WO2023197026A1

WO2023197026A1 - A computer-implemented system and method for providing a social network for people with similar interests

Info

Publication number: WO2023197026A1
Application number: PCT/AU2023/050223
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gregory Peter KING
Original assignee: King Gregory Peter
Priority date: 2022-04-11
Filing date: 2023-03-28
Publication date: 2023-10-19
Also published as: AU2023201881A1

Abstract

A computer-implemented system for providing a social network for people with similar interests without disclosing personal identity. The system comprising a processing module for establishing a social network and a plurality of user devices associated with a respective plurality of users, connected with the processing module. The processing module is configured to register the plurality of user devices on the social network, wherein the user profile excludes all the personal details such as name, address, login ID, and nickname. Further, the processing module enable the users in the respective one or more virtual groups to exchange information, ideas, and/or shop for products.

Description

A COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A SOCIAL NETWORK FOR PEOPLE WITH SIMILAR INTERESTS

Technical Field

[001] The present invention generally relates to social media networks and in particular to a computer-implemented system and method for providing a social network for people with similar interests without disclosing personal identity.

Background

[002] In the era of technology, the social identity of a person on a social network has become equally or more important for so many people around the world. The social media has become a haven for the people who see or consider themselves to be “connectors”, the “persuaders”, the “influencers” and it may not be wrong to say “the attention seekers”. Social media platforms are identity based, where every user is recognized by a login id, or at least a username. Currently, many social media users are obsessed with gaining followers on their social network, and become influencers etc. Followership models are based on associations and/or subject interests that are chosen by each user. This provides motivation for a user to bring attention to themselves in order to receive recognition and notoriety, whether it be for good or bad reasons. Having more followers or associations raises an identities social media value.

[003] For example: users with more followers get attention from brands for promotion and enjoy a celebrity-like status. This in turn leads to exaggeration and even falsification of identity characteristics. Social media value can equate to ego rewards such as popularity, and/or financial rewards in advertising and product promotions. The desire for increased social media value sometimes leads to identity exaggeration and falsification in order to attain more “followers”. This has led to the spread of disinformation for the purpose of personal gain, causing harm and damage to people and societies. However, the problem is having a higher number of followers isn’t necessarily a true indicator of someone’s worthiness or social media value. In many cases, many users are simply following another user merely because of their appearance, etc. In some cases, the followers/connections on social media (such as professional networks) do not even know one another or may not even share any personal attribute in common. Also, now-a-days, the number of followers can also be increased/manipulated using unfair means. So, the value that the no. of followers bring will always be questionable. [004] Therefore, there is a need for a computer-implemented system and method for providing a social network for people with similar interests without disclosing personal identity. There is a need for creating a followership model which reduces the involvement of identity while not reducing the facility that social media platforms provide. Doing so will reduce exaggerations and falsifications created for identity gains.

[005] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “comprise”, “comprises” and “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated step or element or group of steps or elements but not the exclusion of any other step or element or group of steps or elements.

[006] Any one of the terms: “including” or “which includes” or “that includes” as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others.

[007] Any discussion of the background art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such background art is prior art nor that such background art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field in Australia or worldwide.

Summary

[008] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a computer-implemented system for providing a social network for people with similar interests without disclosing personal identity. The system comprises a processing module for establishing a social network; and a plurality of user devices associated with a respective plurality of users, connected with the processing module. The processing module is configured to register the plurality of user devices on the social network; receive user information including personal attributes, hobbies and interests of each of the registered plurality of users, for generating a respective user profile, wherein the user profile excludes all the personal details such as name and address, as well as eliminating login ID or nickname; match the personal attributes, hobbies and interests of the registered plurality of users using the respective user profiles to find users with atleast one common personal attributes, hobby or interest; create one or more virtual groups by assigning the users found to have the one or more common personal attributes, hobby or interest, thereby bringing together only the like-minded individuals and authentic followers; and enable the users in the respective one or more virtual groups to exchange information, ideas, and/or shop for products. [009] The social network includes a social media platform for interaction of users as well as an e-commerce platform for allowing the plurality of users to shop for products recommended by other like-minded users.

