WO2014141255A1

WO2014141255A1 - A method and system for enabling synchronous and asynchronous online communication channels between two persons

Info

Publication number: WO2014141255A1
Application number: PCT/IL2014/050254
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yossi Anconina; Gil Lavie; Jeff KAHN
Original assignee: Yossi Anconina; Gil Lavie; Kahn Jeff
Priority date: 2013-03-15
Filing date: 2014-03-13
Publication date: 2014-09-18

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for enabling synchronous and asynchronous online communication channels between two persons who may or may not know each other, by using an internet-based communication platform having a database and a user interface, comprising: a) storing information regarding a plurality of registered users into the database; b) allowing each user to provide information relating to a particular real-life occurrence/encounter through the user interface, wherein each real-life occurrence is defined at least by a location (by GPS, cell triangulation or other means) and time, but optionally by other data such as azimuth (bearings); estimated relative distance and direction from one another; direction of a finger swipe across the screen; sound byte; section of a photo or video; physical (fixed), situational (variable) and environmental attributes, such as body type, color of shirt or act of jogging at the time of the encounter, wherein each user may use the user interface via a different computer based device; c) creating an independent SB for each user who provide information regarding a particular real-life occurrence/encounter; d) upon receiving two independent SBs that occupy the same relative location and time and each from a different user, applying a matching algorithm(s) on said two independent SBs; and e) whenever there is a match between said two independent SBs, generating a single shared Spacetime Bubble (SSB) with a unique IP address such that both individual users will be able to connect and communicate by the various means available.

Description

^■ l^■

A METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENABLING SYNCHRONOUS AND ASYNCHRONOUS ONLINE COMMUNICATION CHANNELS BETWEEN TWO PERSONS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of social networks and online/offline dating. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and system for enabling synchronous and asynchronous - permission based, visible, invisible, identified or anonymous - online communications and relationship management - between two persons who engaged in some form of physical reaHife meeting or encounter at some point in time and location (place).

Background of the invention

Modern life is fast and socially inhibiting. Shyness, hesitation, fear of rejection, social taboos, lack of time and many other factors and inconveniences often prevent us from meeting interesting new people in real life. As more users are connected to the Internet and conduct their daily social activities digitally, many successful sociaHocation-mobile (SoLoMo) apps cater to a real human need and behavior.

For example, Bu.mp app allows users to exchange contact details and more, simply by bumping smartphones together. The secret to its mass adoption by users lies in body language. By combining the behavioral fist bump gesture with the ritual of exchanging business cards, Bu.mp was a sure-fire, time-saving gimmick. Due to its intuitive nature, Bu.mp exceeded one million downloads during the first month and boasts over 100 million users.

Location-based dating apps enable people to screen and virtually check out people in their vicinity. While this was initially a novel idea, such apps failed to remedy most problems inherent in online dating such as shady profiles, lazy filtering, the creep factor, etc. This perhaps explains why only one third of America's 100 million singles date online - leaving the vast majority of the market untapped.

With traditional dating sites - as well as with their mobile app counterparts - the initial introduction between two people is made in the virtual world and the physical reaHife encounter follows. This method has many drawbacks, including shady profiles featuring misleading pictures from the past, inadequate screening, etc. Therefore, a solution is required in which the initial introduction and screening is made the primal way in real life, and as a result, the critical issue of physical attraction, uncertainty and more, is no longer a factor.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a system which is capable of eliminating the need for virtual screening and sifting through social networking and online dating sites profiles since the screening and checking out is done the natural way - through eye contact in real life. By empowering eye contact with modern location-based technology, the system of the present invention takes mobile dating and people connection to a whole new level.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system which can make meeting new people more seamless and much less imposing while dramatically reducing social and psychological inhibitions such as shyness, fear of rejection and the like.

It is yet another object of the present invention to introduce a revolutionary way to meet new people - without the need to ever exchange phone numbers or business cards. As long as people express mutual interest during their interaction, the app makes future contact between them possible. Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method for the creation and storage and realization of shared moments between two people that have shared a "meeting of the eyes/recognition moment together".

