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Claims  |
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What is claimed is:
1. A method that notifies people that they feel reciprocal interest for
each other, comprising the steps, performed by a processor of a data
processing system having a memory, of:
receiving input from a first user indicating a user ID of a specific person
in whom the first user has an interest, the first user already being aware
of the existence of the person whose ID they entered;
receiving input from a second user indicating a user ID of a specific
person in whom the second user has an interest, the second user already
being aware of the existence of the person whose ID they entered;
determining whether the user ID of the person in whom the first user has an
interest matches a user ID of the second user;
determining whether the user ID of the person in whom the second user has
an interest matches a user ID of the first user; and
if and only if a match occurs in both of the determining steps, notifying
the first user and the second user that a match has occurred.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining steps are performed at a
predetermined interval.
3. The method of claim 1, where the determining steps are performed
immediately after receiving user input.
4. The method of claim 1, where the determining steps and the notification
step are performed at a predetermined "notification time."
5. The method of claim 1, wherein if the first user's feelings are not
mirrored by the second user, the system will not notify either user and
only the computer system will be aware of the first user's feelings for
the second user.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of receiving input from a first
user indicating a user ID of a person includes receiving input from the
first user through the World Wide Web.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of receiving input from a first
user indicating a user ID of a person includes receiving input from the
first user by way of e-mail.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of receiving input from a first
user indicating a user ID of a person includes receiving input from the
first user by way of an interactive telephone system.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of receiving input from a first
user indicating a user ID of a person includes receiving input from the
first user by way of software executing on an online service.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of receiving input from a first
user indicating a user ID of a person includes receiving input from the
first user by way of software executing on another data processing system
in a network.
11. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:
registering the first user; and
assigning a password to the first user.
12. The method of claim 1,
wherein the first and second users also enter a type of attraction and
wherein the determining steps determine that a match has occurred only when
the first and second users also enter the same type of attraction.
13. The method of claim 1,
wherein the first and second users also enter a type of attraction, and
wherein the determining steps determine that a match has occurred no matter
what types of attraction the first and second users enter.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second user IDs are one of
the group including: a user name, an e-mail address, a social security
number, a drivers license number, a telephone number, a name, a name with
a geographic location, and a public key.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second user IDs also
include a geographic designation.
16. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:
receiving, from the first user and the second user a type of attraction,
including one of "love," "like," and "desire."
17. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first user or the
second user enters the ID of more than one person in whom they have an
interest.
18. The method of claim 1, wherein the notification step automatically
sends an e-mail message to the first user and the second user notifying
them that a match has occurred.
19. The method of claim 1, wherein the notification step automatically
places a telephone call to the first user and the second user notifying
them that a match has occurred.
20. The method of claim 1, wherein the notification step automatically
displays notifications on a personal Web pages of the first and of the
second users, notifying them that a match has occurred.
21. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of receiving input from the
first user further includes the step of implementing a rule about how many
persons can be chosen for each type of attraction.
22. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of receiving input from the
first user further includes the step of implementing a rule concerning the
frequency with which persons can be changed by the users.
23. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is implemented for users of a
specific geographic location.
24. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is implemented for users who
belong to a specific institution.
25. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is implemented for users who
are affiliated with a specific organization.
26. The method of claim 1, wherein the first user is a birthparent and the
second user is an adopted child.
27. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
in response to the data processing system receiving the input of the first
user, which indicates interest in the second user, but before receiving
the input of the second user, sending a prompt to the second user that
someone has indicated interest in the second user, without saying who it
was that indicated interest, thereby prompting the second user to enter
one or more IDs of people in whom the second user has an interest.
28. An apparatus that notifies people that they feel reciprocal interest
for each other, comprising:
a first input portion, configured to receive input from a first user
indicating a user ID of a specific person in whom the first user has an
interest, the first user already being aware of the existence of the
person whose ID they entered;
a second input portion, configured to receive input from a second user
indicating a user ID of a specific person in whom the second user has an
interest, the second user already being aware of the existence of the
person whose ID they entered;
a first determining portion, coupled to the first and second input
portions, configured to determine whether the user ID of the person in
whom the first user has an interest matches a user ID of the second user;
a first determining portion, coupled to the first and second input
portions, configured to determine whether the user ID of the person in
whom the second user has an interest matches a user ID of the first user;
and
a notifying portion, coupled to the first and second determining portions,
configured to notify the first user and the second user if and only if the
first and second determining portions have detected a match.
