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing a touchscreen interface allowing the user to create a profile. In further embodiments, the method further comprises providing connectivity to a database of user profiles comprising user characteristics.
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Provided herein are platforms, methods, and applications for exchanging escrowed data between multiple users by use of a multi-stage “privacy handshake” procedure. The platforms, methods, and applications described herein allow users to meet and interact without exchanging sensitive contact information. The text chat and video chat features described herein allow users to communicate freely without any contact information risk, reducing any hesitancy to engage with others.
Described herein, in certain embodiments, are platforms for exchanging escrowed data between multiple users while preserving privacy. In some embodiments, the platform comprises at least one mobile device and at least one server.
In some embodiments, the at least one mobile device comprises at least one mobile processor configured to provide a mobile application. In some embodiments, the mobile application comprises: a touchscreen interface configured for a user to enter data; a software module accessing a GPS feature of the mobile device to determine a location; a software module transmitting the data and the location, to a remote escrow exchange server via a computer network.
In some embodiments, at least a portion of the data is marked as public data and at least a portion of the data is marked as private data. In some embodiments, the mobile application further comprises a software module stripping the entered data of embedded information identifying the user.
In some embodiments, one or more of a user's name, likes, occupation, description, education, gender, age, height, identification, social connections, phone number, or email address, can be marked by the user as private data. In some embodiments, one or more of a user's name, likes, occupation, description, education, gender, age, height, identification, social connections, phone number, or email address can be marked by the user as public data. In some embodiments, the user can mark a portion of their private data as public to their confirmed friends and/or connections. In some embodiments, the user can mark a portion of their private data as public to other users attending the same event, or that have attended the same event. In some embodiments, the user can mark a portion of their private data as public to their confirmed friends and/or connections. In some embodiments, the user can mark a portion of their private data as public to other that have attended the same event once the event has started.
In some embodiments, one or more of the activity type, date, time, accepted members, accepted groups of an event can be marked as private by the host, the event requestor, or both. In some embodiments, one or more of the activity type, date, time, accepted members, accepted groups of an event can be marked as public by the host, the event requestor, or both. In some embodiments, one or more of the activity type, date, time, accepted members, accepted groups of an event can be marked as private until the event starts by the host, the event requestor, or both. In some embodiments, one or more of the activity type, date, time, accepted members, accepted groups of an event can be marked as public until the event starts by the host, the event requestor, or both.
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In some embodiments, the at least one server comprises a secure storage device comprising at least one server processor configured to provide an escrow exchange server application. In some embodiments, the escrow exchange server application comprises: a software module storing the public data and the private data in escrow at the secure storage device; a software module applying an algorithm to match the user to at least one other user based on the location, the stored public data, and the stored private data; and a software module conducting electronic communications with the at least one mobile device via the computer network to conduct a process comprising: pushing the user's public data to the at least one other user matched; receiving a request from the at least one other user to access the user's private data; notifying the user of the request to access their private data; and receiving a signal from the user accepting or rejecting the request to access their private data. In some embodiments, the escrow exchange server application further comprises a software module pushing via the computer network, if the user accepts the request to access their private data, an electronic transmission of the user's private data to the at least one other user.
In further embodiments, one or more features of the platform are restricted unless and until the user accepts the request to access their private data. In still further embodiments, the one or more features of the platform comprise messaging or data exchange between the user and the at least one other user matched. In various embodiments, the messaging comprises text messaging, audio messaging, video messaging, image exchange, document exchange, location exchange, or a combination thereof. In particular embodiments, the one or more features of the platform comprise the location. By way of example, a user can exchange in-app asynchronous messages (e.g., text messages) with others without being granted access to their private data. By way of further example, in-app synchronous messaging (e.g., voice or video calls) is a restricted feature of the platform and a user can exchange synchronous messages with others only after being granted access to their private data. In particular embodiments, applying to host an event and being accepted as host constitutes a grant of access to the private data of the host, the attendee, or both. In particular embodiments, applying to host a attend a hosted event and being accepted as an attendee constitutes a grant of access to the private data of the attendee, the host, or both.
