System and method for creating a social-networking online community

System and method for forming social networking online community

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This application claims the rights and interests of the 60/938,150 US provisional patent application filed on May 15, 2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Background of the Invention Field of Invention

[0004] The present invention relates generally to online social networking, and more specifically to a method and system for creating a social networking community and enabling the social networking community to collaborate with other social networking communities in the social networking community network.

[0005] Related Technology

[0006] Note that the terms "social networking community" and "social networking system" used interchangeably herein refer to the creation of a profile that enables publisher members to manage social networking interactions and user members to create and establish user memberships to form A method and system for online relationships with other user members and managing content items of social networking sites.

[0007] Also note that the terms "website" and "web server" are used interchangeably in this article to refer to the generation of hypertext markup language (HTML) documents, and the use of hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) and secure nesting A method and system for sending and receiving information on the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTPS) on the layer protocol.

[0008] In a conventional social networking system, user members of a social networking community can make online social networking interactions with other user members of the social networking community, but cannot interact with user members of other social networking communities. In order to achieve social networking interaction with user members of another social networking community, user members must join and communicate in another social networking community.

[0009] For example, the MySpace® social networking community enables user members to create a profile that establishes a MySpace® identity and forms online partnerships with other user members of the MySpace® social networking community, but cannot communicate with, for example, Friendster® and Facebook® User members of other social networking communities in the social networking community form partnerships. In addition, the MySpace® social networking community allows users to only share content items in the MySpace® social networking community. ip, MySpace® social networking community does not allow user members to share their content items with members of other online social networking communities. If a MySpace® user member wants to share a content item with a Friendster® user member, the MySpace® user member must join the Friendster® social networking community, create a profile to establish a Friendster® identity, and upload the content item to the Friendster® social networking community Associated website.

[0010] Conventional social networking systems enable publisher members and user members to upload content items, which can be provided in multiple web pages associated with social networking communities. However, conventional social networking systems do not allow publisher members and user members to easily mix certain types of content items that can be displayed on web pages associated with social networking communities. Therefore, there is a need for a method and system that enables publisher members and user members of a social networking community to conveniently and smoothly share mixed types of content items to enhance the enjoyment of visitors to web pages associated with the social networking community. The increasing visitor enjoyment has led to an increase in the click-through rate of web pages of the social networking community and an increase in the members of the social networking community.

[0011] Conventional social networking systems can be created using customized software and commercially available hardware. In addition, commercially available hardware can be used in combination with commercially available software that provides social networking functions to create a social networking system. The founder or host of the social networking community can provide and maintain all the software and hardware required for the main memory social networking system. As an alternative, the founder can use the social networking system

The R&D and maintenance are outsourced to, for example, commercial Internet service providers (ISP). Commercial ISPs generally charge for software development and network hosting services. If ISPs are allowed to generate advertising revenue on main storage webpages, some commercial ISPs provide web main storage services at no or low charges. Therefore, there is a need for methods and systems that reduce the costs associated with operating social networking communities and increase the income generated by social networking communities.

[0012] The present invention overcomes the aforementioned shortcomings associated with conventional social networking systems.

[0013] Brief Description of the Invention

[0014] The present invention meets the above requirements by providing a system and method for social networking communities that give low operating costs, generate increased input, and provide enhanced experience for user members of these social networking communities. The embodiments of the present invention preferably provide increased income for publisher members of the social networking community, provide an integrated network that collaborates with the social networking community, and provide a source of multimedia content in the social networking community network.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for sharing income in a social networking community network. The method includes: providing a plurality of web pages associated with a social networking community; determining a first amount based on income generated from the first plurality of web pages; paying a first portion of the first amount to publisher members associated with the social networking community; and Pay the second part of the first amount to the business unit associated with the core social networking community of the network.

[0016] The method may also include: determining a second amount based on the income generated from the second plurality of web pages; and paying the second amount to publisher members associated with the social networking community.

[0017] In addition, the method may include: determining the second amount based on the income generated from the second plurality of web pages; paying the first part of the second amount to the publisher members associated with the social networking community; and paying the first portion of the second amount to the core social networking community. The business unit of the online community pays the second part of the second amount.

[0018] The revenue generated from the first plurality of web pages may include sales revenue. The revenue generated from the first plurality of webpages may be based on the number of requests for one or more webpages of the first plurality of webpages. In addition, the revenue generated from the first set of multiple web pages can include advertising and sales revenue. The revenue generated from the first plurality of web pages may be based on the number of requests for one or more of the first plurality of web pages. The method may also include enabling the social networking community of the network to utilize an application programming interface, and the revenue generated from the first plurality of web pages may be based on the number of calls to the application programming interface.

[0019] The method may further include: hosting a first plurality of web pages from a web server associated with the core social networking community; and hosting a second plurality of web pages from a web server associated with the social networking community. The first group of web pages may include multiple widgets (widgets) ο

[0020] In addition, the method may further include hosting a plurality of web pages from a web server associated with the core social networking community. Multiple webpages may include at least one of them: login webpages of social networking communities, video classification webpages, video search results webpages, photo catalog webpages, photo search results webpages, webpages of web users who search or browse social networking communities, discussion board webpages , Join or sign-in to a web page of a social networking community, a web page related to displaying details of content items from a social networking community, and a web page related to details of a content supply source.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a computer system including a processor and a memory storing control logic that enables the processor to share income in a social networking community network. The control logic includes: a first computer readable program code for enabling the processor to provide a plurality of web pages associated with the social networking community; a second computer readable program code for enabling the processor to base the processor on the The revenue generated determines the first amount; the third computer readable program code is used to make the processor pay the first part of the first amount to the publisher members associated with the social networking community; and the fourth computer readable program code is used to The processor is caused to pay the second part of the first amount to a business unit associated with the core social networking community of the network.

[0022] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for non-aggregated social networking is provided. The method includes: generating a plurality of core user member identifiers each corresponding to a plurality of user members; generating a plurality of community identifiers each corresponding to a plurality of social networking communities; and storing a plurality of core user member identifiers respectively corresponding to the Multiple core profiles, where each of the multiple core profiles includes community information, partner information, and content information, the community information includes one or more of the multiple community identifiers, and the partner information includes multiple core user member identifiers One or more of the content, and the content information includes corresponding metadata associated with each of the multiple content items.

[0023] The method may further include storing a plurality of messages corresponding to the core user member identifier, wherein the first message of the plurality of messages includes a first sender identifier of a first user member of the first social networking community of the network , And wherein the second message in the plurality of messages includes a second sender identifier of a second user member of a second social networking community of the network, the second social networking community being different from the first social networking community.

[0024] In addition, the partner information of at least one of the plurality of core profiles may include a first community identifier and a second community identifier different from the first community identifier. The metadata associated with each of the plurality of content items may include a license indicating whether the content item can be added to the content information of the core profile corresponding to other core user member identifiers.

[0025] In another embodiment, the community information of the plurality of core profiles includes two or more of the plurality of community identifiers.

