AU2013204871A1 - A computing device, system, method and data signal arranged to facilitate information sharing - Google Patents

Abstract

In one aspect, the invention provides a computing device comprising a processing module arranged to interact with a centralized database via a communications network. The database is arranged to contain image information relevant to the identification of an entity, wherein the module is arranged to provide the information via the communications network from the device to a user electronic device. .... ,/..,. . ....... ...... 0 :........... .... .... ... .... ... .... ... C~ j..... .. ... .. .. ... .. ... .. .. -.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. ............. ........... -.. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . . . . . .. ..... ...... ...I.. .... - IL I'l 00C

Description

1 A COMPUTING DEVICE, SYSTEM, METHOD AND DATA SIGNAL ARRANGED TO FACILITATE INFORMATION SHARING Technical Field [0001] The present invention relates to a computing device, system, method and data signal arranged to facilitate information sharing. Embodiments of the invention find particular, but not exclusive, use in the field of documenting information regarding business entities via the use of a novel interface. Background Art [0002] With the advent of the Internet and so-called "social networking" platforms, there has been an explosion in the amount of information available via electronic communication devices, such as computers, smartphones and other communication devices. [0003] Social networking platforms such as Facebook and Linkedin allow millions of interested users to come together and exchange information of any variety, including personal information, business-related information, educational and topical information, and entertainment. [0004] However, all social networking platforms require a "base" level of computer knowledge and an underlying (albeit basic) understanding of how social networking platforms operate. This means that many people, in both developed and developing countries, are unable to interact with a social networking platform in any meaningful manner. [0005] In particular, many businesses, particularly small businesses with limited resources and limited time, find it difficult to find the time and gather the expertise to expertly set up and operate social networking "pages" or sites. [0006] Moreover, many small businesses continue to utilise traditional advertising channels, such as word of mouth, advertisements in local publications, entries in phone books, and other traditional media. There is no mechanism for such small businesses to successfully integrate their "off-line" advertising with their "on-line" advertising.

