U.S. patent application number 13/671539 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-08 for method, system and program product for a social website.
The applicant listed for this patent is Arafat Arafat, Hossam Arafat. Invention is credited to Arafat Arafat, Hossam Arafat.
Application Number | 20140128162 13/671539 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50622846 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140128162 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Arafat; Hossam ; et
al. |
May 8, 2014 |
Method, System and Program Product for a Social Website
Abstract
A method, system and program product for a social website
comprises communicating with a server over a network connection for
exchanging social media information in which the server processes
the social media information for at least storage in a database. A
contest is received, from the server, for a user to engage in. The
user's inputs to the contest are transferred to the server in which
the server processes the user's inputs and determines a result for
the contest. The result of the contest is received from the
server.
Inventors: |
Arafat; Hossam;
(Mississauga, CA) ; Arafat; Arafat; (Mississauga,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Arafat; Hossam
Arafat; Arafat |
Mississauga
Mississauga |
|
CA
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
50622846 |
Appl. No.: |
13/671539 |
Filed: |
November 7, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 13/795 20140902;
G06Q 50/01 20130101; G07F 17/3295 20130101; A63F 2300/8064
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/42 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method for a social website, the method comprising the steps
of: communicating with a server over a network connection for
exchanging social media information in which said server processes
said social media information for at least storage in a database;
receiving, from said server, a contest for a user to engage in;
transferring, to said server, the user's inputs to said contest in
which said server processes the user's inputs and determines a
result for said contest; and receiving, from said server, said
result of said contest.
2. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising the steps
of receiving, from said server, a challenge-response test to be
completed by the user to gain access to the social website and
transferring to said server the user's response to said
challenge-response test in which said server processes the user's
response to determine authorization for the user.
3. The method as recited in claim 1, in which the user competes
against other users in said contest.
4. The method as recited in claim 1, in which the user competes as
a member of a team against at least one other team.
5. The method as recited in claim 3, further comprising the steps
of receiving, from said server, at least one tie breaker contest
upon said server determining the user has tied at least one other
user in said result to said contest, and transferring, to said
server, the user's inputs to said tie breaker contest in which said
server processes the user's inputs and determines a final result
for said contest.
6. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising the step of
receiving a notification of a prize upon winning said contest.
7. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising the steps
of receiving, from said server, a grand prize contest upon said
server determining the user is eligible for said grand prize
contest, and transferring, to said server, the user's inputs to
said grand prize contest in which said server processes the user's
inputs and determines a result for said grand prize contest.
8. The method as recited in claim 1, in which the user's activity
in the social website further determines said result of said
contest.
9. The method as recited in claim 1, in which said contest at least
comprises a question and answer format.
10. A system for a social website, the system comprising: a client
being configured to be operable for communicating over a network
connection for exchanging social media information, for receiving a
contest for a user to engage in, for transferring the user's inputs
to said contest, and for receiving a result of said contest; and a
server being configured to be operable for hosting the social
website, for communicating over said network connection for
exchanging social media information with said client, for
processing said social media information for at least storage in a
database, for sending said client said contest for the user to
engage in, for receiving the user's inputs to said contest, for
determining said result of said contest, and for sending said
result of said contest to said client.
11. The system as recited in claim 10, in which: the user competes
against other users in said contest as an individual or as a member
of a team, said contest at least comprises a question and answer
format or a game, and the user's activity in the social website
further determines said result of said contest; said client is
further configured to be operable for receiving a
challenge-response test to be completed by the user to gain access
to the social website, for transferring to said server the user's
response to said challenge-response test, for receiving at least
one tie breaker contest upon determination that the user has tied
at least one other user in said result for said contest, for
transferring the user's inputs to said tie breaker contest, for
receiving a notification of a prize upon winning said contest, for
receiving a grand prize contest, for transferring the user's inputs
to said grand prize contest, and for receiving a notification of a
prize upon winning said grand prize contest; and said server is
further configured to be operable for sending said
challenge-response test to said client, for receiving the user's
response to said challenge-response test, for processing the user's
response to said challenge-response test to determine authorization
for the user to gain access to the social website, for determining
if the user has tied at least one other user in said result for
said contest, for sending said at least one tie breaker contest to
said client upon said determination of a tie, for receiving the
user's inputs to said tie breaker contest, for processing the
user's inputs to determine a final result to said contest, for
sending to said client said notification of said prize upon the
user winning said contest, for determining if the user is eligible
for said grand prize contest, for sending said grand prize contest
to said client, for receiving the user's inputs to said grand prize
contest, for processing the user's inputs to determine a result to
said grand prize contest, and for sending to said client said
notification of said prize upon the user winning said grand prize
contest.
12. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium with an
executable program stored thereon, wherein the program instructs a
processor to perform the following steps: communicating with a
server over a network connection for exchanging social media
information in which said server processes said social media
information for at least storage in a database; receiving, from
said server, a contest for a user to engage in; transferring, to
said server, the user's inputs to said contest in which said server
processes the user's inputs and determines a result for said
contest; and receiving, from said server, said result of said
contest.
13. The program instructing the processor as recited in claim 12,
further comprising the steps of receiving, from said server, a
challenge-response test to be completed by the user to gain access
to the social website, and transferring to said server the user's
response to said challenge-response test in which said server
processes the user's response to determine authorization for the
user.
14. The program instructing the processor as recited in claim 12,
in which the user competes against other users in said contest.
15. The program instructing the processor as recited in claim 12,
in which the user competes as a member of a team against at least
one other team.
16. The program instructing the processor as recited in claim 14,
further comprising the steps of receiving, from said server, at
least one tie breaker contest upon said server determining the user
has tied at least one other user in said result to said contest,
and transferring, to said server, the user's inputs to said tie
breaker contest in which said server processes the user's inputs
and determines a final result for said contest.
17. The program instructing the processor as recited in claim 12,
further comprising the step of receiving a notification of a prize
upon winning said contest.
18. The program instructing the processor as recited in claim 12,
further comprising the steps of receiving, from said server, a
grand prize contest upon said server determining the user is
eligible for said grand prize contest, and transferring, to said
server, the user's inputs to said grand prize contest in which said
server processes the user's inputs and determines a result for said
grand prize contest.
19. The program instructing the processor as recited in claim 12,
in which the user's activity in the social website further
determines said result of said contest.
20. The program instructing the processor as recited in claim 12,
in which said contest at least comprises a question and answer
format.
