U.S. patent application number 11/220002 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-16 for online dating service enabling testimonials for a service subscriber.
This patent application is currently assigned to Yahoo! Inc.. Invention is credited to Maurice L. JR. Clancy, Ramsey M. Ksar, Herbert Ong, Nawien Sharma, Egon Smola, Vu Hao Thi Truong, Wei Wang, Aaron F. Weiss.
Application Number | 20060059164 11/220002 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38965727 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060059164 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smola; Egon ; et
al. |
March 16, 2006 |
Online dating service enabling testimonials for a service
subscriber
Abstract
A system, method, and apparatus are directed towards enhancing
an online dating service experience by enabling a subscriber to the
service to provide an online dating testimonial from a friend,
family member, companion, and the like, to another subscriber. The
invention further enables the subscriber to tell a date how they
may feel about the date in a non-email format. In one embodiment,
the subscriber may select from a list of predefined online dating
messages. The subscriber may also modify the predefined online
dating message before sending to the date.
Inventors: |
Smola; Egon; (Mountain View,
CA) ; Weiss; Aaron F.; (Sunnyvale, CA) ; Wang;
Wei; (Atherton, CA) ; Ksar; Ramsey M.; (San
Jose, CA) ; Clancy; Maurice L. JR.; (San Francisco,
CA) ; Truong; Vu Hao Thi; (Sunnyvale, CA) ;
Ong; Herbert; (Cupertino, CA) ; Sharma; Nawien;
(Fremont, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DARBY & DARBY P.C.
P.O. BOX 5257
NEW YORK
NY
10150-6257
US
|
Assignee: |
Yahoo! Inc.
Sunnyvale
CA
|
Family ID: |
38965727 |
Appl. No.: |
11/220002 |
Filed: |
September 6, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60610125 |
Sep 15, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 ;
707/999.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/10 20130101;
G06F 16/95 20190101; G06Q 50/01 20130101; G06Q 30/02 20130101; G06Q
30/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
707/010 |
International
Class: |
G06F 17/30 20060101
G06F017/30 |
Claims
1. A method for use in managing an online dating message,
comprising: selecting a recipient from an online dating
environment; selecting at least one predefined online dating
feedback message from a set of predefined online dating feedback
messages; modifying at least a portion of the selected predefined
online dating feedback message; sending the modified predefined
online dating feedback message towards the selected recipient; and
if an online dating testimonial is received, providing access to
the online dating testimonial within the online dating
environment.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting the recipient further
comprises selecting the recipient from at least one of an online
dating candidate, and a date.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the online dating candidate
further comprises a candidate selected from a list of online dating
candidates obtainable, in part, by performing an online dating
search.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the set of predefined online
dating feedback messages further comprises at least one message for
indicating a desire for a date, indicating a desire for another
date, indicating that no further contact is desired, indicating
that prior form of contact was enjoyable, indicating a compliment,
providing dating or relationship help or advice, and indicating
that prior form of contact was not enjoyable.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is configured to
operate with a mobile device.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the online dating testimonial is
received from at least one of a friend, and a family member.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein sending the modified online
dating feedback message further comprises sending a non-email
formatted message.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein providing access to the online
dating testimonial further comprises providing access using a URL
link.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: composing another
online dating feedback message; and sending the composed online
dating feedback message to at least one other recipient within the
online dating environment.
10. A client device that is configured for use in communicating an
online dating message, comprising: a display; a transceiver for
receiving and sending information to another computing device; a
processor in communication with the display and the transceiver;
and a memory in communication with the processor and storing data
and machine instructions that causes the processor to perform a
plurality of operations, including: selecting a recipient from an
online dating environment; selecting at least one predefined online
dating feedback message from a set of predefined online dating
feedback messages; modifying at least a portion of the selected
predefined online dating feedback message; enabling the modified
predefined online dating feedback message to be sent towards the
selected recipient; and if an online dating testimonial is
received, providing access to the online dating testimonial within
the online dating environment.