[010] The plurality of users are adapted to register as vendors on the social network for using the e-commerce platform to sell one or more products by providing information such as identity details and product details. Further, the registration includes verification of information provided by the respective plurality of users for registration to ensure authenticity of the vendor.

[Oi l] The processing module is configured to apply anonymity to all aspects of information exchanges between the users and remove any signatures and embedded names from messages or posts on the social network, to protect identity of the plurality of users.

[012] The user information is received from each of the plurality of users, in a form of answers to predetermined questions related to, but not limited to, personal attributes, hobbies or interests.

[013] The members of each virtual group are automatically added as followers of every other member of the virtual group.

[014] The processing module is further configured to provide multiple tabs on the respective user device, wherein each tab represents a virtual group based on each of the personal attributes, hobbies or interests associated with a respective user, that enables the respective user to find and become part of virtual groups with multiple common personal attributes, hobby or interest, to connect with users having a combination of similarity values.

[015] The processing module further enables the plurality of users to create a new virtual group by combining any number of existing virtual groups which the user is member of, by adding multiple common personal attributes, hobby or interest as a joining criterion, thereby refining the context of similarity matching and adding value to the user.

[016] The personal attributes include, but not limited to, interests, Education & Training, Vocation & employment, Belief & values, Goals & aspirations, Entertainment & fun, and also physical attributes selected from height, weight, body type, body size and preferred sizes of different types of clothes and footwear. [017] The one or more users in a virtual group of users having same physical attributes are enabled to recommend one or more products to other users of the group, thereby eliminating any issues related to size and quality of the product, at the time of buying and/or delivery of the product.

[018] The plurality of user devices are selected from, but not limited to, smartphones, desktop PCs, tablets and laptops.

[019] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer- implemented method for providing a social network for people with similar interests without disclosing personal identity. The method comprises the steps of establishing a social network; registering a plurality of user devices associated with a respective plurality of users on the social network; receiving user information including personal attributes, hobbies and interests of each of the registered plurality of users, for generating a respective user profile, wherein the user profile excludes all the personal details such as name and address, login ID or nickname ; matching the personal attributes, hobbies and interests of the registered plurality of users using the respective user profiles to find users with atleast one common personal attributes, hobby or interest; creating one or more virtual groups by assigning the users found to have the one or more common personal attributes, hobby or interest, thereby bringing together only the likeminded individuals and authentic followers; and enabling the users in the respective one or more virtual groups to exchange information, ideas, and/or shop for products.

[020] The social network includes a social media platform for interaction of users as well as an e-commerce platform for allowing the plurality of users to shop for products recommended by other like-minded users.

[021] The plurality of users are adapted to register as vendors on the social network for using the e-commerce platform to sell one or more products by providing information such as identity details and product details. Further, the registration includes a step of verification of information provided by the respective plurality of users for registration to ensure authenticity of the vendor.

[022] The method further comprises a step of applying anonymity to all aspects of information exchanges between the users and remove any signatures and embedded names from messages or posts on the social network, to protect identity of the plurality of users. [023] The user information is received from each of the plurality of users, in a form of answers to predetermined questions related to personal attributes, hobbies or interests.

[024] The members of each virtual group are automatically added as followers of every other member of the virtual group.

[025] The method further comprises a step of providing multiple tabs on the respective user device. Herein, each tab represents a virtual group based on each of the personal attributes, hobbies or interests associated with a respective user, that enables the respective user to find and become part of virtual groups with multiple common personal attributes, hobby or interest to connect with users having a combination of similarity values.

[026] The method further comprises a step of enabling the plurality of users to create a new virtual group by combining any number of existing virtual groups which the user is member of, by adding multiple common personal attributes, hobby or interest as a joining criteria, thereby refining the context of similarity matching and adding value to the user.

[027] The personal attributes include, but not limited to, interests, Education & Training, Vocation & employment, Belief & values, Goals & aspirations, Entertainment & fun, and also physical attributes selected from height, weight, body type, body size and preferred sizes of different types of clothes and footwear.