Description
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0001] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING
APPENDIX
[0002] Not applicable.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0003] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the
Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise
reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to
communication systems. More particularly, one or more embodiments
of the invention relate to communication systems for social
websites.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Games may be played online for fun and entertainment
purposes.
[0006] In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional
techniques are not perfect and leave room for more optimal
approaches.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and
not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying
drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar
elements and in which:
[0008] FIG. 1A illustrates an example test implementation
associated with a system, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0009] FIG. 1B illustrates an example test question results
presentation associated with a system, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 1C illustrates an example test question tie results
presentation associated with a system, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 1D illustrates an example test implementation with true
and false answer selections associated with a system, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 1E illustrates an example game implementation
associated with a system, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates an example system, in accordance with an
alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIGS. 3A-B illustrate an example method for operation of the
system as described with reference to FIGS. 1-2, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram depicting a conventional
client/server communication system; and
[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a typical computer system that, when
appropriately configured or designed, may serve as a computer
system for which the present invention may be embodied.
[0017] Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are
not necessarily drawn to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS
[0018] Embodiments of the present invention are best understood by
reference to the detailed figures and description set forth
herein.
[0019] Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with
reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will
readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with
respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the
invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it
should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light
of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity
of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of
the particular application, to implement the functionality of any
given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation
choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is,
there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention
that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the
scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as
plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa,
where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily
imply that the two are mutually exclusive.
[0020] It is to be further understood that the present invention is
not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials,
manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein,
as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology
used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular
embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the
present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the
appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include
the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Thus, for example, a reference to "an element" is a reference to
one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to
those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a
reference to "a step" or "a means" is a reference to one or more
steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All
conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense
possible. Thus, the word "or" should be understood as having the
definition of a logical "or" rather than that of a logical
"exclusive or" unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise.
Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to
functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be
construed to express approximation should be so understood unless
the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0021] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.
Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are
described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials
similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the
practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described
herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents
of such structures. The present invention will now be described in
detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
[0022] From reading the present disclosure, other variations and
modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such
variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other
features which are already known in the art, and which may be used
instead of or in addition to features already described herein.
[0023] Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to
particular combinations of features, it should be understood that
the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes
any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed
herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization
thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as
presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any
or all of the same technical problems as does the present
invention.
[0024] Features which are described in the context of separate
embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single
embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity,
described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be
provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The
Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to
such features and/or combinations of such features during the
prosecution of the present Application or of any further
Application derived therefrom.
[0025] References to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "example
embodiment," "various embodiments," etc., may indicate that the
embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a
particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every
embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure,
or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase "in one
embodiment," or "in an exemplary embodiment," do not necessarily
refer to the same embodiment, although they may.
[0026] As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful
considerations and compromises typically must be made when
designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial
implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of
the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance
with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may
configured according to the needs of the particular application,
whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s),
component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to
any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably
omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or
optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills
and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that
addresses the needs of the particular application.
[0027] A "computer" may refer to one or more apparatus and/or one
or more systems that are capable of accepting a structured input,
processing the structured input according to prescribed rules, and
producing results of the processing as output. Examples of a
computer may include: a computer; a stationary and/or portable
computer; a computer having a single processor, multiple
processors, or multi-core processors, which may operate in parallel
and/or not in parallel; a general purpose computer; a
supercomputer; a mainframe; a super mini-computer; a mini-computer;
a workstation; a micro-computer; a server; a client; an interactive
television; a web appliance; a telecommunications device with
internet access; a hybrid combination of a computer and an
interactive television; a portable computer; a tablet personal
computer (PC); a personal digital assistant (PDA); a portable
telephone; application-specific hardware to emulate a computer
and/or software, such as, for example, a digital signal processor
(DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application
specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an application specific
instruction-set processor (ASIP), a chip, chips, a system on a
chip, or a chip set; a data acquisition device; an optical
computer; a quantum computer; a biological computer; and generally,
an apparatus that may accept data, process data according to one or
more stored software programs, generate results, and typically
include input, output, storage, arithmetic, logic, and control
units.
[0028] "Software" may refer to prescribed rules to operate a
computer. Examples of software may include: code segments in one or
more computer-readable languages; graphical and or/textual
instructions; applets; pre-compiled code; interpreted code;
compiled code; and computer programs.
[0029] A "computer-readable medium" may refer to any storage device
used for storing data accessible by a computer. Examples of a
computer-readable medium may include: a magnetic hard disk; a
floppy disk; an optical disk, such as a CD-ROM and a DVD; a
magnetic tape; a flash memory; a memory chip; and/or other types of
media that can store machine-readable instructions thereon.
[0030] A "computer system" may refer to a system having one or more
computers, where each computer may include a computer-readable
medium embodying software to operate the computer or one or more of
its components. Examples of a computer system may include: a
distributed computer system for processing information via computer
systems linked by a network; two or more computer systems connected
together via a network for transmitting and/or receiving
information between the computer systems; a computer system
including two or more processors within a single computer; and one
or more apparatuses and/or one or more systems that may accept
data, may process data in accordance with one or more stored
software programs, may generate results, and typically may include
input, output, storage, arithmetic, logic, and control units.
[0031] A "network" may refer to a number of computers and
associated devices that may be connected by communication
facilities. A network may involve permanent connections such as
cables or temporary connections such as those made through
telephone or other communication links. A network may further
include hard-wired connections (e.g., coaxial cable, twisted pair,
optical fiber, waveguides, etc.) and/or wireless connections (e.g.,
radio frequency waveforms, free-space optical waveforms, acoustic
waveforms, etc.). Examples of a network may include: an internet,
such as the Internet; an intranet; a local area network (LAN); a
wide area network (WAN); and a combination of networks, such as an
internet and an intranet.
[0032] Exemplary networks may operate with any of a number of
protocols, such as Internet protocol (IP), asynchronous transfer
mode (ATM), and/or synchronous optical network (SONET), user
datagram protocol (UDP), IEEE 802.x, etc.
[0033] Embodiments of the present invention may include apparatuses
for performing the operations disclosed herein. An apparatus may be
specially constructed for the desired purposes, or it may comprise
a general-purpose device selectively activated or reconfigured by a
program stored in the device.
[0034] Embodiments of the invention may also be implemented in one
or a combination of hardware, firmware, and software. They may be
implemented as instructions stored on a machine-readable medium,
which may be read and executed by a computing platform to perform
the operations described herein.