11. The client device of claim 10, wherein selecting the recipient
further comprises selecting the recipient from at least one of an
online dating candidate, and a date.
12. The client device of claim 11, wherein the online dating
candidate further comprises a candidate selected from a list of
online dating candidates obtainable, in part, by performing an
online dating search.
13. The client device of claim 10, wherein the set of predefined
online dating feedback messages further comprises at least one
message for indicating a desire for a date, indicating a desire for
another date, indicating that no further contact is desired,
indicating that prior form of contact was enjoyable, indicating a
compliment, providing dating or relationship help or advice, and
indicating that prior form of contact was not enjoyable.
14. The client device of claim 10, wherein the client device is
configured to operate as a mobile device.
15. The client device of claim 10, wherein the online dating
testimonial is received from at least one of a friend, and a family
member.
16. A mobile device that is configured for use in communicating an
online dating message, comprising: a display; a transceiver for
receiving and sending information to another computing device over
a wireless network; a processor in communication with the display
and the transceiver; and a memory in communication with the
processor and storing data and machine instructions that causes the
processor to perform a plurality of operations, including:
selecting a recipient from an online dating environment; selecting
at least one predefined online dating feedback message from a set
of predefined online dating feedback messages; modifying at least a
portion of the selected predefined online dating feedback message;
enabling the modified predefined online dating feedback message to
be sent towards the selected recipient; and if an online dating
testimonial is received, providing access to the online dating
testimonial within the online dating environment.
17. A server that is configured for use in managing an online
dating message, comprising: a transceiver for receiving and sending
information to another computing device; a processor in
communication with the transceiver; and a memory in communication
with the processor and storing data and machine instructions that
cause the processor to perform a plurality of operations,
including: enable a selection of a recipient from an online dating
environment; enable a selection of at least one predefined online
dating feedback message from a set of predefined online dating
feedback messages; enable a modification of at least a portion of
the selected predefined online dating feedback message; sending the
modified predefined online dating feedback message towards the
selected recipient; and if an online dating testimonial is
received, providing access to the online dating testimonial within
the online dating environment.
18. The server of claim 17, wherein the server is configured to
communicate with a mobile device.
19. The server of claim 17, wherein the online dating testimonial
is received from at least one of a friend, and a family member.
20. The server of claim 17, wherein sending the modified online
dating feedback message further comprises sending a non-email
formatted message.
21. An apparatus of managing an online dating message, comprising:
a means for selecting a recipient from an online dating
environment; a means for selecting at least one predefined online
dating feedback message from a set of predefined online feedback
messages; a means for modifying at least a portion of the selected
predefined online dating feedback message; a means for sending the
modified predefined online dating feedback message towards the
selected recipient; and if an online dating testimonial is
received, a means for providing access to the online dating
testimonial within the online dating environment.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/610,125 filed on Sep. 15, 2004, the benefit
of the earlier filing date of which is hereby claimed under 35
U.S.C. .sctn. 119 (e) and further incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to online dating
services, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a system
and method for enabling an online dating subscriber to provide
another user with an online dating testimonial and/or a
compliment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Dating services are now so popular that by at least one
study for the given year, over twenty-six percent of all Internet
users in America have visited a personals website. Part of the
reason may be that online dating may appear to be a natural
extension of where people are at this point in time. That is, many
people today, have personal computers, or at least access to a
personal computer. Moreover, virtually everyone wants to fall in
love. Thus, it is natural to merge these two things. As such,
online dating services may appear as the world's biggest singles
bar. Except that it can be done in the privacy of one's own home
where time may be taken to read about another person and get to
know them through email, phone, and the like, before ever going on
an actual date.
[0004] Thus, there has been a flurry of companies launching
services that help people to meet and develop a personal
relationship. Many of these companies, however, are struggling with
developing additional services that will build customer loyalty.
Without the ability to extend the value of the online dating
experience, online dating may lose its appeal. Therefore, it is
with respect to these considerations and others that the present
invention has been made.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present
invention are described with reference to the following drawings.