[028] The one or more users in a virtual group of users having same physical attributes are enabled to recommend one or more products to other users of the group, thereby eliminating any issues related to size and quality of the product, at the time of buying and/or delivery of the product.

[029] The plurality of user devices are selected from, but not limited to, smartphones, desktop PCs, tablets and laptops.

[030] A computer-readable medium storing machine -readable instructions that, when executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform the above-mentioned method steps.

[031] A computing device configured to perform the above-mentioned method steps. Brief Description of Drawings

[032] At least one example of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[033] Figure 1 illustrates a computer-implemented system for providing a social network for people with similar interests, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[034] Figure 2 illustrates a computer-implemented method providing a social network for people with similar interests, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[035] Figure 3A-3B illustrates information flow diagrams for implementation of the system and method of Fig. 1 and 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[036] Figure 3C illustrates a portion of an exemplary screen interface showing multiple virtual groups combined to create a refined virtual group, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[037] Figure 4A illustrates an exemplary screen interface showing virtual groups of the user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[038] Figure 4B illustrates a shop screen shown after selecting the “Shop” tab from the screen of figure 4A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[039] Figure 5 illustrates a view screen shown after selecting the “View” tab from the screen of figure 4A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[040] Figure 6 illustrates a method of ranking users based on their usage and contributions on the platform and displaying that ranking by way of a set of symbols, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[041] It should be noted that the same numeral represents the same or similar elements throughout the drawings.

Description of Embodiments

[042] While the present invention is described herein by way of example using embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments of drawing or drawings described and are not intended to represent the scale of the various components. Further, some components that may form a part of the invention may not be illustrated in certain figures, for ease of illustration, and such omissions do not limit the embodiments outlined in any way. It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. As used throughout this description, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e. meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense, (i.e. meaning must). Further, the words "a" or "an" mean "at least one” and the word “plurality” means “one or more” unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein is solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.

[043] It is desirable that there is provided a computer-implemented system and method for providing a social network for people with similar interests without disclosing personal identity. In view of existing social media networks/platforms, there is a need for creating a followership model which reduces the involvement of identity while not reducing the facility that social media platforms provide. Doing so will reduce exaggerations and falsifications created for identity gains. This can be achieved by automatically matching users based on similarities and assigning followers systematically. Similarity can be based on many things for example: physical dimensions; hobbies and interests; etc. and is captured via a set of standardized questions to which each member responds. Such users with similar attributes can be grouped in a number of virtual/interest groups and made to follow other members of the group. This reduces the total number of followers within the virtual group but increases the total similarity between the users. In simple terms, fewer the followers, higher the similarity match and higher is the value that may be received for each user. Having too many followers dilutes the value a user receives, as those users may not even share the same interests as their followers. [044] In this regard the invention below has been discussed with the help of figures for clarity. However, a skilled addressee would appreciate that the invention is not limited to particular types of implementations that have been discussed below.

[045] Figure 1 illustrates a computer-implemented system 100 for providing a social network for people with similar interests, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figure 1, the system 100 comprises a processing module 102; and a plurality of user devices 104...104n associated with a respective plurality of users, connected with the processing module 102. Herein, the plurality of user devices 104...104n are selected from, but not limited to, smartphones, desktop PCs, tablets and laptops.

[046] Further, the processing module 102 is envisaged to establish a social network, talked about in the present invention. The social network, in general terms, may be understood as a dedicated website or other application which enables users to communicate with each other by posting information, comments, messages, images, etc. Herein, the social network is envisaged to include a social media platform for interaction of users as well as an e-commerce platform for allowing the plurality of users to shop for products recommended by other like-minded users. In that sense, the processing module 102 is envisaged to include computing capabilities such as a memory unit 1024 configured to store machine readable instructions. The machine- readable instructions may be loaded into the memory unit 1024 from a non-transitory machine- readable medium, such as, but not limited to, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs and Flash Drives. Alternately, the machine-readable instructions may be loaded in a form of a computer software program into the memory unit 1024. The memory unit 1024 in that manner may be selected from a group comprising EPROM, EEPROM and Flash memory. The computer system 100 102 also includes a processor 1022 operably connected with the memory unit 1024. In various embodiments, the processor 1022 may be a microprocessor selected from one of, but not limited to, an ARM based, or Intel based processor in the form of field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a general-purpose processor and an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[047] Moreover, the processing module 102 may implement artificial intelligence and deep learning-based technologies for, but not limited to, data analysis, collating data & presentation of data in real-time.