2 [0007] There is a need to provide a cost-effective, understandable and efficient manner of integrating a businesses' traditional advertising with the creation of an "on-line" channel of advertising. Summary of the Invention [0008] In a first aspect, there is provided a computing device comprising a processing module arranged to interact with a centralized database via a communications network and a database arranged to contain image information relevant to the identification of an entity, wherein the module is arranged to provide the information via the communications network from the device to a user electronic device. [0009] In one embodiment, the information is provided to a user electronic device in a form that allows the user electronic device to render an image that is substantially identical to a business card. [0010] In one embodiment, the centralized database may be arranged to contain further information, which may optionally be provided to the user electronic device. [0011] In addition, the information may be stored locally on the user electronic device. [0012] In one embodiment, the processing module may be arranged to vary the information or the other information prior to providing the information to the user electronic device. [0013] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a system arranged to interact with one or more remote devices via a communications network comprising a server including a database arranged to contain image information regarding one or more entities, wherein the database is arranged to receive the information via the communications network from the one or more remote devices. [0014] In one embodiment, the system is further arranged to, on receipt of a request from the one or more remote devices, provide the information regarding one or more components within the complex model to the one or more remote devices. [0015] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method for facilitating the transfer of image information regarding one or more entities between one or more remote devices and a centralized database, comprising the steps of, the centralized 3 database receiving a request to provide the image information regarding one or more entities to the one or more remote devices, and forwarding the information via a communications network to the one or more remote devices. [0016] In a fourth aspect, there is provided a computer program, including at least one instruction capable of being executed by a computing system, which implements a method in the third aspect of the invention. [0017] In a fifth aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium including a computer program in accordance with the fourth aspect of the invention. [0018] In a sixth aspect, there is provided a data signal including at least one instruction being capable of being received and interpreted by a computing system, wherein the one instruction, on being interpreted by the computing system, implements a method in accordance with the third aspect of the invention. Brief Description of the Drawings [0019] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an example computing system which is capable of operating a device, system, method and/or computer program in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a screenshot illustrating an input screens utilised by a user when interacting with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a screenshot illustrating an input screens utilised by a user when interacting with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a screenshot illustrating an input screens utilised by a user when interacting with an embodiment of the present invention; 4 Figures 5a and 5b are screenshots illustrating input screens utilised by a user when interacting with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process for uploading a business card in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a screenshot illustrating a personal wall feature in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 8a and 8b are screenshots illustrating a networking feature in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and Figures 9a to 9f are screenshots illustrating various individual and personal pages in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Description of Embodiments [0020] Referring to Figure 1, there is shown an example computing system which is capable of facilitating transactions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0021] In Figure 1 there is shown a schematic diagram of a computing system, which in this embodiment is a server 100 suitable for use with an embodiment of the present invention. The server 100 may be used to execute application and/or system services such as a system and method for facilitating an electronic financial transaction in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0022] With reference to Figure 1, the server 100 may comprise suitable components necessary to receive, store and execute appropriate computer instructions. The components may include a processor 102, read only memory (ROM) 104, random access memory (RAM) 106, an input/output devices such as disc drives 108, remote or connected input devices 110 (such as a mobile computing device, a smartphone or a 'desktop' personal computer), and one or more communications link(s) 114. [0023] The server 100 includes instructions that may be installed in ROM 104, RAM 106 or disc drives 112 and may be executed by the processor 102. There may be provided a plurality of communication links 114 which may variously connect to one or more computing devices 110 such as servers, personal computers, terminals, wireless 5 or handheld computing devices, or mobile communication devices such as a mobile (cell) telephone. At least one of a plurality of communications link 114 may be connected to an external computing network through a telecommunications network. [0024] In one particular embodiment the device may include a database 116 which may reside on the storage device 112. It will be understood that the database may reside on any suitable storage device, which may encompass solid state drives, hard disc drives, optical drives or magnetic tape drives. The database 116 may reside on a single physical storage device or may be spread across multiple storage devices. [0025] The server 100 includes a suitable operating system 118 which may also reside on a storage device or in the ROM of the server 100. The operating system is arranged to interact with the database and with one or more computer programs to cause the server to carry out the steps, functions and/or procedures in accordance with the embodiments of the invention described herein. [0026] Broadly, the invention relates to a computing device and system arranged to interact with one or more remote devices via a communications network. The system, in one embodiment, comprises a server including a database arranged to contain image information regarding one or more entities. The database is arranged to receive the information via the communications network from the one or more remote devices. [0027] Other aspects of the broad inventive concept relate to a corresponding method and data signal. The method facilitates the transfer of image information regarding one or more entities between one or more remote devices and a centralized database. The centralized database receives a request to provide the image information regarding one or more entities to the one or more remote devices, and forwards the information via a communications network to the one or more remote devices. [0028] The database is arranged to contain various types of information. In more detail, the database is arranged to hold image information. The image information is, in the embodiment described herein, a reproduction of a "business card". [0029] A business card is a very well-known and almost ubiquitous device for sharing business or personal information, and is intuitively understood by almost any person. As such, the image of a business card provides a fundamental and easily understood 6 device which forms the core or base of the information delivered or deliverable to an end user. [0030] In more detail, and referring generally to Figures 2 through 5 and 7 through 9, there is shown several pages of a web interface forms the interface through which users may interact with a complex networking system that provides a number of functions will be later described - however, one of the core elements of the embodiment described herein is that the interface is arranged to display a series of virtual "business cards" which are searchable by members of the website and also by the general public. [0031] Other information that is not strictly necessary for the rendering of the image information may also be associated with the image information. For example, a user may wish to add explanatory or laudatory notes which may be useful in better explaining the nature of the business or the skills of the business owner or workers associated with the business. [0032] Such notes may include reference to the skills of the owners or employees of the business, the amount charged for specific jobs, testimonials from people that have used the businesses' services, promotional statements, advertisements, or any other information that may be useful to an end user. Such information is also saved in the database and is generally displayed in any suitable manner (such as in a 'text box' below or beside the rendered image). [0033] Figures 2 and 3 provide an example set of webpages. Figure 2 is an example of a webpage 200 which is arranged to display a selection of business cards 202 to which the user has been granted access via the website. Figure 3 is an example of a specific business webpage 300 for a business. [0034] Referring to Figure 2 in more detail, business cards 202 may be represented by appropriate image information which resides in a database. The webpage includes a title bar 204 which displays a title. If the user is a member of the website, or has been granted an appropriate level of authority, the user will also have access to various facilities which allow the user to update details of the webpage. [0035] In some embodiments, the user can update the page utilizing a separate interface as described in more detail below. The separate interface then updates the webpage and also the database.