Also described herein, in certain embodiments, are methods for exchanging escrowed data between users while preserving privacy. In some embodiments, the method comprises: receiving, at a remote escrow exchange server via a computer network, data entered by a user via a touchscreen interface of a mobile device and a location determined by accessing a GPS feature of the mobile device; marking, by the remote escrow exchange server, at least a portion of the data as public data and marking at least a portion of the data as private data; storing, by the remote escrow exchange server, the public data and the private data in escrow at a secure storage device; applying, by the remote escrow exchange server, an algorithm to match the user to at least one other user based on the location, the stored public data, and the stored private data; and conducting, by the remote escrow exchange server, electronic communications via the computer network to conduct a process comprising: pushing the user's public data to the at least one other user matched; receiving a request from the at least one other user to access the user's private data; notifying the user of the request to access their private data; and receiving a signal from the user accepting or rejecting the request to access their private data. In some embodiments, one or more of a user's name, likes, occupation, description, education, gender, age, height, identification, social connections, phone number, or email address, can be marked by the user as private data except to other users that the user has accepted their request for the private data. In some embodiments, a user can prevent other people from messaging them unless the other person's request has been accepted.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises stripping, by the remote escrow exchange server, the entered data of embedded information identifying the user. In some embodiments, the method further comprises pushing, by the remote escrow exchange server via the computer network, if the user accepts the request to access their private data, an electronic transmission of the user's private data to the at least one other user. In further embodiments, one or more features of the mobile device are restricted unless and until the user accepts the request to access their private data. In still further embodiments, the one or more features comprise messaging or data exchange between the user and the at least one other user matched. In various embodiments, the messaging comprises text messaging, audio messaging, video messaging, image exchange, document exchange, location exchange, or a combination thereof. In particular embodiments, the one or more features of the mobile device comprise the location.
As shown, in some embodiments, exemplary app utility services 9430 comprise a Google Places API, a Yelp API, a Bing Images API, a Firebase Crashlytics and Analytics API, or any combination thereof. Further as shown, in some embodiments, the utility services 9430 comprise branch.io for smart links and web previews 9431, SMS verification 9432 (e.g., Twillo service), and Server Logs Analysis 9433. In some embodiments, as shown, the data storage comprises a database 9441 (e.g., MongoDB on mLab), a file storage 9442 (e.g., S3 on Amazon), and a server API gateway 9443 (e.g., node.jos on Heroku). In some embodiments, as shown the messaging service comprises a Sendbird messaging service 9451 and an Agora.io Audio/video call 9452.
In some embodiments, as shown, the SMS verification 9431 and the server API gateway 9443 transmits data to and from the SMS verification 9432, the Server Log Analysis 9433, the database 9441, and the file storage 9442. Further as shown, in some embodiments, the Server API gateway 9443 sends and receives user and event information to and from the Sendbird Messaging Service 9451. Finally, in some embodiments, the GPS 9460 sends or receives the position data periodically, or when the user is traveling significant distances.
Computing SystemReferring to
Computer system 9500 may include one or more processors 9501, a memory 9503, and a storage 9508 that communicate with each other, and with other components, via a bus 9540. The bus 9540 may also link a display 9532, one or more input devices 9533 (which may, for example, include a keypad, a keyboard, a mouse, a stylus, etc.), one or more output devices 9534, one or more storage devices 9535, and various tangible storage media 9536. All of these elements may interface directly or via one or more interfaces or adaptors to the bus 9540. For instance, the various tangible storage media 9536 can interface with the bus 9540 via storage medium interface 9526. Computer system 9500 may have any suitable physical form, including but not limited to one or more integrated circuits (ICs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), mobile handheld devices (such as mobile telephones or PDAs), laptop or notebook computers, distributed computer systems, computing grids, or servers.
