US20110041084A1 - Method, System, and Graphical User Interface for Identifying and Communicating with Meeting Spots - Google Patents

Abstract

One aspect of the invention involves a computer-implemented method in which a server computer sends to a plurality of client devices associated with computer users in an online discussion information corresponding to: a map, an icon for a meeting spot to be overlaid on the map, a plurality of icons representing at least some of the computer users in the online discussion, to be displayed at a same time as the map, and an icon to initiate online communications between a respective client device and a computer associated with the meeting spot. The server receives a request to initiate online communications between the computer associated with the meeting spot and at least one client device in the online discussion; and initiates online communications between the computer associated with the meeting spot and the at least one client device in the online discussion.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application is a Continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/323,115 filed Dec. 30, 2005, entitled “METHOD, SYSTEM, AND GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE FOR IDENTIFYING AND COMMUNICATING WITH MEETING SPOTS,” Attorney Docket 060963-5180-US, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
• This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/323,142, filed Dec. 30, 2005, entitled “METHOD, SYSTEM, AND GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE FOR MEETING-SPOT-RELATED ONLINE COMMUNICATIONS,” Attorney Docket 060963-5179-US and is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/323,090, filed Dec. 30, 2005, entitled “METHOD, SYSTEM, AND GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE FOR MEETING-SPOT MAPS FOR ONLINE COMMUNICATIONS,” Attorney Docket 060963-5166-US, which applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
TECHNICAL FIELD
• The disclosed embodiments relate generally to online communications. More particularly, the disclosed embodiments relate to methods, systems, and graphical user interfaces for meeting-spot-related online communications.
BACKGROUND
• People increasingly use online communications to interact with their friends and to meet new people. As used herein, “online communications” means real-time online communications technologies, including character-based technologies (e.g., text-based instant messaging, but not e-mail), audio technologies (e.g., audio chat and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephony), and video technologies (e.g., video chat).
• Numerous techniques have been developed that use online communications to improve our social lives, including social networking and online dating services. These techniques typically require a user to fill out a personal profile, which can be cumbersome and also raises privacy concerns. Thus, it would be highly desirable to find new, less cumbersome, more intuitive, and more secure ways to use online communications to interact with friends and to meet new people.
SUMMARY
• The present invention overcomes the limitations and disadvantages described above by providing methods, systems, and graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for meeting-spot-related online communications. As used herein, a “meeting spot” is a specific physical location where two or more people could arrange to meet face to face. Exemplary meeting spots include, without limitation, a restaurant, bar, club, library, gym, bookstore, park, or store. Note that a meeting spot is limited in size so that two people can find (or can reasonably be expected to find) each other at the spot. For example, Manhattan is too large to be a meeting spot, but the Four Seasons restaurant at 99 E. 52nd St. in Manhattan could be a meeting spot.
• One aspect of the invention involves a computer-implemented method in which a server computer sends to a plurality of client devices associated with computer users in an online discussion information corresponding to: a map, an icon for a meeting spot to be overlaid on the map, a plurality of icons representing the computer users in the online discussion, to be displayed at a same time as the map, and an icon to initiate online communications between a respective client device and a computer associated with the meeting spot. The server receives a request to initiate online communications between the computer associated with the meeting spot and at least one client device in the online discussion; and initiates online communications between the computer associated with the meeting spot and the at least one client device in the online discussion.
• Another aspect of the invention involves a computer-implemented method involving a client device associated with a computer user. The computer user is engaged in an online discussion with other computer users. The client device displays a map, an icon for a meeting spot overlaid on the map, one or more icons representing at least some of the other computer users in the online discussion, displayed at a same time as the map, and an icon to initiate online communications with a computer associated with the meeting spot. The client device initiates online communications with the computer associated with the meeting spot in response to the computer user selecting the icon to initiate online communications.
• Another aspect of the invention involves a graphical user interface on a computer that includes an icon for a meeting spot overlaid on a map; a plurality of icons representing computer users in an online discussion, displayed at a same time as the map; and an icon to initiate online communications between a computer associated with the meeting spot and at least one computer associated with the computer users in the online discussion.
• Another aspect of the invention involves a system that includes at least one server. The at least one server is configured to send to a plurality of client devices associated with computer users in an online discussion information corresponding to: a map, an icon for a meeting spot to be overlaid on the map, a plurality of icons representing at least some of the computer users in the online discussion, to be displayed at a same time as the map, and an icon to initiate online communications between a respective client device and a computer associated with the meeting spot. The server is configured to receive a request to initiate online communications between the computer associated with the meeting spot and at least one client device in the online discussion; and to initiate online communications between the computer associated with the meeting spot and the at least one client device in the online discussion.
• Another aspect of the invention involves a client device associated with a computer user. The computer user is engaged in an online discussion with other computer users. The client device is configured to display a map, an icon for a meeting spot overlaid on the map, one or more icons representing at least some of the other computer users in the online discussion, displayed at a same time as the map, and an icon to initiate online communications with a computer associated with the meeting spot. The client device is configured to initiate online communications with the computer associated with the meeting spot in response to the computer user selecting the icon to initiate online communications.