7 [0036] The web interface also interfaces with a search engine that allows users to search for a business by using one or more of a number of criteria. Users search for particular businesses by entering information into any one or more of the three text input boxes which are labeled 'What', 'Where' and Location (206, 208 and 210 respectively). The user can use generic keywords, company name, suburb, city, or post code. There is also provided an extended option to browse businesses by category or sub-category 212. [0037] By default, a list of search results is returned in alphabetical order. The search results include a short summary about each business accompanied by a scanned image of the business' business card. The list can also be sorted by a number of criteria, including the most viewed listings, the most commented listings, the most recommended listings and the most followed listings. [0038] To obtain more information regarding a selected business, a user clicks on one of the business' title or image, which directs the user to webpage 300 shown generally in Figure 3. The webpage 300 allows the user to view information such as additional content 302, an image of the business card 304, contact details 306, and a menu displaying the types and amount of interactions with the webpage 308. [0039] Returning to Figure 2, where the user clicks on the button under one of the business cards 202, an enlarged image of the business card is presented so that a user may more easily view the image. Furthermore, users who have access to the system as members (i.e. they are logged into the system) are provided with the option to download, print or electronically send an image of the business card to another user (utilizing known methods such as e-mail, social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, etc). [0040] Figure 4 illustrates a webpage 400 which is an example of the "community" area in accordance with an embodiment. The display of the community area includes a section which provides text including news, information, etc from Site Administrator. The community page 400 is intended to provide both guests and members of cardsmate.com a focal point to find other users and remain updated on the progress of cardsmate.com. The webpage 400 includes a plurality of thumbnail images 402 representing various users of the site-the users may be personal, individual, business or networking members of cardsmate.com. The images 402 may be photographs of the 8 users, or alternatively, the user may provide an avatar (an image which represents them) to allow other end users to more easily identify the user. [0041] In other words, the embodiment provides a community page 400 which operates in a manner similar to the home page but is focused more on relationships and networks. For this reason, the community page 400 has a different search capability to the home page. Instead of searching by business type or location, a user can use the search box labeled People' at 404 to search for a friend, co-worker or contact by typing their personal name. There is also provided an extended option to browse by occupation 406. The user can also search for a specific network by entering a topic or keyword into the search box labeled 'Network' [0042] By default, a list of search results is returned in alphabetical order that displays statistics about each person accompanied by a photo, alternatively or in addition to a scanned image of their business card. Member Types [0043] The embodiment described herein provides five levels of member types, namely guest members, personal members, individual members, business members and network members. Each membership level provides a different level of permissions which in turn provide different levels of functionality and varies the mode of interaction that the user has with the embodiment. 1. Guests - Non-members Searching and Viewing cardsmate.com [0044] Guests are able to search and view all business profiles including the recommendations and comments made by members. The only action guests are allowed to make is to report abuse of a business page to admin and must sign up/login to interact on site or with other members. 2. Personal Members [0045] To become a personal member, all guests must first register and create a personal page, which is then searchable on the community page by typing their personal name into the 'People' search box. A personal listing appears in the search results displaying their photo, age and location. The manner in which personal membership operates is described below with reference to Figures 9a to 9f.

