Intelligence driven paging process for a chat room

Technical field

0001These Invention relates generally to a network-based system for Resume (Chatroom system) and more particularly to an intelligent system and procedures to a chatroom participants to "call", based on information regarding the Characteristics of the subscriber.

Background of the Invention

0002The present invention relates to computer systems chatroom or similar network-based systems that provide services for network users, in particular the automated process a Chatter or to call other network participants. In one embodiment, the call in a display of information relating to one or more Chatter resulting within the chatroom system. In a related embodiment, can call an auditory, visual or similar his sense stimulus that respect with a visual indication of other Chatter can be coupled, but not necessarily.

0003Before the disclosed a number of patents and publications based computer Chat Room systems, the relevant portions are summarized briefly below are to characterize the state of the technical area, in which the present invention can be applied: <patcit><text>US Patent 5,764,916</text></patcit> from Busey et al. for "Method and apparatus for real-time communication over a computer network "published on 09 June 1998, an exemplary illustration of a chat room.

0004<patcit><text>US Patent 5,828,839</text></patcit> from Moncreiff for a computer network chatroom based on published channel broadcasts in real time " on 27 October 1998, refers to one or more chat rooms the discussion is related to TV / radio broadcasts, which are preferred by the chatters.

0005These Inventions capture best the essence of today's chat room system; People talk about themselves a computer network, which is designed chatter in chat rooms accommodate that are themed to a bring common conversation going. Conventionally had those who chat the entertainment type, but voice and video communications technology was the Internet portals launched, wherein data compression models are used, similar to those described in <patcit><text>US Patent 5,838,927</text></patcit> by Gilon et al., published on 17 November 1998 "Method and apparatus for Compressing a continuous indistinct data stream ".

0006Similarly <patcit><text>WO 98/16045</text></patcit> Goldfinger et al., PCT Publication on 16 April 1998 for a "Communications System "directed, list on a communication network, wherein users of the network "searched" user can and the relevant user are the "seeking" user identified if they are "online". The list the relevant user must, however, by the end user search have been predefined.

0007Furthermore have some popular Internet portals (IPs) such as Yahoo.com, Excite.com, AOL.com chatroom systems with a functionality on the simple conversations (conversations by typing on a Keyboard or voice chat) addition. For example, to chat this Interetportale chatroom systems which provide additional functionality, for example: A search engine - ask Many chatroom systems Search engines available, which enable a user To search for other chatters, by one or more prior art Chatname be entered and him a list is displayed where the desired Chatter or the desired Chatter "chat". The user has normally above the other chatters or the other Chatter met and talked with him or them and searches Just after the nickname of Chatter in the archives of the Search to see if that person is currently in the chatroom system is logged. This in formation is for a User valuable because it shows whether the person or other Chatter are accessible to chat in real time. Normally this functionality accompanied by a display which provides a link which the user directly from the mask of the interface of the search engine leads to a chat room in the system. This is a completely proactive approach to find friends.

0008On Call system - some Chat systems allow a chatter a list of "friends" within the memory the chatroom system to entertain. If a chatter in the chat room system logged is that chatroom software the user will request or call, if it is detected that one or more friends are logged into the chatroom system. A display of the Chat Names is within the current appear chatrooms user and indicate to the user that the friend is logged into the system. <patcit><text>WO 98/16045</text></patcit> Goldfinger et al. is an example of such a system.

0009On Profile - Many Chatroom systems use a database to a list of properties provide a Chatters another chatter or display. The properties (the data) are the chat room system by Chatter themselves available posed. Usually be given to chatters a number of questions to answer, when they register for the first time or log into the chat room system. The answers to these questions are intended to other appear chatters. Criteria such as personal interests, hobbies, geographical location, age group, astrological information and sexual preferences are stored in a database and can then in a list will be compiled, which other chatters in is shown a visual representation window graphically, should the other chatters decide to display such a profile. On the profile is commonly by means of a computer mouse Chatter accessed that enables the chatter in the situation to click a button and the profile of the other Chatters produce, the button typically a new and separate display, which reveals the profile of the Chatter starts.

0010navigation within the chatroom system - a visited Chatter and moves to new chatrooms, pointing to a connection (Link) clicks of a computer chatroom software (such as IRCD "Internet Relay Chat Daemon ") feeds, that the Chatter wishes to move to the space which belongs to the link. Within the chat room system There are a number of rooms. Each room has a theme or a subject of debate. For example there are spaces, having a political topic for content. A Chatter would on the link for the policy space click to discuss with others about politics.

0011The Most chatroom systems have a feature that a maximum number Chatter allowed to discuss in a chat room. For example the functionality only up to 25 chatters in a room at the same time allow to to chat. This is a necessary limitation, as too much activity in a Space the possibility to understand or produce the flow in a conversation, prevented. Theoretically, his policy the issue of this space. With this model, the chat room system software automatically a new space for produce the same topic (policy) when the space limitation of its 25 Chatter achieved within the space. This new space will every new Chatter accommodate, of being in the political arena wishes.