[0035] In the following description and claims, the terms "computer
program medium" and "computer readable medium" may be used to
generally refer to media such as, but not limited to, removable
storage drives, a hard disk installed in hard disk drive, and the
like. These computer program products may provide software to a
computer system. Embodiments of the invention may be directed to
such computer program products.
[0036] An algorithm is here, and generally, considered to be a
self-consistent sequence of acts or operations leading to a desired
result. These include physical manipulations of physical
quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take
the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored,
transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It has
proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common
usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements,
symbols, characters, terms, numbers or the like. It should be
understood, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be
associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely
convenient labels applied to these quantities.
[0037] Unless specifically stated otherwise, and as may be apparent
from the following description and claims, it should be appreciated
that throughout the specification descriptions utilizing terms such
as "processing," "computing," "calculating," "determining," or the
like, refer to the action and/or processes of a computer or
computing system, or similar electronic computing device, that
manipulate and/or transform data represented as physical, such as
electronic, quantities within the computing system's registers
and/or memories into other data similarly represented as physical
quantities within the computing system's memories, registers or
other such information storage, transmission or display
devices.
[0038] In a similar manner, the term "processor" may refer to any
device or portion of a device that processes electronic data from
registers and/or memory to transform that electronic data into
other electronic data that may be stored in registers and/or
memory. A "computing platform" may comprise one or more
processors.
[0039] A non-transitory computer readable medium includes, but is
not limited to, a hard drive, compact disc, flash memory, volatile
memory, random access memory, magnetic memory, optical memory,
semiconductor based memory, phase change memory, optical memory,
periodically refreshed memory, and the like; however, the
non-transitory computer readable medium does not include a pure
transitory signal per se.
[0040] Systems will be described which provides means and methods
for providing social websites associated with social media
marketing via test (e.g. trivia) and/or games enabling user to
compete. Non-limiting examples for which competition is based upon
include knowledge, skill and speed. As a non-limiting example, a
winner of a test or game may be awarded a prize. Non-limiting
examples for system providing capability include web based or
application based. Systems may allow members to add groups/teams to
compete via tests with other groups/teams and may award a prize on
a groups/teams overall result which is based on knowledge, skill
and speed.
[0041] FIGS. 1A-E illustrate an example implementation associated
with a system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0042] FIG. 1A illustrates an example test implementation
associated with a system, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0043] An implementation 100 includes a multiplicity of users with
a sampling noted as a user 102, a test 104 and a presentation
106.
[0044] Implementation 100 provides capability for a multiplicity of
users to execute a test. As a non-limiting example, implementation
100 may provide capability for a history test. In some embodiments
implementation 100 may provide capability for user to execute a
game.
[0045] User 102 is a person taking a test or an exam. Test 104
represents a test taken by user 102. Presentation 106 represents
information presented to user 102 associated with test 104. As a
non-limiting example, information associated with a grand prize
test/game may be presented via presentation 106. As a non-limiting
example, presentation 106 may be presented for viewing via a
Graphical User Interface (GUI).
[0046] Presentation 106 includes a presentation area 108, and a
test presentation area 110.
[0047] Presentation area 108 presents information for viewing by
user 102. Test presentation area 110 presents information
associated with the test (e.g. test 104) being performed by user
102.
[0048] Test presentation area 110 includes an information area 112,
a question area 114, an image/video area 116, a multiplicity of
answers with a sampling noted as an answer selection 118 and a next
selection 120.
[0049] Information area 112 presents information for viewing.
Non-limiting examples for information include date, time and
question number. As a non-limiting example, the time information
may initiate when a test/game begins and terminates once the
test/game is completed. Furthermore, time information may be
presented in minute, seconds and milliseconds format. Question area
114 presents information associated with a question to be answered.
Image/video area 116 presents image and/or video information
associated with the question related to question area 114. Answer
selection 118 provides for reception of an answer to the question
information presented via question area 114. Next selection 120
provides capability for selecting to transition from answer the
question to the next phase. Non-limiting examples of the next phase
include presenting another question, presenting test results and
determining a winner. In some embodiments next selection 120 may be
presented as "Submit" when presented with the last test for a
series of test questions.
[0050] In operation user 102 is presented with test 104 in which
test presentation area 110 is presented for user 102 to answer.
User 102 reviews information presented via question area 114 and
image/video area 116 and selects an answer such as answer selection
118. When user 102 is satisfied with answer provided, user 102
selects next selection 120 to proceed to the next phase of the
process.
[0051] FIG. 1A illustrates an example test implementation
associated with a system where a test is provided to a user with
question information and other information with user selecting an
answer to question and selecting to advance to the next phase of
the test process.
[0052] FIG. 1B illustrates an example test question results
presentation associated with a system, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0053] Implementation 100 includes the elements as described with
reference to FIG. 1A plus a results area 122, a continue selection
124 and a winner determination portion 126.
[0054] Results area 122 presents information associated the results
of a test or exam question as presented in FIG. 1A. As a
non-limiting example, results area 122 may be presented via a
pop-up box. As a non-limiting example, results area 122 may present
the results of a test or game following completion of executing the
test/game. Furthermore, correct answer may be presented, time for
answering question and/or taking test may be presented and total
score may be presented. Continue selection 124 provides capability
for selecting to continue to the next phase or step of a process.
Winner determination portion 126 determines a winner from the users
(e.g. user 102) participating in the contest.
[0055] In operation, user 102 selects answer selection 118 followed
by selection of next selection 120. Furthermore, information
associated with results area 122 is presented to user 102.
Non-limiting examples of information presented include pass or fail
as related to the answer selected for the question. If the test is
complete, a winner may be determined and communicated via winner
determination portion 126. Following presents of results
information for the question or for the test, user selects continue
selection 124 to continue to next phase of the process or to
continue to the next game.
[0056] FIG. 1B illustrates an example test question results
presentation associated with a system where results associated with
answering a question are presented and a winner may be
determined.
[0057] FIG. 1C illustrates an example test question tie results
presentation associated with a system, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0058] Implementation 100 includes the elements as described with
reference to FIGS. 1A-B plus a tie portion 128 and a tie breaker
portion 130.
[0059] Tie portion 128 performs processing to determine if a tie
has occurred for a test or exam. Tie breaker portion 130 represents
performing a tie breaker to determine a winner.
[0060] In operation, winner determination portion 126 determines a
winner or winners. If multiple winners are determined, then tie
portion 128 determines a tie has occurred. Furthermore, tie breaker
portion 130 is performed associated with a tie breaker to determine
a winner. If a winner is determined, then winner may be
communicated via winner determination portion 126. If a winner is
not determined, then the tie breaker procedure may be performed
again until a winner is determined.