9 [0046] Once a personal member has logged in, the Footer box and tabs change to allow personal members access to quick links, feedback, invite friends and submit testimonials. [0047] Only individual members are provided with a private URL address. [0048] Personal members can interact on site by Recommending a business, following a business to remain updated about that business in real time, saving their favorite business cards to an online folder for future reference and posting comments about their experience. 3. Business Members [0049] For business owners wanting to increase their exposure on cardsmate.com and engage the community, they can submit a business and pay the required amount of money to advertise on the home page, Business members get a different URL for each business submitted, Business members also have an option to purchase additional features such as photos and videos to be displayed on their business page when released. [0050] Referring now to Figures 5a, there is shown a representation of a "personal" web page 500 which may be viewed by a user (a guest user or a registered user). The webpage includes a short description of the person 502. The webpage 500 further includes additional messaging systems generally denoted at 504, including instant messaging systems, forums, blog-type software, integrated widgets (such as Facebook, Twitter or other known social networking tools) or any other communication tools that are usable via or through a web based or mobile interface. [0051] Furthermore, at 506, registered users have access to a number of functions which allows the registered user to connect, including the ability to "add as a friend", "add to favorites", "send a private message", "block this person" and "report this person". These functions allow the registered user to connect or dissociate themselves with other registered users, as required. [0052] Referring to Figure 5b, each registered user also has access to a messaging system which may be used in conjunction with the website and the community. The system includes a message server connected to the website. The server may be a 10 traditional mail server, web server or any other hardware and/or software for serving messages. [0053] In the embodiment described herein, the messaging system takes the form of a known email system. As seen generally at 508, the messaging system, at a user interface level, includes a known email system, where messages are received in an 'inbox' 510 and a user can both receive and send messages. [0054] It will be understood that messages may be relayed between the server and at least one or more remote devices, such as a computer, laptop, mobile device, smartphone, or other device for communicating with a message server. [0055] Figure 6 is a flowchart 600 representing the process of uploading a business card into the system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. [0056] Firstly, an image of a business card is received from a remote device 602. The remote device may be connected via Bluetooth, infrared, wireless protocols (such as WiFi), or by any other suitable means. The uploading of the business card may also occur through legacy communication protocols such as MMS, WAP or e-mail. [0057] Once the business card is uploaded 604, an image is displayed on the screen of the mobile device. The user is then prompted to provide further information regarding the business 606, including but not limited to the skills of the owners or employees of the business, the amount charged for specific jobs, testimonials from people that have used the businesses' services, promotional statements, or any other information that may be useful to an end user. [0058] The user may enter the information via a keyboard and/or by selecting "standard" options from a pre-defined list. The user information is added to the image of the business card and stored in the database for future reference. [0059] The electronic business card may have been prepared beforehand on another device, or alternatively, the website provides a facility for the enhancement and editing of the business card 608. It will be understood that this step is optional and in some embodiments, image enhancement software may not be provided. [0060] Once the user has entered all information and enhanced the business card to their satisfaction, the website then compiles a page 610 which is unique to the user (an 11 example of which was described with reference to Figure 3) and the webpage is published 612 so that other users may view the website. [0061] Referring now to Figure 7, there is generally shown a webpage 700 which includes a personal "wall" feature 702. The personal wall feature is analogous to a blog system, in that it allows users to post remarks 704, images 706, etc. onto the "wall" (i.e. dedicated webpage) or a user. The user can view the posts 704 and make the posts 704 open to all other users (i.e. in a manner akin to a blog or an online forum) or alternatively, the user can make the wall private, in which case the wall function in a manner analogous to an email system, in that only the users interacting on the wall can see the posts. [0062] Referring now to Figures 8a and 8b, there is shown generally a webpage 800 (shown in Figure 8a) a "top level" entry webpage for a network. The network has a descriptive name 802 and also allows users to optionally become members 804. Furthermore, there is provided a "public wall" 806 where users may ask questions and give answers in a semi-public or public forum. [0063] Referring now to Figure 8b, there is described a network maintenance webpage 808, which is viewable to each registered user, which provides a unique and novel way to organize business cards and business information. The networking page allows a user to self define "networks" 810, which may then be associated with one or more business cards. [0064] The networks are creatable by the users and are completely arbitrary, in the sense that each user can decide what business cards they can virtually "put into" each one of their own self-created networks. [0065] The networks may be private (i.e. only the user is able to view the groups they have created, or the network may be 'opened' and its contacts invited to interact on a separate wall. Where the networks are made closed, other users can see the network (through a page such as the page displayed in Figure 8b). [0066] To give an example, referring to Figure 8b, there is shown one network labeled 'Construction', which holds professional and social contacts related to various aspects of the building industry including enthusiasts, contractors, businesses etc. The creator saves a number of contracts to the network over time and may choose to 'open' the 12 network allowing its existing members to interact on a separate wall as shown in Figure 8d. [0067] In a further embodiment, users are able to 'merge' respective networks, so that a knowledge database may be built around arbitrary categories, including but not limited to specific industries or fields, specific technologies or products/services, specific geographical areas, or simply random agglomerations of business cards. [0068] Returning now to Personal Accounts and with reference generally to Figures 9a to 9f, there is provided at Figure 9a an example of a personal webpage. [0069] When the personal listing is clicked, the personal page appears (Figure 9b) which displays the member's personal summary, the ability to 'find' the personal member on another social network such as Facebook or Twitter, and the ability to 'connect' to the member through the cardsmate.com interface. As shown in the right hand portion of the screen, there is also provided a section with information such as the members image and activity statistics. [0070] To create an individual page, all members must submit additional information relating to their occupation, and pay the required amount of money to advertise themselves as Individuals. This type of account is searchable on the community page by typing their personal name into the 'People' search or browsing by occupation. An Individual listing appears in the community search results displaying their photo, age, location, occupation, and the company's they are associated with. [0071] When the Individual listing is clicked, a personal page appears displaying additional information such as that member's online portfolio and the references made from other members of cardsmate.com. Also on the side menu is displayed the additional statistics of an individual member. Networking in More Detail [0072] In the previous description, reference has been made to a functionality which allows users (registered) to interact with other users in a sophisticated manner, bulletin boards, personalized pages and other tools. This functionality is overlaid with a 'networking' feature that allows the user to interact with others through the formation of common interest groups.