In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts
throughout the various figures unless otherwise specified.
[0006] For a better understanding of the present invention,
reference will be made to the following Detailed Description of the
Invention, which is to be read in association with the accompanying
drawings, wherein:
[0007] FIG. 1 shows a functional block diagram illustrating one
embodiment of an environment for practicing the invention;
[0008] FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of a server device that may be
included in a system implementing the invention; and
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates a logical flow diagram generally showing
one embodiment of a process for providing at least one of an online
dating testimonial, and an online dating feedback to another online
dating subscriber, in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention now will be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form
a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific
exemplary embodiments by which the invention may be practiced. This
invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and
should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth
herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this
disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the
scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Among other
things, the present invention may be embodied as methods or
devices. Accordingly, the present invention may take the form of an
entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an
embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. The following
detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting
sense.
[0011] Briefly stated, the present invention is directed towards
enhancing an online dating experience by enabling a subscriber to
the service to provide an online dating testimonial from a friend,
family member, companion, and the like, to another subscriber. The
invention further enables the subscriber to tell a date how they
may feel about the date in a non-email format. In one embodiment,
the subscriber may select from a list of predefined messages. The
subscriber may also modify the predefined message before sending to
the date.
[0012] The invention, however, is not constrained to use by
subscribers. As such a non-subscriber may be permitted to provide
testimonials. By enabling the non-subscriber to provide
testimonials, an increased amount of feedback may be obtained about
a subscriber. Moreover, by enabling such testimonial feedback, the
non-subscriber may be encouraged to become a subscriber of the
service.
Illustrative Operating Environment
[0013] FIG. 1 shows components of an exemplary environment in which
the invention may be practiced. Not all the components may be
required to practice the invention, and variations in the
arrangement and type of the components may be made without
departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. As shown,
system 100 of FIG. 1 includes local area networks ("LANs")/wide
area networks ("WANs") 105, wireless network 110, online dating
server (ODS) 108, client device 104, and mobile device 106.
[0014] Generally, client device 102 may include virtually any
computing device capable of receiving and sending a message over a
network, such as network 105, wireless network 110, and the like,
to and from another computing device, such as server 106, mobile
device 104, and the like. The set of such devices may include
devices that typically connect using a wired communications medium
such as personal computers, multiprocessor systems,
microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network
PCs, and the like. The set of such devices may also include devices
that typically connect using a wireless communications medium such
as cell phones, smart phones, pagers, walkie talkies, radio
frequency (RF) devices, infrared (IR) devices, CBs, integrated
devices combining one or more of the preceding devices, or
virtually any mobile device, and the like. Similarly, client device
104 may be any device that is capable of connecting using a wired
or wireless communication medium such as a PDA, POCKET PC, wearable
computer, and any other device that is equipped to communicate over
a wired and/or wireless communication medium.
[0015] Client device 104 may include a browser application that is
configured to receive and to send web pages, web-based messages,
and the like. The browser application may be configured to receive
and display graphics, text, multimedia, and the like, employing
virtually any web based language, including Standard Generalized
Markup Language (SMGL), HyperText Markup Language (HTML), and so
forth.
[0016] Client device 104 may further include a client application
that enables it to perform a variety of other actions, including,
communicating a message, such as through a Short Message Service
(SMS), Multimedia Message Service (MMS), instant messaging (IM),
internet relay chat (IRC), mIRC, Jabber, and the like, between
itself and another computing device. The browser application,
and/or another application, such as the client application, a
plug-in application, and the like, may enable client device 104 to
communicate content to another computing device.
[0017] Mobile device 104 represents one embodiment of a client
device that is configured to be portable. Thus, mobile device 104
may include virtually any portable computing device capable of
connecting to another computing device and receiving information.