[0026] The method may further include: receiving a request to add community information to the core profile, the request including a core member identifier and a community identifier; and updating the community information of the core profile corresponding to the core user member identifier to make it Contains the community identifier; and stores updated community information of the core profile corresponding to the core user member identifier.

[0027] The method may further include: receiving a request for community information, the request including a core member identifier; retrieving community information of the core profile corresponding to the core user member identifier; and providing a core user member identifier corresponding to the core user member identifier. One or more of the community identifiers of the community information of the profile.

[0028] The method may further include providing a web page of one or more of a plurality of community identifiers including community information of the core profile corresponding to the core user member identifier. The webpage may include one or more of the following: one or more visual icons each corresponding to one or more of the plurality of community identifiers, the plurality of community identifiers being included in the core corresponding to the core user member identifier And one or more links to one or more community login webpages each corresponding to one or more of a plurality of community identifiers, the plurality of community identifiers contained in the identification of the core user member In the community information of the core profile corresponding to the symbol.

[0029] In addition, the method may include: receiving a core user member identifier; retrieving content information of the core user profile corresponding to the core user member identifier; retrieving partner information of the core user profile corresponding to the core user member identifier; retrieving Content information of one or more core user profiles corresponding to one or more of the core user member identifiers, the core user member identifiers being included in the partners of the core user profile corresponding to the core user member identifiers And output the content information of the core user profile corresponding to the core user member identifier and the content information of one or more core user profiles corresponding to one or more of the plurality of core user member identifiers. Each core user member identifier is included in the partner information of the core user profile corresponding to the core user member identifier.

[0030] The method may further include: providing a shared content item; and providing a plurality of web pages each corresponding to a plurality of community identifiers, wherein each of the plurality of web pages includes the shared content item.

[0031] The method may further include: receiving multiple votes associated with the content item, wherein the multiple votes are received from two or more of the following: registered user members of the first social networking community; different from the first social network Registered user members of the second social networking community of the networking community; and unregistered visitors to the webpages of the third social networking community; confirmed multiple times

The sum of votes; and update the metadata associated with the content item to include the sum of multiple votes.

[0032] The method may further include: providing a software tool to perform one or more tasks, the one or more tasks including one or more of the following: creating a website corresponding to one of the plurality of social networking communities; Add information to the existing member webpage; delete the information from the existing member webpage; modify the information on the existing member webpage; control whether the information found from the external website has experience on the existing member webpage; add one or Multiple subscriber functions are added to existing member pages.

[0033] One or more subscriber functions may include one or more of the following: search for text content, audio content, video content, image content and provide content on a member website or another member website; search for a member website The function of the subscriber profile of the subscriber or the subscriber of another member website; the function that allows discussion among the subscribers of the member website; the function of moderate discussion among the subscribers of the member website; the organization of information and videos appearing on the member website Functions of classification, audio classification, image catalog and supply source catalog; allow visitors to become subscribers of member websites; enable subscribers of member websites to create or modify subscriber profiles corresponding to the subscribers; allow subscribers of member websites to browse the member website The function of the subscriber profile of other subscribers; the function of allowing the subscriber of the member site to specify one or more partners on the subscriber profile corresponding to the subscriber; the function of allowing the subscriber of the member site to add content to the member site so that the content can be used by the member site The function of another subscribers experience; the function of allowing the sending of messages between the subscriber and the member website; the function of allowing the sending of messages between the subscriber of the members website and the subscriber of another members website; and the function of allowing the subscribers experience of the member website to come from this The function of the content of the member website, the content includes any combination of the following: text content, video content, audio content, image content and source content.

[0034] The method may further include: receiving an authorization request, the authorization request including core user member information; retrieving a core user member identifier corresponding to the core user member information; providing an authentication cookie, where the authentication cookie includes a core user member identifier symbol.

[0035] The method may further include: storing one or more community-specific display names each corresponding to one or more of a plurality of community identifiers, the plurality of community identifiers included in the corresponding core user member identifier The core profile of the community information.

[0036] The method may further include storing a plurality of community profiles each corresponding to a plurality of community identifiers, wherein each of the plurality of community profiles includes at least one of the following: a web browsing report for one of the plurality of social networking communities , User activity reports, income reports, and most popular content reports.

[0037] In addition, the method may include: receiving a request to add content item information to the core profile, the request including a core member identifier and content item information associated with the content item; updating the core profile corresponding to the core user member identifier To make it include the requested content item information; and store the updated content information of the core profile corresponding to the core user member identifier.

[0038] In addition, the method may include: determining whether the content item is suitable for experience by a type of user member; if it is determined that the content item is suitable for experience by such user member, updating the core profile corresponding to the core user member identifier. The content information is such that it includes the requested content item information; and if it is determined that the content item is suitable for experience by such user members, the updated content information of the core profile corresponding to the core user member identifier is stored.

[0039] If it is determined that the content item is not suitable for experience by such user members, the requested content item information may be excluded from the content information of the core profile corresponding to the core user member identifier. The content item may be one of the following: a text content item, a video content item, an audio content item, and an image content item.

[0040] The method may further include: receiving a request for organization content information, the request including a core user member identifier to

And instructions for specifying a visual layout associated with at least one of the multiple content items; updating the content information of the core profile corresponding to the core user member identifier based on the request; and storing the core corresponding to the core user member identifier based on the request The updated content information of the profile.

[0041] The method may further include: receiving a request to update content information, the request including a core user member identifier and an instruction to update metadata associated with at least one of the plurality of content items; and updating the core user member based on the request The content information of the core profile corresponding to the identifier; and based on the request, the updated content information of the core profile corresponding to the core user member identifier is stored.

[0042] The method may further include storing a plurality of community profiles each corresponding to a plurality of community identifiers, wherein each of the plurality of community profiles includes content information, wherein the content information includes each of the plurality of content items Associated metadata; receiving a request to add content item information to the community profile, the request including the community identifier and content item information associated with the content item; updating the content information of the community profile corresponding to the community identifier to include the content Item information; and store the updated content information of the community profile corresponding to the community identifier.

[0043] The method may further include: determining whether the content item is suitable for being experienced by a user member of a type; if it is determined that the content item is suitable for being experienced by a user member of this type, updating the content information of the community profile corresponding to the community identifier so that It includes the content item information; and if it is determined that the content item is suitable for experience by such user members, it stores updated content information of the community profile corresponding to the community identifier.

[0044] If it is determined that the content item is not suitable for experience by such user members, the content item information may be excluded from the content information of the core profile corresponding to the core user member identifier.

[0045] The method may further include: receiving a request for organizing content information, the request including a community member identifier and an instruction specifying a visual layout associated with at least one of the plurality of content items; and updating the correspondence with the community identifier based on the request The content information of the community profile; and based on the request, the updated content information of the community profile corresponding to the community identifier is stored.

[0046] The method may further include: receiving a request for organizing content information, the request including a community member identifier and an instruction to update content information associated with the at least one content item; and updating the community profile corresponding to the community identifier based on the request Content information; and based on the request, the updated content information of the community profile corresponding to the community identifier is stored.