Computer system 9500 includes one or more processor(s) 9501 (e.g., central processing units (CPUs), general purpose graphics processing units (GPGPUs), or quantum processing units (QPUs)) that carry out functions. Processor(s) 9501 optionally contains a cache memory unit 9502 for temporary local storage of instructions, data, or computer addresses. Processor(s) 9501 are configured to assist in execution of computer readable instructions. Computer system 9500 may provide functionality for the components depicted in
The memory 9503 may include various components (e.g., machine readable media) including, but not limited to, a random access memory component (e.g., RAM 9504) (e.g., static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), phase-change random access memory (PRAM), etc.), a read-only memory component (e.g., ROM 9505), and any combinations thereof. ROM 9505 may act to communicate data and instructions unidirectionally to processor(s) 9501, and RAM 9504 may act to communicate data and instructions bidirectionally with processor(s) 9501. ROM 9505 and RAM 9504 may include any suitable tangible computer-readable media described below. In one example, a basic input/output system 9506 (BIOS), including basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within computer system 9500, such as during start-up, may be stored in the memory 9503.
Fixed storage 9508 is connected bidirectionally to processor(s) 9501, optionally through storage control unit 9507. Fixed storage 9508 provides additional data storage capacity and may also include any suitable tangible computer-readable media described herein. Storage 9508 may be used to store operating system 9509, executable(s) 9510, data 9511, applications 9512 (application programs), and the like. Storage 9508 can also include an optical disk drive, a solid-state memory device (e.g., flash-based systems), or a combination of any of the above. Information in storage 9508 may, in appropriate cases, be incorporated as virtual memory in memory 9503.
In one example, storage device(s) 9535 may be removably interfaced with computer system 9500 (e.g., via an external port connector (not shown)) via a storage device interface 9525. Particularly, storage device(s) 9535 and an associated machine-readable medium may provide non-volatile and/or volatile storage of machine-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and/or other data for the computer system 9500. In one example, software may reside, completely or partially, within a machine-readable medium on storage device(s) 9535. In another example, software may reside, completely or partially, within processor(s) 9501.
Bus 9540 connects a wide variety of subsystems. Herein, reference to a bus may encompass one or more digital signal lines serving a common function, where appropriate. Bus 9540 may be any of several types of bus structures including, but not limited to, a memory bus, a memory controller, a peripheral bus, a local bus, and any combinations thereof, using any of a variety of bus architectures. As an example and not by way of limitation, such architectures include an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, an Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, a Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, a Video Electronics Standards Association local bus (VLB), a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, a PCI-Express (PCI-X) bus, an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) bus, HyperTransport (HTX) bus, serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) bus, and any combinations thereof.
Computer system 9500 may also include an input device 9533. In one example, a user of computer system 9500 may enter commands and/or other information into computer system 9500 via input device(s) 9533. Examples of an input device(s) 9533 include, but are not limited to, an alpha-numeric input device (e.g., a keyboard), a pointing device (e.g., a mouse or touchpad), a touchpad, a touch screen, a multi-touch screen, a joystick, a stylus, a gamepad, an audio input device (e.g., a microphone, a voice response system, etc.), an optical scanner, a video or still image capture device (e.g., a camera), and any combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the input device is a Kinect, Leap Motion, or the like. Input device(s) 9533 may be interfaced to bus 9540 via any of a variety of input interfaces 9523 (e.g., input interface 9523) including, but not limited to, serial, parallel, game port, USB, FIREWIRE, THUNDERBOLT, or any combination of the above.
In particular embodiments, when computer system 9500 is connected to network 9530, computer system 9500 may communicate with other devices, specifically mobile devices and enterprise systems, distributed computing systems, cloud storage systems, cloud computing systems, and the like, connected to network 9530. Communications to and from computer system 9500 may be sent through network interface 9520. For example, network interface 9520 may receive incoming communications (such as requests or responses from other devices) in the form of one or more packets (such as Internet Protocol (IP) packets) from network 9530, and computer system 9500 may store the incoming communications in memory 9503 for processing. Computer system 9500 may similarly store outgoing communications (such as requests or responses to other devices) in the form of one or more packets in memory 9503 and communicated to network 9530 from network interface 9520. Processor(s) 9501 may access these communication packets stored in memory 9503 for processing.