0012Maybe more important is the fact that when a new chatroom generated is, a user who later occurs, may not know To see that other chatters, which he / she is accustomed to already in a filled Chatroom participate. The present invention solves such problems, by a user with characteristics of another person who is in same chat system, but is in another room, shown (or called) is.

0013To the For example, if there are 300,000 chatters that Yahoo at the same time has in the same space, it would no calling process require, because you could see all the properties that shown in the space are (assuming that a visual display means has showing the names of all 300,000 chatters at once). The stresses limiting the number of users in a special chat room the advantages of a profile indicating or paging system, as herein is described.

0014At long last are very similar to chatroom systems. There are several rooms; each room has a theme or a subject of conversation to a common bring entertainment. Each chatter has a fictitious name and a means other find Chatter via a search engine. Finally, she a nurse call system, which displays the information one Chatters, whether a friend or several friends log within the chat system, while the time in which the chatter is even logged into the system. This communication style chatroom systems is effective to a to begin joint conversation or lead. They have been developed, to unite Chatter, with the intention of a conversation on a Topic produce by spaces, which are provided with a motto, such as politics, for a common Conversation. It will be appreciated that the call of "friends", as evidenced by a Aspect of the present invention, there is provided not important must be to a conversation based on a with a motto bring about marked space. However, the object of identifying general Rufprozesse, that the caller is in a different chatroom completely proactive. So calls a "Friends" -Rufsystem only those the already know each other and will only work if the Allows users or it is programmed to do so.

0015The above chatroom functionality is no way available to unknown or non- "friends" -Chatter known to make, or to request to call, based on either personality traits (Including for example, the astrological sign) and / or geographical Places. This functionality is However, essential to build lasting interpersonal relationships, which extend beyond a chatroom experience. unfortunateli are well known chatroom systems not intended for use, in order to unite Chatter, new and meaningful interpersonal relationships with other chatters to create.

0016It is general knowledge in the psychiatric community that interpersonal relationships are most successful when the integrated People have a lot in common. include examples of similarities, that the Chatter similar have interests, such as leisure activities or common the area in which they live. Living in the same territory or the same city includes a greater chance that deeper Chatter relations outside build the chatroom system. However, there is no call (or Kennenlern-) system, that makes a Chatter attention should another unknown Chatter cheap have points in common, such as the geographical area and common psychological characteristics; be people from all over paired in the world that are logged into the chatroom system.

0017the Knowing that one is able to the common pastimes to share with other chatters and that similarities in psychological Characteristics has, ensures a greater likelihood of Chatter successful relationship. It is believed that existing Chat Room systems in are inferior this point, because they are not capable of it, to call attention to call or otherwise a user indicate that there is a different or more other chatters, which the Great meet requirements for a successful interpersonal relationship.

0018<patcit><text>US 5,796,395</text></patcit> discloses a Procedures for Publishing and searching interests of individuals, this method involves a memory-based Software to follow: Providing a user with a query of data by a Plurality of selectable different graphic symbols are provided, each having the design of a house who, receiving a selection, adding the selection to a database and linking selection of the user who made the selection, Communicating possible to the user who has selected a Hausicon, a list Interests of the user, receiving a selection of interests from the user, adding the chosen Interest to the database and the operation of the selected interests with the Hausicon which has been selected by the user, the interests of the selected had, transferring to a user a form to use to perform a search in the database to request and bringing forth a graph showing the general Appearance of a plurality of houses has, after the search has been carried out is, in which the houses are instructed by the user and notifying the auswahlbar User who has used Suchan claim form, the interests the user who is associated with a house if this house was selected is. A user can search for other users who initiate what similar Interests (like the user, stimulates the search).

Disclosure of the Invention

0019The This invention is therefore directed to a new system, which has been designed to unite chatters for the purpose of to develop new interpersonal relationships. This system is called an intelligence-driven calling process (Intelligence Driven Paging Process) (IDPP) referred. The IDPP is a process that is known the profile functionality reinforced chatroom systems and other functionalities adds and provides a means to the communications between two or several individuals to promote and encourage. The current and general profile systems show a user profile information only on on request, usually by pressing a link. Since the profile display process of usual Chat Room systems is only excited when a user information requests, it can be considered reactive. Once the button is pressed, starts the chatroom system a separate and new ad for review, while the display shows the profile information for only a Chatter.

0020in the Contrast, one aspect of the IDPP differs in that it is proactive and automated; instead of waiting for that a chatter of a button click to browse a profile used the IDPP predetermined Preferences, the personal compatibility to determine between two chatters, based on profile information of each Chatters who is logged into the chatroom system. If the IDPP system determines that these preferences are favorable for interpersonal compatibility, the system will automatically notify or call the chatter, to make known to each other.

0021It will be further appreciated that a user selects the desired can control profile properties that are used to Chatter select, for display to the user. It will further be understood that the simple process list, or similar visual presentations the profile information of chatter in conjunction with a current display chat session, in association or for themselves a valuable may be characteristic.

