WO2000022558A1

WO2000022558A1 - System and method for transmitting and comparing personality profiles

Info

Publication number: WO2000022558A1
Application number: PCT/US1999/019054
Authority: WO
Inventors: Spiro Poulis; Steve J. Hillas; Brett C. Gilbert
Original assignee: Simar, Llc
Priority date: 1998-09-17
Filing date: 1999-08-18
Publication date: 2000-04-20
Also published as: AU5577199A

Abstract

A computer system and method enables the discrete transfer of personality profiles which may be analyzed for compatibility and the results immediately displayed. The computer system (10) may be embodied as a portable handheld device which maintains a personality profile of a user in a memory (14). The computer system (10) has a transceiver device for exchanging personality profiles with another computer system (40). A processor (12) executes a control program (30) to compare the user's personality profile and received personality profile based on an application of weighting rules to produce a compatibility result. The compatibility results are then displayed to a user for viewing.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSMITTING AND COMPARING PERSONALITY PROFILES

BACKGROUND The Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a system and method for discretely and conveniently comparing personality profiles.

The Background Art Successful personal relationships have always presented challenges for individuals seeking companionship. The difficulty resides in the compatibility of character, interests, finances, outlook, life style, education, etc. All to often individuals spend a substantial amount of time seeking to determine if they are compatible with one another. All to often, relationships are short lived and frustrating when it becomes apparent that a couple is not suited to one another. Given the time demands of modern lifestyles, such failed relationships are often viewed as a waste of time, money, and effort. Accordingly, it is desirable to invest the time in cultivating a relationship with another with whom there is an initial indication of compatibility. However, individuals are often not in a position to make an accurate determination of compatibility based on initial encounters. Various social programs have developed to assist individuals in finding compatible partners in order to develop rewarding relationships. These social programs vary in approach but often suffer from expensive membership fees and outdated information.

One program is often referred to as "dating clubs" wherein individuals submit information about themselves and review personality profiles of others. Often times the dating clubs are time consuming and do riot provide an immediate result of compatibility.

Furthermore, personality information given to dating clubs is viewed by others and therefore does not allow the degree of privacy that an individual may desire. Often individuals are reluctant to provide personal details to strangers and are, therefore, hesitant to use such services. Other social programs have individuals complete surveys or personality profiles and then have this input analyzed for a match. The personality profiles may be analyzed by a human or by a computer in order to make a compatibility determination. These results are then forwarded to the individuals who may then decide to meet. This process may also be time consuming and also does not necessarily afford the amount of privacy that an individual may desire. Computer systems have been successfully incorporated into a variety of applications, such as agriculture, chemistry, engineering, finance, management, health care, manufacturing and others. These industries have greatly benefited from computer intervention and oversight. It would advantageous to employ the benefits of computer processing to provide a system which produces an initial indicator of compatibility and does so immediately and discretely.

Such a device is disclosed and claimed herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY The invention provides a computer system and method by which the personality profiles of individuals may be discretely analyzed and the results viewed immediately. In one presently preferred embodiment, a computer system is embodied as a portable handheld device. This provides a convenient and easily transportable device for making immediate compatibility comparisons with another individual having such a system. The computer system maintains a personality profile of a user in a memory. The computer system further comprises a transmitter to allow transmission of the personality profile to a second computer system. The computer system further comprises a receiver to receive a second personality profile. The computer system has a processor which executes a control program to compare the first personality profile and the second personality profile based on an application of weighting rules to produce a compatibility result. The computer system has an output device for displaying the compatibility result.

In operation, the first and second personality profiles are exchanged between the first and second computer systems. In one embodiment, the personality profiles are encrypted which requires the recipient computer system to decrypt a received personality profile. Next, the first and second computer systems commence operation of the control program. The control program assigns weighting rules to the personality profiles to produce a compatibility result which is displayed to the user.

In alternative embodiments, the computer systems may exchange personality profiles across a network, conventional phone lines, wireless communication, or the internet. These advantages and others of the present invention will become more fully apparent by examination of the following description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention summarized above will be rendered by reference to the appended drawings.