Examples of the network interface 9520 include, but are not limited to, a network interface card, a modem, and any combination thereof. Examples of a network 9530 or network segment 9530 include, but are not limited to, a distributed computing system, a cloud computing system, a wide area network (WAN) (e.g., the Internet, an enterprise network), a local area network (LAN) (e.g., a network associated with an office, a building, a campus or other relatively small geographic space), a telephone network, a direct connection between two computing devices, a peer-to-peer network, and any combinations thereof. A network, such as network 9530, may employ a wired and/or a wireless mode of communication. In general, any network topology may be used.
Information and data can be displayed through a display 9532. Examples of a display 9532 include, but are not limited to, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD), an organic liquid crystal display (OLED) such as a passive-matrix OLED (PMOLED) or active-matrix OLED (AMOLED) display, a plasma display, and any combinations thereof. The display 9532 can interface to the processor(s) 9501, memory 9503, and fixed storage 9508, as well as other devices, such as input device(s) 9533, via the bus 9540. The display 9532 is linked to the bus 9540 via a video interface 9522, and transport of data between the display 9532 and the bus 9540 can be controlled via the graphics control 9521. In some embodiments, the display is a video projector. In some embodiments, the display is a head-mounted display (HMD) such as a VR headset. In further embodiments, suitable VR headsets include, by way of non-limiting examples, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Samsung Gear VR, Microsoft HoloLens, Razer OSVR, FOVE VR, Zeiss VR One, Avegant Glyph, Freefly VR headset, and the like. In still further embodiments, the display is a combination of devices such as those disclosed herein.
In addition to a display 9532, computer system 9500 may include one or more other peripheral output devices 9534 including, but not limited to, an audio speaker, a printer, a storage device, and any combinations thereof. Such peripheral output devices may be connected to the bus 9540 via an output interface 9524. Examples of an output interface 9524 include, but are not limited to, a serial port, a parallel connection, a USB port, a FIREWIRE port, a THUNDERBOLT port, and any combinations thereof.
In addition or as an alternative, computer system 9500 may provide functionality as a result of logic hardwired or otherwise embodied in a circuit, which may operate in place of or together with software to execute one or more processes or one or more steps of one or more processes described or illustrated herein. Reference to software in this disclosure may encompass logic, and reference to logic may encompass software. Moreover, reference to a computer-readable medium may encompass a circuit (such as an IC) storing software for execution, a circuit embodying logic for execution, or both, where appropriate. The present disclosure encompasses any suitable combination of hardware, software, or both.
Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality.
The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.
The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by one or more processor(s), or in a combination of the two. A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a user terminal.
In accordance with the description herein, suitable computing devices include, by way of non-limiting examples, server computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, sub-notebook computers, netbook computers, netpad computers, set-top computers, media streaming devices, handheld computers, Internet appliances, mobile smartphones, tablet computers, personal digital assistants, video game consoles, and vehicles. Those of skill in the art will also recognize that select televisions, video players, and digital music players with optional computer network connectivity are suitable for use in the system described herein. Suitable tablet computers, in various embodiments, include those with booklet, slate, and convertible configurations, known to those of skill in the art.
In some embodiments, the computing device includes an operating system configured to perform executable instructions. The operating system is, for example, software, including programs and data, which manages the device's hardware and provides services for execution of applications. Those of skill in the art will recognize that suitable server operating systems include, by way of non-limiting examples, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, NetBSD®, Linux, Apple® Mac OS X Server®, Oracle® Solaris®, Windows Server®, and Novell® NetWare®. Those of skill in the art will recognize that suitable personal computer operating systems include, by way of non-limiting examples, Microsoft® Windows®, Apple® Mac OS X®, UNIX®, and UNIX-like operating systems such as GNU/Linux. In some embodiments, the operating system is provided by cloud computing. Those of skill in the art will also recognize that suitable mobile smartphone operating systems include, by way of non-limiting examples, Nokia® Symbian® OS, Apple® iOS®, Research In Motion® BlackBerry OS®, Google® Android®, Microsoft® Windows Phone® OS, Microsoft® Windows Mobile® OS, Linux®, and Palm® WebOS®. Those of skill in the art will also recognize that suitable media streaming device operating systems include, by way of non-limiting examples, Apple TV®, Roku®, Boxee®, Google TV®, Google Chromecast®, Amazon Fire®, and Samsung® HomeSync®. Those of skill in the art will also recognize that suitable video game console operating systems include, by way of non-limiting examples, Sony® PS3®, Sony® PS4®, Microsoft® Xbox 360®, Microsoft Xbox One, Nintendo® Wii °, Nintendo® Wii U®, and Ouya®.