0022This new calling process is continued for provided, the problem of overpopulated solve chatroom systems. For example, large Internet portals such as America Online and Yahoo may have hundreds or thousands of have chatters within the system at a particular time. It is impossible for one Users, each profile of another chatter (via a link a profile display) that in the chatroom system certain to There are currently logged in to view; People log in random and out of the system. Another aspect of the IDPP solves this Problem due to its proactive, intelligence-oriented Rufprozesses. In particular, the IDPP may be employed to a user via the to notify characteristics of other chatters without on compounds ( "Links") to click in order find profile information of other chatters. The used IDPP the profile information and preset compatibility preference all chatters that are logged into the chatroom system to a interpersonal compatibility to determine. If the IDPP system logic determines that two or more people are compatible (using Kompatibilitätskrterien) , the profile information is displayed automatically. This saves the chatters time when it it is not necessary, within the profile of each chatter the system to click the compatibility of said Chatter to determine.

0023The Compatibility criteria, used by the IDPP, may by known psychological determines methods and determined. This method used can on identified commonality between the personality traits the chatter and the geographic location based. commonality includes those of psychological personality traits; as well as the manner in which Chatter interact emotionally or the Chatter function cognitively. Any given information will suffice, however.

0024As recognized by those with knowledge in the field of psychiatry will be, there are countless methods cognitive or emotional personality traits to identify data for to produce a Chat Room system to determine which chatters to be familiar with other chatters. These features or data can are determined and stored in the memory of the chatroom system. The data stored in the system's memory can be used are to such data to the archived data of all other Chatter compare within the chatroom system.

0025To the Example, the IDPP the results of a standard industry personality typing tests as as Myers Briggs personality assessment test (Personality Assessment Test) or the Keirsey, Bates Temperament Sorter (Temperament Sorter), another personality typing system, as used in "Please Understand Me, Character and Temperament Types ", published in 1978 by David Keirsey and Marilyn Bates. additionally astrology can, a controversial science spanning thousands of Years, used to be identified in such features and to describe. These are just two examples of ways to determine and identification data of a chatter needed, to compare them with data of other chatters. The data needed for the compared to be as simple as the civil status (for example, single and divorced Chatter to identify as compatible), the search for Employment, religious preferences or older.

0026As they are used herein, these processes are examples of the types, which are suitable to identify facets of the personality of chatters. It does not matter which system is used here, to identify these facets, as the IDPP system each and all the data that are included in the profiles of chatters, compare is to call to two or more of said Chatter and mutually to make known.

0027According to the present Invention there is provided a method, as shown in claim 1 and a system as set out in claim 15th

0028In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method, for automatically displaying data which are specific for human Participants, a human participant of a network chat rooms, comprising the steps of: (a) collecting data for human Participants are specific for a variety of chat room participants; (B) storing the collected Data for are human participants specifically, in the memory; (C) Order the Data for human participants are specific, of a plurality of chat room participants based on preferences, which are predetermined by the subscriber; and (d) automatically displays the sorted data for are the human participant specific, at least one subscriber in conjunction with a network chatroom.

0029correspondingly Alternatively, of the present invention there is provided a method, to ensure compatibility for at least to determine two participants in a chat room and to compatible Participants automatically to call, comprising the steps of: (a) Collecting data that are individually of human participants, for a variety of chatroom participants; (B) storing in memory the collected Data for human participants are specific; (C) Order the said Data for human participants are specific for a plurality of chatroom Participants based on preferences, which have been laid down by the participants; (D) automatic Calculate the compatibility of at least two human participants, and (e) Call the participants their compatibility display.

0030correspondingly yet another embodiment, of the present invention there is provided a method for for the Automatic prompting compatible users on a network based to a compatibility criterion, comprising the steps of: (a) collecting data for human Participants are specific for a plurality of network users; (B) storing in a memory the data collected, which are specific for human participants; (C) Order the human participant specific data from a Variety of network users based on preferences of the participants have been established; (D) automatically calculate the compatibility of at least two network participants using the predetermined criterion and (E) Call the network users to see their compatibility.

0031In accordance with a further embodiment the present invention there is provided a system for for the automated displaying data that are unique to human participants, a human participant of a network chat rooms, comprising: a computer network for collecting data for human Participants are specific for a variety of chat room participants; a database for storing, in a memory, the data which are specific for human participants are collected by means of the network; and a processor, connected to said network and with access to said Database to data for human participants are specific, of a variety of chat room participants sort using compatibility criteria and automated Displaying at least a portion of the sorted data, for the human are participants specifically, at least one subscriber in connection with the network chatroom.

0032The Methods that have been described herein, are advantageous because they significantly improve the functionality of conventional chatrooms, with a little extra superstructure. Next, these measures Chatrooms the possibility to disposal, easy to identify compatible Chatter, preventing the annoying process, look through manually profiles of Chatter. As a result of the invention it is believed that the satisfaction of chatroom and network devices increases, as is the use of chat rooms and networks, aspects of the present invention apply.