29. An apparatus that notifies people that they feel reciprocal interest
for each other, comprising:
means for receiving input from a first user indicating a user ID of a
specific person in whom the first user has an interest, the first user
already being aware of the existence of the person whose ID they entered;
means for receiving input from a second user indicating a user ID of a
specific person in whom the second user has an interest, the second user
already being aware of the existence of the person whose ID they entered;
means for determining whether the user ID of the person in whom the first
user has an interest matches a user ID of the second user and for
determining whether the user ID of the person in whom the second user has
an interest matches a user ID of the first user; and
means for, coupled to the determining means, if and only if a match occurs
in both of the determining means, notifying the first user and the second
user that a match has occurred.
30. The apparatus of claim 28, further comprising:
a portion configured to send, in response to the apparatus receiving the
input of the first user, which indicates interest in the second user, but
before receiving the input of the second user, to send a prompt to the
second user that someone has indicated interest in the second user,
without saying who it was that indicated interest, thereby prompting the
second user to enter one or more IDs of people in whom the second user has
an interest.
31. A computer program product, comprising:
a computer usable medium having computer readable code embodied therein for
notifying people that they feel reciprocal interest for each other,
including:
computer readable program code devices configured to cause a computer to
effect receiving input from a first user indicating a user ID of a
specific person in whom the first user has an interest, the first user
already being aware of the existence of the person whose ID they entered;
computer readable program code devices configured to cause a computer to
effect receiving input from a second user indicating a user ID of a
specific person in whom the second user has an interest, the second user
already being aware of the existence of the person whose ID they entered;
computer readable program code devices configured to cause a computer to
effect determining whether the user ID of the person in whom the first
user has an interest matches a user ID of the second user;
computer readable program code devices configured to cause a computer to
effect determining whether the user ID of the person in whom the second
user has an interest matches a user ID of the first user; and
computer readable program code devices configured to cause a computer to
effect, if and only if a match occurs in both of the programming code
devices, notifying the first user and the second user that a match has
occurred. |
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Claims |
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Description |
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This application relates to computer software and, specifically, to a
method and apparatus for confidentially determining matches in feelings
and interests entered into the system by human beings and for notifying
the human beings only in cases when a mutual match in feelings or
interests occurs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Human relationships are often fraught with difficulties. In addition, human
beings are risk-adverse. Often, even when two people want to initiate
first steps in a relationship, neither person takes action because of
shyness, fear of rejection, or other societal pressures or constraints.
Various systems exist that help people meet each other. For example,
computer dating services allow people to view video tapes or pictures of
prospective partners or to choose common areas of hobbies. Two people are
introduced only if both agree with the idea. Unfortunately, in such
situations, neither person has actually met the other when they are
finally introduced. Neither person has ever met the other, and there is a
certain amount of shyness and fear of rejection when they first meet in
such a situation. In addition, both persons must initially approach the
dating service. For some people, such an action can also be embarrassing.
What is needed is a safe, simple, confidential, and non-judgmental way for
people to reveal their true feelings and interests without risk of
embarrassment or rejection.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the problems and disadvantages of the prior
art by automating the process of confidentially determining whether two
people feel mutual attraction or interest and, further, by automating the
process of informing the people involved of such a match in feelings or
interests, while maintaining complete anonymity unless a match of feelings
or interests occurs.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a computer system
receives inputs from various persons indicating the identities of persons
they already know (e.g., in person or online) that they like, are
attracted to, or have mutual interests with. The system collects this
information and searches for matches, i.e., for mutual feelings or
interests that have been entered into the system. In a simple case, for
example, if A and B know each other, if A enters information saying that A
is attracted to B, and B enters information saying that B is attracted to
A, then the system determines that a match has occurred and notifies both
A and B of the mutual attraction. As a second example, if A and B know
each other, if A enters information saying that A has a mutual interest
with B, and B enters information saying that B has a mutual interest with
A, then the system determines that a match has occurred and notifies both
A and B of their shared interest.