Understanding that these drawings only provide selected embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of one presently preferred embodiment of computer systems of the present invention; and

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of a computer system of the present invention.

Reference is now made to the embodiments and methods illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. With reference to Fig. 1 a block diagram of the computer system of the present invention is shown and generally designated as 10. The computer system 10 comprises a processor 12 capable of performing the functions of the invention as disclosed herein. The processor 12 may be embodied as any of the INTEL x86 personal computer series or may be embodied as any one of other various processors. The computer system 10 further comprises a memory 14 which, in one presently preferred embodiment, comprises a

RAM 16, ROM 18, and a non-volatile memory 20.

In an alternative embodiment, the memory 14 may comprise a device which requires very little power to thereby allow memory retention when the computer system 10 was not in operation. In yet another alternative embodiment, the memory 14 comprises an EPROM. The hardware components of the computer system 10 are all in electrical communication with one another through a passive conveyance device such as a conventional bus 21. A conventional power supply (not shown) enables operation of the hardware components.

The computer system 10 further comprises a transmitter 22 and a receiver 24 to enable communication with other computer systems. In one embodiment, the transmitter

22 and receiver 24 may be configured for a variety of wireless communications including infra-red, microwave, radio frequency, magnetic, visual stimulation (i.e. flashing), and the like. In an alternative embodiment, the transmitter 22 and receiver 24 may be embodied as a modem, network interface, serial/parallel port, or other communication interfaces. Thus, the computer system 10 may e enabled for communication across a network, the internet, wireless phone communications, conventional phone lines, etc. Such devices are well known in the art and one of skill in the art will appreciate that any one of a number of such devices may be incorporated into the present invention.

The computer system 10 comprises an input device 26 in electrical communication with the processor 12. The input device 26 may be embodied in various forms, including a keyboard, a mouse, voice recognition device, or a series of buttons. In its simplest form, the input device 26 comprises a simple toggle button. In this embodiment, upon manual activation of the input device the processor effects transmission of the first personality profile and is prompted to receive the second personality profile. The input device 26 may also be used to turn on the computer system 10.

The computer system 10 further comprises an output device 28 which is in electrical communication with the processor 12 and provides communication to a user. Any one of a number of devices known in the art may be embodied as the output device 28 such as audio devices or visual displays. In one presently preferred embodiment, the output device is a visual display comprising several lights which indicate a spectrum. Upon determination of compatibility, a certain number of the lights are activated to indicate a compatibility percentage. One of skill in the art will appreciate that numerous other methods for displaying low to high compatibilities are possible and are included within the scope of the invention. A personality profile of a user is stored in the memory 14 and, in one embodiment, the non-volatile memory. The personality profile reflects personal information of a user which is broken down into categories to reflect personal characteristics, habits, preferences; and the like. Thus, a personality profile may contain information relating to age, specific character traits, values, interests, education, profession, religion, traditions, outlook, lifestyle, and so forth. The personal information of the personality profile is used as weighting criteria for determining a compatibility result for two personality profiles.

The personality profile may be updated as desired by the user by either inputting updated information through the input device 26 or through the receiver 24.

The personality profile may be entered into the non-volatile memory 20 by the user or may be entered by a manufacturer. In one embodiment, the personality profile is stored in an encrypted format to allow for privacy of the user. Various encryption techniques may be employed to ensure a degree of security.

The computer system 10 further comprises a control program 30 which may be stored in memory 14 and, in one embodiment, the non-volatile memory 20. Alternatively, the control program 30 may be stored in the ROM 18. The control program 30 contains weighting rules which are an algorithm for determining a series of weight values. The control program 30 reviews the weighting criteria of two different personality profiles and executes the weighting rules to produce weight values. Each weight value represents a determination of compatibility between a weighting criterion of one personality profile and a weighting criterion of another personality profile. The control program 30 provides a summation of the weight values to give a value known herein as a compatibility result. The compatibility result may be given as a scaled value such as a percentage. The compatibility result is then conveyed to the user through the output 28.