[048] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a communication network 110 may also be used for connecting the components within the system 100. The communication network 110 can be a short-range communication network and/or a long-range communication network, wire or wireless communication network. The communication interface includes, but not limited to, a serial communication interface, a parallel communication interface or a combination thereof. The communication network 110 may be implemented using a number of protocols, such as but not limited to, TCP/IP, 3GPP, 3GPP2, LTE, IEEE 802.x etc. The communication network 110 may be wireless communication network selected from one of, but not limited to, internet, for providing maximum coverage.

[049] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may further comprise (as shown in figure 1) a data repository 106. The data repository 106 may be understood as a local storage (such as SSD, eMMC, Flash, SD card, etc) or a cloud-based storage. In any manner, the data repository 106 is envisaged to be capable of providing the data to the processing module 102, when the data is queried appropriately using applicable security and other data transfer protocols. The data repository 106 is envisaged to store login data, user profiles related to the plurality of users, system configurations, trained machine learning models, all e-commerce related data, prices, products, categories and billing information.

[050] Figure 2 illustrates a computer implemented method 200 for providing a social network for people with similar interests, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Before explaining the method 200 of operation, it is important to understand that the present invention has broad scope and can have several applications. However, for the sake of better explanation, some examples may be used to explain the invention, but they should not be considered in a limiting sense. For better explanation, the method 200 will be explained with the help of exemplary implementation shown in figure 3A-3C using information flow diagrams.

[051] As shown in figure 2 and 3A, the method 200 begins at step 210 wherein the processing module 102 establishes a social network. As previously mentioned, the social network includes a social media platform for interaction of users as well as an e-commerce platform for allowing the plurality of users to shop for products recommended by other like-minded users. Then, at step 220, the plurality of user devices 104...104n associated with a respective plurality of users, are registered on the social network. The step of registration enables the plurality of users to generate a respective login ID and password. In one embodiment, some of the plurality of users may register as vendors on the social network for using the e-commerce platform to sell one or more products. For that, they need to provide information such as identity details and product details etc. Herein, the registration further includes a step of verification of information provided by the respective plurality of users for registration.

[052] After that, at step 230, the processing module 102 is adapted to receiving user information including personal attributes, hobbies and interests of each of the registered plurality of users, for generating a respective user profile. These attributes may be selected from, but not limited to:

• Physical - age, ethnicity, weight, height, body sizing, preferred sizes of different types of clothes and footwear etc.

• Interests - hobbies, pursuits, pastimes, etc.

• Education and Training - schooling, qualifications, certifications, etc.

• Vocation and employment -jobs, history, prospects, etc.

• Belief and values

• Goals and aspirations - in life, in relationships, in vocations, etc.

• Entertainment and fun - Music, film, tv etc.

• Location - geographically defined as country, state, city, suburb

[053] Herein, the user information is received from each of the plurality of users, in a form of answers to predetermined questions related to personal attributes, hobbies or interests. The user information is gathered over time as the user chooses to enter data by answering more questions. According, the processing module 102 creates a user profile for a respective user using the received user information. The most important thing, which is also the USP of the present invention, is that the user profile excludes all the personal details such as name, address, and nickname. So, in a way, a user profile on the social media platform of the present invention is an entity defined by his personality traits and interests and not an identity such as real name or nickname. All the user profiles are stored in the data repository 106 and can be accessed by the processing module 102, as and when required. All the above-mentioned steps have been illustrated in Figure 3 A.