13 [0073] Moreover, when a user has saved a personal, individual or business page to their 'favourites' folder, they can also create a network and categorise these pages under a specific heading or group. The user can develop their own heading or group name. [0074] In this manner, they form a network of contacts that are easily accessible. The network can take one of three forms, depending on the permissions set by the user. 1. Private Network [0075] A private network of contacts is a network of contacts that is visible only to the user. It is analogous to a 'phone directory', in that the user is provided with a means of easy access to their social and professional contacts. 2. Closed Network [0076] However, the user is also provided with a facility which allows them to share contacts in a staged and limited manner. This is referred to as the 'closed network'. The closed network feature provides individual, business and network members, with a way of sharing contacts only with other users that have been prequalified in some manner. For example, contacts may be shared on the basis that another user has asked to join an existing closed network, or on the basis that a user has specifically invited the other user to join a closed network. In one embodiment, other users may be provided with limited interaction with the closed network (e.g. they may be able to interact with the network members, but may not be able to view all information accessible by the network members. [0077] The provision of a closed network feature provides the ability for a user to connect with like minded other users, to communicate and share information about a common interest, hobby or work related matter, while still maintaining control over the extent of the information provided to the other members of cardsmate.com. That is, the closed network cannot be browsed or searched from a publicly available page such as the Cardsmate.com home page or from the Cardsmate.com community page. The existence of the closed network pages is only known to users who are part of the closed network, through a display portion on the side menu of the user.

