HK1138396B - Initial impression analysis tool for an online dating services - Google Patents

Description

Initial impression analysis tool for online dating services

This application claims priority from U.S. application No.11/561,254 filed on 17.11.2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to online search services, and more particularly (but not exclusively) to various embodiments for enabling selection and display of an initial impression attribute (initializpressureattribute) of an online search result (e.g., an online dating search).

Background

Dating services are now very popular, and at least one study for a given year shows that more than 26% of all internet users in the united states visit personal sites. In part because online dating may appear to be a natural extension of people today. That is, many people today have personal computers, or at least have access to personal computers. Moreover, virtually anyone wants to love. Thus, it is a natural matter to combine the two. In this way, the online dating service may appear as the world's largest singles bar. The difference is that online dating can be done at one's own private home where it can take time to read about another person and learn about the other person by email, phone, etc. before the actual dating is done.

While online dating makes it easier to "screen" potential buddies, it is still a complex and sometimes exceptionally cumbersome activity. Users of such online dating services must often review a wealth of information about the assets, interests and background material of a large number of candidates (candidates). Many of this information may be organized based on common web standards or based on how the online dating service may prefer to display. However, just as each potential partner may be different, so too may the content the user may want to know about the potential partner. Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of these considerations and others.

Drawings

Non-limiting and non-exclusive embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various figures unless otherwise specified.

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of the invention, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of an environment for implementing the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a server device that may be included in a system implementing the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a logical flow diagram generally showing one embodiment of a process for managing the selection and display of initial impression attributes for search results;

FIG. 4 illustrates a logical flow diagram of one embodiment of a process for selecting initial impression attributes (which are used to provide an initial first impression of search results) for display;

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a screen shot (screenshot) of an online dating profile with initial impression attributes; and

fig. 6 and 7A-7B illustrate various embodiments of screen shots for modifying the set of initial attributes to be used to provide an initial first impression of search results.

Detailed Description

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In addition, the present invention may be embodied as methods or devices. Accordingly, the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "in one embodiment" as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but may. As used herein, the term "or" is an OR logical "or" operator and is equivalent to the term "and/or," unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "based on" is non-exclusive and allows for being based on additional factors not described, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The meaning of "in.

Briefly, the present invention is directed to managing the display of initial impression attributes (also sometimes referred to as first impression attributes). In one embodiment, the initial impression attributes may be used in a search context. For example, a user may be presented with search criteria according to which a search is performed. In one embodiment, the search is performed within the context of an online dating service. However, the invention is not so limited and other types of contexts may be employed. For example, the display of initial impression attributes during a browsing context for a good, the joining of social networking groups, profession, or any of a variety of other contexts (where a user may want to perform a quick comparison of resulting attributes) may be employed.

The user may select to perform a search, perform a browse, or modify the set of initial impression attributes to be displayed. If the user does not select a set of initial impression attributes, a default set may be provided. In one embodiment, the user may modify the displayed set of initial impression attributes at virtually any time. In one embodiment, the set of initial impression attributes may be permanent, that is, unless the user chooses to modify them. In one embodiment, the set of initial impression attributes is a subset of attributes selected from within search criteria or other analysis criteria. In one embodiment, when the results of a search (or other analysis or browsing) are displayed, the set of initial impression attributes may be displayed in a prominent location so that the user may quickly review the initial impression attributes and make a decision based in part on the initial impression attributes, rather than having to check for additional details about the displayed results or open another page for more details. In another embodiment, a mechanism may be provided that enables selective display of initial impression attributes.

In one embodiment, the set of initial impression attributes may also be provided to the user through a variety of contexts, including in proximity to an email thread, within an email that may include potential search results, or any of a variety of other contexts. Thus, for example, in one embodiment, the set of initial impression attributes may be displayed or made available for display to the user while the user is participating in a threaded online session, such as through hyperlinks to the set of initial impression attributes.

Exemplary operating Environment

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an environment in which the present invention may operate. However, not all of these components may be required to practice the invention, and variations in the arrangement and type of these components may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

As shown, the system 100 includes a client device 102, a network 105, a wireless network 110, and an Online Search Server (OSS) 106. Network 105 communicates with client devices 102 and 103 and OSS106 and enables communication between each of client devices 102 and 103 and OSS 106. The wireless network 110 is in communication with the network 105 and enables communication between the client device 104 and the client device 102 and the OSS106 via the network 105.