Brief Description of Drawings

0033The present invention will be described in connection with embodiments, the extensive appreciated are from the following detailed description of embodiments in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

0034<figref idrefs="S50">1</figref> An overview of a Network system, in which the present invention has particular Applies;

0035<figref idrefs="S51">2</figref>-<figref idrefs="S52">3</figref> are illustrative examples of user interfaces according to aspects the present invention;

0036<figref idrefs="S53">4</figref> is a schematic representation of an exemplary database structure for one Aspect of the invention of the <figref idrefs="S51">2</figref>-<figref idrefs="S52">3</figref>;

0037<figref idrefs="S54">5</figref> and <figref idrefs="S55">6</figref> are Flowcharts, which show the steps associated with alternative embodiments the present invention;

0038<figref idrefs="S56">7</figref> is a schematic representation of an exemplary database structure in conjunction with eggNEM network and user interfaces, representing an embodiment the present invention; and

0039<figref idrefs="S57">8th</figref> is an enlarged view the PDA by <figref idrefs="S56">7</figref>Depicting an exemplary User interface screen.

Ways to practice the invention

0040For a general understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals are used throughout, to designate identical elements. To the present invention to describe, were the following terms or the following Term used in the description.

0041A "chatroom System "is a or more networked computers that a chatroom or more chat rooms perform and various functions include running therein, such as search engines, storage archives, the profile information of Chatter include, voice and video transmission capabilities. Such a system is at least (but not limited to) a usual Chatrrom as described in <patcit><text>US 5,764,916</text></patcit> Busey and Weghort (1996) and <patcit><text>US Patent 5,838,927</text></patcit> of Gillon and McFadden (1996), and is under network wired or understood wireless communication network.

0042A "Chatter" or a "user" is a person, participates within a computer chatroom system or communicated, depending on whether the person communicates actively or passively.

0043"Voice Chat "is a chat Communication by computer microphones and speakers, the a computerized Communication system used as a medium. It is typically an added function in well-known chatroom systems. As used herein, a "user" the chatter which an action starts or he is the original Chatter, to subscribe is put into an explanation of the several Chatter includes.

0044A "nickname" is generally a fictitious name, who is elected by a chatter to as Publication to be used in the chat room system.

0045A "link" is a connection Internet addresses or a pointer, typically in an HTML document, which leads to a different page of the World Wide Web, or to another Space within the same document, also called a hyperlink. A link is activated by clicking on it, or in another way, indicating the selection by a user.

0046"Friend" is a person, a relationship with another person (or other Chatter Network users) has spawned. Usually allow chatroom systems a chatter chatting names of other chatters in the memory of to save chatroom system. If the nickname once in the chat room system memory stored, the system will indicate to the user whether the friend or friends are logged into the chatroom system or not.

0047"Announcement" means the act to call a user and a link for a particular Chatter display or more specific chatter of these particular Chatter into a common chatroom or permits, in a common medium within the same chatroom system to to chat. could Announcement also displaying the characteristics of the involved parties mean without an actual introduced communication is, the system provides them a choice available or it asks to get involved.

0048Referring on <figref idrefs="S50">1</figref> is an exemplary embodiment of the present Invention. In particular, the chat room system<figref>20</figref> allows a Plurality of users or chatters on the system via the Internet <figref>22</figref> or other far-reaching networks or via local area networks (LAN) compounds <figref>24</figref> access. Connected by wire-based or wireless connections (eg mobile phones and digital), interact the chatter with the Chat Host System <figref>30</figref> by Webschnittstellensoftware (not shown), such as a web browser or other software that allows chat. Operation of the chat rooms is a chatroom System Software controlled, preferably in the memory of a system disk <figref>32</figref> saved is. Also stored on the drive<figref>32</figref> is at least a database that contains information with respect to the profile the chatter, information on the various chat rooms and "discussion threads" of conversations, occurring therein. Once the chat system is operational, can Users or chatter that se computer workstations <figref>40</figref> (comprising Video ads, Proprocessors, keyboards, etc.) or wireless means, such as mobile phones or personal digital assistants (PDA) <figref>42</figref> are, with a chatroom connect and a conversation start or participate in.

0049It is well known that users of such chat rooms and profile information other chatters by simply clicking a mouse or pointer-based Show agent can retrieve the name of Chatters. To the Example in chatrooms on http://chat.yahoo.com, clicking brings on a Chatters Chatname out a window or a dialog box, the user is allowed to see the profile of Chatters, the Chatter personal to send, etc. Similarly, can one or more chatter about a "friends" list of the user (connected to the information of the user in the database on the drive <figref>22</figref> saved is) added will. A user can then check to see if de rejoice currently are online and chat in a certain space. Similarly, the system notify the user when a friend logs, to participate in the chat. Such a system is disclosed above mentioned, by <patcit><text>WO 98/16045</text></patcit> from Goldfinger et al, PCT Publication on 16 April 1998 for a "Communications System ". The list searched Friends must but pre-defined by the user seeking will.