[054] In addition, at step 240, the processing module 102 is configured to match the personal attributes, hobbies and interests of the registered plurality of users using the respective user profiles to find users with at least one common personal attributes, hobby or interest. Then, at step 250, one or more virtual groups are created by assigning the users found to have the one or more common personal attribute, hobby or interest, thereby bringing together only the likeminded individuals and authentic followers. For example, interests may contain Sports which contains Horse Riding. A user selecting that option would be matched with others interested in Horse Riding and therefore be part of a combined interest group that followed each other when that context is chosen. Accordingly, different virtual groups may be formed. The same have been illustrated in figure 3B, wherein three groups A, B and C have been formed based on users with same attributes. Also, each parent group may contain sub groups and form a hierarchy. The uniqueness of the present invention lies in its followership model.

[055] Each time data is gathered, database matching is refined, resulting in fewer overall matches or followers. Further, it also reduces the number of people they are following. This is an inverse of the typical social media followership model where having less followers is preferred as it increases the effects and usefulness of the social platform.

[056] This is referred to in this invention as the “RAIS Model”, an acronym for Reciprocal, Anonymous, Inverse, Similarity followership model.

Reciprocal - All followers are followed by each other

Anonymous - There is no concept of personal identity either by document or appearance

Inverse - The less followers you have the higher quality and value you receive Similarity - All matching is based on similarity of personal attribute

[057] The present invention may be implemented using, but not limited to, mobile applications, website etc. that run on the plurality of user devices 104...104n. In such applications, or website, multiple tabs may be on the screen of respective user device 104. ‘Tab’ may be understood as a virtual button on the mobile application/website that allows user to control which group the user wants to access. Herein, each tab represents a virtual group based on each of the personal attributes, hobbies or interests associated with a respective user, that enables the respective user to find and be part of virtual groups with multiple and overlapping common personal attributes, hobby or interest to connect with users having a combination of similarity values.

[058] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the processing module 102 further enables the plurality of users to create a new virtual group by combining any number of existing virtual groups which the user is member of, by adding multiple common personal attributes, hobby or interest as a joining criterion, thereby refining the context of similarity matching and adding value to the user. Referring to the example shown in figure 3C, there are 3 groups of users, wherein a user with 1,000 matches with the same size hands (Group A); 500 with matching feet (Group B); and 5000 matches with horse riding as the common interest (Group C). So, the user may create new groups by combing these group to further filter the users with multiple similarities. As can be seen from the figure 3C, there are 300 matches where users have same hands and feet sizes, while 100 matches with same feet sizes and horse riding interests. Also, if all three contexts are considered together to , then a new group can be formed having 90 followers/users who all have same hand & feet sizes and also have horse riding as interest. Such matches are the ideal source to shop for both gloves and boots for horse riding as the products they promote would fit perfectly for such users.

[059] Furthermore, at step 260 (referring to Figure 2) the processing module 102 enables the users in the respective one or more virtual groups to exchange information, ideas, and/or shop for products. As already mentioned, the social network includes a social media platform for interaction of users as well as an e-commerce platform for allowing the plurality of users to shop for products recommended by other like-minded users. This allows the users to make comments and share thoughts and ideas on the virtual group. It’s important to note that users remain anonymous at all times, so a user is communicating to the group and not a single member by name or reference. And any response appears to be by the group, even though it was made by an individual.

[060] Figure 4A illustrates an exemplary screen interface 410 on the user device 104 showing virtual groups of the user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen from the figure 4, provide multiple tabs 402 on the user device 104. Tabs 402 may be of any shape such as, but not limited to, square, rectangle, circle, or any polygon. Herein, each tab 402 represents a virtual group based on each of the personal attributes, hobbies or interests associated with a respective user, that enables the respective user to automatically find and join virtual groups with multiple common personal attributes, hobby or interest to connect with users having a higher similarity value. Additionally, there may be a hierarchy defined for each context. For example: Physical attributes 402 tab at the bottom right, has subcategories 4022 (Upper, lower, hands, feet, head) shown on its left. Also, this interface provides a method 200 of combining contexts to create a virtual community where all members have matching interests, sizing, etc. Membership to any group is based on a question-and-answer process where the user states facts about himself/herself. There may be no Al searching to find matches and there may be no facility for a user to simply join or leave a group voluntarily. Instead, they edit their settings via the question and answer process provided by the system. [061] Also shown in figure 4 A are the multiple applications of the present invention. As can be seen at the top, two main tabs 402 are provided namely “Shop” and “View”. Each of these options will now be explained below.