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for enabling synchronous and asynchronous online communication channels between two persons who may or may not know each other, by using an internet- based communication platform having a database and a user interface, comprising: a) storing information regarding a plurality of registered users into the database! b) allowing each user to provide information relating to a particular real-life occurrence/encounter through the user interface, wherein each real-life occurrence is defined at least by a location (by GPS, cell triangulation or other means) and time, but optionally by other data such as azimuth (bearings); estimated relative distance and direction from one another! direction of a finger swipe across the screen! sound byte! section of a photo or video! physical (fixed), situational (variable) and environmental attributes, such as body type, color of shirt or act of jogging at the time of the encounter, wherein each user may use the user interface via a different computer based device! c) creating an independent Spacetime Bubble (SB) for each user who provide information regarding a particular real-life occurrence/encounter, wherein each SB indicates a cloud-based virtual event for real-life occurrences and interactions between people that combines location with time to create virtual events for real-life occurrences! d) upon receiving two independent SBs that occupy the same relative location and time and each from a different user, applying a matching algorithm(s) on said two independent SBs! and e) whenever there is a match between said two independent SBs, generating a single Shared Spacetime Bubble (SSB) with a unique IP address such that both individual users will be able to connect and communicate by the various means available.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises providing users the ability to display one's availability status on a cloud computing ("Invisible Open for suggestions mode") while remaining completely invisible or anonymous to the general online public and to users of the system. For example, availability status may pertain to one's career or work status, romantic relationship status, and the like.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises providing the ability for at least two people to communicate with nonverbal vibrating signals (e.g., as over mobile phones), where each signal or series of signals can have different meanings.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises providing the ability to sample two or more location-based (e.g., GPS, etc.) coordinates only microseconds or seconds (or minutes) apart from the first time of providing information related to a particular reaHife occurrence/encounter, thereby enabling the system to calculate the direction and speed of the user, resulting in better matching across space and time coordinates.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises providing the ability to open a SB during transport (i.e., "on the move", e.g., while jogging, walking, biking, being located in a car or a public transportation, etc.) for the duration of the reaHife encounter, thereby providing more information and increasing the probability of matching between the two pair of independent SBs. This "on the move" feature enables one to create a virtual trail marking his real-world presence comprising multiple GPS points. The "on the move" features allows for (l) the user to be more easily traced and matched by another user since the SB of the moving user is stretched over path and distance and is not limited to a single location and (2) the user registering the "on the move" SB will be able to browse through profiles of other users who were in his or her surrounding area while he or she was on the move.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises providing the ability for at least two people to point at one another's relative direction by use of a swipe of one or more fingers, or other object, across the device's touch screen in the direction of the other person (Fig. 6).

According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises providing the ability for at least two people who are in the vicinity of one another in real life to match virtually by use of azimuths and the device's built-in compass functionality, i.e. magnetic sensors (Fig. 7).

According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises providing a user-experience and user-interface in which the time axis can move back or forward in time with a swipe of a finger across the screen of the device while the map of the location remains fixed.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises providing the ability to create time and location-based group chats, in either public or anonymous status, between people who are present at the same venue or location at the same time duration.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In the drawings^ - Fig. 1 schematically illustrates two independent SBs that have overlapping location and time coordinates to become a single shared Spacetime Bubble, according to an embodiment of the present invention!

- Fig. 2 schematically illustrates sets of multiple SBs associated with each other!

- Fig. 3 schematically illustrates two independent SBs at a transportation mode, according to an embodiment of the present invention!

- Figs. 4A and 4B schematically illustrate a matching between two SBs while in motion, according to an embodiment of the present invention!

- Fig. 5 schematically illustrates exemplary layers structure of information and algorithm, according to an embodiment of the invention!

- Fig. 6 schematically illustrates how one or more people can point to the other's direction using a swipe of one or more fingers, or other objects, across the touch screen of the device! and

- Fig. 7 schematically illustrates how bearings (azimuth) and the devices built-in magnetic sensors and compass capability can be instrumental pointing to one another's relative direction.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Throughout this description the term "Spacetime Bubble" (SB) is used to indicate a cloud-based virtual event for real-life occurrences and interactions between people. Spacetime Bubble (SB) combines location with time to create virtual events for real-life occurrences. This term does not imply any particular computer environment implementation, and invention is applicable to all suitable computer operating environments and mobile device, such as cellular phones. According to an embodiment of the invention, each SB comprises at least the following data: - Where? ^■ The location of the occurrence or event (e.g., GPS coordinates or manually entering the name of the location);

- When?^■ The time of the event! and

- Who?^■ The identity of the person registering the event.