14 [0078] In the embodiment described herein, a closed network is limited to 50 users, although it will be understood that a closed network may contain more than 50 users, as required in specific applications. 3. Open Network [0079] In addition to creating closed networks, all users of the Cardsmate.com system can create and publish a social network page, referred to herein as an 'open network' page. [0080] An open network is viewable by all users of the Cardsmate.com system and allows up to 500 network members to post approved topics, threads, replies and likes. [0081] An open network is searchable via the community page by typing either a personal or network name into the community page. [0082] The creator of the public network page can - appoint another network user to help monitor the public network. That is, the user may appoint another user to manage information such as posts and accepting invites. Advantages [0083] By providing such an extensive network around the simple idea of a business card, the embodiments described herein provide the simple and intuitively understood concept of a business card, and combine this understood concept with a powerful tool to collect, collate, categorise and subsequently share business cards. [0084] Moreover, by providing a unique way to categorise cards, through a "network" principle and system, the system allows users to exchange large amounts of contact information in a simple yet complete manner. [0085] Furthermore, in addition to providing a simple and intuitive way to collect, collate, categorise and share business cards and business information, the system provides a base from which to provide a social networking system that is focused on service provision, while still retaining the functions of a traditional social networking website (such as Facebook). [0086] At a high level, the website as a whole provides a new paradigm for organizing and collating business cards from both individuals and businesses with a view to 15 networking with both individuals and businesses and also forming and engaging with pre-established and newly formed networks. A user interacts with the website at three levels. [0087] At a first level, the user can interact as an individual. That is, the user may upload their personal business card and develop a "personal" page to allow them to advertise as an individual. This is useful in situations where an individual wishes to engage with existing and prospective clients at a personal level, but not necessarily as a company. For example, a salesman for a computer manufacturer may wish to establish their own personal, private network of existing customers, contacts, prospective clients, etc. However, the company they work for may not be a member of the website and may not wish to be represented on the website. Therefore, the salesman would maintain a "personal" page but would not maintain a "company" page, as they do not have the authority or right to establish a company page on behalf of the company, but still find value in maintaining a personal network and advertising their business card and their capabilities as an individual. [0088] At a second level, a user may represent themselves as both an individual and a company. That is, they may be associated with both a personal page and a company page. In this case, the user may be a small business owner who wishes to maintain a private network of personal contacts, but may also wish to advertise their business to potential contacts and clients at a corporate level rather than at a personal level. For example, an IT consultant may contract their services to clients and may wish to advertise as an individual (i.e. their skill set, past work, etc.). However, they may also be part owners of a consulting business and may wish to also advertise slightly broader services through their business. In this case, they would maintain two ostensibly separate pages (one personal and one business), but both pages would be linked, in the sense that the user would have access to both pages and would post similar (but not necessarily identical) content to both pages. [0089] In this manner, a user of the system can maintain two separate personas, which are clearly linked but nevertheless can operate independently. [0090] Of course, a business may also wish to only operate a business page, where no individuals that work in the business or own the business advertise as individuals. In this case, only a business page would be maintained.