Thus, the present invention provides an provides a safe, confidential and
non-judgmental way for people to make their feelings and interests known
without risk of embarrassment of fear of rejection. The present invention
also provides an automatic way of notifying people of shared attraction or
interests. The system maintains the anonymity of the participants because
no notification occurs unless the system determines that a match in
feelings or interests exists, Thus, in the example, A will not be
embarrassed by having to publicly admit unrequited love or attraction for
B. If A's feelings are not mirrored by B, the system will not notify B and
only the computer system will be aware of A's feelings for B.
In accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly
described herein, the invention is a method notifying people that they
feel mutual interest, comprising the steps, performed by a processor of a
data processing system having a memory, of; receiving input from a first
user indicating a user ID of a first object in whom the first user has an
interest; receiving input from a second user indicating a user ID of a
second object in whom the second user has an interest; determining whether
the user ID of the first object matches a user ID of the second user and
whether the user ID of the second object matches a user ID of the first
user; and if a match occurs in the determining step, notifying the first
user and the second user that a match has occurred.
In further accordance with the purpose of this invention, as embodied and
broadly described herein, the invention is an apparatus that
confidentially notifies people that they feel mutual interest, comprising
a first input portion, configured to receive input from a first user
indicating a user ID of a first object in whom the first user has an
interest; a second input portion, configured to receive input from a
second user indicating a user ID of a second object in whom the second
user has an interest; a determining portion, coupled to the first and
second input portions, configured to determine whether the user ID of the
first object matches a user ID of the second user and whether the user ID
of the second object matches a user ID of the first user; and a notifying
portion, coupled to the determining portion, configured to notify the
first user and the second user that the determining portion has detected a
match, wherein the determining step is performed at a predetermined
interval.
Advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description
which follows and in part will be obvious from the description or may be
learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the
invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and
combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims and
equivalents.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part
of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention
and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the
invention.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a computer system in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing steps performed in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention to register a new user in
the system.
FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing steps performed to allow a human user to
register an attraction.
FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) are flow charts showing steps to detect mutual
attraction or interests.
FIG. 5 is an exemplary format of a database used in conjunction with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b) show examples of a screen shot of a form allowing a
user to input an attraction for another person or an interest.
FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) show examples of database entries representing mutual
interest.
FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b) show examples of e-mail messages indicating mutual
interest.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the present invention
implemented using the World Wide Web.
FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a method performed to match persons whose
interests are in finding their birthparents and in finding children placed
for adoption.
FIG. 11 shows an example of a personal Web page used by a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the
invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the
drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a computer system 100 in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention. Computer system 100
includes a processor 102 and a memory 104. Memory 104 includes detector
software 112 and a database 116. Database 116 contains information
relating to attractions and/or interests entered by human beings. System
100 preferably connects to a display device 132, such as a display screen,
and to an input device 134, such as a mouse or touchpad. Computer system
100 also includes a computer readable device 136, such as a disk drive or
CD ROM device. Detector software 112 is preferably loaded into memory 104
via device 136.
Computer system 100 is preferably connected to a network, such as the
Internet or an intranet via a connection 140. Computer system 100 includes
appropriate software to enable computer system 100 to communicate with
other computer systems over connection 140.
In other embodiments, various functions of detector software 112 may be
distributed in various computer systems of the network. An example of a
World Wide Web implementation of detector software 112 is shown in FIG. 9,
which is discussed below. It will be understood by persons of ordinary
skill in the art that computer system 100 can include additional
processors, memory, network connections, I/O devices, software, etc. that
are not shown in the Figures for the sake of clarity of example. The
present invention can be implemented on a wide variety of hardware,
including those shown in FIGS. 1 and 9, or other suitable hardware
configurations, such as network computers (NCs) and systems that bring the
World Wide Web to TV.
In an alternate preferred embodiment (not shown), computer system 100
includes an interactive telephone input system (not shown) that allows the
user to input attraction or interests to detector software 112 using the
keys on a touchtone telephone or a similar device.