The method of the present invention have basic underlying principles that are rooted in Physics, specifically, Einstein's Spacetime theory. Spacetime theory posits that Time and Space are part of the same fabric and cannot exist separately since they are part of the same continuum. Under this Spacetime unity assertion, no match can ever be made between two persons using the system of the present invention unless they (i.e., their cloud-based Spacetime SBs) occupy the same space (i.e., location) and time.

Reference will now be made to several embodiments of the present invention(s), examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. Wherever practicable similar or like reference numbers may be used in the figures and may indicate similar or like functionality. The figures depict embodiments of the present invention for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the invention described herein. Aspects of the present invention and an exemplary computing operating environment will also be described.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, two independent SBs may occur when two people who have mutual interest in one another meet or cross each other's path in real life. In other words, a connection between two interested people who encounter one another in real life can be established by matching at least the registered location with time of both people in the cloud. In such a scenario when two people who have mutual interest in one another, at least two independent SB can be created whenever each of the individuals provides information to the system that can be used to define the content of each individual SB (e.g., via its own mobile device by using a user interface of a dedicated app or a website) during that mutual encounter. In turn, the system matches the two independent SBs that have overlapping location and time coordinates to become a single shared SB (SSB) with a unique IP address (or other form of unique identifier that both individual can use to connect and communicate, optionally, in an anonymous manner).

All the above will be better understood through the following illustrative and non- limitative reaHife scenario example.

An Example for Real-life Scenario

Referring now to Fig. 1, Person A encounters Person B and the two make meaningful eye contact. Though Person A and Person B express mutual interest, they fail to seize the moment and never actually exchange phone numbers. The regret over the missed opportunity lingers in both their minds. Later that day, Person A returns to the same spot where the first encounter took place and registers the event in the system. Person B decides to register the event from a home computer using map functionality of the system's website. In this case, both decided to register the event in an anonymous and hidden manner (although one can choose to make the SB event public and/or visible as well). By the same token, one or both could have registered the SB on the spot, seconds after their quick encounter.

Since both persons expressed mutual interest in one another but acted upon it at a later time, the system is now able to match between the two registered SB based on the time and location coordinates that were entered. When a match between the two registered SB is established, the two people are notified that they share a SB (SSB with a unique IP address) where they can directly communicate with one another by their chosen means.

At times erroneous SB data can be entered for a pair of SBs (that should have otherwise been matched). Therefore, smart algorithms and heuristic devices need to be applied in order increase the probability of creating a match, despite the error in data. In an idle environment, the information may include a simple recording of the time and location. However, depending on the environmental parameters and in order to reduce erroneous SB data (e.g., crowded area, wrong location or distance, etc.) further information and/or smart algorithms need to be applied, as will be further be described and explained hereinafter at the matching solutions section.

For example, the system may request the user to provide further information regarding oneself and/or the other individual such as visual cues (e.g., hair style, hair color, eyes color, height, ethnicity, body type, garment item style and color, posture, activity and the like), free text and any other physical or environmental information that can be used to identify and isolate the two people who have mutual interest in one another after or during their real life encounter (occurrence). Exemplary layers of information and algorithm is shown with respect to Fig. 5.

As will be further explained hereinafter, the smart algorithm may involve the processing of location(s) and time based event, such as a series of events that occur at the same location but at different times (e.g., repeated events such as a lecture that occurs once a week), a single event having a dynamic location (e.g., traveling on the same bus or train), or any other algorithm(s) that can be used to identify and isolate the two people who have mutual interest in one another after or during their reaHife encounter.

Complications in matching - Scenarios

Problems in matching a pair of mutually interested people who registered SB may occur when:

- There are more than two matching SBs at the given spacetime (i.e., time and location).

- There are more than two partly matching SBs at a given spacetime (and none matching exactly).

- One or both registers the wrong space (location).

- One or both registers the wrong time.

- One or both registers the wrong space and time.

Moreover, real-life encounters (and their corresponding cloud-based SBs) have spatial parameters that can be measured in:

Short distance aspect (e.g., few centimeters) - e.g., two people sitting next to one another on the bench or walking across, or

Long distance aspect (e.g., few meters) - as far as the eyes can see to still make a mutual visual impression, as in many outdoor situations in the street or park.

In addition, real-life encounters (and their corresponding cloud-based SBs) have temporal parameters that can be measured in:

Short term aspect (e.g., few seconds) - e.g., briefly walking across one another.

Mid term aspect (e.g., few minutes) - e.g., elevator, waiting in line, etc.