[0047] The community profile corresponding to the community identifier may include a license indicating whether the content information can be organized by the user member, and if the license indicates that the content information can be organized by the user member, the content information is updated. The community profile corresponding to the community identifier may include a license indicating whether the content information can be updated by the user member; and if the license indicates that the content information can be updated by the user member, update the content information.

[0048] The method may further include allowing the user member to log in to the first social networking community of the network to communicate with another user member of the second social networking community of the network. The partner information of at least one of the plurality of core profiles may include at least two core user member identifiers, including a first core user member identifier associated with the first community identifier and a second core user member identifier that is different from the first community identifier. The second core user member identifier associated with the community identifier.

[0049] The method may further include: retrieving the content information of the core profile corresponding to the core user member identifier, wherein the community information of the core profile includes a first community identifier corresponding to the first social networking community of the network; retrieving and content The content item corresponding to the information; providing a web page containing the content item, wherein the web page is associated with a second social networking community different from the first social networking community.

[0050] The method may further include storing a plurality of community profiles each corresponding to a plurality of community identifiers, wherein each of the plurality of community profiles includes content information, wherein the first community identifier of the first social networking community of the network Corresponding to

The content information of the community profile includes the content item information associated with the content item; retrieves the content item associated with the content item information; provides a web page containing the content item, wherein the web page is associated with a second social networking community that is different from the first social networking community Networking community.

[0051] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a computer system is provided, which includes a processor and a memory storing control logic for the processor to provide a non-aggregated social network. The control logic includes: a first computer readable program code for causing the processor to generate a plurality of core user member identifiers each corresponding to a plurality of user members; a second computer readable program code for causing the processor to generate respective A plurality of community identifiers corresponding to a plurality of social networking communities; and a third computer readable program code for causing the processor to store a plurality of core profiles each corresponding to the plurality of core user member identifiers, wherein the plurality of core profiles Each of them includes community information, partner information, and content information. The community information includes one or more of a plurality of community identifiers. The partner information includes one or more of a plurality of core partner member identifiers. The content information includes corresponding metadata associated with each of the plurality of content items.

[0052] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method of creating a supply source of content items to be shared in a network of a social networking community is provided. The method includes: receiving a request to create a supply source on a server, the request is received from a registered member of a social networking community; receiving information characterizing the supply source on the server, wherein the information includes one of the following: title, visual icon, Description, logo; store information that characterizes the supply source in a database accessible by the server; receive multiple requests for adding content items to the supply source on the server, where the multiple requests include any combination of one or more of the following: Text content items, video content items, audio content items, and image content items; each content item contained in multiple requests associated with the supply source and registered members is stored in the database, where each content item can be used by the server Generate desired content for visitors of the social networking community to experience; and provide a web page containing a supply source representation that shows at least one of the following for each content item: title, visual icon, description, and logo.

[0053] The supply source may be a community supply source, and the request to create the community supply source may be received from a registered publisher member of the social networking community. Such a supply source may be a user member supply source, and a request to create a user member supply source may be received from a registered user member of the social networking community. In addition, the at least one content item may be a link to an external server that generates desired content for the visitor to experience, a thumbnail image associated with a partner user member, a display name associated with a partner user member, a playlist, a photo album, or music Album.

[0054] The method may further include storing information for characterizing a plurality of community supply sources corresponding to the social networking community in a database. The method may further include storing a flag in the database for each content item of the supply source, and the flag is used to determine whether visitors belonging to the specified category are allowed to experience the content item. The method may further include storing a flag in the database for each content item of the supply source, and the flag is used to determine whether to allow registered members to share the content item.

[0055] The method may further include providing a multimedia projector in the web page, the multimedia projector being configured to process the content item of the supply source to enable the user to experience the content item. In addition, the method may include sending information from the supply source to the external multimedia projector when selecting the title, visual icon, or description of the content item of the supply source.

[0056] The method may further include updating the content item stored in the database by replacing the content item with an updated version of the content item.

[0057] In addition, the method may further include providing a bookmark for one of the plurality of requests to add a content item to be received on the server.

[0058] The webpage may correspond to a community login webpage of a social networking community. In addition, the webpage can correspond to the community supply source webpage of the social networking community. The webpage may correspond to a user member profile webpage of registered user members of the social networking community.

[0059] The method may further include: receiving a request to organize a content item of a supply source, the request including an instruction to delete the content item or an instruction to specify a visual layout associated with the content item; updating the supply source based on the request; and storing the update Source of supply.

[0060] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a computer system including a processor and a memory storing control logic that enables the processor to create a supply source of content items to be shared in a network of a social networking community. The control logic includes: a first computer-readable program code for enabling the processor to receive a request to create a supply source on the server, the request being received from a registered member of the social networking community; a second computer-readable program code for enabling The processor receives information that characterizes the supply source on the server, where the information includes at least one of the following: title, visual icon, description, and logo; a third computer-readable program code is used to enable the processor to display information that can be accessed by the server. The database stores information that characterizes the supply source; the fourth computer-readable program code is used to make the processor receive a plurality of requests for adding content items to the supply source on the server, wherein the plurality of requests include one or more of the following Any combination of: text content items, video content items, audio content items, and image content items; the fifth computer-readable program code is used to cause the processor to include each of the multiple requests associated with the supply source and the registered member Each content item is stored in a database, where each content item can be used by the server to produce desired content for the visitor experience of the social networking community; and a sixth computer-readable program code for causing the processor to provide a representation containing a supply source The characterization shows at least one of the following for each content item: Title, visual icon, description and logo.

[0061] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0062] When reading the detailed description given below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same or functionally similar components.

[0063] FIG. 1 schematically shows a network of a social networking system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] FIGS. 2A and 2B can be combined into one drawing, which shows an example of a user profile with several supply sources therein.

[0065] FIGS. 3A and 3B can be combined into one drawing, which shows an example of a web page used to create or edit a supply source.

[0066] FIG. 4 shows an example of a My Feeds webpage.

[0067] FIGS. 5A and 5B can be combined into one drawing, which shows an example of a Feed Detail web page. [0068] FIGS. 6A and 6B can be combined into a single drawing, which shows an example of a supply source detail web page to which a specific CSS is applied. [0069] FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C show respective parts of an example of an Add to Feed webpage.

[0070] FIGS. 8A and 8B can be combined into one drawing, which shows an example of a Manage Content webpage.

[0071] FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of a system architecture for implementing, for example, the core server shown in FIG. 1.

[0072] Detailed description

[0073] I. Overview

[0074] The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing a social networking community that has low operating costs and generates increased revenue, and the system and method provide features that enhance the experience of user members of the social networking community.

[0075] II. System Overview

[0076] The present invention is described in terms of an exemplary system in which exemplary embodiments of the present invention are implemented. This is only for the sake of illustration and is not intended to limit the scope of application of the present invention to only the examples. Those skilled in the art can clearly know how to implement the present invention with alternative embodiments after reading this carefully.