[0061] FIG. 1C illustrates an example test question tie results
presentation associated with a system where a tie is determined and
a tie breaker is performed to determine a winner.
[0062] FIG. 1D illustrates an example test implementation with true
and false answer selections associated with a system, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0063] Implementation 100 includes some of the elements as
described with reference to FIG. 1A plus a true test answer 132 and
a false test answer 134.
[0064] True test answer 132 may be selected by a user when
selecting for a true response to question areal 14. False test
answer 134 may be selected by a user when selecting for a false
response to question area 114.
[0065] In operation user 102 is presented with test 104 in which
test presentation area 110 is presented for user 102 to answer.
User 102 reviews information presented via question area 114 and
image/video area 116 and selects true test answer 132 or false test
answer 134. When user 102 is satisfied with answer provided, user
102 selects next selection 120 to proceed to the next phase of the
process.
[0066] FIG. 1D illustrates an example test implementation with true
and false answer selections associated with a system where a true
selection or a false selection may be performed.
[0067] FIG. 1E illustrates an example game implementation
associated with a system, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0068] Implementation 100 includes some of the elements as
described with reference to FIG. 1A plus a game portion 136 and a
game presentation/reception area 138.
[0069] Game portion 136 provides a game to be played by user 102.
Game presentation/reception area 138 provides for presentation and
reception of information associated with play game portion 136.
[0070] In operation user 102 is presented with game portion 136 in
game presentation/reception area 138 is presented for user to view
information associated with playing game and receives information
from user associated with playing the game. User reviews
information presented via game presentation/reception area 138 and
provides information via game presentation/reception area 138. When
user 102 has completed game, user 102 selects next selection 120 to
proceed to the next phase of the process.
[0071] FIG. 1E illustrates an example game implementation
associated with a system where game information may be presented
and received.
[0072] FIG. 2 illustrates an example system, in accordance with an
alternative embodiment of the present invention.
[0073] A system 200 includes user 102, a multiplicity of GUIs with
a sampling noted as a GUI portion 202, a multiplicity of clients
with a sampling noted as a client portion 204 and a server 206.
[0074] System 200 provides support for social media and processing
for tests/games as described with reference to FIGS. 1A-E.
[0075] User 102 communicates bi-directionally with GUI portion 202
via an audio/visual communication channel 208. GUI portion 202
communicates bi-directionally with client portion 204 via a
communication channel 210. Client portion 204 communicates
bi-directionally with server 206 via a communication channel
212.
[0076] GUI portion 202 provides a GUI for presenting and receiving
information. Client portion 204 provides for receipt, transmission,
storage and processing of information. Server 206 provides for
receipt, transmission, storage and processing of information.
Furthermore, server 206 provides for social media, game and test
processing.
[0077] Server 206 includes a processor portion 214, a social media
portion 216, a test portion 218, a game portion 220, a results
portion 222, a tie portion 224, a tie breaker portion 226, a winner
portion 228, a prize portion 230 and a database portion 232.
[0078] Processor portion 214 communicates bi-directionally with
client via communication channel 212, with social media portion via
a communication channel 234, with test portion 218 via a
communication channel 238, with game portion 220 via a
communication channel 240 and with database portion 232 via a
communication channel 241. Results portion 222 receives information
from game portion 220 via a communication channel 242 and from test
portion 218 via a communication channel 244. Tie portion 224
receives information from results portion 222 via a communication
channel 246. Tie breaker portion 226 receives information from tie
portion 224, winner portion 228 receives information from results
portion 222 via a communication channel 250 and from tie breaker
portion 226 via a communication channel 252. Prize portion 230
receives information from winner portion 228 via a communication
channel 254. Processor portion 214 receives information from prize
portion 230 via a communication channel 256.
[0079] Processor portion 214 receives, transmits and processes
information. Furthermore, processor portion 214 may receive
computer instruction code for performing processing. Social media
portion 216 performs processing associated with social media.
Furthermore, social media portion 216 may perform processing
associated with marketing. Test portion 218 performs processing
associated with a test or tests. Game portion 220 performs
processing associated with a game or games. Results portion 222
performs results processing associated with a game, games, test
and/or tests. Tie portion 224 performs processing associated with a
tie between various participants in a test, tests, game and/or
games. Tie breaker portion 226 performs processing associated with
determining a tie breaker between various participants. Winner
portion 228 performs processing associated with determining a
winner for a game, games, test and/or tests. Database portion 232
receives, stores, retrieves and transmits information. As a
non-limiting example, information stored in database portion 232
may include test and/or test information for test execution.
Furthermore, database portion 232 may contain information
associated with test results (e.g. score, time to execute
test/game, etc.) Furthermore, test information may be uploaded to
database portion 232 via an administrator.
[0080] In operation, GUI receives information from social media
portion 216, test portion 218 and/or game portion 220 by way of
client portion 204 and processor portion 214. Furthermore, GUI
presents received information to user 102. User 102 provides
information to GUI portion 202. Furthermore, GUI portion 202
communicates the information to processor portion 214 and database
portion 232 by way of client portion 204. Information provided by
user 102 and received by processor portion 214 and database portion
232 is provided to social media portion 216, test portion 218
and/or game portion 220. Social media portion 216, test portion 218
and game portion 220 receive and process the received information
provided by user 102. As a non-limiting example, test portion 218
may process an answer or answers associated with a test. As a
non-limiting example, game portion 220 may process an answer or
answers associated with a game. As a non-limiting example, social
media portion 216 may process information associated with social
media and/or social media marketing. Results portion 222 performs
processing associated test or game results. Tie portion 224
receives results information and determines if a tie condition
exists. Tie breaker portion 226 receives information with a tie and
determines a tie breaker in order to determine a winner. Winner
portion 228 receives tie break information and/or results
information and determines a winner. Prize portion 230 receives
winner information and performs processing associated delivering a
prize to the winner.
[0081] FIG. 2 illustrates an example system where social media,
test and/or game is presented to a user, user response to social
media, test and/or game is processed, test, game and/or social
media response is processed, results for game and/or test are
determined, tie processing is performed, tie break processing is
performed, winner processing is performed and information
associated with a prize is processed.
[0082] FIGS. 3A-B illustrate an example method for operation of the
system as described with reference to FIGS. 1-2, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0083] FIGS. 3A-B present a method 300 with a process initiating in
a step 302.
[0084] Referring to FIG. 3A, in a step 304, system performs social
media processing.