0050To <figref idrefs="S51">2</figref>. in a user interface screen is shown, as exemplary representation for Various aspects of the present invention is used. especially the figure shows an example a chat interface screen <figref>100</figref> one well-known chat interface such as http://chat.yahoo.com, modified to include the features, according to the intelligence-oriented Rufprozesses (IDPP) of the present invention. The IDPP is a proactive and automated process to identify "compatible" Chatter; instead of waiting for a user makes a selection, request a profile of another chatter, use the IDPP predetermined preferences, the personal compatibility to determine between chatters, based on profile information for each Chatter, which is logged in the chatroom system.

0051To the For the right of the chat window <figref>104</figref>, The other Chatter in a room in a table or a window region <figref>110</figref> listed. table <figref>110</figref> includes a leftmost column <figref>118</figref>. showing the name of Chatters, and one or more columns the right of it, the personal, the Show profile information entered any chatter about yourself has. For example, in the Politk chatroom from<figref idrefs="S51">2</figref> can the Chatter profile information age, sex, state of Residence, the political party which include the intelligence quotient, as shown by the five Columns on the right side of table <figref>110</figref>, The remaining Column in Table <figref>110</figref> is an optional "points" column that a Evaluation provides for compatibility between the chatter and the user, as further detailed below will be described. also the system can automatically, when the IDPP system determines that the Kompatibilitäsauswertung is low for the interpersonal compatibility, Chatter, which will be presented, or notify call. Elements of the comparison and the compatibility process can in the various match users. * software code listings as the following may be found: MATCHUSERS.PKB <img img-content="cp" img-format="tif" he="160" wi="71" file="00170001.tif" /><img img-content="cp" img-format="tif" he="211" wi="65" file="00180001.tif" /><img img-content="cp" img-format="tif" he="210" wi="98" file="00190001.tif" /><img img-content="cp" img-format="tif" he="213" wi="80" file="00200001.tif" /><img img-content="cp" img-format="tif" he="203" wi="58" file="00210001.tif" /><img img-content="cp" img-format="tif" he="205" wi="65" file="00220001.tif" />

<img img-content="cp" img-format="tif" he="204" wi="112" file="00230001.tif" />

<img img-content="cp" img-format="tif" he="203" wi="130" file="00240001.tif" />

<img img-content="cp" img-format="tif" he="209" wi="42" file="00250001.tif" />

<img img-content="cp" img-format="tif" he="210" wi="124" file="00260001.tif" />

<img img-content="cp" img-format="tif" he="216" wi="138" file="00270001.tif" />

<img img-content="cp" img-format="tif" he="205" wi="136" file="00280001.tif" />

<img img-content="cp" img-format="tif" he="212" wi="100" file="00290001.tif" />

<img img-content="cp" img-format="tif" he="206" wi="132" file="00300001.tif" />

<img img-content="cp" img-format="tif" he="162" wi="92" file="00310001.tif" />

0052As will be further appreciated, a chatter, but need not, the possibility who, before his participation or use of IDPP pairing to adopt, depending of the applied system.

0053As next is in <figref idrefs="S52">3</figref> another embodiment shown, the further Aspects of the present invention. In particular, shows the Figure an exemplary chat interface mask <figref>100</figref>, Produced by an application program, such as an applet, preferably continuously in conjunction with a browser. The mask includes a chat window<figref>104</figref>. a window <figref>112</figref>That all Chatter listing in the room and a window <figref>114</figref>Which lists all "matching" Chatter that in the system are logged. As in the embodiment of<figref idrefs="S52">3</figref> applied is IDPP is a proactive and automated process to identify "compatible" Chatter, as previously described.

0054In the windows <figref>112</figref> and <figref>114</figref> the Listings for each the other chatters reproduced in a table format, wherein the table includes: <ul><li>- In column 1, the chat name the other Chatters (<figref>118</figref>);</li><li>- In Column 2, the points evaluation of other Chatters (<figref>120</figref>);</li><li>- In Column 3, the sex of the other Chatters (<figref>122</figref>);</li><li>- In Column 4, the age of the other Chatters (<figref>124</figref>);</li><li>- In Column 5, an indication of the distance between the chatter and the other chatter (in miles or in States, etc.) (<figref>126</figref>);</li><li>- In Column 6, the astrological profile of the other Chatters (<figref>128</figref>);</li><li>- In Column 7, the Character Color the other Chatters (<figref>130</figref>); and</li><li>- In Column 8, the other Chatters life number, the number logic the Life path number of Chatters indicates based on the information about the Birth and theories of numerology, Pythagoras (Greece 600 v. Chr.) (<figref>132</figref>).</li></ul>

0055To the Example, in the chatroom from <figref idrefs="S52">3</figref> can the specify IDPP system that the two chatters in window <figref>114</figref> compatible are, with their names, and data are shown in the window. As a result of the comparison determines the compatibility IDPP System that compatibility evaluation favorable for interpersonal compatibility and calls on the current User automatically calls or the current user by their names in the window <figref>114</figref> are set. It is further seen be that the window <figref>114</figref> automatically update may or manually in response to a user selection, to more display Chatter, which have been determined by the IDPP system that they are compatible.