Such devices include portable devices such as, cellular telephones,
smart phones, display pagers, radio frequency (RF) devices,
infrared (IR) devices, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), handheld
computers, wearable computers, tablet computers, integrated devices
combining one or more of the preceding devices, and the like.
Mobile device 106 may also include other mobile computing devices,
such as laptop personal computers, microprocessor-based or
programmable consumer electronics, and the like. As such, mobile
device 106 typically ranges widely in terms of capabilities and
features. For example, a cell phone may have a numeric keypad and a
few lines of monochrome LCD display on which only text may be
displayed. In another example, a web-enabled remote device may have
a touch sensitive screen, a stylus, and several lines of color LCD
display in which both text and graphics may be displayed. Moreover,
the web-enabled remote device may include a browser application
enabled to receive and to send wireless application protocol
messages (WAP), and the like. In one embodiment, the browser
application is enabled to employ a Handheld Device Markup Language
(HDML), such as Wireless Markup Language (WML), WMLScript,
JavaScript, and the like, to display and send a message.
[0018] Mobile device 106 also may include at least one client
application that is configured to receive content from another
computing device. The client application may include a capability
to provide and receive textual content, graphical content, audio
content, and the like. The client application may further provide
information that identifies itself, including a type, capability,
name, identifier, and the like. The information may also indicate a
content format that mobile device 106 is enabled to employ. Such
information may be provided in a message, or the like, sent to ODS
108, and the like.
[0019] Mobile device 106 may be configured to communicate a
message, such as through a Short Message Service (SMS), Multimedia
Message Service (MMS), instant messaging (IM), internet relay chat
(IRC), mIRC, Jabber, and the like, between another computing
device, such as ODS 108, and the like. However, the present
invention is not limited to these message protocols, and virtually
any other message protocol may be employed.
[0020] Client device 104 and mobile device 106 may be further
configured to enable a user to participate in an online dating
service, manage personal user information associated with the
online dating service, and the like, which may in turn be saved at
a location, such as ODS 108, and the like. As such, client device
104 and mobile device 106 may further include a client application
that is configured to manage various actions on behalf of the
client device. For example, the client application may enable a
user to interact with the browser application, email application,
and the like, to manage their online dating information. For
example, the user may employ the client application, in part, to
create a user profile, participate in an online dating analysis,
and the like. In one embodiment, the client application may enable
the user to receive an online dating testimonial from another user,
including friend, companion, family, and the like. The client
application may then enable the user to attach the online dating
testimonial to an online dating user profile, and the like. For
example, the user may attach the online dating testimonial to a
link that a reader of the user's profile may select for reading
recommendations, and similar comments. The link may for example, be
implemented using a URL link. The user may also attach the online
dating testimonial to a graphic, such as a self photo, such that
when the photo is selected the online dating testimonial may also
be displayed.
[0021] The client application may further enable the user to
receive and interact with results of a search that is based, at
least in part, on the user's input to the online dating service.
Moreover, the client application further enables the user to
provide online dating feedback to the online dating service
regarding a date, a correspondence with a potential date, and so
forth.
[0022] The client application also may interact with various other
components of the system. For example, in at least one embodiment,
the client application is configured to enable the user to provide
a fee for use of at least a portion of the online dating
service.
[0023] Wireless network 110 is configured to couple mobile device
106 and its components with WAN/LAN 102. Wireless network 110 may
include any of a variety of wireless sub-networks that may further
overlay stand-alone ad-hoc networks, and the like, to provide an
infrastructure-oriented connection for mobile device 106. Such
sub-networks may include mesh networks, Wireless LAN (WLAN)
networks, cellular networks, and the like.
[0024] Wireless network 110 may further include an autonomous
system of terminals, gateways, routers, and the like connected by
wireless radio links, and the like. These connectors may be
configured to move freely and randomly and organize themselves
arbitrarily, such that the topology of wireless network 110 may
change rapidly.