[0085] As a non-limiting example, user 102 (as shown in FIGS. 1-2)
interacts with social media portion 216 (as shown in FIG. 2).
Non-limiting examples of processing performed by social media
portion 216 (as shown in FIG. 2) include point accumulation,
performing surveys and tests, receipt of information and
communication with subsidiary social media sites.
[0086] Referring to FIG. 3A, in a step 306, registration is
performed.
[0087] As a non-limiting example, user 102 & client 204 (as
shown in FIGS. 1-2) provides personal and user identification
information. Furthermore, the personal and user identification
information is received and processed by processor portion 214 (as
shown in FIG. 2) and stored via database portion 232 (as shown in
FIG. 2). Non-limiting examples of information processed include
user identification, password, name, address, telephone number and
credit card details.
[0088] Referring to FIG. 3A, in a step 308, user(s) access
system.
[0089] As a non-limiting example, user 102 as (shown in FIGS. 1-2)
enters user identification and password and processor portion 214
(as shown in FIG. 2) verifies provided user identification and
password with user identification and password stored in database
portion 232 (as shown in FIG. 2).
[0090] Referring to FIG. 3A, in a step 310, authorization is
performed.
[0091] As a non-limiting example, a "captcha" may be requested to
be entered by user 102 (as shown in FIGS. 1-2) and verified via
processor portion 214 (as shown in FIG. 2) and database portion 232
(as shown in FIG. 2).
[0092] A captcha is a type of challenge-response test used in
computing as an attempt to ensure the response is generated by a
person. The process usually involves a computer asking a user to
complete a simple test which the computer is able to grade. These
tests are designed to be easy for a computer to generate, but
difficult for a computer to determine a solution, so that if a
correct solution is received, the probability the answer is
provided by a human is high. Captcha's aid in preventing a computer
from gaining access to a website.
[0093] Referring to FIG. 3A, in a step 312 a determination for
executing a test is performed.
[0094] As a non-limiting example, user 102 (as shown in FIGS. 1-2)
may be presented with performing a test, a type of test or other
type of procedure (e.g. game). User 102 (as shown in FIGS. 1-2) may
then select to perform a test.
[0095] Referring to FIG. 3A, for a determination for executing a
test in step 312, then in a step 314 a test is selected.
[0096] As a non-limiting example, as a non-limiting example, a test
may be randomly selected by test portion 218 (as shown in FIG. 2)
from a set of tests stored in database portion 232 (as shown in
FIG. 2) for presentation to user 102 (as shown in FIGS. 1-2).
Furthermore, in some embodiments, a test previously taken by a user
may not be selected for a subsequent test.
[0097] Referring to FIG. 3A, in a step 316, a question is
presented.
[0098] As a non-limiting example, test portion 218 (as shown in
FIG. 2) presents a test question to user 102 (as shown in FIGS.
1-2) via GUI portion 202 (as shown in FIG. 2). Furthermore, format
of test question presented may be configured as presented via
presentation 106 (as shown in FIG. 1). As a non-limiting example,
test may be based upon an algorithm. Non-limiting timeframes for
taking test(s) include daily and monthly. As a non-limiting
example, the number of test questions may range from one to ten.
Furthermore, the number of questions may be revised higher or lower
via the administrator.
[0099] Referring to FIG. 3A, in a step 318, an answer is
received.
[0100] As a non-limiting example, test portion 218 receives and
processes answer provided by user 102 (as shown in FIGS. 1-2).
Furthermore, user may answer selection 118 (as shown in FIG. 1) for
performing selection of answer. Furthermore, user may select next
selection 120 (as shown in FIG. 1) for continuing to the next phase
of processing. Furthermore, user 102 (as shown in FIGS. 1-2) may be
presented with results of question via results area 122 (as shown
in FIG. 1B). In some embodiments, for a user receiving a test
question and not submitting an answer, the question is considered
for determining test results. Furthermore, user may be blocked from
performing further tests associated with the same category.
[0101] Referring to FIG. 3A, in a step 320 a determination for
completion of test is performed.
[0102] As a non-limiting example, test portion 218 (as shown in
FIG. 2) determines if the set of test questions have been presented
to user 102 (as shown in FIGS. 1-2) and a corresponding set of test
questions have been received from user 102 (as shown in FIGS.
1-2).
[0103] Referring to FIG. 3A, for a determination of not completing
test in step 320, execution of method 300 transitions to step
316.
[0104] Referring to FIG. 3A, for a determination of not executing a
test in step 312, then in a step 322 a determination for executing
a game is performed.
[0105] As a non-limiting example, game portion 220 (as shown in
FIG. 2) determines if a game is to be performed.
[0106] Referring to FIG. 3A, for a determination of not executing a
game in step 322, then execution of method 300 transitions to step
312.
[0107] Referring to FIG. 3A, for a determination of executing game
in step 322, then selection of game is performed in a step 324.
[0108] As a non-limiting example, game portion 220 (as shown in
FIG. 2) selects a game to be executed. As a non-limiting example,
game may be selected at random from a group of games.
[0109] Referring to FIG. 3A, then execution of game is performed in
a step 325.
[0110] As a non-limiting example, game portion 220 (as shown in
FIG. 2) presents game to user 102 (as shown in FIGS. 1-2) for
execution. Furthermore, execution of game may be based upon an
algorithm.
[0111] Referring to FIG. 3A, following execution of game in step
325 and for a determination of completion of testing in step 320,
then in a step 326, results of test and/or game are determined.
[0112] As a non-limiting example, results portion 222 (as shown in
FIG. 2) receives test information from test portion 218 (as shown
in FIG. 2) and/or game information from game portion 220 (as shown
in FIG. 2). Furthermore, results portion 222 (as shown in FIG. 2)
determines the results associated with the participating users.
[0113] Referring to FIG. 3A, then in a step 328 determination of
results are presented.
[0114] As a non-limiting example, results portion 222 (as shown in
FIG. 2) presents the results associated with the test(s) or the
game(s) to user 102 (as shown in FIGS. 1-2).
[0115] Referring to FIG. 3B, then a determination for a tie
condition is performed in a step 330.
[0116] As a non-limiting example, tie portion 224 (as shown in FIG.
2) receives results information from results portion 222 (as shown
in FIG. 2) and determines a tie condition exists.
[0117] Referring to FIG. 3B, for a determination of a tie condition
in step 330, then in a step 332 a tie breaker is performed.
[0118] As a non-limiting example, tie breaker portion 226 (as shown
in FIG. 2) receives tie information from tie portion 224 (as shown
in FIG. 2) and determines a winner. Furthermore, additional test or
tests may be performed in order to break a tie. Furthermore, speed
of test execution may be used for breaking a tie. Furthermore, user
may be directed to a link for taking another test or a multiplicity
of tests until tie is broken.