Non-Transitory Computer Readable Storage MediumIn some embodiments, the platforms, systems, media, and methods disclosed herein include one or more non-transitory computer readable storage media encoded with a program including instructions executable by the operating system of an optionally networked computing device. In further embodiments, a computer readable storage medium is a tangible component of a computing device. In still further embodiments, a computer readable storage medium is optionally removable from a computing device. In some embodiments, a computer readable storage medium includes, by way of non-limiting examples, CD-ROMs, DVDs, flash memory devices, solid state memory, magnetic disk drives, magnetic tape drives, optical disk drives, distributed computing systems including cloud computing systems and services, and the like. In some cases, the program and instructions are permanently, substantially permanently, semi-permanently, or non-transitorily encoded on the media.
Computer ProgramIn some embodiments, the platforms, systems, media, and methods disclosed herein include at least one computer program, or use of the same. A computer program includes a sequence of instructions, executable by one or more processor(s) of the computing device's CPU, written to perform a specified task. Computer readable instructions may be implemented as program modules, such as functions, objects, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), computing data structures, and the like, that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. In light of the disclosure provided herein, those of skill in the art will recognize that a computer program may be written in various versions of various languages.
The functionality of the computer readable instructions may be combined or distributed as desired in various environments. In some embodiments, a computer program comprises one sequence of instructions. In some embodiments, a computer program comprises a plurality of sequences of instructions. In some embodiments, a computer program is provided from one location. In other embodiments, a computer program is provided from a plurality of locations. In various embodiments, a computer program includes one or more software modules. In various embodiments, a computer program includes, in part or in whole, one or more web applications, one or more mobile applications, one or more standalone applications, one or more web browser plug-ins, extensions, add-ins, or add-ons, or combinations thereof.
Web ApplicationIn some embodiments, a computer program includes a web application. In light of the disclosure provided herein, those of skill in the art will recognize that a web application, in various embodiments, utilizes one or more software frameworks and one or more database systems. In some embodiments, a web application is created upon a software framework such as Microsoft®.NET or Ruby on Rails (RoR). In some embodiments, a web application utilizes one or more database systems including, by way of non-limiting examples, relational, non-relational, object oriented, associative, XML, and document oriented database systems. In further embodiments, suitable relational database systems include, by way of non-limiting examples, Microsoft® SQL Server, mySQL™, and Oracle®. Those of skill in the art will also recognize that a web application, in various embodiments, is written in one or more versions of one or more languages. A web application may be written in one or more markup languages, presentation definition languages, client-side scripting languages, server-side coding languages, database query languages, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, a web application is written to some extent in a markup language such as Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Extensible Hypertext Markup Language (XHTML), or eXtensible Markup Language (XML). In some embodiments, a web application is written to some extent in a presentation definition language such as Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). In some embodiments, a web application is written to some extent in a client-side scripting language such as Asynchronous JavaScript and XML (AJAX), Flash® ActionScript, JavaScript, or Silverlight®. In some embodiments, a web application is written to some extent in a server-side coding language such as Active Server Pages (ASP), ColdFusion®, Perl, Java™, JavaServer Pages (JSP), Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP), Python™, Ruby, Tcl, Smalltalk, WebDNA®, or Groovy. In some embodiments, a web application is written to some extent in a database query language such as Structured Query Language (SQL). In some embodiments, a web application integrates enterprise server products such as IBM® Lotus Domino®. In some embodiments, a web application includes a media player element. In various further embodiments, a media player element utilizes one or more of many suitable multimedia technologies including, by way of non-limiting examples, Adobe® Flash®, HTML 5, Apple® QuickTime®, Microsoft® Silverlight®, Java™, and Unity®.