In general, client device 102 and 104 may include virtually any computing device capable of sending messages to and receiving messages from another computing device (e.g., OSS106, etc.) or sending and receiving messages to each other over a network, such as network 105, wireless network 110, etc. The set of such devices may include devices that typically connect using a wired communications medium such as personal computers, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, and the like. The set of such devices may also include devices that typically connect using a wireless communications medium such as cellular telephones, smart phones, pagers, walkie talkies, Radio Frequency (RF) devices, Infrared (IR) devices, CBs, integrated devices combining one or more of the preceding devices, or virtually any mobile device, and the like. Similarly, client device 102 and 104 may also be any computing device capable of connecting using a wired or wireless communication medium, such as a PDA, pocket PC, laptop, wearable computer, mobile phone, and any other device configured to communicate over a wired and/or wireless communication medium.

The client device 102 may include a browser application configured to receive and send web pages, web-based messages, and the like. The browser application may be configured to receive and display graphics, text, multimedia, and the like, employing virtually any web-based language, including standard generalized markup language (SMGL), hypertext markup language (HTML), extensible markup language (XML), and the like.

Client device 102 may also include a client application that enables it to perform a variety of other actions, including transmitting messages between itself and another computing device, such as through Short Message Service (SMS), Multimedia Message Service (MMS), Instant Messaging (IM), Internet Relay Chat (IRC), Mardam-Bey's IRC (mIRC), Jabber, and so forth. The browser application and/or another application, such as a client application, a plug-in application, etc., may enable the client device 102 and 104 to transfer content to another computing device.

Client device 104 represents one embodiment of a portable computing device. Thus, client device 104 may include virtually any portable computing device capable of connecting to another computing device and receiving information. These devices include portable devices such as cellular telephones, smart phones, display pagers, Radio Frequency (RF) devices, Infrared (IR) devices, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), handheld computers, laptop computers, wearable computers, tablet computers, integrated devices combining one or more of the preceding devices, and the like. As such, the client device 104 is generally broad in terms of its capabilities and features. For example, a cellular telephone may have a numeric keypad and a monochrome LCD display of several lines (on which only text may be displayed). In another example, a web-enabled remote device may have a touch-sensitive screen, a stylus, and several lines of color LCD display (where text and graphics may be displayed). Also, a web-enabled remote device may include a browser application capable of receiving and sending wireless application protocol messages (WAPs), and the like. In one embodiment, the browser application is capable of displaying and sending messages using Handheld Device Markup Language (HDML), Wireless Markup Language (WML), WMLScript, JavaScript, XML, and the like.

The client device 104 may also include at least one client application configured to receive content from another computing device. The client application may include the ability to provide and receive textual content, graphical content, audio content, and the like. The client application may also provide information identifying itself, including type, capabilities, name, and the like. In one embodiment, the client device 104 may uniquely identify itself through any of a number of mechanisms including a telephone number, Mobile Identification Number (MIN), Electronic Serial Number (ESN), mobile subscriber integrated services digital network (MS-ISDN), or other mobile device identifier.

Client device 104 may also be configured to transmit messages between itself and another computing device (e.g., OSS106, etc.), for example, via SMS, MMS, IM, IRC, mrrc, Jabber, and so on. However, the present invention is not limited to these message protocols, and virtually any other message protocol may be employed.

Client device 102 may also be configured to enable a user to engage in an online dating service, manage personal user information associated with the online dating service, and the like, which may in turn be stored at a location such as OSS 106. Client device 102 may also be configured to enable the user to perform any of a variety of other searches beyond an online dating search. As such, client device 102 may also include a client application configured to manage various actions on behalf of the client device. For example, the client application may enable a user to interact with a browser application, email application, or the like to manage their online dating information or other search information. For example, in an online dating search context, a user may employ the client application, in part, to create a user profile, participate in online dating personalization analysis, such as a personalization type and favorites style test, a relationship test, and so forth. The client application may also enable the user to receive and interact with search results that are based at least in part on the user's input to the online dating service. Moreover, the client application may also enable the user to interact with the searched online dating service results and provide actions that may then be used to automatically revise the search results. These interactions may include skipping various candidate summaries, selecting a summary of a candidate for viewing, saving a summary of a candidate, or other personalized actions.