[0077] FIG. 1 shows a social networking system network 100, which includes a core server 102 of a core social networking community, a first server 104 of a first social networking community, and a second server 106 of a second social networking community. Core Social Networking Society

The core server 102 of the district, the first server 104 of the first social networking community, and the second server 106 of the second social networking community are interconnected by a communication network 108. The communication network 108 may be any suitable network capable of transferring data between the core server 102 of the core social networking community, the first server 104 and the second server 106 of the first social networking community. For example, the communication network 108 may include the Internet.

[0078] The social networking system network 100 also includes computers 110-114, and each computer is connected to a communication network 108. The computers 110-114 execute web browsing software that allows users of the computers 110-114 to browse and navigate the web pages of the website.

[0079] III. Process

[0080] A. Business Process

[0081] The core server 102 provides social networking functions associated with the core social networking community. The following example shows an exemplary method in which the core server 102 can implement the community networking function in the social networking system network 100.

[0082] The first example-API integration

[0083] In this example, the first server 104 hosts all web pages of the first social networking community. The first server 104 makes an application programming interface (API) call to the core server 102. When the first server 104 needs information for performing the social networking function, the first server 104 makes a call to the API hosted by the core server 102. For example, the first server 104 may provide an identifier corresponding to a user member of the first social networking community, and request information about those user members that have established an online partnership with the user member. The API may return thumbnails, display names, community information, and content items associated with the partner user members to the first server 104. In this example, the core server 102 keeps track of each such call to the API, and generates a payment request from the publisher member of the first social networking community. The payment amount is based on the number of times the API has been called from the first server 104 of the first social networking community.

[0084] Part of the community webpage hosted by the core server in the second example

[0085] To implement this example, it is assumed that the core server 102 mainly stores the first group of webpages of the second social networking community, and the second server 106 mainly stores the second group of webpages of the second social networking community. In this example, publisher members of the core social networking community are allowed to generate advertising and/or sales revenue through the first set of web pages. The publisher members of the first social networking community are allowed to generate advertisements and/or sales revenue through the second set of web pages. Instead, the publisher members of the second social networking community may allow the publisher members of the core social networking community to generate advertisements and/or sales revenue through the second set of web pages.

[0086] For example, the first set of web pages may allow visitors to purchase items of interest to members of the second social networking community. Therefore, sales revenue can be generated from the first set of web pages. Since these web pages are provided by the core server 102, the core social networking community is entitled to a portion of the revenue generated from the sales of the first set of web pages. If there is an agreement between the publisher member of the core social networking community and the publisher member of the second social networking community that requires sharing of all these revenues, share it between the publisher members of the second social networking community and the core social networking community Any sales revenue generated from the first set of pages.

[0087] In addition, the first set of web pages hosted by the core server 102 may include advertisements for products or services provided by advertisers. For example, if the second social networking community has user members who are surfing enthusiasts, the distributor of the surfboard may pay the core social networking community so that the advertisement of the distributor's surfboard is published in the first set of web pages. The amount of money can be based on the cost per thousands of web page clicks, which is often referred to as CPM (M is the Roman numeral corresponding to one thousand). For example, a web page that is requested and served a thousand times can entitle the core social networking community to accept a dollar of payment.

[0088] Alternatively, the surfboard advertisement in the first set of web pages may include a link to the surfboard distributor's website. Whenever a user member activates a link to the surfboard distributors website from the first set of web pages, the surfboard distributor pays a certain amount of money to the core social networking community. This form of online advertising is often referred to as cost per action or CPAo

[0089] Regardless of whether the revenue generated from the first set of web pages is advertising revenue or sales revenue, these revenues are shared between the publishers of the core social networking community and the second social networking community. By convention, income is divided equally, but other income-sharing arrangements can also be made.

[0090] In addition, the core social networking community can generate revenue from the second set of web pages hosted by the second server 106. For example, the core social networking community may sell items or place advertisements through the second set of web pages on behalf of publisher members of the second social networking community. As with the first set of web pages, the income generated from the second set of web pages is shared between the publisher members of the core social networking community and the second social networking community. Instead, the publisher members of the second social networking community can sell items or place advertisements through the second set of web pages, and retain all the income generated.

[0091] The third example-a community webpage entirely hosted by a core server

[0092] In this example, all web pages of the third social networking community are hosted by the core server 102. Similar to the second example above, members of the core social networking community can sell items or place advertisements through the web pages of the third social networking community, and thus generate sales and advertising revenue from the web pages of the third social networking community. All expenses incurred can be divided or shared between the publisher members of the third social networking community and the core social networking community. Revenue sharing preferably provides incentives for publisher members of the social networking community to join the core social networking community.

[0093] B. Non-aggregated social network

[0094] The core server 102 shown in FIG. 1 allows user members and content items of multiple social networking communities to be incorporated into one social networking community network. The core server 102 stores information associated with multiple users and publisher members, such as profile information of users and communities, and information related to content items, as explained below.

[0095] Visitors of the first social networking community that are not currently affiliated to the social networking community network 100 and may join the social networking community network 100 visit the webpages associated with the first social networking community, and follow to make user members create and store in the core server Link to the core profile in 102. The visitor enters authentication information, such as the visitors external email address and password. The authentication information is stored by the core server 102, and a core profile corresponding to the visitor is created. Visitors now become user members of the core social networking community.

[0096] The core profile created by the core server 102 includes a core user member identifier, such as an alphanumeric string that uniquely identifies a user member in the social networking community network 100. Once authenticated, the core server 102 may provide the core user member identifier to the website of one of the social networking communities associated with the network 100. For example, the core server 102 may send a cookie containing the core user member identifier to the first server 104.

[0097] The core server 102 also allows user members to input personal information, which is stored in a core profile corresponding to the user member. For example, allow user members to enter information about birthday, gender, domicile, and a brief description of interest.

[0098] The core profile corresponding to the user member also includes community information, which includes at least one community identifier, for example, an alphanumeric character string that uniquely identifies a social networking community in the social networking community network 100. After joining the core social networking community, user members are allowed to join other social networking communities of the network 100, such as the first social networking community.

[0099] When a user member visits the website of the first social networking community in the social networking community network 100, the user is given a link that allows the user member to join the first social networking community. Before joining the first social networking community, user members may be required to confirm the terms and conditions of using the first social networking community. For example, check the box to indicate that the user agrees to these terms of use and select the icon to submit the request to join the first social networking community. Networking community. After confirming the terms and conditions of use of the first social networking community, the community identifier corresponding to the first social networking community is added to the community information of the core profile corresponding to the user member.

[0100] After joining the first social networking community, the server of the first social networking community may request the core server 102 to deliver information about the social networking community that user members in the network 100 have joined, so that the information can be included in the web page in. For example, the first server 104 may provide the core user member identifier of the user member to the core server 102 and request the user member's community information. The core server 102 responds by retrieving community information from the core profile corresponding to the core user member identifier, and provides the information to the first server 104.