[0025] Wireless network 110 may further employ a plurality of
access technologies including 2nd (2G), 3rd (3G) generation radio
access for cellular systems, WLAN, Wireless Router (WR) mesh, and
the like. Access technologies such as 2G, 3G, and future access
networks may enable wide area coverage for mobile devices, such as
mobile device 106 with various degrees of mobility. For example,
wireless network 110 may enable a radio connection through a radio
network access such as Global System for Mobil communication (GSM),
General Packet Radio Services (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment
(EDGE), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), and the
like. In essence, wireless network 110 may include virtually any
wireless communication mechanism by which information may travel
between mobile device 106 and another computing device, network,
and the like.
[0026] Network 105 is configured to couple ODS 108 and its
components with other computing devices, including, client device
104, ODS 108, and through wireless network 110 to mobile device
106. Network 105 is enabled to employ any form of computer readable
media for communicating information from one electronic device to
another. Also, network 105 can include the Internet in addition to
local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), direct
connections, such as through a universal serial bus (USB) port,
other forms of computer-readable media, or any combination thereof.
On an interconnected set of LANs, including those based on
differing architectures and protocols, a router acts as a link
between LANs, enabling messages to be sent from one to another.
Also, communication links within LANs typically include twisted
wire pair or coaxial cable, while communication links between
networks may utilize analog telephone lines, full or fractional
dedicated digital lines including T1, T2, T3, and T4, Integrated
Services Digital Networks (ISDNs), Digital Subscriber Lines (DSLs),
wireless links including satellite links, or other communications
links known to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, remote
computers and other related electronic devices could be remotely
connected to either LANs or WANs via a modem and temporary
telephone link. In essence, network 105 includes any communication
method by which information may travel between ODS 108 and another
computing device.
[0027] Additionally, communication media typically embodies
computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules,
or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave,
data signal, or other transport mechanism and includes any
information delivery media. The terms "modulated data signal," and
"carrier-wave signal" includes a signal that has one or more of its
characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode
information, instructions, data, and the like, in the signal. By
way of example, communication media includes wired media such as
twisted pair, coaxial cable, fiber optics, wave guides, and other
wired media and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared, and
other wireless media.
[0028] One embodiment of ODS 108 is described in more detail below
in conjunction with FIG. 2. Briefly, however, ODS 108 may include
any computing device capable of connecting to network 105 to enable
a user of at least one of client device 104 and mobile device 106
to manage their online dating activities and related information.
Devices that may operate as ODS 108 include personal computers
desktop computers, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or
programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, servers, and the
like.
Illustrative Server Environment
[0029] FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of a server device, according to
one embodiment of the invention. Server device 200 may include many
more components than those shown. The components shown, however,
are sufficient to disclose an illustrative embodiment for
practicing the invention.
[0030] Server device 200 includes processing unit 212, video
display adapter 214, and a mass memory, all in communication with
each other via bus 222. The mass memory generally includes RAM 216,
ROM 232, and one or more permanent mass storage devices, such as
hard disk drive 228, tape drive, optical drive, and/or floppy disk
drive. The mass memory stores operating system 220 for controlling
the operation of server 102. Any general-purpose operating system
may be employed. Basic input/output system ("BIOS") 218 is also
provided for controlling the low-level operation of server 102. As
illustrated in FIG. 2, server device 200 also can communicate with
the Internet, or some other communications network, such as network
105 in FIG. 1, via network interface unit 210, which is constructed
for use with various communication protocols including the TCP/IP
protocol. Network interface unit 210 is sometimes known as a
transceiver, transceiving device, network interface card (NIC), and
the like.
[0031] Server device 200 may also include an SMTP handler
application for transmitting and receiving email. Server device 200
may also include an HTTP handler application for receiving and
handing HTTP requests, and an HTTPS handler application for
handling secure connections. The HTTPS handler application may
initiate communication with an external application in a secure
fashion.
[0032] Server device 200 also includes input/output interface 224
for communicating with external devices, such as a mouse, keyboard,
scanner, or other input devices not shown in FIG. 2. Likewise,
server device 200 may further include additional mass storage
facilities such as CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive 226 and hard disk drive
228. Hard disk drive 228 is utilized by server 102 to store, among
other things, application programs, databases, and the like.