• Another aspect of the invention involves a computer-program product that includes a computer readable storage medium and a computer program mechanism embedded in the computer readable storage medium. The computer program mechanism includes instructions, which when executed by a server computer, cause the server computer to send to a plurality of client devices associated with computer users in an online discussion information corresponding to: a map, an icon for a meeting spot to be overlaid on the map, a plurality of icons representing at least some of the computer users in the online discussion, to be displayed at a same time as the map, and an icon to initiate online communications between a respective client device and a computer associated with the meeting spot. The computer program mechanism includes instructions, which when executed by the server computer, cause the server computer to receive a request to initiate online communications between the computer associated with the meeting spot and at least one client device in the online discussion; and initiate online communications between the computer associated with the meeting spot and the at least one client device in the online discussion.
• Another aspect of the invention involves a computer-program product that includes a computer readable storage medium and a computer program mechanism embedded in the computer readable storage medium. The computer program mechanism includes instructions, which when executed by a client device associated with a computer user who is engaged in an online discussion with other computer users, cause the client device to display a map, an icon for a meeting spot overlaid on the map, one or more icons representing at least some of the other computer users in the online discussion, displayed at a same time as the map, and an icon to initiate online communications with a computer associated with the meeting spot. The computer program mechanism includes instructions, which when executed by the client device associated with the computer user who is engaged in an online discussion with other computer users, cause the client device to initiate online communications with the computer associated with the meeting spot in response to the computer user selecting the icon to initiate online communications.
• Another aspect of the invention involves a server computer that includes: means for sending to a plurality of client devices associated with computer users in an online discussion information corresponding to: a map, an icon for a meeting spot overlaid on the map, a plurality of icons representing at least some of the computer users in the online discussion, to be displayed at a same time as the map, and an icon to initiate online communications between a respective client device and a computer associated with the meeting spot; means for receiving a request to initiate online communications between the computer associated with the meeting spot and at least one client device in the online discussion; and means for initiating online communications between the computer associated with the meeting spot and the at least one client device in the online discussion.
• Another aspect of the invention involves a client device associated with a computer user who is engaged in an online discussion with other computer users. The client device includes: means for displaying a map, an icon for a meeting spot overlaid on the map, one or more icons representing at least some of the other computer users in the online discussion, displayed at a same time as the map, and an icon to initiate online communications with a computer associated with the meeting spot; and means for initiating online communications with the computer associated with the meeting spot in response to the computer user selecting the icon to initiate online communications.
• Thus, meeting-spot-related online communications provide more intuitive, less invasive methods, systems, and GUIs to interact with friends and to meet new people.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• For a better understanding of the aforementioned aspects of the invention as well as additional aspects and embodiments thereof, reference should be made to the Description of Embodiments below, in conjunction with the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the figures.
• FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary distributed computer system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a meeting-spot-based networking server in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIGS. 3A and 3B are block diagrams illustrating two exemplary clients.
• FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary meeting spot database and an exemplary meeting spot record in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary user database and an exemplary record for a particular user in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 6 is a flowchart representing a method of using maps of meeting spots to facilitate or initiate online communications in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 7 is a schematic screen shot of an exemplary graphical user interface of a map with user-selectable meeting spots in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIGS. 8A and 8B are flowcharts representing methods of using meeting spots selected by a computer user to facilitate online communications with other computer users in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 9 is a schematic screen shot of an exemplary graphical user interface of a map with user-selectable meeting spots in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 10 is a flowchart representing a method of identifying meeting spots and communicating with meeting spots in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 11 is a schematic screen shot of an exemplary graphical user interface of a map with user-selectable meeting spots in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
• Methods, systems, and graphical user interfaces for meeting-spot-related online communications are described. Reference will be made to certain embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to these particular embodiments alone. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents that are within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
• Moreover, in the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practiced without these particular details. In other instances, methods, procedures, components, and networks that are well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art are not described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the present invention.
• FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary distributedcomputer system100 according to one embodiment of the invention.FIG. 1 shows various functional components that will be referred to in the detailed discussion that follows. This system includesclient devices104, meeting-spot-basednetworking server102, a computer associated with a meeting spot116, and communication network(s)106 for interconnecting these components.
• Client104 can be any of a number of devices (e.g., an internet kiosk, personal digital assistant, cell phone, gaming device, desktop computer, or laptop computer) used to enable the activities described below.Client104 typically includes audio and/or video inputs108 (e.g., a microphone and a video camera), audio output110 (e.g., speakers or headphones), and video output112 (e.g., a display).Video output112 displays a graphical user interface (GUI)114.
• The computer116 associated with the meeting spot may be a computer used to make reservations for the meeting spot or to provide other services associated with the meeting spot. Computer116 may optionally be used to host chat rooms or other multi-user communications. The computer116 associated with the meeting spot may be located at the meeting spot, or anywhere else (e.g., at the facility of a computer services provider that provides services for the meeting spot).
• FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating meeting-spot-basednetworking server102 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.Server102 typically includes one or more processing units (CPUs)202, one or more network orother communications interfaces204,memory206, and one ormore communication buses208 for interconnecting these components.Server102 may optionally include a graphical user interface (not shown), which typically includes a display device, a keyboard, and a mouse or other pointing device.Memory206 may include high-speed random access memory and may also include non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic or optical storage disks.Memory206 may optionally include mass storage that is remotely located fromCPUs202.Memory206 may store the following programs, modules and data structures, or a subset or superset thereof:
• • Operating System210 that includes procedures for handling various basic system services and for performing hardware dependent tasks;
  • Network Communication Module (or instructions)212 that is used for connectingserver102 to other computers (e.g., clients104) via the one or more communications Network Interfaces204 (wired or wireless) and one or more communications networks106 (FIG. 1), such as the Internet, other wide area networks, local area networks, metropolitan area networks, and so on;
  • Mapping Engine220 that receives meeting-spot-related requests from and provides responses toclients104; and
  • Presentation module248 that formats the results frommapping engine220 for display.
• Network Communication Module212 may include the following programs, modules and data structures, or a subset or superset thereof:
• • Text messaging module214 that coordinates text messaging (e.g., instant messaging) betweenclients104;
  • Audio module216 that coordinates audio communications (e.g., voice chat or VoIP) betweenclients104; and
  • Video module218 that coordinates video communications (e.g., video chat) betweenclients104.
    In some embodiments, the text messaging, audio or voice communications, and/or video communications betweenclients104 are performed in a manner that does not require the use ofserver102, such as via peer-to-peer networking.
• Mapping Engine220 may include the following programs, modules and data structures, or a subset or superset thereof:
• • Map database224 that stores mapping data;
  • Meeting spot database226 that storesrecords228 for meeting spots (e.g., records228-1,228-2 and228-xfor meetingspots1,2 and x, respectively); and
  • User database238 that storesrecords240 for users (e.g., records240-1,240-2,240-7 forUsers1,2 and y, respectively)
• Each of the above identified modules and applications corresponds to a set of instructions for performing one or more functions described above. These modules (i.e., sets of instructions) need not be implemented as separate software programs, procedures or modules, and thus various subsets of these modules may be combined or otherwise re-arranged in various embodiments. In some embodiments,memory206 may store a subset of the modules and data structures identified above. Furthermore,memory206 may store additional modules and data structures not described above.
• AlthoughFIG. 2 showsserver102 as a number of discrete items,FIG. 2 is intended more as a functional description of the various features which may be present inserver102 rather than as a structural schematic of the embodiments described herein. In practice, and as recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art, items shown separately could be combined and some items could be separated. For example, some items shown separately inFIG. 2 could be implemented on single servers and single items could be implemented by one or more servers. The actual number of servers inserver102 and how features are allocated among them will vary from one implementation to another, and may depend in part on the amount of data traffic that the system must handle during peak usage periods as well as during average usage periods.
• FIGS. 3A and 3B are block diagrams illustrating twoexemplary clients104. As noted above,client104 typically includes audio/video inputs108 (e.g., a microphone and a video camera), audio output110 (e.g., speakers or headphones), and video output112 (e.g., a display).Video output112 displays graphical user interface (GUI)114.Client104 typically includes one or more processing units (CPUs)302, one or more network orother communications interfaces304,memory306, and one ormore communication buses308 for interconnecting these components.Memory306 may include high-speed random access memory and may also include non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic or optical storage disks.Memory306 may store the following programs, modules and data structures, or a subset or superset thereof:
• • Operating System310 that includes procedures for handling various basic system services and for performing hardware dependent tasks;
  • Network Communication Module (or instructions)312 that is used for connectingclient104 to other computers (e.g.,server102 and other clients104) via the one or more communications Network Interfaces304 (wired or wireless) and one or more communication networks106 (FIG. 1), such as the Internet, other wide area networks, local area networks, metropolitan area networks, and so on;
  • Presentation Module320, for formatting the maps, meeting spots, and other data (e.g., user icons and text chat) for display inGUI114;
  • Global Positioning System (GPS) Module (or instructions)322 for determining the location ofclient104; and
  • Client Assistant324, which handles data formatting and/or management tasks, at least some of which could also be handled byMapping Engine220.
• Network Communication Module312 may include the following programs, modules and data structures, or a subset or superset thereof:
• • Text messaging module314 that supports text messaging (e.g., instant messaging) betweenclients104;