The present invention provides a way for people to indicate their mutual
attraction or interests without fear of rejection, embarrassment, or
public attention. The invention allows people to enter the names (or IDs)
of other people for whom they feel love or attraction or with whom they
believe they share an interest. These people are called "objects." The
system periodically notifies people who are mutually attracted or have
mutual interests. The term "interest" includes emotional interests, such
as like, love, attraction, or other emotional feelings. The term
"interests" also includes non-emotional interests. Examples of persons
having non-emotional interests include business people who are interested
in pursuing a deal or merger with another business, or persons wishing to
enter into any other type of transactions where fear of
non-confidentiality, fear of rejection, a wish to avoid publicity, etc.
are a factor.
In other embodiments, various functions of detector software 112 may be a
part of the Web, an online service such as America Online or Compuserve or
part of an interactive telephone system. Thus, the software 112 may be
distributed in various computer systems of the network.
FIGS. 2-4 are flow charts showing steps performed in accordance with the
present invention. The steps of FIGS. 2-4 are performed by processor 102
and preferably are implemented as computer instructions of software 112
executed by processor 102. Each of these flow charts is discussed below in
turn.
FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing steps performed in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention to register a new user in
the system. The registration operation is generally, but not always,
performed. Registration lessens the possibility that people are logging on
under false names and increases the security of the system. If, however,
the system has only a small number of trusted users, all of whom are known
to the system, then it might not be as necessary to register the users.
In step 202, the detector software determines that a new user wants to
register with the system. In step 204, detector software prompts the user
to enter his or her real name and address. In step 206, a password is
assigned to the user and communicated to the user (or the user enters a
password). Step 208 stores the user name, and password (and optional
personal information) in memory 104. If a particular implementation of the
invention includes a registration procedure, the user will be required to
enter his or her password before he or she is able to enter new objects
into the database in the future or modify a previous selection. Use of a
password makes it less likely that people will log on under a false name
and enter false objects into the database. Other ways to authenticate user
identity include the use of public/private keys, digital signatures, or
biometrics, such as fingerprint or retinal scans. In general, any
appropriate method can be used to authenticate users.
FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing steps performed to allow a human user to
register love or attraction. In step 302, the detector software determines
that the user wants to enter a new object. For example, the user might
select "Enter New Object" from a menu. If the user wants to make new
entries, in step 304, the user is prompted (via display device 132) to
enter his or her user ID. A user ID can take various forms. For example,
the user may have been assigned an alphanumeric "handle" or an ID number.
Alternately, the user ID may simply be the user's name or e-mail address.
A user ID can also be any other type of personal identification, such as
social security number, drivers license number, telephone number. A user
ID can also be any of the above, with a geographic identifier (e.g., "gil
sudai san francisco california"). Alternately, the geographic identifier
can be considered a part of the user ID. It is important to note, however,
that the ID used (e.g., user name) be known to the other users so that the
users can enter the ID(s) into the system. Alternately, any suitable
identifier can be used as a user ID.
As discussed above, the user may also be prompted to enter a password (or
chooses a password) before he or she is allowed to enter new objects. Step
306 prompts the user to enter the user IDs of one or more "objects." A
first implementation requires the user to type the ID(s) of the objects.
In such a system, the identities of the users are not revealed to other
users. Another implementation allows the user to select objects from a
list of all possible objects (see areas 612 on FIG. 6(b)). In such a
system, the identities of the users are revealed to other users.
Step 306 also allows users to indicate the type of attraction or interest
he or she feels for his or her objects. For example, if the system allows
the user to enter an attraction, the user can indicate whether he or she
feels "love," "like," or "desire" for the objects. In a preferred
embodiment, the user must choose these types from a predetermined list.
Some implementations only have a single type of attraction. Other
implementations default to "like." The present invention may be
implemented using any appropriate numbers and types of attraction.
FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b) show examples of a computer screen of a form allowing a
user to input an attraction for another person. The example of FIG. 6(a)
shows a "Web form" displayed on display device 132 by browser 115 of FIG.
9. This form can be implemented using HTML, Java, or any other suitable
method. The user uses input device 134 of FIG. 9 to enter information and
browser software 115 sends the information to server software 113, where
it is passed to detector software 112. As discussed above, any appropriate
technology can be used to implement the present invention.
In FIG. 6(a), the user chooses between "love," "like," and "desire" 602.