Long term aspect (e.g., hours) - e.g., lecture, restaurant, bar, concert, daylong and the like. Matching Solutions

Scenario V- Right Time, Wrong Place (RTWP)

In this scenario, the matching resolution procedure may involve the following elements^

Relative Space Algorithm

Unmatched SBs are dilated across the default space parameters in order to increase the probability of a match. In other words, the radius of the unmatched SBs increases while the matched time coordinates remain fixed in order to check for the relative distance (physical overlap) between the two time-matched SBs. The algorithm also checks for similarity between the sound byte recorded during Bubble registration as well as the photo or video that can be taken or uploaded during the time of SB registration. In addition, the algorithm may take into account azimuthal data from the mobile phone's built-in magnetic sensors (Fig. 7), as well as the direction of the swipe of one or more fingers across the screen of the phone (Fig. 6). For example, as shown in Fig. 7, tilting a smartphone 10 in the direction of the desired person or object will indicate the direction of the desired person or object relative to the user of the mobile app. Alternatively, as indicated by the black arrow in Fig. 6, finger swiping on the touch screen of smartphone 10 in the direction of the desired person or object will indicate the direction of desired person or object relative to the user of the mobile app. Optionally, the matching algorithm may also take into account data from persons who registered the SB, such as sample of the color of their shirt, pants, dress, shoes, hair, jewelry, and the like, using the mobile phone's built in camera.

Visual Cues

Unmatched users are requested to edit the Bubble by entering additional visual data based on:

- Constant Data from Profile Data (Hair color, Height, Ethnicity, Age, Eye Color, etc.); and/or ^■ Variable Situational Data at time of Encounter (Sitting, Standing, Walking, Eating, Drinking coffee, Reading, Glasses, Beard, Posture, Physical activity, Mode of transportation, Environment, Shirt type, Pants, Shorts, Dress, Skirt, Garment color, etc.)

Textual Relevance

Users can enter free text to describe the real-life encounter. Textual Relevance

Users can communicate (voice/video chat, phone talk, message, etc.) anonymously or openly in order to verify and confirm the right match.

Fuzzy Logic & Human Judgment

In certain instances, fuzzy logic and human judgment may be used to improve the chance of matching, especially when human error takes place. For instance, a person may mistakenly put AM instead of PM or mark a city by the same name but in a different state.

Revealing of Profile

As a last step in the hierarchy, users will have the option to reveal their invisible Profile if they wish to continue to find the right match. In the case that users' profiles are on visible mode, they will be able to identify their right match by viewing his or her profile data (with or without a profile photo).

Scenario % Right Place, Wrong Time (RPWT)

In this scenario, the matching resolution procedure may involve the followings elements^

Relative Time Algorithm

Unmatched SBs are dilated across the time parameter in order to increase the chance of a match. In other words, the range of time of each Bubble is expanded (into future & past from time of reference) while the space coordinates remain fixed in order to check for the relative amount of time between the two space-matched SBs. If the time span overlaps during the dilation, a match is made. The algorithm also checks for similarity between the sound byte recorded, photo, etc. during Bubble registration. In addition, the algorithm may take into account azimuthal data from the mobile phone's built-in magnetic sensors (Fig. 7), as well as the direction of the swipe of one or more fingers across the screen of the phone (Fig. 6). Optionally, the matching algorithm may also take into account data from persons who registered the SB, such as sample of the color of their shirt, pants, dress, shoes, hair, jewelry, and the like, using the mobile phone's built in camera.

In addition, the Visual Cues, Textual Relevance, Anonymous Communication, Fuzzy Logic and Human Intelligence (judgment) may also be used.

Scenario 3: Wrong Place, Wrong Time (WPWT)

Spacetime Dilation Algorithm

Unmatched SBs are dilated across both default space and time axes in order to increase the probability of a match. In other words the unmatched SBs increase in size while the range of time increases into the past and future from the time of reference. The system detects an overlap in time and/or space, a match (or partial match) is made. The algorithm also checks recorded sound byte during Bubble registration. In addition, the algorithm may take into account azimuthal data from the mobile phone's built-in magnetic sensors (Fig. 7), as well as the direction of the swipe of one or more fingers across the screen of the phone (Fig. 6). Optionally, the matching algorithm may also take into account data from persons who registered the SB, such as sample of the color of their shirt, pants, dress, shoes, hair, jewelry, and the like, using the mobile phone's built in camera. In addition, the Visual Cues, Textual and Fuzzy Logic & Human Judgment may also be used.