Referring to
Referring to
In some embodiments, a computer program includes a mobile application provided to a mobile computing device. In some embodiments, the mobile application is provided to a mobile computing device at the time it is manufactured. In other embodiments, the mobile application is provided to a mobile computing device via the computer network described herein.
In view of the disclosure provided herein, a mobile application is created by techniques known to those of skill in the art using hardware, languages, and development environments known to the art. Those of skill in the art will recognize that mobile applications are written in several languages. Suitable programming languages include, by way of non-limiting examples, C, C++, C#, Objective-C, Java™, JavaScript, Pascal, Object Pascal, Python™, Ruby, VB.NET, WML, and XHTML/HTML with or without CSS, or combinations thereof.
Suitable mobile application development environments are available from several sources. Commercially available development environments include, by way of non-limiting examples, AirplaySDK, alcheMo, Appcelerator®, Celsius, Bedrock, Flash Lite, .NET Compact Framework, Rhomobile, and WorkLight Mobile Platform. Other development environments are available without cost including, by way of non-limiting examples, Lazarus, MobiFlex, MoSync, and PhoneGap. Also, mobile device manufacturers distribute software developer kits including, by way of non-limiting examples, iPhone and iPad (iOS) SDK, Android™ SDK, BlackBerry® SDK, BREW SDK, Palm® OS SDK, Symbian SDK, webOS SDK, and Windows® Mobile SDK.
Those of skill in the art will recognize that several commercial forums are available for distribution of mobile applications including, by way of non-limiting examples, Apple® App Store, Google® Play, Chrome WebStore, BlackBerry® App World, App Store for Palm devices, App Catalog for webOS, Windows® Marketplace for Mobile, Ovi Store for Nokia® devices, Samsung® Apps, and Nintendo® DSi Shop.
Standalone ApplicationIn some embodiments, a computer program includes a standalone application, which is a program that is run as an independent computer process, not an add-on to an existing process, e.g., not a plug-in. Those of skill in the art will recognize that standalone applications are often compiled. A compiler is a computer program(s) that transforms source code written in a programming language into binary object code such as assembly language or machine code. Suitable compiled programming languages include, by way of non-limiting examples, C, C++, Objective-C, COBOL, Delphi, Eiffel, Java™, Lisp, Python™, Visual Basic, and VB .NET, or combinations thereof. Compilation is often performed, at least in part, to create an executable program. In some embodiments, a computer program includes one or more executable complied applications.
Software ModulesIn some embodiments, the platforms, systems, media, and methods disclosed herein include software, server, and/or database modules, or use of the same. In view of the disclosure provided herein, software modules are created by techniques known to those of skill in the art using machines, software, and languages known to the art. The software modules disclosed herein are implemented in a multitude of ways. In various embodiments, a software module comprises a file, a section of code, a programming object, a programming structure, or combinations thereof. In further various embodiments, a software module comprises a plurality of files, a plurality of sections of code, a plurality of programming objects, a plurality of programming structures, or combinations thereof. In various embodiments, the one or more software modules comprise, by way of non-limiting examples, a web application, a mobile application, and a standalone application. In some embodiments, software modules are in one computer program or application. In other embodiments, software modules are in more than one computer program or application. In some embodiments, software modules are hosted on one machine. In other embodiments, software modules are hosted on more than one machine. In further embodiments, software modules are hosted on a distributed computing platform such as a cloud computing platform. In some embodiments, software modules are hosted on one or more machines in one location. In other embodiments, software modules are hosted on one or more machines in more than one location.
DatabasesIn some embodiments, the platforms, systems, media, and methods disclosed herein include one or more databases, or use of the same. In view of the disclosure provided herein, those of skill in the art will recognize that many databases are suitable for storage and retrieval of user, profile, settings, event, host, applicant, requester, algorithm, location, filter, and match information. In various embodiments, suitable databases include, by way of non-limiting examples, relational databases, non-relational databases, object oriented databases, object databases, entity-relationship model databases, associative databases, XML databases, and document oriented databases. Further non-limiting examples include SQL, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, DB2, Sybase, and MongoDB. In some embodiments, a database is Internet-based. In further embodiments, a database is web-based. In still further embodiments, a database is cloud computing-based. In a particular embodiment, a database is a distributed database. In other embodiments, a database is based on one or more local computer storage devices.