0056This new solicitation or calling process is further intended the problem of overpopulated chatroom systems to solve. For example. size Internet portals such as America Online or Yahoo may have hundreds or thousands who chatters from within the system to an appropriate time. It is impossible for a Users, each profile of another chatter (via a link a profile display) that in the chatroom system specific to a were logged time to look at; People log in random and out of the system. In particular, the IDPP may be employed a user of to notify the characteristics of other chatters, without must be clicked dasscauf links to profile information of find Chatter. If the IDPP system logic determines that two or more people are compatible (using compatibility criteria) , the profile information for the or the compatible Chatter appear automatically. This saves the time of the chatter by not each of the profiles must click Chatters within the system to ensure the compatibility of Chatter to determine.

0057The compatibility criteria used by the IDPP can by well-known psychological Methods are identified and determined. These methods used can on certain commonality between the personality traits the chatter and the geographical location are based. The similarity are those of psychological personality traits; as the Way Chatter interact emotionally, or the way the Chatter function cognitively. However, any other information will do.

0058To the Example, the compatibility be determined by the answers that the user in a Test gave (online or not), which determines a psychological profile, as the Myers Briggs Personality Test (Personality Test) or the Keirsey Tempramentsortierer (temperament Sorter). Such responses can Tendency to verbalize emotions more or less than other individuals, show. As another example, the personality traits can a first-born child to be considered that a compatibility with recent Child in the progeny sequence exhibit, as the firstborn since the earliest Childhood has grown into a "role" that certain emotional stability having which recent the Child is accustomed to receive.

0059On Another example would be that, as a result, the data of a test submitted, a person is referred to as someone who tends to verbalize the emotions whenever they occur. It contributes substantially her heart on her sleeve. Because of this feature, it should at a be another person apt has characteristics that allow him to have the patience to her constantly in a rate to to listen, in which they verbalized their emotions. You'd compatible be because the combination of their personalities a wider range allowed to self-expression, as many different personality combinations it would allow.

0060Although alternative methods and systems may be used, the IDPP to implement system, one embodiment an improved chat host system software that is modified so that it continuously or periodically one or more programs points out, to (a) identify and Chatter profiles and compatibility degree of a to obtain database (b) carry out a program to ensure compatibility to "Analyse" between at least a Chatter and Chatter another and an evaluation that compatibility is to return. It will be appreciated that in a preferred embodiment, compatibility calculations for a Majority of chatters run, preferably including all Chatter, who have chosen to participate in the IDPP system.

0061In a particular alternative embodiment, a or more of the parts of the user profile data by a Chatter be "set" as attributes or "ge selects", according to which he / she looking or with as an alternative to or in conjunction compatibility criteria wants to use, so that the chatters identified as compatible, further be limited. In other words, using an example of from <figref idrefs="S52">3</figref>As described above, the user could display the limit compatible Chatter, to those who are male and over 25 years old (thus only the JBarno4 entry in row 2 of window <figref>114</figref> show and the line for CGrissom delete in the figure). Accordingly, it is believed that this alternate embodiment a value to a system adds the IDPP applies, as it a chatter allowed by special features which he / she may want, to search.

0062As of those who have knowledge in the field of psychiatry, will be appreciated, there are a variety of methods to cognitive and emotional personality traits identify to data for to produce a Chat Room system to determine which chatters should be made known to other chatters. These features or data can identified and stored in the memory of the chatroom system will. The data stored in the system memory can be used are to such data to the archived data of all other Chatter compare within the chatroom system.

0063To the Example, the IDPP the results of a standard industry personality assessment test such as the Myers Briggs Personality Test Rated (Personality Assessment Test) or the Keirsey, Bates Temperament Sorter (Temperament Sorter), another Persönlichkeitstypirisierungssystem, as used in "Please Understand Me, Character and Temperament Types "published In 1978 and 1984 by David Keirsey and Marilyn Bates particular pages 4 to 13. Plus astrology can be used, a controversial science, the about Thousands of years extends to identify such features and describe. In the examples shown to this point, have been, is the threshold for compatibility a "match" (for example, equal to or opposite). However, will also be appreciated that, in various rankings or combinations of compatibility criteria, an evaluation or scoring system can be used, the compatibility determined is basisierend on the compatibility is determined basisierend on the differences in the points or the evaluations that are within a predetermined threshold. These are just two examples the procedures, data of chatters to specific and identify the required in order to compare them with data of other chatters. The data, the for Comparative needed be able be as simple as the marital status (for example, single and divorced Chatter can are identified as compatible), religious preference or age.