[0101] In addition to text descriptions, thumbnail images, and links respectively associated with the first and second social networking communities, the community information may include community identifiers corresponding to the first and second social networking communities. The first server 104 may respond by filling a part of the web page with the community information returned from the core server 102. The server 106 may generate an overview webpage with community chapters that includes text descriptions, thumbnail images, and links associated with the first and second social networking communities.

[0102] For example, referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the web page containing the profile of the user Jeni includes the My Community chapter, which has, for example, Britney Followers (Britney Fans) social networking community> Fairy (fairy tale) social networking community, Advice4you ( Advice to you) Thumbnail images, text descriptions and links for each of the multiple social networking communities in the social networking community and Dog Lovers (Love dogs) social networking community. When the visitor of the webpage shown in FIG. 2A selects one of the thumbnail image or the text description, the link to the corresponding social networking community is activated and the webpage of the social networking community is displayed.

[0103] Each core profile also includes partner information about other user members in the social networking community network 100 that have established online partnerships with corresponding user members. The first user member may send the partner request to the second user member of the first social networking community. If the second user member accepts the partner request, the partner information of the core profile corresponding to the first and second user members is updated to reflect this relationship. More specifically, the partner information of the core profile corresponding to the first user member is updated to include the core user member identifier corresponding to the second user member, and the partner information of the core profile corresponding to the second user member is updated to Make it include the core user member identifier corresponding to the first user member. The buddy information may also include thumbnail images, links, and insignias corresponding to each core user member identifier contained in the buddy information.

[0104] The server of the social networking community network 100 may request the buddy information of user members and display the information returned through the core server 102 in a web page. For example, referring to FIG. 2A, the web page containing the profile of the user Jeni may include a buddy section with thumbnail images of the buddies of the user Jeni. If the visitor browsing the webpage selects one of the thumbnail images, the link to the corresponding thumbnail is activated and the webpage of the corresponding partner user member is displayed.

[0105] The buddy information of the core profile may include a community identifier of each core user member identifier stored therein. For example, the partner information may include two core user member identifiers corresponding to the user members of the first social networking community and the user members of the second social networking community. In this example, the partner information may include two core user member identifiers and two community identifiers.

[0106] It should be noted that the core server 102 provides user members with the ability to communicate messages. For example, when the first user member sends a partner request to the second member, the first user member can log in to the social networking community network and visit the web page of the first social networking community, and the second user member can log in to the social networking community Network and visit the web page of the second social networking community. The inter-community messaging capabilities provided by the core server 102 allow the second user to respond to partner requests by accepting or rejecting partner requests from web pages of the second social networking community. The buddy request is stored as message information in the core profile corresponding to the first and second core user member identifiers. The message information may also include a community identifier, a thumbnail image, and a text description associated with the social networking community that initiated the partner request message in the network.

[0107] Similarly, the first and second user members can exchange e-mail and telecommunications messages, even when they visit different communities on the network.

The same is true for the web pages of the Internet community. The email message is stored as message information in the core profile corresponding to the first and second core user member identifiers. The message information may also include community identifiers, thumbnail images, and text descriptions associated with the social networking community that initiated the email message in the network. Such message information can be provided to a server of a social networking community network, which provides a web page containing the message. Using this information, when the email message is generated, the user member can identify which social networking community in the network he is visiting.

[0108] Publisher members of the social networking community allow content items to be added to web pages associated with the social networking community. In addition, user members of the social networking community allow content items to be added to web pages associated with the user members. Content items may include, but are not limited to, text items, video items, audio items, and image items. Text items include website annotations, blog entries, discussion group entries, notes about another content item, hyperlinks to content items, and other items containing text.Video items include Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) files>Windows® Media Video (WMV) file>Flash® file>Quicktime® file and other files formatted to store video data digitally. Audio items include MPEG-1 audio layer (MP3) files, wave files, and other files formatted to store audio data digitally. Image files include Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) files, Tagged Image File Format (TIFF) files, and other files formatted to store image data in a digital manner.

[0109] The core profile may also include content information with metadata associated with the content item. For example, the user member can be authenticated by the core server 102 and the user member can access the web page of the first social networking community of the network 100. User members can choose to upload an image, video or other content item to the server of the first social networking community. The first server 104 of the first social networking community allows the user to select uploaded content items. For example, the first server 104 allows the user member to provide the local path of the content item on the user member's computer. The server of the first social networking community also allows users to provide text descriptions of content items. The first server 104 sends this information to the core server 102, where the information is processed and stored.

[0110] For example, if a user member uploads an image to the first server 104 and provides a text description of "Me on my bike", the first server 104 provides the core server 102 with the core member identification of the user member Character, text description, abbreviated form of the image, and a link to the image on the first server 104. The core server 102 responds by updating the content information of the core profile corresponding to the core user member identifier of the user member to include a text description, a thumbnail image, and a link to an image on the server 104.

[0111] The first server 104 may provide a web page containing a profile of the first user member. The first server 104 may send a request for content information to the core server 102, the request including the core user member identifier of the first member. The core server 102 responds by retrieving the content information of the core profile corresponding to the core user member identifier of the first user member and providing it to the first server 104. The first server 104 includes content information in the profile web page of the first user member.

[0112] When user members or visitors of the social networking community network 100 browse the overview webpage, they can see the thumbnail image of the picture, the text description and the link to the content item on the first server 104, which is activated when activated Causes the entire image to be displayed in the media projector included in the overview page. The profile webpage may also include the display name of the first user member and associated icons, which identify the first user member as having provided the content item to the social networking community network 100.

[0113] In addition, the user member's profile webpage may also include content items of other user members who have established an online partnership with the first user member through the core server 102. In this case, when the first server 104 sends a request for content information including the core user member identifier of the user member, the core server 102 retrieves the content from the core profile corresponding to the first user member as described above. Respond to information. In addition, the core server 102

The core user member identifier is retrieved from the partner information of the core profile corresponding to the user member, and content information is retrieved from each core profile corresponding to the core user member identifier included in the partner information. The content information of the partner of the user member is provided to the first server 104 through the core server 102. The first server 104 responds by providing content information of the user member and the user member's friends to the profile web page.

[0114] It should be noted that the buddies of user members may be members of multiple social networking communities of the network 100. For example, the overview webpage provided by the first server 104 may be associated with the first social networking community. Friends of the user member can be associated with the second social networking community. Therefore, the profile webpage of the first social networking community may include content items of user members of the second social networking community.

[0115] When the user member activates the link to the content item of the second social networking community, the content item is displayed in the profile webpage of the first social networking community, and the core server 102 keeps track of the number of views associated with the content item. Therefore, user members do not turn to the website of the second social networking community. However, the number of views associated with the content item of the second social networking community is updated to give appropriate credit to the number of views of the content item. This is an example of tracking user actions and content items executed by the core server 102.