[0119] Referring to FIG. 3B, following performance of a tie breaker
in step 332 and for a determination of no tie in step 330, then a
winner is selected in a step 334.
[0120] As a non-limiting example, for a condition of no tie, winner
portion 228 (as shown in FIG. 2) receives results information from
results portion 222 (as shown in FIG. 2) and determines a winner.
Furthermore, for a tie condition, winner portion 228 (as shown in
FIG. 2) receives results of tie breaker portion 226 (as shown in
FIG. 2) for determining winner. Furthermore, winner may be
determined via highest score and/or least amount of time.
Furthermore, a user may be declared the winner if the user achieves
the highest score in the fastest amount of time during the
timeframe for taking the test or playing the game.
[0121] Referring to FIG. 3B, then in a step 336 prize processing is
performed.
[0122] As a non-limiting example, prize portion 230 (as shown in
FIG. 2) receives winner information from winner portion 228 (as
shown in FIG. 2) and presents prize to winner. As a non-limiting
example, results of test are emailed to users. Furthermore, winner
may be requested to provide information needed for mailing prize to
winner.
[0123] Referring to FIG. 3B, then a determination for executing a
test for a grand prize is performed in a step 338.
[0124] As a non-limiting example, conditions for executing test for
grand prize may include previously haven taken 15 tests, user 102
(as shown in FIGS. 1-2) adding five friends or a combination of
number of previous tests and number of friends added (e.g. 3 prior
tests and one friend added). Furthermore, following execution of a
grand prize test, conditions may reset and may be configured as
conditions for taking grand prize test again (e.g. 15 prior tests
or 5 friends added since previous execution of the grand prize
test).
[0125] Referring to FIG. 3B, for a determination of executing a
grand prize in step 338, then in a step 340 a grand prize test is
performed.
[0126] Referring to FIG. 3B, then a determination for a winner of
the grand prize is performed in a step 342.
[0127] As a non-limiting example, test portion 218 (as shown in
FIG. 2) provides grand prize test to user 102 (as shown in FIGS.
1-2).
[0128] Referring to FIG. 3B, for a determination of a grand prize
winner in step 342, then in a step 344 grand prize processing is
performed.
[0129] As a non-limiting example, information associated with grand
prize test is communicated to results portion 222 (as shown in FIG.
2). Furthermore, grand prize results information is communicated to
winner portion 228 (as shown in FIG. 2). Furthermore, grand prize
winner information is communicated to prize portion 230 (as shown
in FIG. 2). Prize portion 230 (as shown in FIG. 2) communicates
prize information to winner.
[0130] Referring to FIG. 3B, for a determination of not a grand
prize winner in step 342 and following grand prize processing in
step 344, a determination for exiting method 300 is performed in a
step 346.
[0131] Referring to FIG. 3B, for a determination of not exiting
method 300 in step 346, execution of method 300 transitions to step
312 as described with reference to FIG. 3A.
[0132] Referring to FIG. 3B, for a determination of exiting method
300 in step 346, then execution of method 300 terminates in a step
348.
[0133] FIGS. 3A-B illustrate an example method for operation of the
system as described with reference to FIGS. 1-2 where social media
processing is performed, registration is performed, system access
is performed, authorization is performed, a test is selected, test
is performed, a game is selected, a game is performed, results are
determined, results are presented, tie processing is performed, tie
breaker processing is performed, a winner is determined, prize
processing is performed, a grand prize test is performed, grand
prize winner is determined and grand prize processing is
performed.
[0134] Systems have been described which provide means and methods
for providing a social website associated with social media
marketing via test (e.g. trivia) and/or games enabling user to
compete. Non-limiting examples for which competition is based upon
include knowledge, skill and speed. As a non-limiting example, a
winner of a test or game may be awarded a prize. Non-limiting
examples for system providing capability include web based or
application based.
[0135] In some embodiments, system requires less time of user for
competing test as compared to conventional systems.
[0136] In some embodiments, a point system/algorithm may be used
for calculating user scores. As a non-limiting example, points may
be accumulated via web marketing strategies such as surveys, online
forms, online tests and visitation of websites. In some
embodiments, results may be based upon usage of system. In some
embodiments, a prize may be awarded instantly. In some embodiments,
an activation code may be requested for executing test/game. In
some embodiments, questions may be presented via audio and/or
video. In some embodiments, a pop up box may be supplied associated
with a correct or incorrect answer to a question. In some
embodiments, time may be calculated from start of test to end of
test. In some embodiments, time may be calculated based upon the
time needed to answer a question. In some embodiments, personal
information may be requested prior to user answering a question or
executing a test. In some embodiments, users may not need to
register prior to participating. In some embodiments, an
application may be supplied to a group for execution of test/game.
In some embodiments, method for determining winner and assigning
prize may be performed via an application. In some embodiments,
questions and answers may be uploaded and provided by users.
Furthermore, in some embodiments, users providing questions/answers
may participate. Furthermore, in some embodiments, users providing
questions/answers may not participate. In some embodiments, a
multiplicity of tests may be performed prior to determining a
winner. In some embodiments, as a non-limiting example, system may
be applied for a company, contest, sweepstake and/or social
network. In some embodiments, users may be ranked based upon
results associated with test/game. In some embodiments, as a
non-limiting example, real or virtual money may be used for
purchasing or accessing tests/games and/or grand prize test/game.
Furthermore, virtual money may be accumulated via web marketing
such as surveys, online forms, visitation and/or subsidiary
websites. In some embodiments, the largest number of correct
answers in a time period may be determined as the winner.
Non-limiting examples for time periods include hour, day and month.
In some embodiments, the order in which users execute tests/games
may be used for score calculation (e.g. first come has a larger
number of points considered, last come has lower number of points
considered). In some embodiments, winner selection may be randomly
determined. In some embodiments, winner for daily and/or monthly
tests may be selected using an automated or manual algorithm. In a
non-limiting example, algorithms that run continuously in a live
environment may be considered to be automated. Algorithms that are
only run periodically and initiated by, but not limited to, a site
administrator may be considered a manual algorithm. In some
embodiments, a question or questions may be selected as a winning
question for which a correct answer determines a winner.
Furthermore, question may be randomly selected for presentation.