[062] As previously mentioned, one application of the present invention is to provide e- commerce platform for a unique shopping experience. At present, usual way for shopping is to visit an online store and make a purchase. If it requires sizing, the users do the measuring probably by a sizing chart. When the product arrives, they try it on to determine fit and suitability. If it fits, great! If not, return it and start the process again. This process is usually repeated for every purchase, even when from the same store. Ill-fitting items are usually returned by mail, causing additional effort and costs to both parties Some items are more difficult to size than others, such as shoes. This is also a loss for the vendor and logistics team who have to deliver the product first and then collect it in case of return.

[063] Now, when the user selects the “Shop” tab, he/she gets access to the shop screen 420 shown in figure 4B. Spherical tabs representing the chosen context is carried over to the header of the screen which can be edited if required. A search bar 408 is provided to allow items for sale to be searched by the user. A vendor’s switch 410 is available to allow paid for advertising to be included in the display grid. The display grid 406 is an array of items 4062 available to view. Herein, a user that previously made an online purchase of some apparel has gone through the sizing process as usual i.e., receive the item, and try it for fitting and suitability of purpose. Now, if they like it, they can post a link to the original purchase, photos and a review on their virtual group having users with same physical attributes, for their followers to see. So, all followers know how the product will fit because they have the same physical attributes. A follower could follow the link and make a purchase without concern for the size or even where they’re buying it from. In some embodiments, the original poster would receive a commission or future discount and preferably by crypto currency.

[064] To present a typical example; a user wants to buy a pair of boardshorts from an online vendor. In the present invention, the user creates a virtual context group that suits them. E.g., Physical Lower body + Interests\Surfing. They search for “boardshorts” which shows them a scrollable array of items promoted by their followers. Tapping an item lets them see actual photos of how it would look on themselves and read comments by the poster. A link is provided to the item originally purchased so the user can follow the link to buy it for themselves. In this manner, the user is enabled to promote it in return for commissions and can add information, photos or videos to help with the sale.

[065] Figure 5 illustrates a view screen 500 shown after selecting the “View” tab from the screen of figure 4 A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figure 5, the “view option” allows a user to view content including text, photos and videos posted by people just like them. From the first screen, where a custom social context is created, the user can choose to view photos and videos from their matching users’ postings. These postings are created in social groups of which they are members. Postings displayed in the grid are only of people matching all aspects of the custom context. Tapping a video or photo displays the next screen where the whole video or photo can be viewed. Also shown on screen three is a swipe model, which is active on any screen where self-regulation is required.

[066] To allow users across the site to self-regulate all forms of content, there is a standard swipe model applied to locations requiring regulation. For example: comments or video content posted within groups. This should allow the site to control its own quality of content as well as eliminate blatant trolling. For example:

Swipe Up

This action is to indicate the item being viewed gives the user a “feel good” response. It will cause the item to increase in trend priority and add weight to other items displayed to the user swiping.

Swipe Down

Gives the user a “feel bad” response and has the effect of lowering the item in lists when viewed by others and overall trending priority.

Swipe Right

This is a logical response to “Like” the item and adds weight to trend priority.

Swipe Left

This is the strongest negative action by a user, effectively eliminating the content. For this user, the content will not be shown again. Others are less likely to see the item due to reduced value.

[067] The purpose of view is to allow members of groups to exchange thoughts, ideas and experiences on subject matter of the group. Post and Reply functions are only available in a virtual group (say, horse riding) rather than at a combined context level (say, horse riding + 6ft tall). Responding to a conversation in a combined context leads to the original entry in the interest group. Viewing, replying and Posting is void of identity. There is no display of name or nickname/screen name. Deidentification is core to eliminating many issues with current Web 2 platforms. Conversations are listed in order of popularity which is based on swipe model actions. Reading a conversation shows no indication of who a person is. Conversations can only be accessed by group members. Membership is by the system’s question and answer process. Trending conversations lead to display at the parent level in the hierarchy. Responding to a trending conversation at a parent level leads to the original message in the interest group. All parent levels up the hierarchy show the most popular content at lower levels. While reading content at any level a user can select to sort the content by a screen switch as either “Popular” or “Feel good” which has been derived by user actions in the swipe model. Note that it is understood that identity can be revealed in text, photos and videos, however it takes effort to do, has little benefit and exists only in that interest group.