  • Audio module316 that supports audio communications (e.g., voice chat or VoIP) betweenclients104; and
  • Video module318 that supports video communications (e.g., video chat) betweenclients104.
• As illustrated schematically inFIG. 3B,client104 can incorporate modules, applications, and instructions for performing a variety of mapping related processing tasks (e.g., map generator326), at least some of which could be handled byMapping Engine220 inserver102 instead. Alternatively, in some embodiments,client104 can contain less functionality than shown inFIG. 3A. For example, in some embodiments,client104 need not have aGPS Module322.
• FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplarymeeting spot database226 and an exemplarymeeting spot record228 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.Meeting Spot Database226 stores meetingspot records228, for example meeting spot1 (228-1) through meeting spot x (228-x), where x may represent the number of meeting spots.
• A meeting spot record (e.g., meeting spot x228-x) may include the following data, or a subset or superset thereof:
• • Meeting spot ID402 that uniquely identifies a particular meeting spot (e.g., an n-bit binary number);
  • Geocode404 that corresponds to the location of the meeting spot;
  • Category(s)406 that classify the meeting spot (e.g., dining, exercising, partying, playing, shopping, or watching);
  • Street address408 for the meeting spot;
  • Phone number410 for the meeting spot;
  • URL412 for a web page or site associated with the meeting spot;
  • Reviews414 of the meeting spot by users and/or professional reviewers, or the URL or a link to a web page or site that hosts such reviews);
  • Pictures/videos416 of the meeting spot, or the URL or a link to a web page or site that hosts such reviews;
  • Users IDs of users that have selected themeeting spot418;
  • Meeting spot IDs of other meeting spots that are related to the meeting spot associated with meeting spot ID402 (e.g., other nearby meeting spots); and
  • Events422 that includes dates and times for events occurring at the meeting spot.
• In some embodiments, events422 permit a temporal component to be added to meeting spots. In some embodiments, a user can tag, enter, or otherwise select particular past, present, or future events at meeting spots. Thus, a meeting-spot-baseduser interest profile508 can also include particular events at meeting spots that the user has selected. User-selected events can change the similarity scores between the computer user and other computer users and, correspondingly, the display of information concerning the other computer users. For example, information about other users932 that have selected some of the same events as the user may be displayed more prominently (e.g., at higher display positions in a list960).
• FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating anexemplary user database238 and an exemplary record240-yfor a particular user in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.User Database238stores user records240, for example User1 (240-1) through User y (240-y), where y may represent the number of users.
• A user record240 (e.g., record240-yfor User y) may include the following data, or a subset or superset thereof:
• • User ID502 that uniquely identifies a particular user (e.g., an n-bit binary number);
  • Entered meeting spots504, e.g., meeting spot IDs that correspond to meeting spots that the user has chosen to enter;
  • Tagged meeting spots506, e.g., meeting spot IDs that correspond to meeting spots that the user has chosen to tag (e.g., to tag as a favorite meeting spot);
  • Interest profile508 for the user that is based at least in part on the meeting spots selected by the user (e.g., by entering and/or tagging);
  • Contact information510 for the user (e.g., online communications address(es), and/or phone number(s) for the user); alternately, thisfield510 of the user record may contain a link to the user's contact information; and
  • Contact list512 for the user that contains the contact information of other users known to the user; alternately, thisfield512 of the user record may contain a link to the user's contact list.
• As used herein, “entered meeting spots” are meeting spots in a GUI that a user has presently selected. For example, the user may be exploring meeting spots that the user has not visited before (e.g., to see which other users have also currently selected the corresponding meeting spot in their GUI). As used herein, “tagged meeting spots” are meeting spots in a GUI that the user has tagged or otherwise labeled, independent of whether the user has currently selected (entered) the tagged meeting spot. By analogy to web browsing, a user may have currently selected several web pages for viewing (e.g., via tabbed browsing or multiple windows) and some of those web pages may have been bookmarked by the user. In this analogy, entered meeting spots are analogous to currently selected web pages and tagged meeting spots are analogous to bookmarked web pages. Both entered meeting spots and tagged meeting spots can be used to determine a user's interest profile. In some embodiments, a user' interest profile is updated in real time as the user enters and leaves meeting spots and/or as the user tags and untags meeting spots.
• FIG. 6 is a flowchart representing a method of using maps of meeting spots to facilitate or initiate online communications in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 6 shows processes performed byserver102 andclient104. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that one or more of the acts described may be performed by hardware, software, or a combination thereof, as may be embodied in one or more computing systems. In some embodiments, portions of the processes performed byserver102 can be performed byclient104 using components analogous to those shown forserver102 inFIG. 2.
• Server102 sends (602) a map toclient104 along with a plurality of icons for meeting spots that are to be overlaid on the map when displayed at the client. In some embodiments, the map and icons are sent using a single data structure, while in other embodiments the map and the icons are sent using distinct data structures—in which case the map and icon images are merged during the display process. In some embodiments, the map and the plurality of meeting spot icons are generated bymapping engine220 using data inmapping database224 andmeeting spot database226.
• Client104 receives (604) the map and the plurality of icons for meeting spots.
• Client104 displays (606) the map and the plurality of icons for meeting spots overlaid on the map in a GUI. In some embodiments, presentation module320 (FIG. 3A) formats the received map and meeting spot icon data for display.