[0033] The mass memory as described above illustrates another type
of computer-readable media, namely computer storage media. Computer
storage media may include volatile, nonvolatile, removable, and
non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for
storage of information, such as computer readable instructions,
data structures, program modules, or other data. Examples of
computer storage media include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or
other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or
other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic
disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium
which can be used to store the desired information and which can be
accessed by a computing device.
[0034] The mass memory also stores program code and data. One or
more applications 250 are loaded into mass memory and run on
operating system 220. Examples of application programs include
email programs, schedulers, calendars, web services, transcoders,
database programs, word processing programs, spreadsheet programs,
and so forth. Mass storage may further include applications such as
online dating manager (ODM) 252.
[0035] ODM 252 enables a user to manage their online dating user
information, communicate with other users, and non-users, and to
generally pursue an online dating relationship. ODM 252 provides a
variety of features to enable a user of a computing device to
participate in the online dating experience.
[0036] For example, ODM 252 enables a user to search for another
person in the online dating service. After identifying candidates
for a user based on a variety of input, including, a response to a
test, a selection of criteria, and so forth, ODM 252 may analyze
the user's evaluation of candidates for possible adjustments. For
example, whether the user has contacted a candidate, the frequency
of the user's contacts with the candidate, and the order in which
the user contacted the candidates may serve as indicators of the
user's opinion of the candidate. ODM 252 may further prompt the
user to rank or evaluate candidates. Based on the user's feedback,
ODM 252 may automatically adjust the search criteria. ODM 252 may
then conduct an additional search for the user.
[0037] ODM 252 may employ a variety of mechanisms to enable the
user to rank or evaluate the candidates. For example, ODM 252 may
enable the user to review online dating testimonials from others
about a candidate, and to vary their criteria, rankings, and so
forth, based, at least in part, on the online dating
testimonials.
[0038] ODM 252 may further enable the user to communicate with a
candidate through a variety of mechanisms, including email, SMS,
MMS, IM, IRC, mIRC, Jabber, and the like. ODM 252 may further allow
the user to provide to a candidate, date, and the like, online
dating feedback, comments, and the like, indicating how the user
may feel about the candidate, date, and the like. In one
embodiment, the user may select from a set of predefined messages a
message to be sent to the candidate, date, and the like. For
example, the set of predefined messages may include a message
indicating a desire for a date, another date, and the like. The
predefined message may further include messages indicating that no
further contact is desired, that the date (and/or another form of
contact) was enjoyable/not enjoyable, and so forth. Virtually any
predefined messages may be provided for use in communicating to the
potential online dating recipient.
[0039] The user may further be enabled to modify the message. In
another embodiment, the user may compose their own message. ODM 252
may then enable the user to provide the message to the proposed
recipient using any of a variety of mechanisms, including non-email
formats.
[0040] Moreover, ODM 252 may employ a process, such as process 300
described below in conjunction with FIG. 3 to perform actions, such
as those described above.
Generalized Operation
[0041] The operation of certain aspects of the invention will now
be described with respect to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 illustrates a logical
flow diagram generally showing one embodiment of a process for
providing at least one of an online dating testimonial, and an
online dating feedback message to another online dating subscriber.
Process 300 of FIG. 3 may, for example, be implemented within ODM
252 of FIG. 2, with interactions from a client application on a
computing device, including client device 104 and mobile device 106
of FIG. 1.
[0042] Process 300 begins, after a start block, at decision block
302, where a determination is made whether an online dating
testimonial is received for a subscriber to the online dating
service. An online dating testimonial may be received from a
variety of sources, including another subscriber to the online
dating service, a friend, a family member, a date, an IM buddy, and
the like. Receipt of the online dating testimonial may occur using
any of a variety of mechanisms, including email, SMS, MMS, IM, and
the like. Moreover, the online dating testimonial may include
attachments, such as a document, a graphic, music files, audio
files, video files, and so forth. In any event, if an online dating
testimonial is received, processing branches to block 304;
otherwise, processing continues to decision block 310.