Scenario A^'- Crowded Places (Multiple SBs)

Minimal Spacetime Dilation Algorithm

Unmatched SBs are slightly dilated across both default space and time axes in order to verify that SBs did not fail to match due to only small space and time variances. In other words the unmatched SBs change in size while the time grows into the past and future from the time of reference (time that each of the two SBs was registered). The process applies to all different pair combinations of unmatched SBs within the given spacetime, i.e. the hub that recognizes hyper -activity in the number of registered SBs around the same time or isolated SBs as well. The algorithm also checks recorded sound byte during Bubble registration, as background music, etc. In addition, the algorithm may take into account azimuthal data from the mobile phone's built-in magnetic sensors (Fig. 7), as well as the direction of the swipe of one or more fingers across the screen of the phone (Fig. 6). Optionally, the matching algorithm may also take into account data from persons who registered the SB, such as sample of the color of their shirt, pants, dress, shoes, hair, jewelry, and the like, using the mobile phone's built in camera.

Permission-based Public Visibility

Users with private settings can make their Bubble visible to the public so that the matching pair will be able to recognize them based on the profile or photo. In addition, the Visual Cues, Textual and Fuzzy Logic & Human Judgment may also be used. The possible matching scenarios of two SB are summarized following Table V-

Table 1 Matching by Visual Cues - Constant Profile Data (Tier l)

The data that users put into their profile is relatively unchanging, such as eye color, heights, hair color, physique, ethnicity, and the like. In instances where no match or a partial match exists within a relative spacetime, users can fill out the physical attributes of their object (person for whom they have opened the Bubble). The system can then try to match the two based on the profile data.

Matching by Visual Cues - Variable Situational Data (Tier 2)

Users with unmatched SBs can add various Variable Situation Data to their SBs, thereby increasing the chance of connection between a mutually interested pair. In contrast to the Constant Profile Data, these physical and visual attributes apply to the time their encounter took place. Examples of such data may include:

- Posture^ Standing / Jogging / Running / Sitting / Laying

- Transportation: Walking / Running / Biking / Skating / Car / Bus / Subway / Train / Plane

- Activity: Drinking at bar / At cafe / At Park / Reading, etc.

- Glasses: Prescription / Sunglasses / No Glasses

- Garments: Shorts / Pants / Skirt / Dress / Suit / Raincoat / Shoes / Sandals / Flip-flops / hat, etc.

- Accompanied by People: Alone / with one more person / with two or more persons / with dog or other pet / with kid/s, etc.

Matching by Pattern Recognition - 2 Sets of Multiple SBs Associated with each other

According to an embodiment of the invention, the system allows for opening multiple SBs for the same person of interest over a scope of time (days to even weeks). The system parallels real human flirting behavior, such as in workplaces or campuses, where two interested people are well aware of one another's presence yet never actually met or talked (or talk and meet in multiple instances). When both people enter multiple SBs for one another, the system can learn to recognize patterns thereby increasing the chance of a match even if the parameters don't exactly match. This also keeps the system cleaner since when a match is finally made, all unmatched SBs by both people get associated to the single match. The system will utilize pattern recognition algorithms in multiple unmatched SBs that are attributed to a single (not multiple) person. This system is similar to insects leaving chemical trails in nature. Fig. 2 schematically illustrates sets of multiple SBs associated with each other.

Matching while in Motion - Direction/Time (Transportation Mode)

When on public transportation such as buses, trains, tramps and the like, data about the direction of the moving object as well as the time when the SB was opened and closed can be crucial for making a proper match. For this reason, under Transportation Mode, users will be able to register an open-ended directional SB. The direction and path of the moving object will be recorded as will the time that the SB was opened and closed, as shown with respect to Fig. 3.

The transportation mode will be better understood through the following example of a real-life situation: Persons A and B are situated on the same train and notice one another. Person A opens a SB and person B does the same several minutes later. When Person B leaves the train, both close the SB. The data shall suffice to make a match between the two.

Matching while in Motion— Direction/Time (Walking/Running Mode)

Two people may be walking in the same or opposite directions when they encounter one another. Entering a SB may take from a few seconds to a minute or more, during which time they may have drifted away from one another (as indicated by the SBs of persons A and B in Fig. 4A). By taking two or more location samples (e.g., from GPS), the system can figure out the direction (and to some degree the speed) of each individual and can make the necessary algorithmic adjustment to match the two SBs with more certainty (despite the fact that the time and/or location parameters don't overlap completely), as indicated in Fig. 4B.