• FIG. 7 is a schematic screen shot of an exemplary graphical user interface of a map with user-selectable meeting spots in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments,GUI700 includesmap702, meeting spots710-722, and icons708 (i.e., visual elements in the GUI) with information about other users708. In some embodiments,GUI700 includes an icon706 with user information (e.g., the user's screen name for online communications, and optionally anicon704 representing the user). The information about other users contained in icons708 may include, without limitation, the screen names for the other users and icons (e.g., thumbnails images or other icons analogous to the user's icon704) that represent the other users in online communications.
• In some embodiments, selection of a meeting spot icon (e.g., icon710) by a user atclient device104 initiates the display of information about other users (e.g., other user icons708 inFIG. 7) that have also selected the same meeting spot icon, thereby facilitating online communications with one or more of the other users. In some embodiments, selection of a meeting spot icon is done by theuser clicking cursor728 on the icon. In some embodiments, selection of a meeting spot icon is done by the user hovering thecursor728 over the icon, which results in the display ofmore information724 about the meeting spot and a link (e.g., ENTER link726) that the user can activate to select the corresponding meeting spot.
• In some embodiments, the meeting spot icon is selected by the user clicking on a predefined region that includes the meeting spot (e.g., clicking down and then up on a button whilecursor728 is over the meeting spot icon, or just clicking down on the button, or just clicking up on the button), placing (or hovering)cursor728 over or near the meeting spot icon for a predetermined period of time (e.g., a mouse-hover), or other activity indicating that the user expects to activate a feature associated with the meeting spot icon. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize various ways to identify a user-initiated activity as described above such as by recognizing a click-down event and/or click-up event, or monitoring the movement of the cursor over a period of time. This could be done, for example, by theclient assistant324 oroperating system310.
• In some embodiments, selection of a meeting spot icon (e.g., icon710) by a user atclient device104 initiates online communications (e.g., a text, audio, or video chat) with one or more other users that have also selected “the same meeting spot icon” (e.g., by selecting a corresponding meeting spot icon in a GUI on their respective client devices104).
• FIGS. 8A and 8B are flowcharts representing methods, performed byserver102 andclient104, of using meeting spots selected by a computer user to facilitate online communications with other computer users in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that one or more of the acts described may be performed by hardware, software, or a combination thereof, as may be embodied in one or more computing systems. In some embodiments, portions of the processes described here as being performed byserver102 can be performed instead byclient104.FIGS. 8A and 8B are further described below.
• FIG. 9 is a schematic screen shot of an exemplarygraphical user interface900 of a map with user-selectable meeting spots in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments,GUI900 includes the following elements, or a subset or superset thereof:
• • Search input box902 for entering location information or other search query keywords;
  • Search initiation icon904;
  • Meetingspots classifier icon906 that, when clicked, allows a user to remove a selectedcategory filter908 so that more meeting spot icons are displayed;
  • Meeting spots categories filter908 that lets a user choose the types of meeting spots displayed;
  • “Enter all”link910 that lets a user select all of the meeting spots on themap918;
  • “Leave all”link912 that lets a user deselect all of the meeting spots in themap918;
  • User profile link914 that lets a user see and edit his or herprofile508;
  • User filter916 that lets a user filter other users with whom interaction is desired (e.g., interact only with other users in the user'scontact list512; interact with anybody, including strangers; or interact with other users whose profiles satisfy one or more criteria (e.g., age range, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, languages spoken, body type, height, eye color, hair color, marital status, education level, employment situation, profession, income level, attitude towards smoking and/or drinking, recent online activity, available communication media, and/or preferred way of using communication media (e.g., “always start with a 10-minute conversation over instant messenger,” or “willing to go straight to video chat”));
  • Map918, which shows a drawing, diagram, and/or picture (e.g., a satellite photograph) of a geographic area;
  • Street view icon920 for choosing a street view inmap918;
  • Satellite view icon922 for choosing a satellite view inmap918;
  • Hybrid view icon924 for choosing a hybrid view of both street names and satellite images inmap918;
  • User icon926 that displays information about the user (e.g., a thumbnail image or other icon that represents the user in online communications);
  • Pan controls928 that move the area shown onmap918;
  • Zoom control930 that changes the scale/magnification ofmap918;
  • Icons932 that display information (e.g., screen names and/or thumbnail images) about other users that have also selected two or more of the meeting spots selected by the computer user. (In some embodiments, the icons for other users are displayed in alist960. In some embodiments, icons932 display information about other users that have also selected one or more of the meeting spots selected by the computer user.);
  • Meeting spot icons934-948, which may have different types of status indicators, such as: clear icons (936,942,944, and948) for meeting spots that the user has not entered or selected; dark icons (934,938,946) for meeting spots that the user has entered or selected; and starred icons (940,946) for meeting spots that the user has tagged as favorites. (Alternatively, different colors can be used to represent different status, such as green icons for entered meeting spots and red icons for not entered meetings spots.);
  • Box950 that displays additional information about a meeting spot (e.g., whencursor962 hovers over or clicks on a meeting spot icon (e.g.,948)) and/or permits additional user actions with respect to the meeting spot, such as entering or selecting the meeting spot by selectinglink952;
  • Location icon956 that marks the location specified by the user insearch box902; and
  • List of user's meeting spots954 that can be a list of meeting spots that the user has currently entered, a list of meeting spots tagged by the user, a list of meeting spots that the user has currently or recently visited in the physical world (e.g., as determined by GPS tracking of the user's cell phone or other client104).
• As noted above, in some embodiments, thegraphical user interface900 may contain a subset of the features or items shown inFIG. 9. Furthermore, in some embodiments, thegraphical user interface900 may include other features or items not shown inFIG. 9.