16 [0091] Moreover, irrespective of whether a user interacts as an individual, a company, or a combination of both personas, they can form one or more networks and/or interact with one or more networks, as described above. This comprises the third level, namely that a user can interact at an individual level, at a company level and/or at a network level (or a combination thereof). This provides a large amount of flexibility. [0092] In addition, the website provides the functionality to separate a network from the website, to develop an individual network into a complete new website. This allows large networks to 'de-couple' from the broader website. [0093] For example, a large network may develop organically around the topic/area of "fishing". Over time, a number of individuals and businesses may combine into a network that covers a number of aspects of fishing, from equipment and boating to services. [0094] The network may become so large that tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of users (both personal and company) may be part of the fishing network. At a given point (say ten thousand users), it may be operationally more efficient to separate the fishing network from the broader website and establish the fishing network as a separate website, which has the same "look and feel" as the original website, but is now dedicated to fishing. This provides a number of technical and non-technical advantages. [0095] On the technical side, the separated website is smaller and easier to manage, as it is no longer part of a larger website where it co-exists with unrelated content. From a non-technical point of view, the creation of a targeted website is more attractive to many companies, as they have a targeted audience of users who they know are specifically interested in the topic (i.e. fishing). This allows the companies to provide more targeted information and to further sub-divide the users into sub-categories, to further segment and target advertising. [0096] The ability to easily separate networks from the main website is achieved through the use of an appropriate data structure. When a user joins a network (whether the user is an individual or a company), the user becomes associated with that network and becomes a 'member' of the network. At a database level, this is implemented by providing a link from the network to the user (whether personal or business). The link 17 allows a sub-set of appropriate data to be "pulled" from the database and re-populated into a new database via an automated procedure, such that an entire new website infrastructure is created and populated automatically. [0097] Once the sub-set of data is placed in the new database, the "link" in the old database may be removed, while keeping the original data related to individuals and businesses intact. In this way, the original website infrastructure can continue to operate in a seamless manner without the need for any individuals or businesses to change or update any of their webpages or information. [0098] It will be understood that the embodiments and broader invention described herein may also be provided via an 'App', namely a software application arranged to operate on a mobile device, such as a smartphone. Such variations are within the purview of a person skilled in the art. Variations and Modifications [0099] Although not required, the embodiments described with reference to the figures can be implemented via an application programming interface (API), an application development kit (ADK) or as a series of libraries, for use by a developer, for the creation of software applications which are to be used on any one or more computing platforms or devices, such as a terminal or personal computer operating system or a portable computing device, such as a smartphone or a tablet computing system operating system, or within a larger server structure, such as a 'data farm' or within a larger transaction processing system. [00100] Generally, as program modules include routines, programs, objects, components and data files that perform or assist in the performance of particular functions, it will be understood that the functionality of the software application may be distributed across a number of routines, programs, objects or components to achieve the same functionality as the embodiment and the broader invention claimed herein. Such variations and modifications are within the purview of those skilled in the art. [00101] It will also be appreciated that where methods and systems of the present invention and/or embodiments are implemented by computing systems or partly implemented by computing systems then any appropriate computing system 18 architecture may be utilised. This includes standalone computers, network computers and dedicated computing devices (such as field-programmable gate arrays). [00102] Where the terms "computer", "computing system" and "computing device" are used in the specification, these terms are intended to cover any appropriate arrangement of computer hardware for implementing the inventive concept and/or embodiments described herein.

Claims (11)

1. A computing device comprising a processing module arranged to interact with a centralized database via a communications network and a database arranged to contain image information relevant to the identification of an entity, wherein the module is arranged to provide the information via the communications network from the device to a user electronic device.

2. A computing device in accordance with Claim 1, wherein the information is provided to a user electronic device in a form that allows the user electronic device to render an image that is substantially identical to a business card.

3. A computing device in accordance with Claim 2, wherein the centralized database is arranged to contain further information, which may optionally be provided to the user electronic device.

4. A computing device in accordance with Claim 3, wherein the image information is stored locally on the device.

5. A computing device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing module may be arranged to vary the information or the other information prior to providing the information to the user electronic device.

6. A system arranged to interact with one or more remote devices via a communications network comprising a server including a database arranged to contain image information regarding one or more entities, wherein the database is arranged to receive the information via the communications network from the one or more remote devices.

7. A system in accordance with Claim 6, wherein the system is further arranged to, on receipt of a request from the one or more remote devices, provide the image information regarding one or more entities to the one or more remote devices.

8. A method for facilitating the transfer of image information regarding one or more entities between one or more remote devices and a centralized database, comprising the steps of, the centralized database receiving a request to provide the image information regarding one or more entities to the one or more remote devices, and 20 forwarding the information via a communications network to the one or more remote devices.

9. A computer program, including at least one instruction capable of being executed by a computing system, which implements a method in accordance with Claim 8.

10. A computer readable medium including a computer program in accordance with Claim 9.

11. A data signal including at least one instruction being capable of being received and interpreted by a computing system, wherein the one instruction, on being interpreted by the computing system, implements a method in accordance with Claim 8.