0064As used herein, the processes are examples of ways that are provided, to aspects of personality a Chatters identify. It does not matter which System is used to identify these facets, as the IDPP system date, or all the data in the profiles of Chatter are included, can be compared to two or more of the Chatter to call and make known to each other. For example, includes, as shown in <figref idrefs="S53">4</figref>, The personality information is connected with a plurality of chatters defined in the Chatter list <figref>150</figref> on the hard drive <figref>132</figref>, pointer to entries <figref>154</figref> (A, b, etc.), the information of a Chatter profile include, as his or her personality or compatibility information. For example, within the messages <figref>154</figref> can this Fields, such as gender, age, location, astrological sign, Personality color, political party, marital status, sexual preference, Online, chat time, etc. as shown for in the example <figref idrefs="S53">4</figref>,

0065The Software or firmware that may be used to transfer data within the database files on the server host <figref>30</figref> (for example drive <figref>32</figref>to conduct) and store, a database software as For example, Microsoft SQL (database software) and Microsoft Visual Basic (Programming software) include. Other programs may be used are to such personal As described above to route data and to store. These other programs can Oracle database software and C ++, Java applets and similar be software to route the data to their specific locations. The protocol so the networked computers communicate with each other, may be the Indus Animal standard IP (Internet Protocol). The crosslinked computer can also use TCP / IP, another Indus Animal standard for network communications. Recently, a chatroom software like iChat^TM or IRCD (an industry standard) required be to create a chat room in which human participants interact and what the various improvements and added enhancements can be.

0066Finally, include the various components that are required at least a embodiment the present invention perform including: <ul><li>1. a computer (or server) connected to at least one other Computer via IP, TCP / IP or other network protocols connected is.</li><li>2. a software database such as SQL or Oracle, the appropriate is for People store specific data.</li><li>3. programming software, which in conjunction with the software database which is used to store data for display to human participants within to conduct the chat room network, can work,</li><li>4. chatroom software that enables the human participants, to communicate in real time via the network protocol as i-chat as^TM or IRCD.</li></ul>

0067In Regarding the collection of for a human participant specific, human-specific data can Various means are used to complete the data collection, including but are not limited to: <ul><li>• The human Participants are data directly into the database via computer keyboard or a network interface (such as for example web pages or specific Knowledge which has acquired the subscriber, and</li><li>• People Specific Data is imported from pre-existing database entries or exchanged with these, such as the physical address, E-mail address and ethnicity, as a part of the public Entry, which can be entered into the database.</li></ul>

0068In a still further embodiment the present invention contemplates the use of e-mail into consideration a chatter about other compatible Chatter notified. As described above is the IDPP system to communicate on an invitation from Real Time chatters addressed. The IDPP calling user or notified it in a different way than compatible Chatter (based on profile information) within a Chatrooms. This alternative embodiment further extends this feature with email. Finally, users of a chat room system can be called a User benachrichtigend that another person he or she should be familiar, either in the chatroom is or is online or is willing to go to the chatroom to to chat. It is believed that there are at least two Scenarios are where this process would work:

scenario 1

0069Chatter 1 is in the chat room system, and it provides the chatroom Server Information available that he plans in the chatroom you must be logged for a certain time. If there are other previous are users of the chat room, which should be notified that Chatter # 1 available is to talk (based on their compatibility and stated preference To be notified) but these are not in the chat room system logged, then these chatters an email will be sent, in which is stated that Chatter is # 1 logged in the system and that he there for a certain period of time (chat time) will be.

0070To the For example, as shown in <figref idrefs="S54">5</figref>After Chatter # 1 the chatroom enters (step <figref>250</figref>), He indicates, in response to a Prompt the system that he in the chat system for one hour will be (step <figref>254</figref>). If the IDPP him normally would mate with Chatter # 2, benutzend the compatibility identification process (Step <figref>258</figref>), Then gets they e-mail that is brought forth by the chat system (step <figref>262</figref>) if Chatter # 2 not logged in the chatroom or in the chat system is. Upon receipt of the email (step<figref>280</figref>) Is Chatter # 2 be nachrichtigt that Chatter is # 1 available to chatters for a specific Time if she wishes, to hook. This email contains profile information Chatter # 1 for them to make a decision. It is believed that such a Ausführungungsform eliminates the problem that people missed a conversation, in which they should participate (Something the user make wel- people he wants to meet) if all parties are not logged into the chat room system.

scenario 2

0071In This scenario, shown in <figref idrefs="S55">6</figref>, Chatter # 1 online, you have not logged into the chatroom system (step <figref>200</figref>) but he goes to the chat site and notify the Chatroomservermit, that he for a period of time will be online (online is equivalent means that he is in front of the computer, the Internet, but not in the Chat Room Server logged) (step <figref>204</figref>), after which he can leave the page. Similar, Chatter # 2 is online (step <figref>210</figref>) Tells the chatroom Server with that it for a period of time will be online (step <figref>214</figref>) before leaving the page. At step <figref>220</figref> compatibility Chatter is compared, including criteria for the collapse of the online periods (uptime). If you are compatible, then the chatroom system notifies both by Email the information from the other profile (step <figref>224</figref>) and allowing them a choice to make, which opens into an automatic response that indicates whether or they do not want to chat with the other person and what time they in the systembe logged (whether immediately or in minutes 5, 10, 15 etc.). If they confirm both, that they want to chat, then the system can also both email a confirmation send to the time that they are both in agreement, to meet in the system. Here again once the chatter in the chatroom system are logged in the normal functioning of the IDPP continued.