• Referring toFIGS. 8A and 8B,client104 sends (802) location information toserver102. In some embodiments, the location information is specified by a user inputting the location information into client104 (e.g., by the user inputting the location information intosearch box902 and activating search initiation icon904). The location information may concern the current location of the user, a potential future location of the user, or any other location chosen by the user. In some embodiments, the location information is all or part of a mailing address. In some embodiments, the location information is a zip code. In some embodiments, the location information is the position ofclient104, e.g., as determined by theclient104 usingGPS module322. In yet other embodiments, theclient104 sends an IP address of the client to theserver104, which associates location information with the client's IP address. In many cases, the IP address of the client is sufficient to identify the city or zip code of theclient104, and in some cases the IP address of the client may be sufficient to identify a specific building or set of buildings (e.g., a corporate or school campus). In some embodiments, for safety and privacy, no information about the location ofclient104 is sent to theserver102 without the knowledge and/or permission of the user. In such embodiments, the user can prevent the server102 (and other users) from knowing the user's physical location.
• Server102 receives (804) the location information sent byclient104.
• Server102 identifies (806) meeting spots that satisfy one or more parameters. In some embodiments, the one or more parameters include a physical distance, or an estimated driving time relative to the location specified by the location information. In some embodiments, the one or more parameters include a type of meeting spot, such as a dining location, an exercising location, a partying location, a playing location, a shopping location, or a watching location. In some embodiments, the one or more parameters include a type of meeting spot and either a physical distance or an estimated driving time relative to the location specified by the location information. In some embodiments, the one or more parameters are keywords in a search query. In some embodiments, at least some of the parameters are selected by the user atclient104. For example, the user may select the type of meeting spot usingcategory filter908.
• Server102 sends (808) andclient104 receives (810) data representing the identified meeting spots. In some embodiments, the identified meeting spots are displayed in a map in a GUI (e.g., meeting spots934-948 inmap918 in GUI900). In some embodiments, the icons934-948 representing meeting spots are within a predetermined distance or estimated driving time from a location on the map specified by the computer user. In some embodiments, the map is a street map, a satellite photograph, or a hybrid map showing street names superimposed on a satellite photograph.
• Client104 receives (812) user selections for a plurality of meeting spots. In some embodiments, the user selects the plurality of meeting spots using a map-based GUI (e.g.,900). In some embodiments, selection of a meeting spot icon is accomplished by theuser clicking cursor960 on the icon. In some embodiments, selection of a meeting spot icon is accomplished by theuser hovering cursor960 over the icon, which results in the display ofmore information950 about the meeting spot and a link (e.g., ENTER link952) that the user can activate to select the corresponding meeting spot.
• Client104 sends (814) andserver102 receives (816) user-chosen meeting spot data that correspond to the plurality of meeting spots selected by the user.
• In some embodiments,server102 creates (818) a meeting-spot-based user interest profile for the user based at least in part on the plurality of meeting spots selected by the user. In some embodiments, the meeting-spot-based user interest profile for the user is created in real-time, i.e., the profile is generated and updated as the user selects meeting spots. In some embodiments, the meeting-spot-based user interest profile for the user is stored, e.g., ininterest profile508 in user record246. In some embodiments,interest profile508 is a list of meeting spots selected by the user. In some embodiment,interest profile508 is a list of meeting spots selected by the user and one or more attributes concerning the user (e.g., age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, languages spoken, body type, height, eye color, hair color, marital status, education level, employment situation, profession, income level, attitude towards smoking and/or drinking, recent online activity, available communication media, and/or preferred way of using communication media (e.g., “always start with a 10-minute conversation over instant messenger,” or “willing to go straight to video chat”).
• In some embodiments,server102 determines (820) similarity scores between the user and other users that have also selected two or more of the meeting spots selected by the user, wherein the similarity scores are based at least in part on the overlap in meeting-spot-based user interest profiles for the user and for the other users. In some embodiments,server102 determines similarity scores between the user and other users that have also selected one or more of the meeting spots selected by the user. In some embodiments, the similarity score is the number of overlapping meeting spots that both users have presently entered. In some embodiments, the similarity score is the number of overlapping meeting spots that both users have presently entered divided by the total number of meeting spots that both users have presently entered. In some embodiments, the similarity score is the number of overlapping meeting spots that both users have tagged. In some embodiments, the similarity score is the number of overlapping meeting spots that both users have tagged divided by the total number of meeting spots that both users have tagged. In some embodiments, the similarity score is a combination of one of the preceding scores with a score based on the overlap in attributes of the user and the other user (e.g., age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, languages spoken, body type, height, eye color, hair color, marital status, education level, employment situation, profession, income level, attitude towards smoking and/or drinking, recent online activity, available communication media, and/or preferred way of using communication media (e.g., “always start with a 10-minute conversation over instant messenger,” or “willing to go straight to video chat”).
• Server102 sends (822) andclient102 receives (824) and displays (826) information (e.g., icons932) concerning at least some of the other users for display. In some embodiments, the display of the information932 concerning the other users depends at least in part on the similarity scores between the user and the other users. In some embodiments, users with higher similarity scores are displayed higher (i.e., at higher display positions) than users with lower similarity scores in alist960 of other users. In some embodiments, the similarity scores of the other users and the order in which the other users932 are displayed inlist960 changes in real time as the user changes the meeting spots that he or she has selected (e.g., by entering or leaving meetings spots). In some embodiments, GUI icons associated with users with higher similarity scores are displayed more prominently than GUI icons associated with users with lower similarity scores. In some embodiments, GUI icons differentiate users based at least in part on the users' similarity scores.