The client application may also enable a user to receive and modify a first impression attribute or a set of initial impression attributes associated with a search. These initial impression attributes may then be displayed in conjunction with the search results. By enabling users to select and view those initial impression attributes that are of particular interest to the user, the user can quickly determine whether the search results are of interest. The set of initial impression attributes may then be selectively displayed such that they are always visible with the search results, visible after the user specifically selects for viewing, visible only to search results having predefined associated appointments, or even visible in any combination of these factors. Other selection criteria may also be used to determine when to display the initial impression attributes without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Wireless network 110 is configured to couple client device 104 and its components with network 105. Wireless network 110 may include any of a variety of wireless sub-networks that may also overlay stand-alone ad-hoc networks, and the like, to provide an infrastructure-oriented connection to client device 104. These sub-networks may include mesh networks, wireless lan (wlan) networks, cellular networks, and so forth.

Wireless network 110 may also include an autonomous system of terminals, gateways, routers, and the like connected by radio links, and the like. These connectors may be configured to move freely and randomly and organize arbitrarily so that the topology of wireless network 110 may change rapidly.

Wireless network 110 may also employ a variety of access technologies including second generation (2G), 2.5G, third generation (3G) cellular system radio access, WLAN, Wireless Router (WR) mesh, and so forth. Access technologies such as 2G, 2.5G, 3G, and future access networks may provide wide area coverage for mobile devices, such as client devices 104 with various degrees of mobility. For example, the wireless network 110 can be radio connected through a variety of radio network accesses, such as global system for mobile communications (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), and so forth. Wireless network 110 may include virtually any wireless communication mechanism by which information may travel between client device 104 and another computing device, network, and the like.

Network 105 is configured to couple OSS106 and its components with other computing devices, including client device 102 and 103, and to client device 104 via wireless network 110. The network 105 can employ any form of computer-readable media for transferring information from one electronic device to another. Additionally, the network 105 may include the Internet, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), direct connections (such as through a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port), other forms of computer-readable media, or any combination thereof. On an interconnected set of LANs, including those based on differing architectures and protocols, routers act as links between LANs, enabling messages to be sent between each other. Additionally, communication links within LANs typically include twisted wire pair or coaxial cable, while communication links between networks may use analog telephone lines, fully or partially dedicated digital lines (including T1, T2, T3, and T4), Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDN), Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL), wireless links including satellite links, or other communication links known to those skilled in the art. In addition, remote computers and other related electronic devices can be remotely connected to either LANs or WANs via a modem and temporary telephone link. In fact, network 105 includes any communication method by which information may travel between computing devices.

In addition, communication media typically embodies computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave, data signal, or other transport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. The terms "modulated data signal" and "carrier wave" includes a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information, instructions, data, and the like, in the signal. By way of example, communication media includes wired media such as twisted wire pairs, coaxial cable, fiber optics, wave guides, and other wired media and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media.

One embodiment of OSS106 is described in more detail below in conjunction with fig. 2. Briefly, however, OSS106 may include any computing device capable of connecting to network 105 to enable users of at least one of client devices 102 and 104 to manage their search activities and related sets of initial impression attributes. Devices that may operate as OSS106 include personal computers desktop computers, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, servers, and the like.

Note that although FIG. 1 illustrates a single computing device that may operate as OSS106, the invention is not so limited. For example, actions attributable to OSS106 may be distributed among multiple computing devices, such as groups of servers, network clusters, and the like, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

Exemplary Server Environment

Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a server device according to an embodiment of the invention. Server device 200 may include many more components than those shown. The components shown, however, are sufficient to disclose an illustrative embodiment for practicing the present invention. Server device 200 may be used as one embodiment of OSS106 of fig. 1.

The server device 200 includes a processing unit 212 and a mass memory, all in communication with each other via a bus 222. The mass memory generally includes RAM216, ROM232, and one or more permanent mass storage devices, such as hard disk drive 228, tape drive, optical drive, and/or floppy disk drive. The mass memory stores operating system 220 for controlling the operation of server 200. Any general purpose operating system may be employed. A basic input/output system (BIOS)218 is also provided for controlling low-level operations of the server 200. As shown in FIG. 2, server device 200 may also communicate with the Internet or some other communication network (e.g., network 105 in FIG. 1) via a network interface unit 210, network interface unit 210 being configured for various communication protocols including the TCP/IP protocol. Network interface unit 210 is also sometimes referred to as a transceiver, transceiving device, Network Interface Card (NIC), and the like.