Matching Using Pointing Relative Direction

Both (or one) of the people who notice one another and register a SB may also point to one another's direction simply by swiping an imaginary straight line (by user of one or more fingers, mouse or other pointing device) across device's screen, where each of the two ends of the line points in the direction of one of the people (Fig. 6). For example, the user can hold the device perpendicular to her body and click to point where the person of interest is in relation to her. This relative direction of each of the SB's can serve as additional data that will improve the matching algorithm's ability to connect people in situations where multiple SB's exist or where some data is missing.

Matching Using Bearings (Azimuth)

The mobile or other smart device has built-in magnetic sensors and as such has can function as a compass. Both (or one) of the people who notice one another and register a SB may also establish one another's relative direction, that is virtually point in the other's direction, using the azimuth or bearings system of the virtual compass (Fig. 7). For example, a user may point the North direction (or adjusted North direction) in his direction and then click on the meridian (or draw an imaginary line) in the direction of the person of his interest on the other. The data of one SB's direction in relation to the other SB will further contribute to the matching algorithm's ability to find the right match in situations of uncertainty or lack of data, or situations where multiple SB's exist. Public or Anonymous Presence Mode - "See or Be Seen", "I'm Available" or "Open for Suggestions" or "Clickable" Mode

At any given time, users of the system will be able to open a public or anonymous SB for a specified length of time, such as several minutes or hours at a specific location or while moving. In this mode, users can click on the virtual profiles or profile photos of real people who are found in their proximity, which can be from several meters to several hundreds of meters, or even more. Users who have been clicked on can instigate virtual communication, such as chat, or engage in content, such as a photo compatibility test, etc. to break the ice. Users may opt to be open for real^¬ time communication or to mark their status as "Leave a message" mode. The advantage of "Leave a message" mode is that the either recipient or approacher (the one who clicked on the profile) may be busy at the time or around with people and may prefer to postpone the communication for a later time. The "Leave a message" mode can also do away with any real^¬ time embarrassment, inconveniences or shyness.

The system also allows for proximity-based group chat and other communications, for people who are in a specific area at the same given time. For example, people who are present at a Starbuck's cafe a certain hour of the day can socialize in real-time or choose to connect virtually at a later time. This is true event-based social networking.

The system also allows for users to browse through profiles of other users who have registered SB's at a specific location or venue in the past (as well as to see the users who are at the location in real-time). This time- traveling feature is unique to the system. Whereas competing other location -based social and dating apps allow the users to stretch the Radius or Distance in order to discover more people in their area, the system keeps the location fixed while allowing to browse along the continuum of Time. As such, a user who checks into a certain cafe can view not only the profiles of people who are there at the same time, but also ones who have registered SB's hours earlier, days and weeks earlier, etc. Since locations and venues in particular also represent and say a lot about the types of people who visit and frequent the venue, this unique "Browsing through time" feature offers a proprietary and unique way to discover new people based on a shared location (but different time).

Invisible Mode

At any given time, users of the system will be able to open an invisible SB (ISB) that cannot be viewed by anybody other than someone who shares a SB with overlapping space and time parameters (and optionally, other visual cues). In other words, ISBs invisibly stamp one's virtual presence and declare his or her real-life availability status, while the individual who opened the ISB need not necessarily make eye contact with any particular person in his physical surrounding. This method opens an opportunity for interested people to approach others' invisible virtual spacetime, while never being 100% sure whether an invisible SB actually exists. The advantage of this unique technique is that it decreases the fear of rejection in the persons making the approach (as they can never be sure whether their SB was matched or denied by the owner of the ISB), while allowing the person who opened the ISB (the approached person) to deny or to reject the overlapping SB (without the inconvenience making a rejection).

The invisible mode will be better understood through the following example of a real-life situation: Lisa is in a large lecture room with over 100 people. She leaves an open ISB that lasts for the time duration of the lecture with the tags "Lisa" and "Blue Dress". Stan doesn't know Lisa's name but wants to contact Lisa and to express his interest. Stan registers a visible (or invisible) SB during the time of the lecture with the tag "Blue Dress". The system makes a match based on the tag/s and notifies Lisa that Stan is interested. She can choose to anonymously chat with Stan (now or later) or can simply ignore the request while Stan can never be sure whether Lisa ever received his SB.