The user enters his or her ID in area 604. The user enters one or more
objects in area 606. After inputting entries in areas 602, 604 and 606,
the user can either "enter" the information by clicking on area 608 or
clear the information by clicking on area 610. If the user indicates that
the information should be entered, step 308 makes an entry in the database
including the user ID, the user ID of the objects, and the types of
attraction (if applicable).
An alternate embodiment does not use a "prompt and enter" model, but
instead allows the user to register and to input his or her objects using
e-mail. Instead of being prompted for the information shown in FIG. 6, the
user sends an e-mail message to the detector software 112, where the
e-mail message contains the user's ID, the IDs of the user's object(s) of
attraction, and the type of attraction (if applicable).
Still another preferred embodiment allows the user to enter his or her ID
and attraction or interest using an interactive telephone system. In this
embodiment, the user calls a predetermined telephone number and is asked
by a prerecorded message to enter his or her user ID using the keypad of
their telephone (this could be, for example, a telephone number or any
other type of appropriate user ID). The user is then prompted to enter the
user ID of a person to whom he or she is attracted (or shares interests).
The system then prompts the user to enter a type of interest of
attraction. For example, the system may prompt "for liking, press one, for
desire, press two." Once the user has entered information using such an
interactive telephone system, detection and notification proceed in any of
the ways described herein.
A preferred embodiment of the invention also allows the user to delete and
change his or her objects. If the user indicates that a previously entered
object should be deleted (and enters a correct password if required), the
object is deleted from the database.
FIG. 4(a) is a flow chart showing steps to detect mutual love or
attraction. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, detector software
112 periodically performs the steps of FIG. 4(a). For example, the steps
may be performed once a day. In an alternate embodiment, the determining
step is performed each time a user enters objects. In an alternate
embodiment, the steps may be performed at a predetermined "notification
time" such as every Monday morning between 8am and 9am. Steps 404 through
414 represent a loop performed for each user ID in the database. Steps 406
through 412 represent a loop performed for each object for the current
user ID.
It should be understood that, although the described system detects matches
for two persons, the system can be expanded to detect matches among any
number of persons.
FIG. 5 shows an exemplary format of a database used in conjunction with the
described embodiment. It will be understood that the format shown is
provided only for the purposes of example and that any appropriate
database and database format can be used to implement the present
invention. Each entry in the database 116 includes a user ID, and one or
more user IDs of objects. Each entry in the database can also include a
single type of attraction or interest for all objects in the entry or can
contain a type of attraction or interest for each object in the entry.
Some implementations have predetermined number of objects per user ID.
Other implementations allow an unlimited number of objects.
In the described embodiment, it is known that each current user is
attracted to (or has mutual interests with) his or her object(s). Step 408
of FIG. 4(a) determines whether the current object is also attracted to
(or has mutual interests with) the current user ID. If the database has a
field indicating a type of attraction or interest, then step 408 also
checks whether the type of attraction or interest indicated by the user
and the object is the same. In some implementations, the type of
attraction or interest must match. In other implementations, all types
match all types. In still other implementations, each user may indicate
whether he or she wants to consider types of attractions or interests in
determining whether a match has occurred.
FIG. 7(a) shows an example of a match where the user IDs are e-mail
addresses and the types of attraction must match. In FIG. 7(a), a user
having the user ID "john@yahoo.com" (his e-mail address) has indicated
that he loves a user having a user ID of "kim@lycos.com." Conversely,
"kim@lycos.com" has indicated a feeling of love for "john@yahoo.com."
Thus, a match occurs and both parties are notified as discussed below. In
FIG. 7(a), Tom and Linda entered each other's IDs, but indicated different
types of attraction, so no match occurred. In other implementations, Tom
and Linda would also match, even though they indicated different types of
attractions. FIG. 7(b) shows an example of a match where the user IDs are
the full names of the users. Again. John Smith and Kim Brown match.
FIG. 4(b) shows another preferred embodiment having three loops. In this
embodiment, each type of attraction or interest is stored in a different
database. In FIG. 4(b), the third loop is for each type of attraction or
interest database. In this embodiment, both the user and the object must
have indicated the same type of attraction or interest for a match to have
occurred.