Server device 200 may also include an SMTP handler application for sending and receiving e-mail. Server device 200 may also include an HTTP processing application for receiving and processing HTTP requests, and an HTTPs processing application for processing secure connections. The HTTPS handler application may initiate communication with the external application in a secure manner.

Server device 200 also includes input/output interface 224 for communicating with external devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, scanner, or other input devices not shown in FIG. 2. Likewise, server device 200 may also include additional mass storage accessories, such as a hard disk drive 228. Hard disk drive 228 is used by server 200 to store applications, databases, and the like.

The mass memory as described above illustrates another type of computer-readable media, namely computer storage media. Computer storage media may include volatile, nonvolatile, removable, and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Examples of computer storage media include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, Digital Versatile Disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic disks, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by a computing device.

The mass memory also stores program code and data. One or more applications 250 are loaded into mass memory and run on operating system 220. Examples of application programs include email programs, schedulers, calendars, web services, transcoders, database programs, word processing programs, spreadsheet programs, and so forth. The mass storage may also include applications such as an online search and initial attribute manager (OSAM) 252.

OSAM252 enables users to manage their online search information, communicate with other users and non-users, and generally conduct online search activities. OSAM252 provides a variety of features to enable a user of a client device to participate in an online search experience. In one embodiment, OSAM252 is configured to automatically modify search results, for example, for an online service, based on personalized input.

For example, in the context of an online dating service, OSAM252 may enable a user to provide information about himself/herself by answering a series of questions, including questions about their personality and relationship capabilities, and optionally other social aspects associated with the user. In one embodiment, OSAM252 may enable a user to take various tests. The results of these tests may be used in a search for candidates that have a potential long-term relationship with the user. For example, OSAM252 may allow a user to participate in a personality type and liking style test or in a relationship test. However, the invention is not so limited and other tests may be employed without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Moreover, OSAM252 may also provide similar types of information, questions, tests, and the like in different search contexts (e.g., professional searches). Additionally, OSAM252 may employ additional information about the user, user activities, relationships, and the like to perform a search for the user.

OSAM252 may also allow the user to select from a list of various criteria according to which to perform a search. For example, within the context of an online dating search, the list of various criteria may include various characteristics that a user may prefer, such as height, weight, hair color, smoking preferences, drinking preferences, interests, political interests, religious interests, education, occupation, or indeed any of a number of other possible online dating criteria. In one embodiment, OSAM252 may allow a user to identify one or more of the various criteria as "must have" criteria. Thus, for example, a user may decide that the results of a search must include only non-smokers, and so forth.

OSAM252 may use the results of the selected search criteria and, if any, test input to generate a set of unified search criteria. The unified search criteria may then be used to perform a search of one or more data stores to identify possible results that match or most closely match the provided unified search criteria.

Because OSAM252 may employ a large number of criteria to perform the search, OSAM252 also provides the user with a subset of the search criteria from which the user may display as a set of initial impression attributes. In one embodiment, the set of initial impression attributes may be determined for the user by OSAM252, as described in more detail below. In one embodiment, the user may select the set of initial impression attributes. These attributes may then be selectively displayed in conjunction with each search result, selectively displayed by the user for a given search result (based on any of a variety of criteria), and so forth. Embodiments of screen shots of an interface that may be used to customize the set of initial impression attributes to be selectively displayed are described in more detail below in conjunction with fig. 6 and 7A-7B.

In some searches, the resulting summaries may be associated with their own search criteria. For example, for an online dating search, a potential candidate may have preferences that the person is looking for. For example, a potential candidate may be looking for a person that loves children, loves pets, or any of a variety of other preferences that may be necessary, and so forth. Thus, in one embodiment, OSAM252 is capable of selectively displaying the initial impression attributes to also include a set of attribute criteria corresponding to the search results. Thus, in one embodiment, OSAM252 may display two-dimensional information about each topic, i.e., information describing the search results (also sometimes referred to as the poster) and information associated with the content sought by the poster. By showing these two aspects, the searching user is provided with the flexibility to check multiple attributes the user is looking for simultaneously, and at the same time, ensure that they meet the expectations of the search results (poster). One example of displaying a two-dimensional set of initial impression attributes that utilizes search results is described in more detail below in conjunction with FIG. 5. Also, OSAM252 may perform at least some of its actions using, for example, the processes described below in connection with fig. 3-4.