Furthermore, winning question may be selected by administrator. In
some embodiments, a question or questions may be selected as
value/money/prize questions for which a correct answer results in
user being rewarded with value/money/prize. Furthermore, question
or questions may be selected for presentation at random. In some
embodiments, tie breaking may be performed based upon parameters
associated with user. Non-limiting examples of parameters include
site activity, social connections, initial site registration and
prior winnings. In some embodiments, a single winner may be
selected as opposed to a multiplicity of winners. Furthermore,
single winner may be selected based upon points, money, virtual
money, test taken per time period, first come first serve, random,
winning question and question associated with value/money/prize. In
some embodiments, tie breaking may be performed based upon points,
money, virtual money, test taken per time period, first come first
serve, random, winning question and question associated with
value/money/prize. In some embodiments, system does not include a
computerized system for operating a skill or knowledge based
interactive game with several new modes of play associated with the
game. In some embodiments, system does not include a web-based game
where sponsors provide prizes and rewards. Furthermore, the prizes
and awards are made available to the higher-scoring players where
the winning players select the prizes while non-winners earn points
toward rewards for which the non-winners may choose. In some
embodiments, system does not include an online backing system
whereby a participant backs a contestant in a competitive game of
skill for the chance to win additional virtual currency, if the
backed contestant satisfies predetermined performance criteria. In
some embodiments, members compete with test/games via online and
the host of the website decides the winners or bases members in a
draw to declare winner so there are no ties. In some embodiments,
members compete and system declares more than 1 winner so there are
no ties. In some embodiments, members compete via online with 1
test/game and automatically win a prize no matter what the outcome
is for the member. In some embodiments, the system may be used on a
social network by adding members via social network and having them
compete online with a test/games for a prize. In some embodiments,
tests/games may be used for geographical locations to award members
prizes. In some embodiments, members compete with test/games daily
and the monthly based results of members is recorded in a database
to determine their end of month outcome and a prize is awarded to
the member with the highest score. In some embodiments, members are
given out codes to apply on a website to earn points while
competing on test/games. Member may still compete on ranking with
the test/games between other members but can achieve a higher
ranking by receiving more codes to earn points which will enable
them to be the winner.
[0137] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram depicting a conventional
client/server communication system.
[0138] A communication system 400 includes a multiplicity of
networked regions with a sampling of regions denoted as a network
region 402 and a network region 404, a global network 406 and a
multiplicity of servers with a sampling of servers denoted as a
server device 408 and a server device 410.
[0139] Network region 402 and network region 404 may operate to
represent a network contained within a geographical area or region.
Non-limiting examples of representations for the geographical areas
for the networked regions may include postal zip codes, telephone
area codes, states, counties, cities and countries. Elements within
network region 402 and 404 may operate to communicate with external
elements within other networked regions or within elements
contained within the same network region.
[0140] In some implementations, global network 406 may operate as
the Internet. It will be understood by those skilled in the art
that communication system 400 may take many different forms.
Non-limiting examples of forms for communication system 400 include
local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), wired
telephone networks, cellular telephone networks or any other
network supporting data communication between respective entities
via hardwired or wireless communication networks. Global network
406 may operate to transfer information between the various
networked elements.
[0141] Server device 408 and server device 410 may operate to
execute software instructions, store information, support database
operations and communicate with other networked elements.
Non-limiting examples of software and scripting languages which may
be executed on server device 408 and server device 410 include C,
C++, C# and Java.
[0142] Network region 402 may operate to communicate
bi-directionally with global network 406 via a communication
channel 412. Network region 404 may operate to communicate
bi-directionally with global network 406 via a communication
channel 414. Server device 408 may operate to communicate
bi-directionally with global network 406 via a communication
channel 416. Server device 410 may operate to communicate
bi-directionally with global network 406 via a communication
channel 418. Network region 402 and 404, global network 406 and
server devices 408 and 410 may operate to communicate
bi-directionally and also communicate bi-directionally with other
networked device located within communication system 400.
[0143] Server device 408 includes a networking device 420 and a
server 422. Networking device 420 may operate to communicate
bi-directionally with global network 406 via communication channel
416 and with server 422 via a communication channel 424. Server 422
may operate to execute software instructions and store
information.
[0144] Network region 402 includes a multiplicity of clients with a
sampling denoted as a client 426 and a client 428. Client 426
includes a networking device 434, a processor 436, a GUI 438 and an
interface device 440. Non-limiting examples of devices for GUI 438
include monitors, televisions, cellular telephones, smartphones and
PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants). Non-limiting examples of
interface device 440 include pointing device, mouse, trackball,
scanner and printer. Networking device 434 may communicate
bi-directionally with global network 406 via communication channel
412 and with processor 436 via a communication channel 442. GUI 438
may receive information from processor 436 via a communication
channel 444 for presentation to a user for viewing. Interface
device 440 may operate to send control information to processor 436
and to receive information from processor 436 via a communication
channel 446. Network region 404 includes a multiplicity of clients
with a sampling denoted as a client 430 and a client 432. Client
430 includes a networking device 448, a processor 450, a GUI 452
and an interface device 454. Non-limiting examples of devices for
GUI 438 include monitors, televisions, cellular telephones,
smartphones and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants). Non-limiting
examples of interface device 440 include pointing devices, mousse,
trackballs, scanners and printers. Networking device 448 may
communicate bi-directionally with global network 406 via
communication channel 414 and with processor 450 via a
communication channel 456. GUI 452 may receive information from
processor 450 via a communication channel 458 for presentation to a
user for viewing. Interface device 454 may operate to send control
information to processor 450 and to receive information from
processor 450 via a communication channel 460.
[0145] For example, consider the case where a user interfacing with
client 426 may want to execute a networked application. A user may
enter the IP (Internet Protocol) address for the networked
application using interface device 440. The IP address information
may be communicated to processor 436 via communication channel 446.
Processor 436 may then communicate the IP address information to
networking device 434 via communication channel 442. Networking
device 434 may then communicate the IP address information to
global network 406 via communication channel 412. Global network
406 may then communicate the IP address information to networking
device 420 of server device 408 via communication channel 416.
Networking device 420 may then communicate the IP address
information to server 422 via communication channel 424. Server 422
may receive the IP address information and after processing the IP
address information may communicate return information to
networking device 420 via communication channel 424. Networking
device 420 may communicate the return information to global network
406 via communication channel 416. Global network 406 may
communicate the return information to networking device 434 via
communication channel 412. Networking device 434 may communicate
the return information to processor 436 via communication channel
442. Processor 436 may communicate the return information to GUI
438 via communication channel 444. User may then view the return
information on GUI 438.