Certain DefinitionsUnless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present subject matter belongs. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Any reference to “or” herein is intended to encompass “and/or” unless otherwise stated.
EXAMPLESThe following illustrative examples are representative of embodiments of the platforms, software applications, systems, media, and methods described herein and are not meant to be limiting in any way.
Example 1Joe wants to host a friendly game of poker and creates an event entitled “Let's Celebrate!” for New Year's Eve at his apartment. Joe selects to invite members of any gender, that are at least 21 years of age (as alcohol will be served), that are not older than his parents, and that live within 15 miles of his apartment. Joe selects to have the event name, and age restrictions public, but allows only accepted applications to view the event time and location. An event feed is created, with a generated image of confetti, allowing users to view and apply to attend the event and Joe is presented with a list of eligible attendees. Joe receives a notification on his mobile device that Jared has submitted an application to his event, and a notification that Stacy and Lisa both applied to Joe's event with the condition that both or none are accepted. Asynchronous messaging modes are active between users associated with an event. Joe receives a text message from Stacy asking what they can bring, to which Joe responds “chips.” Lisa then sends a text message to Jared saying, “Long time no see.” The applications by Jared, Stacy, and Lisa are marked as public, while their locations are marked as private. Joe has never met Jared and submits a request to Jared to view his private data. Jared approves the request, so Joe decides to accept the applications of Jared, Stacy, and Lisa. Upon acceptance of each application, synchronous messaging modes are activated between the host and each accepted attendee. Joe video calls Jared to introduce himself.
Example 2Maya is new to town and is looking for events for her and her six month old daughter Miriam. Maya requests a hosted event for her and other young mothers on Tuesday mornings in a nearby park that has a restroom. Maya's request is stored publicly except for her location. Based on Maya's location a list of eligible hosts is generated. Tina submits an application to host Maya's event. Upon receiving a notification, Maya accepts Tina's application to host and both are connected via a communication platform to plan for their event.
Example 3Tina, who is registered as a mother seeking events for her and her baby receives a notification that an event in her area is requesting a host. Tina submits an application to host the event, wherein the application is public, but Tina's age is private. Maya receives a notification regarding Tina's application and accepts Tina as a host. Tina adjusts the maximum age of event applicants, and adds the location of her favorite park to the event, with a recent picture of the location and invites her friend Tonia.
Example 4Stacy receives a notification that an event entitled “Let's Celebrate!” has been created, and is to be hosted, by Joe. Having celebrated the last five New Year's Eves with her friend Lisa, Stacy applies to Joe's event for herself and Lisa and indicating that both her and her friend must be accepted or rejected as a group. Upon being accepted by Joe, Stacy and Lisa both receive notifications when Joe accepts an application to his event. After attending Joe's party, Stacy submits a review that the event was well hosted and fun, while Lisa submits a review that she found the party boring.
Example 5Joe creates his user profile comprising his name (Joe), his username (PartyJoe), likes (poker and cooking), occupation (real estate agent), description (single extrovert), education (BS), gender (male), age (29), height (5′9″) and email address (joe@joe.com). Joe enables all of his friends to view his entire profile, allows anyone attending the same event or that he has attended an event with to view his all but his age and height, and makes only his name and username public. Joe also configures his profile such that messages can be received only from people who have attended, are attending, have hosted, or will host his events.
While preferred embodiments of the present subject matter have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the present subject matter. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the present subject matter described herein may be employed in practicing the present subject matter.