Although OSAM252 is described above as a single application configured to perform searches and manage initial impression attributes, the present invention is not so limited. For example, in another embodiment, these functions may be distributed among multiple applications. Moreover, these functions may also be distributed across multiple computing devices without departing from the scope of the present invention.

General operation

The operation of certain aspects of the present invention will now be described with reference to fig. 3-4. Figure 3 illustrates a logical flow diagram generally showing one embodiment of a process for managing the selection and selective display of initial impression attributes for comparison.

Process 300 of fig. 3 may be implemented within, for example, OSS106 of fig. 1. In one embodiment, a user of a client device (e.g., client device 102-104) may interact with OSS106 to select and modify initial impression attributes for comparison. As described below, the search results may be organized into one or more summaries, one embodiment of which is illustrated in FIG. 5 for conducting an online dating search. However, the present invention is not limited to accessing an interface for modifying initial impression attributes through a summary screen, and other mechanisms may also be used. The interface for modifying the initial impression attributes may also be accessed, for example, through an icon, a drop-down menu, a push button, or any of a variety of other selection mechanisms.

However, as shown, the process 300 begins after a start block, and at block 302, a summary may be selected. A selective display of the initial impression attributes is included within the summary or otherwise associated with the summary. In one embodiment, the initial impression attributes may be displayed on or within the summary in a prominent position. In one embodiment, a hyperlink or other selectable mechanism may be included to enable the user to select and display the initial impression attributes.

Processing may proceed to block 304 where initial impression attributes may be displayed at block 304. In one embodiment, the displayed attributes may be selected for display based on a variety of criteria, such as described in more detail below in conjunction with FIG. 4. In any case, after displaying the interface for the initial impression attributes, the process proceeds to decision block 306, where the user may select to modify one or more attributes to be selectively displayed at 306. If the user so selects to modify the set of initial impression attributes, processing proceeds to block 314; otherwise, processing proceeds to decision block 308.

At block 314, the user may be presented with a variety of mechanisms that may be used to select and modify the initial impression attributes. Embodiments of different interface mechanisms for selecting/modifying initial impression attributes are described in more detail below in conjunction with fig. 7A-7B. In any case, the user may modify the initial impression attributes by selecting those attributes that the user wants to selectively display and/or deselecting others. In one embodiment, the user may reorder the set of initial impression attributes. Processing then proceeds to block 312 where the modifications may be displayed to the user at block 312. The process loops through decision block 306 and blocks 314 and 312 until the user indicates that there are no more initial impression attributes to modify.

The process 300 then proceeds to decision block 308 where the user may select another summary at 308. If the user selects another summary for viewing, processing proceeds to block 302 where the selected summary is displayed 302; otherwise, processing returns to the calling process to perform other actions.

FIG. 4 illustrates a logical flow diagram showing one embodiment of a process for selecting to display an initial attribute for providing an initial first impression of search results. In one embodiment, the process 400 of FIG. 4 may be invoked at block 304 of FIG. 3.

As shown, the process 400 begins after a start block, and at decision block 402, a determination is made as to whether the user is signed into an account, or other mechanism capable of identifying the user is performed. Such a signature may or may not employ a cryptographic mechanism. Thus, any of a variety of mechanisms that can identify a user may be employed, including, for example, employing a mobile device identifier, a network identifier, and so forth that may be associated with the user. In any event, if the user is not checked-in or otherwise identified, processing proceeds to block 412. However, if the user is identified (by signing in or otherwise providing an identification identifier), processing proceeds to decision block 404.

At block 412, a default set of initial impression attributes may be displayed to the user or otherwise made available to the user. In one embodiment, the default set of initial impression attributes may be made available to the user through a hyperlink, icon, or other selectable mechanism. Any of a variety of default initial impression attribute sets may be provided. For example, in one embodiment, a default set may be determined based on a statistical analysis of one or more users. Based on the statistical analysis, a common set or more commonly selected set of initial first impression attributes may be determined. The collection may then be provided to the user.