[068] Figure 6 illustrates a method of ranking users based on their usage and contributions on the platform and displaying that ranking by way of a set of symbols. Each user is graded by their contributions being positively received by fellow platform users. Gradings are shown by a representative symbol. Each symbol also displays a progress line indicating how the user is progressing to the next level. Symbols displayed are not definitive and could vary by shape and quantity.

[069] The present invention offers the following advantages. The present invention:

• Is a single platform that accommodates functionality of all current social media apps

• is decentralised - anyone can buy or sell, send or receive information

• is mostly anonymous - no names or visible login Id

• is self-regulating - no central decision agency

• uses crypto as payment and reward currency

• eliminates exaggeration and falsification identified in Web2 social media

• improves the value received by all users

• simplifies the buyer experience of online shopping

• leads to an increase in online apparel shopping, particularly for difficult items

• significantly reduces overheads of processing returns by users

• gives everyone the opportunity to become a selling agent

• allows anyone, regardless of how they look, to become an “influencer” and be rewarded for their input • disincentivises Trolling as there is no identity to attack or accolades received.

[070] Additionally, there are some secondary benefits and opportunities that can be availed from the present invention, such as:

• Second hand clothing market becomes a reality (sales commissions + Green points)

• Enormous value in data. For example: o Average body sizes by country o Most common sizing options (for manufacturers and vendors) o Trends in body size changes (by age/country/etc) o Growth rates in children etc.

• Professional services can be added in the same way through interest groups, rather than sizing

• Film, TV and music can be added based on similarity of taste in each area

• Safe for all ages including minors.

[071] It should be understood that the techniques of the present disclosure might be implemented using a variety of technologies. For example, the contactless payment described herein may be implemented by a series of computer executable instructions residing on a suitable computer readable medium. Suitable computer readable media may include volatile (e.g., RAM) and/or non-volatile (e.g. ROM, disk) memory, carrier waves and transmission media. Exemplary carrier waves may take the form of electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals conveying digital data steams along a local network or a publicly accessible network such as the Internet.

[072] It should also be understood that, unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the following discussion, it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizing terms such as "controlling" or "obtaining" or "computing" or "storing" or "receiving" or "determining" or the like, refer to the action and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that processes and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.

Claims

CLAIMS: The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A computer-implemented system for providing a social network for people with similar interests without disclosing personal identity, the system comprising: a processing module for establishing a social network; and a plurality of user devices associated with a respective plurality of users, connected with the processing module; wherein the processing module is configured to: register the plurality of user devices on the social network; receive user information including personal attributes, hobbies and interests of each of the registered plurality of users, for generating a respective user profile, wherein the user profile excludes all the personal details such as name, address, login ID, and nickname; match the personal attributes, hobbies and interests of the registered plurality of users using the respective user profiles to find users with at least one common personal attributes, hobby or interest; create one or more virtual groups by assigning the users found to have the one or more common personal attributes, hobby or interest, thereby bringing together only the like-minded individuals and authentic followers; enable the users in the respective one or more virtual groups to exchange information, ideas, and/or shop for products.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the social network includes a social media platform for interaction of users as well as an e-commerce platform for allowing the plurality of users to shop for products recommended by other like-minded users.

3. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plurality of users are adapted to register as vendors on the social network for using the e-commerce platform to sell one or more products by providing information such as identity details and product details; wherein the registration further includes verification of information provided by the respective plurality of users for registration to ensure authenticity of the vendor.

4. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the processing module is configured to apply anonymity to all aspects of information exchanges between the users and remove any

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) signatures and embedded names from messages or posts on the social network, to protect identity of the plurality of users. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user information is received from each of the plurality of users, in a form of answers to predetermined questions related to personal attributes, hobbies or interests. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the members of each virtual group are automatically added as followers of every other member of the virtual group. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing module is further configured to provide multiple tabs on the respective user device, wherein each tab represents a virtual group based on each of the personal attributes, hobbies or interests associated with a respective user, that enables the respective user to find and become part of virtual groups with multiple common personal attributes, hobby or interest to connect with users having a combination of similarity values. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing module further enables the plurality of users to create a new virtual group by combining any number of existing virtual groups which the user is member of, by adding multiple common personal attributes, hobby or interest as a joining criterion, thereby refining the context of similarity matching and adding value to the user. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the personal attributes include interests, Education & Training, Vocation & employment, Belief & values, Goals & aspirations, Entertainment & fun, and also physical attributes selected from height, weight, body type, body size and preferred sizes of different types of clothes and footwear. The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the one or more users in a virtual group of users having same physical attributes are enabled to recommend one or more products to other users of the group, thereby eliminating any issues related to size and quality of the product, at the time of buying and/or delivery of the product. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of user devices are selected from smartphones, desktop PCs, tablets and laptops. A computer-implemented method for providing a social network for people with similar interests without disclosing personal identity, the method comprising:

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) establishing a social network; registering a plurality of user devices associated with a respective plurality of users on the social network; receiving user information including personal attributes, hobbies and interests of each of the registered plurality of users, for generating a respective user profile, wherein the user profile excludes all the personal details such as name, address, login ID, and nickname; matching the personal attributes, hobbies and interests of the registered plurality of users using the respective user profiles to find users with atleast one common personal attributes, hobby or interest; creating one or more virtual groups by assigning the users found to have the one or more common personal attributes, hobby or interest, thereby bringing together only the like-minded individuals and authentic followers; enabling the users in the respective one or more virtual groups to exchange information, ideas, and/or shop for products. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the social network includes a social media platform for interaction of users as well as an e-commerce platform for allowing the plurality of users to shop for products recommended by other like-minded users. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the plurality of users are adapted to register as vendors on the social network for using the e-commerce platform to sell one or more products by providing information such as identity details and product details; wherein the registration further includes a step of verification of information provided by the respective plurality of users for registration to ensure authenticity of the vendor. The method as claimed in claim 13, further comprising a step of applying anonymity to all aspects of information exchanges between the users and remove any signatures and embedded names from messages or posts on the social network, to protect identity of the plurality of users. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the user information is received from each of the plurality of users, in a form of answers to predetermined questions related to personal attributes, hobbies or interests. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the members of each virtual group are automatically added as followers of every other member of the virtual group.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) The method as claimed in claim 12, further comprising a step of providing multiple tabs on the respective user device, wherein each tab represents a virtual group based on each of the personal attributes, hobbies or interests associated with a respective user, that enables the respective user to find and become part of virtual groups with multiple common personal attributes, hobby or interest to connect with users having a combination of similarity values. The method as claimed in claim 12, further comprising a step of enabling the plurality of users to create a new virtual group by combining any number of existing virtual groups which the user is member of, by adding multiple common personal attributes, hobby or interest as a joining criteria, thereby refining the context of similarity matching and adding value to the user. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the personal attributes include interests, Education & Training, Vocation & employment, Belief & values, Goals & aspirations, Entertainment & fun, and also physical attributes selected from height, weight, body type, body size and preferred sizes of different types of clothes and footwear. The method as claimed in claim 20, wherein the one or more users in a virtual group of users having same physical attributes are enabled to recommend one or more products to other users of the group, thereby eliminating any issues related to size and quality of the product, at the time of buying and/or delivery of the product. The method as claimed in claim 21, wherein each user that interacts with the social media platform is given a rating that reflects the value of their contributions to other users, as measured by regular inputs that receive positive feedback but not reduced by negative feedback. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein each user’s value is displayed to other users via a symbolic representation that reflects their social media score, wherein said symbolic representation is displayed on each users’ postings and responses and in no way provides direct identity of its assigned user. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the plurality of user devices are selected from smartphones, desktop PCs, tablets and laptops.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) A computer-readable medium storing machine-readable instructions that, when executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform the method of any preceding claims 12-24. A computing device configured to perform the method of any of claim 12-24.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)