[0116] Also note that the user members of the second social networking community can set a permission, which is stored in the associated content information, which indicates whether content items can be shared between social networking communities on the network. If the permission indicates that the content item is not shared between the various social networking communities of the network, the core server 102 excludes the associated content information from the content information returned to the first server 104.

[0117] Voting is another example of tracking user actions and content items executed by the core server 102. For example, a selectable voting icon may be included in a web page containing content items. If the user member selects the voting button, the server providing the webpage sends tracking information to the core server 102. For example, the first server 104 may send a message to the core server 102, the message including the core user member identifier of the user member participating in the voting and the content information of the content item. The content information may include the core user member identifier of the user member who added the content item to the social networking community network 100 and the community identifier associated with the social networking community web page that provides voting. The core server 102 responds by updating the content information of the core profile corresponding to the core user member identifier of the user member who added the content item to the network.

[0118] For example, the core server 102 updates the content information to increase the number of voting votes associated with the content item, and stores core user member identifiers of user members participating in voting and community identifiers of social networking communities that provide voting. The core server 102 may generate report information related to the content item, which information includes the total number of views in the social networking community network 100 in addition to the total number of votes associated with the content. These reports may also include a breakdown of these votes and views for each social networking community of the social networking community network 100.

[0119] In this way, the content owner can determine from which social networking communities the content item has been viewed. In addition, the content owner can determine the number of votes for content items according to each social networking community of the network. The core server 102 also generates tracking information related to the number of views and votes on the content items made by visitors who are not registered user members of the social networking community network 100.

[0120] The publisher members of the social networking community of the social networking community network may also add content items, and these content items are displayed on the web pages of the social networking community. For example, the publisher member may add the video content item of interest to the community login webpage in an attempt to attract visitors to browse the webpage of the social networking community and induce user members to join the social networking community. The core server 102 stores the community profile of each social networking community of the social networking community network 100. The community profile includes content information similar to that of the core profile.

[0121] For example, the publisher member may send a request for adding community content information to the core server 102 through the first server 14. The request includes the community identifier of the first social networking community. The core server 102 responds by updating the content information of the community profile corresponding to the first social networking community to include the requested content information. The requested content information may include the text description of the content item, the thumbnail image of the content item, the link to the content item on the first server 104, and whether the content item is allowed to be shared in another social networking community of the social networking community network 100 Instructions.

[0122] The core server 102 also stores tracking information for each community content item, which is the same as the tracking information stored for the user content item. The core server 102 uses the tracking information to generate report information for the community content items. The report information may include the total number of views, the total number of votes, and the breakdown of the number of votes and the number of views of each social networking community of the social networking community network 100. Like the user content item, the core server 102 also generates report information related to the number of views and votes of visitors who are not members of the social networking community network 100.

[0123] The core server 102 also allows content items to be reconciled. When a user member submits a user content item or a publisher member submits a community content item to the core server 102, the core server 102 retrieves the reconciliation information from the appropriate community profile. The reconciliation information includes an indication of what types of content items are allowed to be associated with a particular social networking community. In addition, the reconciliation information may include an indication of who is allowed to perform the content reconciliation function.

[0124] For example, the reconciliation information may indicate that only content deemed suitable for viewers of any age is allowed to be added to the content information of the community profile or the user profile. In addition, the reconciliation information may indicate that the reconciliation is performed by management members of the core social networking community. In this case, before adding the content information to any profile, the content information is provided to the management member of the social networking community, and the management member determines whether the corresponding content item is appropriate based on the audience category allowed to view the content item. If it is determined that the corresponding content item is suitable for audiences of all ages, the content information is added to the community information of the community profile. If it is determined that the corresponding content item is not suitable for audiences of all ages, the content information is excluded by the community information of the community profile.

[0125] The core server 102 provides a family of widgets or software codes that work in conjunction with software executed on the core server 102. The widget may include HTML code that can be incorporated into the HTML code of a web page. The widget is configured to include the community identifier of the social networking community. The widget uses the API to obtain data and perform actions. Generally speaking, there are two kinds of widgets: inline and iFrame. Inline widgets can include Javascript code. The Iframe widget is much simpler than the former and allows almost all controls from the website to be displayed in the external website.

[0126] The publisher member may request one or more widgets to provide social networking features on the website of the social networking community. For example, the publisher member may send a request for the widget to the core server 102 through the first server 104, where the request includes the community identifier of the social networking community of the publisher member. The core server 102 responds by customizing the software code of the widget to be used in the first service 104. For example, the core server 102 inserts the community identifier contained in the request into the software of the widget, and provides the first server 104 with the customized widget. The publisher member inserts the widget code into the web page of the social networking community.

[0127] Widgets provide an inexpensive and effective way to expand the social networking capabilities of existing social networking community network stations. For example, the widget allows the webpage hosted by the core server 102 to seamlessly integrate with the webpage of the social networking community hosted by the first server 104 on behalf of publisher members of the social networking community. The web pages hosted by the core server 102 may include any combination of the following types of web pages:

[0128] The community login webpage displays the community content items of the social networking community of the publisher members. The core server 102 allows publisher members to configure widgets associated with the community login webpage to configure the visual layout or other display characteristics of the community login webpage.

[0129] The video category webpage displays multiple categories of video content items. The core server 102 allows publisher members to configure widgets associated with video category webpages, to configure text descriptions of various video content items displayed on the webpages, and to configure the layout of video content items in the video category webpages.

[0130] The video search webpage allows input of search criteria for video content items and displays corresponding results. The core server 102 allows publisher members to configure widgets associated with video search webpages, thereby configuring several results displayed on a video search webpage, and configuring whether to execute video content items associated with other social networking communities on the network 100 Search.

[0131] The photo category webpage displays image content items. The core server 102 allows the publisher member to configure widgets associated with the photo classification webpage to configure the text description of the multiple types of image content items displayed on the photo category webpage, and configure the visual layout or other display characteristics of these content items.

[0132] The photo search webpage allows input of search criteria for image content items and displays corresponding results. The core server 102 allows publisher members to configure widgets associated with photo search web pages, thereby configuring several results to be displayed on a web page, and configuring whether to execute image content items associated with other social networking communities associated with the network 100 Search.

[0133] The browsing member webpage allows the user member's browsing criteria to be input and corresponding results are displayed. The core server 102 allows publisher members to configure widgets associated with browsing member networks, thereby configuring several results displayed on a browsing member webpage, and configuring whether to execute user members associated with other social networking communities of the network 100 search for.

[0134] The discussion web page allows visitors to log in to a website associated with the social networking community to participate in community discussions. The core server 102 allows the publisher members to configure widgets associated with the discussion webpage, thereby configuring how to display discussion items on the discussion webpage.

[0135] The check-in/check-in webpage allows non-members of the core social networking community to join the core social networking community. The check-in/check-in webpage also allows members of the core social networking community to join the social networking community associated with a particular check-in/check-in webpage. The core server 102 allows publisher members to configure widgets associated with check-in/check-in web pages, thereby configuring terms and conditions associated with members of the social networking community.