In another embodiment, the default set of initial impression attributes may be determined based on a dynamically changing set of determination criteria that reflects the most commonly employed criteria for a particular gender, a defined product, and so forth, over a period of time.

In another embodiment, the default set of initial impression attributes may be determined based on a set of initial impression attributes provided by one or more posters of attributes. For example, in the online dating example, the set of initial impression attributes may be based on which one or more poster's of a profile indicate as their initial impression attributes, criteria must be present, and so on. Thus, as described above, the set of initial impression attributes may be based on any of a variety of criteria without departing from the scope of the present invention. In any event, processing then returns from block 412 to the calling process to perform other actions.

However, at decision block 404, where the user is identified, such as through a sign-on mechanism, a determination is made as to whether the user has selected a set of initial impression attributes. This may occur, for example, where the user has employed a process such as that described above in fig. 3, or the like. In any case, if the user has selected a set of initial impression attributes, processing proceeds to block 414; otherwise, processing proceeds to decision block 406.

At block 414, the initial impression attributes selected by the user may be stored in a data store or the like. In this way, the stored initial impression attributes may be retrieved using, for example, an identification identifier of the user, or the like. Processing may then return to a calling process to perform other actions.

However, at decision block 406, a determination is made whether the user has provided analysis criteria. Such analysis criteria may include, for example, online search criteria, product browsing criteria, job analysis criteria, and so forth. If so, processing may proceed to block 408; otherwise, processing may branch to block 413 to select a set of initial impression attributes. For example, in one embodiment, the set of initial impression attributes may include a default set of initial impression attributes, such as those described above in connection with block 412. However, the set of initial impression attributes may also be selected from a variety of other mechanisms. For example, in one embodiment, the initial set of impression attributes may be selected by observing a preference style by a browsing or searching activity of the user or other users and employing a set of initial impression attributes based on the observation. In another embodiment, the set of initial impression attributes may be selected based on a combination of known demographic information of the user, such information being derived from a user profile, or programmatically tracked from an address location and/or cookie, or the like, stored on the user's computer. However, the invention is not limited to these selection mechanisms, but other mechanisms may also be employed. In any case, after completion of block 413, processing returns to the calling process to perform other actions.

At block 408, the user's search criteria may be used to determine a set of initial impression attributes for the user. For example, in one embodiment, if a user has provided a "must have" type of search attribute in their search criteria, these "must have" attributes may be used in whole or in part to determine the user's set of initial impression attributes. In one embodiment, when the user provides little or no "must have" search criteria, the user's selected preferences (if any) for the search criteria may be used to determine the user's set of initial impression attributes. Thus, for example, in an online dating example, it may be preferable that the user have identified non-smokers, but not the "must have" criteria. These preferences may then be used to determine the set of initial impression attributes for the user. The set of initial impression attributes of the user may also be determined, in whole or in part, by browsing analysis or communication habits. For example, if the user tends to contact mainly non-smokers, it may be determined that smoking habits are important. Also, non-smokers may thus be indicated as preferred. However, the invention is not limited to these mechanisms, and virtually any other mechanism may be used to determine the set of initial impression attributes for a user based in part on search criteria provided by the user. In any case, after the set of initial impression attributes is determined, processing proceeds to block 410 where the (initial impression attributes) set may be displayed or otherwise made available for display at 410. Processing then returns to the calling process to perform other actions.

It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These program instructions may be provided to a processor to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute on the processor, create means for implementing the actions specified in the flowchart block or blocks. The computer program instructions may be executed by a processor to cause a series of operational steps to be performed by the processor to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions, which execute on the processor to provide steps for implementing the actions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.

Accordingly, blocks of the flowchart illustration support combinations of means for performing the specified actions, combinations of steps for performing the specified actions and program instruction means for performing the specified actions. It will also be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems which perform the specified actions or steps, or by combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