0072In a further alternative embodiment can Chatter that should be familiar, determined based on the compatibility, according to the IDPP System, as above beschieben over this fact by sending an e-mail obtained by the chatroom system is brought forth, are notified. Particularly welcome the chatroom the Chatter specify one or more local levels, where the chatter on a particular day or at a particular will be time (night club, restaurant, bar, coffee house, grocery store, etc.). In particular, there will be a place for chatters to specify, in which localities they will go in their city on any given night. If the two should meet (as a result of natural functionality the IDPP compatibility to zuzeigen and a common location / time), the IDPP is both Chatter Email benachtrichtigen (either a digital reputation on your phone or a regular e-mail) in order to know leave that the others will be there.

0073A yet another alternative embodiment is shown in <figref idrefs="S56">7</figref>Where two or more users, the have a network connection (eg, network attached (PDAs<figref>42a</figref>. <figref>42b</figref>) Computer, pager or cell phone), as identifying compatible. In such a system, compatibility is not necessarily so strongly linked to the personal characteristics, as with the relationship or the place. For example, a group of two or more users, the means <figref>42a</figref> and <figref>42b</figref> have, identified as a "family" group be and entries <figref>202</figref> and <figref>204</figref>. which accordingly can specify the members of the family group, in database <figref>200</figref> be included on the drive <figref>32</figref>. is as described above, are stored. By periodically the entries are checked, , the IDPP system, based on position information, the by a global positioning system (GPS) or similar determining means such as a mobile phone technology (triangulation), if family members close to each other or to a predetermined location . are

0074In a more specific example, a user A is assumed, the means <figref>42a</figref> has, of itself on a business trip located and above has to pause in his parents' house. The user A's whereabouts is monitored periodically or continuously and when it is judged that A is in or near the house of the parents, as specified by the coordinates associated with the "Mom's and Papas House "entry in the database table <figref>212</figref>, User B can be called, because he was trying to contact A, as it arrives.

0075alternative the position information can be used to determine the compatibility, based not only on the family membership, but also to the proximity two or more family members. By Using the "** nearby **" setting in the Database (a programmable function that allows users the degree of closeness specify (for example 100 feet, ¼ mile, same city, etc.)) would the system will notify members (users A and B), if they near are. Again, the notification by a call signal (pager) an automatic call (cell phone) or similar means (PDA and computer) be effected, for example, as shown in the interface of PDAs, shown in <figref idrefs="S57">8th</figref>, Here, a portable telephone (Mobile, digital) <figref>300</figref> shown that a berührempfindliches keypad <figref>304</figref>, Selection / navigation buttons <figref>308</figref> and an ad <figref>312</figref>Comprising a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a similar graphical display means, which is susceptible to digital signals includes. As is known, include those phones an antenna <figref>316</figref>. and circuits (not shown) to control the operation of the phone and communication with a central network to control communication channels. In the phone <figref>300</figref> from <figref idrefs="S57">8th</figref> includes the display surface <figref>312</figref> a visual representation of other chatters or "family members", Figure <figref>320</figref>. a textual description of the vicinity of the other party in the area <figref>322</figref> and optionally a graphical indication <figref>324</figref> the direction of the other Party (for Phones, the GPS or other features include, the direction of the can determine the phone at a certain time). aspects such an agent disclosed, for example in <patcit><text>US Patent 5,952,959</text></patcit> Norris, published on 14 September 1999, or by <patcit><text>US Patent 5,613,205</text></patcit> Dufour, published March 18, 1997.

0076It will be further appreciated that a user is a member of may be more than one family or that "families" have subgroups or alternative Family courts, by one or more users may be selected. also can two users to be construed as a member of a family, based alone on the compatibility characteristics, as previously described, with respect to IDPP, even though the parties involved in actual not know any. As a result, a feature of this invention, however, it is foreseeable that a first chatter in the bar with another person in the same bar makes itself known, as a result a call or a call based on the information have been provided as part of a profile.

0077Furthermore the present invention is concerned with the application of IDPP Technology on a cell phone, a PDA or other wireless telecommunication technologies. Accordingly, it must use not necessarily include a chat room, but the use the IDPP properties can put each network subscription available be, the application as a target the call process for a direct Communication (talking directly to a person after they has been identified person with the calling process) is.

0078In summary, the present invention is a method and apparatus for use predetermined preference / characteristics to the personal compatibility between chat room and other network components to determine takers. If that System detects that these preferences are favorable for human Compatibility, will automatically notify or call the Chatter system and so facilitate their advertising, either online or in person. A additional functionality in addition to the compatibility based on the profile information includes an e-mail or another electronic notification of a personal compatibility as well as of a geographic compatibility.

0079It is therefore evident that in connection with the present Invention provides a method and apparatus has been provided for a network based chatroom system and in particular for an intelligent system and methods for "Call" a chatroom operator based on information regarding the subscriber characteristics. While this invention in connection with preferred embodiments described for is, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations for the skilled person will be apparent. Accordingly, it is intended all to include such alternative modifications and variations that in the scope of the appended claims fall.