• In some embodiments, the information about other users is filtered (e.g., via user filter916) so that only information about other users with whom interaction is desired is displayed (e.g., interact only with other users in the user'scontact list512; interact with anybody, including strangers; or interact with other users whose profiles satisfy one or more criteria (e.g., age range, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, languages spoken, body type, height, eye color, hair color, marital status, education level, employment situation, profession, income level, attitude towards smoking and/or drinking, recent online activity, available communication media, and/or preferred way of using communication media (e.g., “always start with a 10-minute conversation over instant messenger,” or “willing to go straight to video chat”)). In such embodiments, the “in bound” information about other users is filtered.
• Conversely, in some embodiments, a user can filter the “out bound” information concerning the user (e.g., via a filter analogous to user filter916), thereby enabling the user to control: (1) which other users are permitted to view the user's information (e.g., show the user's information only to other users in the user'scontact list512; show the user's information to anybody, including strangers; or show the user's information to other users whose profiles satisfy one or more criteria) and (2) what information about the user is communicated (e.g., the user's screen name orother contact information510, a thumbnail image, and/or one or more user attributes in user profile508).
• In some embodiments, a user can filter or control both the “out bound” information concerning the user and the “in bound” information concerning other users.
• In some embodiments,client104 receives (828) a request from the user to initiate an online discussion or communication with one of the other users. In some embodiments, selecting an icon932 representing another computer user initiates an online communication with the computer user represented by the selected icon932. In some embodiments, the online communication includes instant messaging, voice communications (e.g., using VoIP), and/or video chat. In some embodiments, the user may request to initiate online communications with two or more of the other users, in effect requesting the formation of a multi-user chat room or multi-user communication.
• FIG. 10 is a flowchart representing a method of identifying meeting spots and communicating with meeting spots in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 10 shows processes performed byserver102 andclient104. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that one or more of the acts described may be performed by hardware, software, or a combination thereof, as may be embodied in one or more computing systems. In some embodiments, portions of the processes described here as being performed byserver102 can be performed instead byclient104.FIG. 11 is a schematic screen shot of an exemplary graphical user interface of a map with user-selectable meeting spots in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
• Server102 sends (1008) to a plurality of client devices associated with computer users in an online discussion information corresponding to: amap1102, an icon for a meeting spot to be overlaid on themap1104, a plurality of icons representing at least some of the computer users in the online discussion (e.g.,1106,1108-1,1108-2, and1108-3), and anicon1110 to initiate online communications between a respective client device and a computer associated with the meeting spot. In some embodiments, the icon for themeeting spot1104 is also the icon to initiateonline communications1110. The information corresponding to map1102 and the various icons may be sent using a single data structure or multiple data structures that are merged for display at theclient104. In some embodiments, the information sent that corresponds to map1102 and the various icons contains all of the data needed to display themap1102 and the various icons inGUI1100 onclient104. In some embodiments, the information sent that corresponds to map1102 and/or the various icons include pointers to data stored inclient104. The pointers in combination with the data stored inclient104 can be used to display themap1102 and the various icons inGUI1100 onclient104.
• Client104 receives (1010) and displays (1012) themap1102, the icon for themeeting spot1104, the plurality of icons representing computer users (e.g.,1106,1108-1,1108-2, and1108-3), and theicon1110 to initiate online communications with the meeting spot. In some embodiments, themap1102, the icon for themeeting spot1104, the plurality of icons representing computer users (e.g.,1106,1108-1,1108-2, and1108-3), and theicon1110 to initiate online communications with the meeting spot are displayed in a single application window (e.g., a browser window). In some embodiments, the plurality of icons representing computer users (e.g.,1106,1108-1,1108-2, and1108-3) are fully or partially overlaid on themap1102.
• Client104 initiates (1014) online communications with the computer associated with the meeting spot in response to the computer user selecting a corresponding icon (e.g., by the user clicking onicon1110 with cursor1112).
• In some embodiments,client104 receives (1016) a consideration from an entity associated with the meeting spot. In some embodiments, the consideration is a discount coupon, credit coupon, or membership card. In some embodiments, the entity associated with the meeting spot is the computer associated with the meeting spot.
• In some embodiments,server102 receives (1018) a request to initiate online communications between the computer associated with the meeting spot and at least oneclient104 in the online discussion.
• In some embodiments,server102 initiates (1020) online communications between the computer associated with the meeting spot and at least oneclient104 in the online discussion.
• In some embodiments,server102 establishes (1022) a right to receive a consideration from an entity associated with the meeting spot. In some embodiments, the consideration is a referral fee or a commission. Establishing a right to receive consideration may be accomplished, for example, by posting an entry to an account that will reconciled or otherwise processed at a later time. In some embodiments, the entity associated with the meeting spot is the computer associated with the meeting spot. In some embodiments, theserver102 receives the aforementioned consideration (i.e., participates in a funds transfer, in real time) instead of establishing a right to receive that consideration at1022.
• The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims (10)