Fig. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a screen shot of an online dating profile with initial impression attributes, while fig. 6 and 7A-7B illustrate various embodiments of screen shots for modifying the set of initial impression attributes to be used to provide a first impression of search results. Although the figures refer to online dating search results, it will be clear that the invention is not so limited. Online dating is used herein merely to readily illustrate embodiments of using and/or modifying the set of initial impression attributes.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 5, screenshot 500 represents one embodiment of an online dating profile. Within screenshot 500 is a frame 502 showing initial impression attributes 504. As shown, for the initial impression attributes 504, the two sets of attribute criteria may be displayed side-by-side, or may be displayed in virtually any other arrangement. The two sets of attribute criteria include a result attribute 505 and a result attribute criteria 506. Thus, for example, a searcher may have selected smoking, height, hair, body type, and political leaning as initial impression attributes to display. The results attributes 505 represent the results associated with the currently displayed summary, in this example, whether the summary results (for a candidate appointment) smoked or not, their height, hair color, body type, and political inclination. Also, the result attribute criteria 506 indicate which of the candidate appointments are looking for (e.g., their search criteria) for the initial impression attributes 504. By displaying such information, the searcher can more quickly determine whether the candidates in the summary warrant a broader evaluation. In the case where the searcher determines to examine candidates in the summary, the search may read more about what the candidates in the summary may have to say, read the summary candidate search criteria 520 more broadly, or even listen to a voice greeting 510, watch a video 511 of a candidate in the summary, read a quick response to a predetermined question 512, and so on. However, question 512 may be composed of prose, images, and/or any other element that helps to express the essence of the candidate nature more clearly than a closed-form response may express. Thus, the question 512 may be replaced or supplemented by a variety of other elements without departing from the scope of the present invention.

As described above, the set of initial impression attributes 504 and the side-by-side comparison of the result attributes 505 and the result attribute criteria 506 may be displayed with a selected profile or may be selected using a hyperlink, icon, or other mechanism.

As shown, once the searcher decides, they may choose to modify the set of initial impression attributes. This may be performed, for example, by selecting link 508 or employing any of a variety of other selection mechanisms.

In one embodiment, when the searcher selects to modify the set of initial impression attributes, a menu 600 of FIG. 6 or similar screen may be displayed. In one embodiment, the menu 600 may be displayed overlaid on another window (e.g., the summary shown in screenshot 500 of FIG. 5).

As shown in FIG. 6, in one embodiment, a menu 600 enables a searcher to select from a variety of initial impression attributes 602 by selecting a drop down arrow 608. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, selecting the drop-down arrow 608 on FIG. 6 may provide a menu 700A of selectable initial impression attributes 704 from which the searcher may select.

Fig. 7B illustrates another embodiment of a mechanism 700B that may be used to select and/or modify the set of initial impression attributes. As shown, the searcher may select from a list 706 and drag, click, or otherwise select an attribute as an initial impression attribute 708. Moreover, the searcher may be allowed to sort the order of the set of initial impression attributes using a mechanism, such as moving the icon 710 up/down, and so forth. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 6, 7A, and 7B, any of a variety of mechanisms may be used to enable the searcher to select and/or modify the set of initial impression attributes.

Although the above discussion relates to an example of search results displayed to a searcher, the display of the set of initial impression attributes may also be provided in any of a variety of other scenarios. Thus, for example, a search tool may be configured to provide search results to a searcher using an email mechanism (e.g., email, etc.). In this embodiment, the set of initial impression attributes may also be provided in the email or otherwise made accessible.

In another example, a participant participating in a threaded session may be provided with a set of initial impression attributes associated with another participant participating in the threaded session. Thus, in one embodiment, the set of initial impression attributes may be displayed in close proximity to the summary abstraction, such that messages from thread conversations of other participants may be evaluated based not only on the content of the message, but also on how well the set of initial impression attribute topics match the expectations of the participants. Likewise, the set of initial impression attributes may be always visible, visible after the participant selects for display, visible based on criteria of other participants meeting an association level defined for the participant, or visible in accordance with any of a variety of other factors.

The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.

Claims (13)

1. A method for managing online comparisons of a plurality of candidates, comprising:

determining search criteria for a user for online candidates;

receiving, from the user, at least one initial impression attribute according to the user's search criteria, the at least one initial impression attribute selected by the user to be displayed in each online candidate profile displayed as a result of the user's search:

displaying at least one candidate summary using the user's search criteria; and

concurrently displaying in the at least one candidate profile result attributes of the at least one initial impression attribute selected by the user to enable the user to evaluate the candidate based in part on a comparison of the result attributes of the at least one initial impression attribute selected by the user, wherein displaying the result attributes comprises displaying two sets of result attributes, wherein a first set of result attributes represents those attribute results associated with the currently displayed candidate profile and a second set of result attributes represents content being sought by the candidate of the currently displayed profile; and