[0136] The content details webpage displays details associated with the community content item. The core server 102 allows the publisher members to configure widgets associated with the content detail webpage to configure display characteristics associated with the content detail webpage.

[0137] The supply source details webpage allows visitors to the social networking community to request details associated with the community supply source. Figures 6A and 6B show an exemplary supply source detail web page. As shown in Figure 6A, the user is allowed to filter the content items of the supply source by type to display only that kind of content items. The types of content items include video content items, audio content items, image content items, and text content items, such as links to content items. The core server 102 allows the publisher members to configure widgets associated with the supply source details webpage to display the display characteristics of the supply source details webpage.

[0138] In addition, the webpage hosted by the core server 102 may include any combination of the following types of webpages associated with the user members of the social networking community network 100. The My Profile web page displays information about the user members of the social networking community network. The My Media web page displays information about the content items of user members. The My Account web page displays information about the accounts of user members in the core social networking community. The My Ma subscription (My Mail) webpage displays email messages of user members and allows user members to read email messages, delete email messages, compose email messages and send email messages to other user members of the social networking community network 100 .

[0139] The core server 102 allows content items to be shared in the social networking community network 100 in a variety of ways. For example, the core server 102 allows user members of the first social networking community to post content items associated with the first social networking community to the webpage of the second social networking community. Therefore, the core server 102 allows webpage visitors of the second social networking community to experience content items associated with the first social networking community.

[0140] Further, the server 102 allows a first core member of a first user in a social networking community in the social networking community network 100 with the first social networking community Email social networking community through a second region associated with the content item Two user members. Therefore, the core server 102 allows the second user member to subscribe to the webpage from My Ma associated with the second social networking community to experience content items associated with the first social networking community.

[0141] In addition, the core server 102 allows user members of the first social networking community to add content items to the user's core profile. For example, the core server 102 allows user members to add content items to the user member's My Media web page. Therefore, the core server 102 allows content items associated with the first social networking community to be experienced by user members of other social networking communities of the network 100.

[0142] In addition, the core server 102 allows user members of the first social networking community to create a supply source of shared content items. The core server 102 also allows user members of other social networking communities to subscribe to the shared supply source. Thus, the core server 102 allows user members of other social networking communities of the network 100 to experience the content items of the supply source associated with the first social networking community.

[0143] C. Supply Source Process

[0144] The core server 102 allows user members and publisher members of the social networking community network to create a supply source of content items. The core server 102 stores shared information for each supply source, which indicates whether the supply source can be shared outside the social networking community that forms the supply source.

[0145] The core server 102 allows a supply source creator, that is, a user member or a publisher member, to send a request to the core server 102 to create a supply source. The request to create a supply source includes any one of the following: the title of the supply source to be created, a visual icon associated with the supply source, a text description of the supply source, a label, and a flag indicating whether the supply source is regarded as the default supply source. In response, the core server 102 stores the supply source information provided in the request in the database. For example, FIGS. 3A and 3B show exemplary web pages provided by the first server 104 that allow user members to send requests to the core server 102 to create a supply source.

[0146] In addition, the core server 102 allows the supply source creator to send multiple requests to add content items to the supply source. Figures 7A, 7B, and 7C each show a portion of an exemplary Add To Feed web page that allows the source creator to add content items to the source. As shown in FIG. 7A, the user member or the publisher member is allowed to select an icon to add the associated content item to the supply source. When the member selects the icon, a drop-down menu that allows the member to select the supply source to which the associated content item is added appears, as shown in FIG. 7B. The member is also allowed to update the content item information associated with the content item of the supply source. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the member is allowed to enter the title associated with the content item, and the title is displayed in the member's supply source. The member is also allowed to delete the content item from the member's supply source, for example, by selecting the "X" part of the web page shown in FIG. 7C.

[0147] The supply source generated by the core server 102 may include any combination of content items. For example, the supply source may include links to content items provided by external servers, thumbnail images associated with user partner members, display names of user partner members, links to user partner profiles, playlists, photo albums, music albums, etc.

[0148] The core server 102 allows the source creator to organize the content items of the source. Figure 4 shows an exemplary My Media web page that allows the source creator to edit the source details, rearrange the source content items, and delete content items from the source. In addition, FIGS. 8A and 8B show examples of allowing the source creator to rearrange and/or delete the content items of the source

Sex page.

[0149] The supply source created by the user member may be displayed on the web page of any social networking community that the user member has joined. For example, the user feed can be displayed in the profile page of the user member who created the feed. In addition, other user members can order a supply source, for example, by selecting an icon associated with the supply source.

[0150] Supply sources created by members of the publisher may be displayed in the web page of the social networking community of the publisher. For example, the community supply source may be displayed on the community login webpage or the supply source webpage of the social networking community. The core server 102 allows the publisher member to set the modification permission stored by the core server 102. The modification permission indicates that the user members of the social networking community of the publisher are allowed to add, update, or organize the supply source items of the community supply source. When the user member attempts to perform one of these actions, the core server 102 evaluates the correction permission and responds accordingly. For example, if the revised permission indicates that the user member is allowed to add content items to the community supply source, the server 102 will allow the user members of the social networking community to add content items to the supply source. The supply source of multiple content items may be associated with a social networking community or users in a social networking community.

[0151] The core server 102 allows publisher members to provide constraints on content items allowed to be added to the community supply source. For example, the publisher member may provide constraints to the core server 102, stating that the content item must be suitable for viewing by audiences of all ages. In this example, the content item undergoes the same reconciliation process as the above related community content item before being added to the community supply source.

[0152] The core server 102 may also provide one or more projectors to show the content items of the supply source. The core server 102 may provide a multimedia projector for displaying multimedia content items, an image projector for displaying image content items, an audio projector for providing audio of audio content items, and other projections for experiencing other kinds of content items. Device.

[0153] For example, a user member may select a link associated with an audio content item, and the core server 102 provides a web page containing an audio projector that plays the selected audio content item in response. Alternatively, the core server 102 may send the corresponding audio content to an external audio projector. That is, the core server 102 may send the corresponding audio content to an audio projector located in a window outside the browser window where the user member is watching the link to the supply source content item.

[0154] The core server 102 uses the content item link to obtain copies of the content items of the supply source, and these copies are stored in the database. The core server 102 may periodically determine whether the content item of the supply source has changed by comparing the current version of the content item with the copy of the content item stored in the database. If the core server 102 determines that a specific content item has changed, the core server 102 may download an updated version of the content item and store it in the database instead of the old version of the content item.

[0155] When a member joins the social networking community 100, the core server 102 also provides bookmarks to publisher members or user members. The member can select a bookmark from the web browser, which causes the core server 102 to add corresponding content items of web pages that are not in the social networking community network 100 to the supply source. If the supply source has been designated as the default supply source by a flag entered when the supply source is created, the content item is added to that supply source by default. If no supply source is designated as the default supply source, the core server 102 provides a dialog box in the member's browser, which enables the member to select which user supply source to add the content item to. For example, FIG. 7B shows an exemplary dialog in which a user can select which supply source to add a content item to.