Claims
1. A computer-implemented system comprising: at least one processor, a memory, and instructions executable by the at least one processor to provide an event-centric matching application comprising:
- a) a software module allowing a user to configure a hosted event, the hosted event comprising: a type selected from the group consisting of individual and group, a location, and one or more attendee characteristics;
- b) a software module applying a matching algorithm to identify eligible attendees for the configured hosted event based on at least the location and the one or more attendee characteristics and distribute the hosted event to the eligible attendees;
- c) a software module allowing the user to configure a requested event, the requested event comprising: a type selected from the group consisting of individual and group, a location and one or more host characteristics;
- d) a software module applying a matching algorithm to identify eligible hosts for the configured requested event based on at least the location and the one or more host characteristics and distribute the requested event to the eligible hosts; and
- e) a software module generating an event feed for the user comprising configured hosted events and configured requested events.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the software module generating the event feed allows the user to view hosted events configured by other users and apply to be an attendee.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein if a hosted event comprises a group type, the software module generating the event feed allows the user to apply to be an attendee, identify other attendees, and configure the application to be all-or-none.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein the software module generating the event feed notifies the user when another user has applied to be an attendee for a hosted event they have configured.
5. The system of claim 2, wherein the software module generating the event feed allows the user to view the hosted events they have configured and accept or reject applicant attendees.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the software module generating the event feed allows the user to view requested events configured by other users and apply to be a host.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the software module generating the event feed notifies the user when another user has applied to be a host for a requested event they have configured.
8. The system of claim 6, wherein the software module generating the event feed allows the user to view the requested events they have configured and accept or reject applicant hosts.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the application further comprises a software module providing an anonymous communication system, wherein the anonymous communication system provides a first mode of communication between one or more hosts and one or more attendees accepted for an event.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the first mode of communication is text chat.
11. The system of claim 9, wherein the anonymous communication system provides a second mode of communication between one or more hosts and one or more attendees accepted for an event after the first mode of communication is utilized.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the second mode of communication is video chat.
13. The system of claim 9, wherein the anonymous communication system provides text and/or video communications without revealing the name, phone number, or email address of users.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the hosted event further comprises one or more of: an activity type, a date, and a time.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the software module allowing the user to configure the hosted event automatically identifies and retrieves one or more images relevant to the location and/or the activity type, and wherein no image curation is required by the user.
16. The system of claim 14, wherein the software module allowing the user to configure the hosted event automatically identifies and retrieves one or more URIs relevant to the location and/or the activity type, and wherein no URI curation is required by the user.
17. The system of claim 1, wherein if the hosted event comprises a group type, the hosted event further comprises a number of attendees.
18. The system of claim 1, wherein the requested event further comprises one or more of: an activity type, one or more images, a date, and a time.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the software module allowing the user to configure the requested event automatically identifies and retrieves images relevant to the location and/or the activity type, and wherein no image curation is required by the user.
20. The system of claim 18, wherein the software module allowing the user to configure the requested event automatically identifies and retrieves one or more URIs relevant to the location and/or the activity type, and wherein no URI curation is required by the user.
21. The system of claim 1, wherein if the requested event comprises a group type, the hosted event further comprises a number of attendees.
22. The system of claim 1, wherein the software module applying a matching algorithm to identify eligible attendees and the software module applying a matching algorithm to identify eligible hosts acquires the location from a GPS feature of a mobile device.
23. A method for event-centric matching comprising:
- a) providing a touchscreen interface allowing a user to configure a hosted event, the hosted event comprising: a type selected from the group consisting of individual and group, a location, and one or more attendee characteristics;
- b) applying a matching algorithm to identify eligible attendees for the configured hosted event based on at least the location and the one or more attendee characteristics and distribute the hosted event to the eligible attendees;
- c) providing a touchscreen interface allowing the user to configure a requested event, the requested event comprising: a type selected from the group consisting of individual and group, a location and one or more host characteristics;
- d) applying a matching algorithm to identify eligible hosts for the configured requested event based on at least the location and the one or more host characteristics and distribute the requested event to the eligible hosts; and
- e) generating an event feed for the user comprising configured hosted events and configured requested events.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 2, 2022
Publication Date: Dec 1, 2022
Inventors: Jonathan FRIEDLANDER (La Jolla, CA), Robert MCARDLE (San Diego, CA), Robert WHEAT (La Jolla, CA), Evgenii OBORIN (Khabarovsk Krai)
Application Number: 17/830,933