at least one additional initial impression attribute based on a default set of initial impression attributes is received, wherein the default set of initial impression attributes includes at least one default initial impression attribute determined based on a statistical analysis of a dynamically changing set of determination criteria for a plurality of users.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the set of default initial impression attributes further comprises at least one additional default initial impression attribute determined from an analysis of initial impression attributes by other users, wherein the at least one additional initial impression attribute is subsequently modified by another user selection.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the default initial impression attributes further comprise at least one additional default initial impression attribute determined in part from a user specifying at least one of: there must be user search criteria or preferred user search criteria, wherein the at least one additional initial impression attribute is subsequently modified by another user selection.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein selectively displaying the at least one result attribute further comprises providing the displayed at least one candidate summary to a user selection mechanism.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: enabling the user to modify at least one initial impression attribute currently selected for display by enabling the user to select another initial impression attribute for display from the user's search criteria or to deselect the at least one initial impression attribute.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the candidate summary is further associated with at least one of an online search result or web page browsing.

7. A server device for managing online search results, comprising:

a transceiver to receive information from another computing device and to transmit information to the other computing device;

a processor in communication with the transceiver;

means for receiving from a user at least one user-selectable initial impression attribute according to a search criteria for display in each result candidate summary;

means for performing a search of a candidate list employing the search criteria;

means for displaying a candidate summary of a candidate within the candidate list; and

means for selectively displaying result attributes in accordance with the candidate profile, wherein the result attributes are associated with at least one candidate profile and at least one user-selected initial impression attribute for display in the candidate profile, wherein the result attributes are concurrently displayed in the displayed candidate profile to enable the user to evaluate the candidate based in part on an online comparison of the result attributes in the user-selected at least one initial impression attribute, wherein selecting to display the result attributes further comprises displaying two sets of result attributes, wherein a first set of result attributes represent those attribute results associated with the currently displayed candidate profile and a second set of result attributes represent content being sought by a candidate for the currently displayed profile: and

means for receiving at least one additional initial impression attribute based on a default set of initial impression attributes determined based on a statistical analysis of a dynamically changing set of determination criteria for a plurality of users.

8. The server apparatus of claim 7 wherein means for displaying the candidate summary further comprises means for displaying the candidate summary within at least one of a thread conversation, one or more candidate summaries within the candidate list, or an email.

9. The server apparatus of claim 7, wherein means for receiving at least one initial impression attribute further comprises means for receiving a request from the user to modify the at least one initial impression attribute.

10. The server apparatus of claim 7, wherein means for selectively displaying the at least one initial impression attribute selected by the user further comprises means for providing a selection mechanism that enables the user to determine whether to display the at least one initial impression attribute.

11. A system for managing online comparisons, comprising:

a server device, the server device comprising:

means for receiving at least one initial impression attribute from a user;

means for providing a candidate summary of the candidate from web page browsing or online searching; and

a client device, the client device comprising:

means for performing at least one of the web page browsing or online search;

means for providing, in part, an analytical standard;

means for providing the at least one initial impression attribute as a user-selectable initial impression attribute for display in the candidate profile;

means for displaying the candidate summary; and

means for selectively displaying result attributes in accordance with the candidate profile, wherein the result attributes are associated with at least one candidate profile and at least one user-selected initial impression attribute for display, the result attributes being concurrently displayed in the displayed candidate profile to enable the user to rate the candidate based in part on an online comparison of the result attributes in the user-selected at least one initial impression attribute, wherein selectively displaying the at least one result attributes further comprises displaying two sets of result attributes, wherein a first set of result attributes represents those attribute results associated with the currently displayed candidate profile and a second set of result attributes represents content being sought by a candidate for the currently displayed profile; and

means for receiving at least one additional initial impression attribute based on a default set of initial impression attributes determined based on a statistical analysis of a dynamically changing set of determination criteria for a plurality of users.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the means for determining the at least one initial impression attribute further comprises at least one of: means for determining default initial impression attributes from analysis criteria, or means for receiving a selection of the at least one initial impression attribute from the client device, wherein the default initial impression attributes are subsequently modifiable by user input.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the means for selectively displaying the at least one initial impression attribute further comprises means for enabling the user to select whether to display the at least one initial impression attribute from within a thread conversation, within an email, or within a display of a list of candidate summaries.