GB2390931A

GB2390931A - People meeting computer system

Info

Publication number: GB2390931A
Application number: GB0216425A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ryan Murphy
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-07-16
Filing date: 2002-07-16
Publication date: 2004-01-21
Also published as: GB0216425D0

Abstract

A specialised computer network which has photographic equipment 1 that transfers photographic images to a database 2 along with entered written data concerning persons entering a nightclub or public bar. This data can be accessed from coin operated purpose made consoles 4 throughout the premises which are linked by cable 3 to the server forming a closed system. The software involved allows separate files for each individual which can be accessed using allocated codes. The software also permits the transfer of pre saved messages between persons entered on the database using select keys (8, Fig 2) and scroll keys (6) on the consoles.

Description

239093 1

SPECL\LISED INTERACTIVE NETWORK.

This invention relates to a specialised computer network to be used to facilitate communication in a nightclub or public bar environment.

Nightclubs or public bars are places where people generally go in order to socialise and meet new people. In larger premises where the clientele runs in to hundreds the number of people with which one person can communicate is limited according to the amount of time they spend in the premises and on the amount of time they spend communicating with each individual. For this reason only a small percentage of the clientele are potentially accessible on an average visit to the premises.

According to the present invention there is provided a specialised computer network which gathers photographic and written data on individuals entering a public bar or nightclub and which provides a vehicle on which Lo send and receive messages between the same individuals within the premises. This facility offers these individuals the opportunity to meet people whom they may not have met through simply walking through the premises.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure I shows in plan a simplified layout of a network system within a nightclub or public bar.

Figure 2 shows an example of a communication console.

Referring to the drawing Fig 1 shows that the photographic recording equipment 1 is located near the entrance to the premises where the individuals photograph is taken and saved onto the database, their name is also recorded and entered by an operative at the server 2. Each individual is recorded on to a separate file which is allocated a number code and a group name of which the individual will be given a hard copy in the form of a small card. They will require this card to gain access to the main database from the coin operated consoles 4.

The variable number of consoles 4 within the premises are linked to the main server 2 via a cable network 3.

l'o gain access to the database containing photographs and names of all persons entered thereon, an individual will insert a coin to one of the consoles shown on Fig 2 to gain a given amount of time on the console. They would then key in their number code on the keypad 7 and select their appointed group name from the menu using the select keys 8. This identifies who is on a particular console at any given time.

The software involved then allows the console user access to all the other entered files on the database i.e. they card using the scroll keys 6, scroll through the photographs and names of all the other entered individuals which will be displayed on the screen 5.

A menu containing various options will be displayed on the screen which can be activated using the select keys 8. Options will include to view male or female entrants and to send any one of a selection of stored messages to any person of their choice.

As every individual entered on the database has their own file and a code number allocated on the server, only that individual can read messages sent to their file as they have to key in their code and group name initially at the console to gain access to the database. Anyone who enters a code number but selects the wrong appointed group name to that particular code will be denied access to the database.

By the same token the software will allow for the sender of a message to be identified to the receiver by their code number so that their photograph and name will be shown along with their sent message. Hence this system provides privacy for the receiver and prevents the sending of anonymous messages by persons not entered on the database.

Claims

1 A specialized computer network which gathers photographic and written data on individuals entering a public bar or nightclub and which provides a vehicle on which to send and receive messages between individuals within the premises.

2 A specialised computer network as claimed in claim I wherein durable purpose made coin operated consoles are used as communication points for persons entered on the data base within the premises.

3 A specialized computer network as claimed in claim I or claim2 which is a closed system which denies access to persons not entered to the database and identifies persons sending messages to a receiver.

4 A specialized computer network as described herein with reference to Figures 1 and 2.