System for data collection and matching compatible profiles

Patent 6272467 Issued on August 7, 2001. Estimated Expiration Date:

January 16, 2017. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

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Inventors

Assignee

Spark Network Services, Inc.

Application

No. 784713 filed on 01/16/1997

US Classes:

705/1, AUTOMATED ELECTRICAL FINANCIAL OR BUSINESS PRACTICE OR MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENT705/5, Reservation, check-in, or booking display for reserved space705/26Electronic shopping (e.g., remote ordering)

Examiners

Primary: MacDonald, Allen R.
Assistant: Patel, Jagdish

Attorney, Agent or Firm

International Class

G06F 015/38

Abstract

This invention relates to an automated method for identifying matches between a set of predetermined traits and a set of preferences. This method can be used to find compatible matches in a variety of situation s where participants are identified by a profile of traits and a set of criteria desired in at match, including, for example, matching candidates to residency program, and matching job hunters with employment opportunities. The present invention offers advantages and improvements over prior computer matching systems because, it provides an automated, effective method for matching traits with corresponding preferences and insures that only matches of the highest degree are made. The, present invention utilizes two-way matching of selected criteria, which measures not only how compatible the potential match is with the desired traits of the user, but also how well the user fits the potential match's idea of the perfect match.