1. A method, comprising:

at a server computer:

receiving meeting spot data that correspond to a plurality of meeting spots selected by a computer user, who is currently online and active, at a client device; and

sending information concerning other computer users, who are currently online and active, to the client device for display, wherein each of the other computer users has also currently selected two or more of the meeting spots selected by the computer user.

2. The method ofclaim 1, including creating a meeting-spot-based user interest profile for the computer user based at least in part on the plurality of meeting spots selected by the computer user.

3. The method ofclaim 1, including receiving a request from the client device to initiate an online communication with one or more of the other computer users whose information is displayed at the client device.

4. A method, comprising:

at a client device:

sending meeting spot data that correspond to a plurality of meeting spots selected by a computer user, who is currently online and active, to a server computer; and

receiving information from the server computer for display, wherein the information concerns other computer users who are currently online and active, wherein each of the other computer users has also currently selected two or more of the plurality of meeting spots selected by the computer user.

5. A graphical user interface on a computer with a display, a memory, and one or more processors to execute one or more programs stored in the memory, the graphical user interface comprising:

a plurality of icons representing meeting spots selected by a computer user, who is currently online and active, overlaid on a graphically displayed geographic map; and

a plurality of icons representing other computer users who are currently online and active, wherein each of the other computer users has also currently selected two or more of the meeting spots selected by the computer user.

6. The graphical user interface ofclaim 5, wherein selecting an icon of the plurality of icons representing other computer users initiates an on online communication between the computer user and a respective other computer user that is represented by the selected icon.

7. The graphical user interface ofclaim 6, wherein the online communication includes instant messaging, voice communication, and/or video chat.

8. The graphical user interface ofclaim 5, wherein the plurality of icons representing meeting spots are within a predetermined distance or estimated driving time from a location on the geographic map specified by the computer user.

9. The graphical user interface ofclaim 5, wherein the geographic map is a street map, a satellite photograph, or a hybrid map showing street names superimposed on a satellite photograph.

10. A server computer system, comprising:

one or more processors;

memory; and

one or more programs, wherein the one or more programs are stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the one or more processors, the one or more programs including instructions for:

receiving meeting spot data that correspond to a plurality of meeting spots selected by a computer user at a client device, wherein the computer user is currently online and active; and

sending information concerning other computer users who are currently online and active to the client device for display, wherein each of the other computer users has also currently selected two or more of the meeting spots selected by the computer user.

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