If a match occurs, step 410 notifies the user and object that a match has
occurred. As discussed below, this notification can take place in various
ways. (A preferred embodiment checks to determine that only one
notification occurs for each user/object pair). FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b) show
examples of e-mail messages notifying the users of FIG. 7 of a mutual
attraction Similar messages would be used to notify users of a mutual
interest. In the messages of FIG. 8(a), the notification message
identifies the users to each other by their user ID. In this example, the
users may or may not know each other's true names. They are able to
contact each other by e-mail and arrange a meeting if they so desire.
In another preferred embodiment, shown in FIG. 8(b) notification may not
include the ID of the objects, but may state only, for example, that "your
object #X has indicated mutual interest." This increases security because
only the user receiving the e-mail knows the identity of his "object #X."
(In some systems, the user also can check the system to verify the
identity of his various objects).
In a preferred embodiment, notification preferably is performed
simultaneously for both parties, once a match is discovered. In an
alternate embodiment, both parties have previously agreed that one of the
parties wants to be surprised, and notification is not simultaneous. For
example, both a man and a woman may have agreed when they registered that
the man will be notified 24 hours ahead of the woman when a match occurs.
Thus, the man can initiate personal contact with his object once he is
notified of the match. Some persons may prefer this alternative, if they
both believe that men should make the initial move.
In another preferred embodiment, notification can be performed by an
automatic telephone call made by the computer system 100; the World Wide
Web (via a personal page or a general page using a user's ID and
password); any other method of online communication; or any other
appropriate notification method.
In addition, detector software 112 can include sub-sections which would
work independently and which would be defined by one or more of the
following:
the geographic location (e.g., a sub-system that matches only users in the
San Francisco area)
the type of user (e.g., a sub-system that would only match high school
students with high school students, university students with university
student, club members with club members, etc.)
An alternate embodiment is implemented for a "private label," such as
specifically for users belonging to a club, a company, a school,
restaurant, bar, or another entity. For example, the users may enter their
attractions and/or interests via a Web page that requires a password to
gain access. Other implementations would only match club or group members
with other club or group members.
Alternate embodiments of the present invention implement "rules" included,
for example, in software 112, such as:
a person can choose only one "love" object and will not be able to change
this object for at least one month.
a person can choose up to five "like" objects and is able to change any one
of the objects at any time.
Such rules are implemented as computer instructions executed when the user
is entering new objects.
FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a method performed to match persons whose
interests are in finding their birthparents and in finding children placed
for adoption. This is a special case of the general "interest matching and
notification" method described above. The adoption detector system detects
and notifies persons who gave children up for adoption (the "birth
parent") and the children adopted (the "child").
One implementation of such a system detects and notifies both parties when
the parties know each other's name (or when the birthname of the child is
known). Such a system detects matches similarly to the detection of mutual
attraction or interests described above: When A enters B's name and B
enters A's name, the system determines that the two people want to contact
each other and notifies them in any of the manners described above.
In another implementation, each adoption file is assigned a case number. If
two persons enter the same case number, then notification occurs using any
of the methods described above.
In another implementation, the birthparent and child each separately
registers his or her name is a database, where it is stored along with a
case number for the adoption (Such as system requires that the
registrant's case number already be stored in the system.). As shown in
FIG. 10, if both the birthparent and the child have registered, this fact
is determined in step 1050. If a match is detected, both parties are
notified of the match in any of the manners described above. Such
notification may indicate merely that a birthparent/child match has
occurred and that the parties should now indicate a level of contact with
which they feel comfortable. Other notification methods notify the
birthparent/child of each others names, addresses, or other suitable
contact information. Note that the adoption detector maintains anonymity
of the birthparent and the child and does not notify either party unless
it detects that there is mutual interest.
FIG. 11 shows an example of a personal Web page used by a preferred
embodiment of the present invention to receive input from a user. This is
yet another method of combining the entry of input by users and
notification to users that can be used with any of the variations of the
present invention described herein. The user enters the names of the
person(s) to whom he or she is attracted or shares interests. At
notification time, the system modifies the personal pages of the user and
his object to display the IDs of the persons who entered mutual attraction
(or interests). Thus, a user simply looks at his or her personal Web page
(using a browser) to determine whether any matches occurred.
Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from
consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed
herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered
as exemplary only, with a true scope of the invention being indicated by
the following claims.
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