[0146] FIG. 5 illustrates a typical computer system that, when
appropriately configured or designed, may serve as a computer
system 500 for which the present invention may be embodied.
[0147] Computer system 500 includes a quantity of processors 502
(also referred to as central processing units, or CPUs) that may be
coupled to storage devices including a primary storage 506
(typically a random access memory, or RAM), a primary storage 504
(typically a read-only memory, or ROM). CPU 502 may be of various
types including micro-controllers (e.g., with embedded RAM/ROM) and
microprocessors such as programmable devices (e.g., RISC or SISC
based, or CPLDs and FPGAs) and devices not capable of being
programmed such as gate array ASICs (Application Specific
Integrated Circuits) or general purpose microprocessors. As is well
known in the art, primary storage 504 acts to transfer data and
instructions uni-directionally to the CPU and primary storage 506
typically may be used to transfer data and instructions in a
bi-directional manner. The primary storage devices discussed
previously may include any suitable computer-readable media such as
those described above. A mass storage device 508 may also be
coupled bi-directionally to CPU 502 and provides additional data
storage capacity and may include any of the computer-readable media
described above. Mass storage device 508 may be used to store
programs, data and the like and typically may be used as a
secondary storage medium such as a hard disk. It will be
appreciated that the information retained within mass storage
device 508, may, in appropriate cases, be incorporated in standard
fashion as part of primary storage 506 as virtual memory. A
specific mass storage device such as a CD-ROM 514 may also pass
data uni-directionally to the CPU.
[0148] CPU 502 may also be coupled to an interface 510 that
connects to one or more input/output devices such as such as video
monitors, track balls, mice, keyboards, microphones,
touch-sensitive displays, transducer card readers, magnetic or
paper tape readers, tablets, styluses, voice or handwriting
recognizers, or other well-known input devices such as, of course,
other computers. Finally, CPU 502 optionally may be coupled to an
external device such as a database or a computer or
telecommunications or internet network using an external connection
shown generally as a network 512, which may be implemented as a
hardwired or wireless communications link using suitable
conventional technologies. With such a connection, the CPU might
receive information from the network, or might output information
to the network in the course of performing the method steps
described in the teachings of the present invention.
[0149] Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of
and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that
any of the foregoing steps and/or system modules may be suitably
replaced, reordered, removed and additional steps and/or system
modules may be inserted depending upon the needs of the particular
application, and that the systems of the foregoing embodiments may
be implemented using any of a wide variety of suitable processes
and system modules, and is not limited to any particular computer
hardware, software, middleware, firmware, microcode and the like.
For any method steps described in the present application that can
be carried out on a computing machine, a typical computer system
can, when appropriately configured or designed, serve as a computer
system in which those aspects of the invention may be embodied.
[0150] It will be further apparent to those skilled in the art that
at least a portion of the novel method steps and/or system
components of the present invention may be practiced and/or located
in location(s) possibly outside the jurisdiction of the United
States of America (USA), whereby it will be accordingly readily
recognized that at least a subset of the novel method steps and/or
system components in the foregoing embodiments must be practiced
within the jurisdiction of the USA for the benefit of an entity
therein or to achieve an object of the present invention. Thus,
some alternate embodiments of the present invention may be
configured to comprise a smaller subset of the foregoing means for
and/or steps described that the applications designer will
selectively decide, depending upon the practical considerations of
the particular implementation, to carry out and/or locate within
the jurisdiction of the USA. For example, any of the foregoing
described method steps and/or system components which may be
performed remotely over a network (e.g., without limitation, a
remotely located server) may be performed and/or located outside of
the jurisdiction of the USA while the remaining method steps and/or
system components (e.g., without limitation, a locally located
client) of the forgoing embodiments are typically required to be
located/performed in the USA for practical considerations. In
client-server architectures, a remotely located server typically
generates and transmits required information to a US based client,
for use according to the teachings of the present invention.
Depending upon the needs of the particular application, it will be
readily apparent to those skilled in the art, in light of the
teachings of the present invention, which aspects of the present
invention can or should be located locally and which can or should
be located remotely. Thus, for any claims construction of the
following claim limitations that are construed under 35 USC
.sctn.112 (6) it is intended that the corresponding means for
and/or steps for carrying out the claimed function are the ones
that are locally implemented within the jurisdiction of the USA,
while the remaining aspect(s) performed or located remotely outside
the USA are not intended to be construed under 35 USC .sctn.112
(6). In some embodiments, the methods and/or system components
which may be located and/or performed remotely include, without
limitation: global communication network and server.
[0151] It is noted that according to USA law, all claims must be
set forth as a coherent, cooperating set of limitations that work
in functional combination to achieve a useful result as a whole.
Accordingly, for any claim having functional limitations
interpreted under 35 USC .sctn.112 (6) where the embodiment in
question is implemented as a client-server system with a remote
server located outside of the USA, each such recited function is
intended to mean the function of combining, in a logical manner,
the information of that claim limitation with at least one other
limitation of the claim. For example, in client-server systems
where certain information claimed under 35 USC .sctn.112 (6)
is/(are) dependent on one or more remote servers located outside
the USA, it is intended that each such recited function under 35
USC .sctn.112 (6) is to be interpreted as the function of the local
system receiving the remotely generated information required by a
locally implemented claim limitation, wherein the structures and or
steps which enable, and breath life into the expression of such
functions claimed under 35 USC .sctn.112 (6) are the corresponding
steps and/or means located within the jurisdiction of the USA that
receive and deliver that information to the client (e.g., without
limitation, client-side processing and transmission networks in the
USA). When this application is prosecuted or patented under a
jurisdiction other than the USA, then "USA" in the foregoing should
be replaced with the pertinent country or countries or legal
organization(s) having enforceable patent infringement jurisdiction
over the present application, and "35 USC .sctn.112 (6)" should be
replaced with the closest corresponding statute in the patent laws
of such pertinent country or countries or legal
organization(s).
[0152] All the features disclosed in this specification, including
any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by
alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar
purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly
stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a
generic series of equivalent or similar features.
[0153] Having fully described at least one embodiment of the
present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of a
social website according to the present invention will be apparent
to those skilled in the art. The invention has been described above
by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are
not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms
disclosed. For example, the particular implementation of the GUI
may vary depending upon the particular type of computing device
used. The computing devices described in the foregoing were
directed to laptop computing implementations; however, similar
techniques using smartphone implementations of the present
invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present
invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications,
equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope
of the following claims.
[0154] Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered
and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding.
Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and
should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or
steps in the claims.
* * * * *