[0043] At block 304, the subscriber may review the online dating
testimonial's content to determine whether to post the online
dating testimonial on the subscriber's online dating profile site,
or the like. Processing proceeds to decision block 306 where a
determination is made whether the subscriber is to post the online
dating testimonial. If the subscriber is to post the online dating
testimonial, processing continues to block 308; otherwise,
processing continues to decision block 310. At block 308, the
subscriber may attach the online dating testimonial to virtually
any location within their online dating profile, including to a
graphic, such as a photo, a text file, a web page through a link,
and the like. Should the subscriber receive several online dating
testimonials, the subscriber may select to group the online dating
testimonials, and provide access to another subscriber through the
groupings. In any event, processing then continues to decision
block 310.
[0044] At decision block 310, a determination is made whether the
subscriber indicates an intention to send online dating feedback,
such as a compliment, comment, and similar message, to another
subscriber. The other subscriber may, for example, include an
individual the subscriber dated, corresponded with, and the like.
In any event, if online dating feedback is to be sent, processing
flows to block 312; otherwise, processing returns to a calling
process to perform other actions.
[0045] At block 312, the proposed recipient of the online dating
feedback is selected. As stated above, the recipient may be an
individual the subscriber dated. Processing then continues to
decision block 314, where a determination is made whether the
subscriber is to employ a predefined online dating feedback. If the
subscriber is to employ a predefined online dating feedback,
processing flows to block 316; otherwise, processing flows to block
322.
[0046] At block 322, the subscriber may compose online dating
feedback employing any of a variety of mechanisms, including a text
window, a non-email format such as IM, SMS, MMS, or the like.
Processing then continues to block 324.
[0047] At block 316, however, the subscriber selects from a set of
predefined online dating feedback messages. Such messages may
include, for example, a message indicating that no further contact
is desired, that the subscriber wishes to continue a relationship
with the recipient, that the subscriber finds the recipient
attractive, funny, intelligent, courteous, or the like. In one
embodiment, the message may be selected from a set of predefined
feedback messages that are directed toward providing dating or
relationship help or advice. Such help or advice may be directed,
for example, towards improving an attractiveness of a profile,
enabling one to become more successful in the online dating
environment, or the like. Virtually any set of predefined messages
may be provided for selection for the online dating service
subscriber.
[0048] Processing then continues to decision block 318, where the
subscriber indicates whether to modify the selected predefined
online dating feedback message. If the subscriber is to modify the
message, processing continues to block 320, where the subscriber
may make the appropriate modifications, after which processing
flows to block 324. In addition, if the subscriber does not
indicate an intention to modify the message, processing also flows
to block 324.
[0049] At block 324, the message is sent towards the selected
recipient employing any of a variety of mechanisms. Processing then
returns to the calling process to perform other actions.
[0050] It will be understood that each block of the flowchart
illustrations discussed above, and combinations of blocks in the
flowchart illustrations above, can be implemented by computer
program instructions. These program instructions may be provided to
a processor to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which
execute on the processor, create means for implementing the actions
specified in the flowchart block or blocks. The computer program
instructions may be executed by a processor to cause a series of
operational steps to be performed by the processor to produce a
computer-implemented process such that the instructions, which
execute on the processor, provide steps for implementing the
actions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.
[0051] Accordingly, blocks of the flowchart illustration support
combinations of means for performing the specified actions,
combinations of steps for performing the specified actions and
program instruction means for performing the specified actions. It
will also be understood that each block of the flowchart
illustration, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart
illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based
systems which perform the specified actions or steps, or
combinations of special purpose hardware and computer
instructions.
[0052] The above specification, examples, and data provide a
complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition
of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be
made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention,
the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.
* * * * *