This invisible mode is analogous to "shooting in the dark" and is ideal for environments where one notices another or knows some information about the other, i.e. university dorms, lecture halls, work environments and the like. Moreover, the invisible mode is well suited for professional events and conferences. For example, a Software Programmer who is looking for a job and is attending an event can open an ISB declaring his skills. A person who opens a SB and is seeking such skills will be matched if the two are in physical proximity from one another. It is clear that users can still choose to remain in visible public mode or in anonymous mode.

As will be appreciated by the skilled person the embodiments described herein results in a system for connecting people through shared moment. The system can connect between mutually interested people even if the opportunity to take each other's phone number or email has passed. By providing a second chance to meet in the virtual world, the system makes it possible to "seize the moment" at a future time. By leveraging nonverbal communicative cues such as eye contact, the proposed system is poised to transform the way that people connect for the first time. While the innovative solution is perfectly suitable for the world of romance, its functionality applies to all types of human relationships - personal, social and business - in the foreseeable future.

As is well known, at the heart of many body language gestures is one fundamental human behavior - eye contact. Whether people click and connect by shaking hands, tapping on the back, making facial expressions or giving a high five, some form of eye contact usually exists. As long people sense a mutually meaningful moment between them, the suggested system serves as a seamless, nonintrusive, non-imposing and intuitive platform for establishing the connection anytime, anywhere, in real-time or at a time in the future..

Romance Application Example

As aforementioned, there is huge potential behind the system in the world of romance since connection can be made on two levels ^'■ connecting in person and connecting in crowds.

Connecting in person

Two people who shared a moment crossing each other's path - in the street, supermarket, elevator, subway, friend's dinner, restaurant, waiting room and the like - will be well aware that they can connect in the future. The app's system changes the rules of the game by making it possible to meet at a future time without even having to mention it.

Connecting in crowds

SB's are ideal for stamping one's presence in public events such as concerts, theater shows, conferences, conventions, lectures and the like. The more specific the public event is, the higher the likelihood that people attending it share common interests. For example, single people in their 30's who attend a Depeche Mode concert in Leon, France are likely to share similar tastes in music, pastimes and area of residence. By the same token, people attending a lecture may have even more in common. In essence, the system's solution transforms any public place or event into a micro-dating site where users can screen other users both in real-time and in the past. Note: In future versions of the app, users may also be allowed to visit the future as well as to register SB's at a certain location at a future time.

Connecting while on the move

The app features the unique ability to mark one's presence (trail) while on the move. This feature is ideal for people who are available to meet new people but are not necessarily tuned in to everyone who sees them, as while jogging or biking.

Once a match is made between two or more SBs, the app offers various means to communicate with one another. Users will be free to choose which communication tools they want to make available. For instance, a person may decide that he or she can only be contacted only by chat, video chat, SMS, email, etc., both anonymously or identified.

In addition, as is widely accepted in the world of dating, the system also allows people to communicate discreetly. By opting to remain anonymous, people can maintain their privacy until they are ready to reveal personal details such as the phone number. Moreover, the system offers a revolutionary invisible approach where a person is visible only to another person with matched parameters, i.e. location, time, garments, height, hair color, activity, posture, etc. According to some embodiments of the invention, the system also integrates popular third-party API's in order to add value to the service, such as Facebook, Google, Foursquare, text and video messaging apps, content-based compatibility tests and the like.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the system provides a novel communication methodology that is based on a series of selected vibrations that correspond with different emotional states and messages. As an example when a person A wants to let a person B know he is thinking of her the vibration he sends her to her phone is uniquely defined to represent the thought "thinking of you now...". Similar to Morse code and or emoticons usage the system offers users a novel way of expressing themselves nonverbally and nontexually.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the system can provide a multi-layer user-interface (UI) that consists of a virtual map with a super^¬ imposed transparent layer of of the time continuum or arrow of time. The user can swipe his/her finger across the device's touch screen and travel back and forward in time, while the map stays fixed. This functionality allows one to visit all the places he or she has been to and registered a SB, or in some instances, to open future SB's. In future versions, the system may also allow the opposite UI and functionality where users can choose a duration of time, such as a week or month, and swiping the finger across the touch screen will illustrate the continuous virtual map of all the places he or she has registered a SB in that particular duration, e.g. month or week.

Turning now to the computing environment, the following discussion are intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable computing environment in which the invention may be implemented. While the invention will be described in the general context of program modules that execute in conjunction with an application program that runs on an operating system on a computer based mobile device or a personal computer, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may also be implemented in combination with other program modules.

Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, data structures, and other types of structures that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. While certain examples refer herein to a Personal Computer (PC) system or a computer based mobile device, other computer or electronic systems can be used as well, such as, without limitation, a tablet, a network-enabled personal digital assistant (PDA) and so on. The invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices. Embodiments of the invention may be implemented as a computer process (method), a computing system, or as an article of manufacture, such as a computer program product or computer readable media. The computer program product may be a computer storage media readable by a computer system and encoding a computer program of instructions for executing a computer process. The computer program product may also be a propagated signal on a carrier readable by a computing system and encoding a computer program of instructions for executing a computer process.

Unless otherwise indicated, functions described hereinabove can be performed by executable code and instructions stored in computer readable medium and running on one or more processor -based systems. However, state machines, and/or hardwired electronic circuits can also be utilized. Further, with respect to the example processes described herein, not all the process states need to be reached, nor do the states have to be performed in the illustrated order. Further, certain process states that are illustrated as being serially performed can be performed in parallel.

The terms, "for example", "e.g.", "optionally", as used herein, are intended to be used to introduce non-limiting examples. While certain references are made to certain example system components or services, other components and services can be used as well and/or the example components can be combined into fewer components and/or divided into further components.

In addition, while certain user inputs or gestures are described as being provided via phone key presses, data entry via a keyboard, or by clicking a computer mouse or button, optionally, user inputs can be provided using other techniques, such as by voice or otherwise. The example screen layouts, appearance, and terminology as depicted and described herein, are intended to be illustrative and exemplary, and in no way limit the scope of the invention as claimed.

All the above description and examples have been given for the purpose of illustration and are not intended to limit the invention in any way. Many different mechanisms, methods of analysis, electronic and logical elements can be employed, all without exceeding the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A method for enabling synchronous and asynchronous online communication channels between two persons who may or may not know each other, by using an internet-based communication platform having a database and a user interface, comprising:

a) storing information regarding a plurality of registered users into the database!

b) allowing each user to provide information relating to a particular real-life occurrence/encounter through the user interface, wherein each real-life occurrence is defined at least by a location and time, but optionally by other data such as azimuth (bearings); estimated relative distance and direction from one another! direction of a finger swipe across the screen! sound byte! section of a photo or video! physical (fixed), situational (variable) and environmental attributes, such as body type, color of shirt or act of jogging at the time of the encounter, wherein each user may use the user interface via a different computer based device!

c) creating an independent SB for each user who provide information regarding a particular real-life occurrence/encounter!

d) upon receiving two independent SBs that occupy the same relative location and time and each from a different user, applying a matching algorithm(s) on said two independent SBs! and

e) whenever there is a match between said two independent SBs, generating a single shared Spacetime Bubble (SSB) with a unique IP address such that both individual users will be able to connect and communicate by the various means available.

2. A method according to claim 1, further comprises providing users the ability to display one's availability status on the cloud ("Invisible Open for suggestions mode") while remaining completely invisible or anonymous to the general online public and to users of the system.

3. A method according to claim 1, further comprises providing the ability for at least two people to communicate with nonverbal vibrating signals, where each signal or series of signals can have different meanings.

4. A method according to claim 1, further comprises providing the ability to sample two or more location -based coordinates few moments (microseconds, seconds or minutes) apart from the first time of providing information related to a particular reaHife occurrence/encounter, thereby enabling the system to calculate the direction and speed of the user, resulting in better matching across space and time coordinates.

5. A method according to claim 1, further comprises providing the ability to open a SB during transport for the duration of the reaHife encounter, thereby providing more information and increasing the probability of matching between the two pair of independent SBs.

6. A method according to claim 1, further comprises providing the ability for at least two people to point at one another's relative direction by use of a swipe of one or more fingers, or other object, across the device's touch screen in the direction of the other person.

7. A method according to claim 1, further comprises providing the ability for at least two people who are in the vicinity of one another in real life to match virtually by use of azimuths and the device's built-in compass functionality.

8. A method according to claim 1, further comprises providing a user- experience and user-interface in which the time axis can move back or forward in time with a swipe of a finger across the screen of the device while the map of the location remains fixed.

9. A method according to claim 1, further comprises providing the ability to create time and location-based group chats, in either public or anonymous status, between people who are present at the same venue or location at the same time duration.