[0156] IV. Exemplary System Architecture

[0157] The present invention (ie the core server 102, the servers 104 and 106, and the computers 110-114 or any components or functions thereof) can be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination thereof, and can be implemented as one or more computer systems or other Processing system. Usable machines that perform part or all of the operations of the present invention include general-purpose digital computers or similar devices.

[0158] In fact, in an exemplary embodiment, the present invention employs one or more computer systems configured to implement the functions described herein. An example of such a computer system 900 is shown in FIG. 9.

[0159] The computer system 900 includes at least one processor 904. The processor 904 is connected to a communication infrastructure 906 (for example, a communication bus, a crossover bar device, or a network). Although various software embodiments have been described with respect to the exemplary computer system 900 herein, after reading this text, those skilled in the art can clearly know how to use other computer systems and/or architectures to implement the present invention.

[0160] The computer system 900 includes a device for forwarding graphics, text, and other data from the communication infrastructure 906 (or from a frame buffer (not shown)) so as to display them on the display unit (or other output unit) 230. Display interface (or other output interface) 902.

[0161] The computer system 900 also includes a main memory 908, which is preferably a random access memory (RAM), and also includes an auxiliary memory 910. The auxiliary storage 910 may include, for example, a hard disk drive 912 and/or a removable storage drive 914 (eg, a floppy disk drive, a magnetic disk drive, an optical disk drive, etc.). The removable storage drive 914 reads/writes from the removable storage unit 918 to the removable storage unit 918 in a well-known manner. The removable storage unit 918 may be, for example, a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, an optical disk, etc., and the removable storage drive 914 performs writing and reading. The removable storage unit 918 may include a computer usable storage medium in which computer software and/or data are stored.

[0162] In yet another embodiment, the auxiliary storage 910 may include other similar devices that allow computer programs or other instructions to be loaded into the computer system 900. These devices may include a removable storage unit 922 and an interface 920 (such as the same program cassettes and cassette interfaces as those used in video game systems); removable memory chips (such as erasable programmable read-only memory ("EPROM") or Programmable Read Only Memory ("PROM") and associated memory card slots; and other removable storage units 922 and interfaces that allow software and data to be transferred from the removable storage unit 922 to the computer system 900.

[0163] The auxiliary memory 910 may store a plurality of software modules therein, and each software module includes control logic to perform one or more functions described herein. Although specific examples of these software modules are provided, those skilled in the art should understand that other software modules that provide similar functions may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0164] For example, the auxiliary storage 910 may include operating system software, such as Windows® NT_OWhen executed by the processor 904, the operating system software uses, for example, a transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP) based on a communication protocol to enable the computer system 900 to communicate through the network 108.

[0165] The auxiliary storage 910 may also store data management software therein. For example, the auxiliary storage 910 may include Windows® SQL server relational database management system software, which when processed by the processor 904 enables the processor 904 to use structured query language (SQL) to store data to and from the auxiliary storage 910 The storage 910 retrieves data.

[0166] The auxiliary storage 910 may also store web browser software therein. For example, the auxiliary storage 910 may include Windows® Internet Information Service (HS) software. When executed by the processor 904, the software enables the processor 904 to generate a Hypertext Link Markup Language (HTML) document and use the Hypertext Transfer Protocol ( HTTP) and secure nested layer protocol (HTTPS) send and receive information. In addition, the auxiliary storage 910 may include Microsoft Internet Explorer® software, which when executed by the processor 904 enables the processor 904 to display HTML documents and send and receive information using HTTP and HTTPS.

[0167] The auxiliary storage 910 may also store social networking management software therein. For example, the auxiliary storage 910 may include software that allows HTML code to be generated for web pages of a social networking community. In addition, social networking management software can allow core

The server 102 provides a social networking application program interface (API). For example, the auxiliary storage 910 may store Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) software that allows the processor 904 to send and receive API responses and requests, respectively. In addition, the social networking management software can enable the computer system 900 to generate widgets or software codes that provide social networking features to the website of the social networking system.

[0168] The computer system 900 may further include a communication interface 924 that enables software and data to be transferred between the computer system 900 and an external device (not shown). Examples of the communication interface 924 may include a modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a communication port (such as a universal serial bus (USB) port or a FireWire® port), a personal computer memory card international association (PCMCIA) interface, and the like. The software and data transmitted through the communication interface 924 appear in the form of signals, which may be electrical, magnetic, optical, or other types of signals that can be sent and/or received by the communication interface 924. The signal is provided to the communication interface 924 through a communication path 926 (eg, a channel). The communication path 926 carries signals and may be implemented using wires or cables, optical fibers, telephone lines, cellular links, radio frequency (RF) links, and the like.

[0169] As used herein, the terms "computer program medium" and "computer usable medium" may refer to the removable storage unit 918 used with the removable storage drive 914, the hard disk installed in the hard disk drive 912, and signals. These computer program products provide the software of the computer system 900. The present invention can be implemented or expressed as one or more of these computer program products.

[0170] Computer programs (also referred to as computer control logic) are stored in the main memory 908 and/or the auxiliary memory 910. The computer program can also be received through the communication interface 924. When executed, these computer programs enable the computer system 900 to implement the functions of the present invention described herein and, for example, as shown in FIG. 2. Specifically, when executed, the computer program causes the processor 904 to perform the functions of the present invention. Therefore, these computer programs represent the controller of the computer system 900.

[0171] In an embodiment in which software is used to implement the present invention, a removable storage drive 914, a hard disk drive 912, or a communication interface 924 may be used to store the software in a computer program product and load it into the computer system 900. When executed by the processor 904, the control logic (software) causes the processor 904 to implement the functions of the present invention described herein.

[0172] In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention is mainly implemented in hardware, for example, implemented using hardware such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Those skilled in the art can clearly know the implementation of this hardware configuration to perform the functions described herein after referring to this text.

[0173] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the present invention uses a combination of both hardware and software to implement the present invention. [0174] As those skilled in the relevant fields can understand with reference to the present invention, the present invention can be implemented using a single computer or a computer system including multiple computers, each of which is programmed with control logic for realizing the above-mentioned functions of the present invention. .

[0175] The foregoing embodiments of the present invention are given by way of example rather than limitation. Those skilled in the art clearly know that various forms and details of changes (such as different hardware, communication protocols, etc.) can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited by any of the above exemplary embodiments, but should be limited only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. It is to be understood that the steps and processes recited in the claims are not necessarily executed in the order given.

[0176] In addition, it is understood that the accompanying drawings emphasizing the functions and advantages of the present invention are given as examples. The architecture of the present invention is sufficiently flexible and configurable, so it can be used (or navigated) in ways other than those shown in the drawings.

[0177] In addition, the purpose of the abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public, especially scientists, engineers and practitioners in related fields who are not familiar with patents or legal terms and/or terms to quickly determine what is described in this article. The characteristics and nature of the subject matter of science and technology. The abstract is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.