The weighting rules may weight some weighting criteria heavier than others. Thus, by way of example,- religion or education may be weighted more heavily than hobbies. Compatibility for some weighting criteria will produce greater weight values than compatibility for other weighting criteria. The weighting rules may also provide absolute incompatibilities based on incompatibility of one or more weighting criteria. Thus, one incompatible weighting criteria may be weighted so heavily that a resulting weight value will negate a favorable compatibility result. The development of weighting rules to produce an accurate compatibility result depend on the level of sophistication desired and are all included within the scope of the invention. One of skill in the art will appreciate that there are various methods which may be employed as weighting rules. The control program 30 and the weighting rules may be updated as needed or desired to reflect advances in the software by downloading the updated control program through the receiver 24. In alternative embodiments, the memory may be replaced with an updated version of the control program 30.

In operation, a user has the user's personality profile stored in the memory 14. The user turns the computer system 10 on and commands the computer system 10 to transmit the user's personality profile to a second computer system 40. As previously stated, transmission is preferably achieved through the use of conventional wireless communication. The second computer 40 comprises the components of the computer system 10. Personality profiles may be exchanged in half or full duplex communication.

The computer system 10 receives a second personality profile from the computer system 40. The second personality profile is stored in the memory 14 and, in one embodiment, the RAM 16. Next, the control program 30 compares the weighting criteria of the first and second personality profiles and executes the weighting rules. The weighting rules produce weight values and a compatibility result. The compatibility result is communicated to the user through the output device 28.

The computer system 40 receives the first personality profile from the computer system 10 and stores the personality profile in a memory. The computer system 40 also compares weighting criteria of the first and second personality profile, executes weighting rules, produces a compatibility results, and displays the compatibility result.

In one embodiment, personality profiles are transmitted and received in encrypted formats to prevent unauthorized viewing of the personality profile. The personality profiles are then decrypted by the recipient computer system. Personality profiles may be initially stored in an encrypted format in the memory 14. Encrypted storage has the advantage of preventing another from reading the personality profile in the event that the computer system 10 is lost, stolen, or operates in shared access mode. Alternatively, the personality profile may be stored in a standard format and encrypted by the processor 12 just prior to transmission.

Encryption serves to prevent viewing of a personality profile by others including the user of a recipient computer system. Thus, a processor effects decryption of a personality profile for purposes of producing a compatibility result, but only communicates the compatibility result to the user. The received personality profile is at no time displayed to the recipient user. In one embodiment, the received personality profile is erased from memory shortly after producing a compatibility result.

Use of encryption allows for personality comparisons without revealing the specifics of a user's personality. Thus, the only information given is an indication of compatibility and all personality and personal information remains confidential. The computer system 10 may be embodied as a portable handheld device to facilitate travel and use by a user. It is well known in the art how to make devices of such a compact size. The computer system 10 may be embodied as a specific device for comparing personality profiles and not have any other significant features. In such an embodiment, the computer system 10 may be attached to a wristband, keychain, etc. to facilitate access. Such compact size and mobility allows for easy use and travel of the computer system 10. Tn such an embodiment, wireless communication is preferred and with a relatively short range to reduce power and size. Thus, two interfacing computer systems 10 may be placed within the line of sight of one another and an exchange of personality profiles may be achieved. Where the computer system 10 is to be used relatively close to another computer system, it is preferable to have an output device 28 which allows for discreet communication to relay the compatibility result to the user. Thus, a visual display is preferred to an audio announcement.

The computer system 10 may also be embodied with an additional apparatus such as any one of a number of conventional electronic devices. For example, the computer system 10 may be incorporated with a cellular phone. In such an embodiment, transmission and reception is achieved through standard wireless communication. During a telephone conversation, the users may wish to transfer personality profiles to perform a compatibility comparison. By activation of the input device 26, the transfer is achieved and the users may review the compatibility results on the output device 28. The users may then continue with the telephone conversation if desired. The computer system 10 may also be incorporated into other devices such as personal computers, lap top computers, electronic organizer devices, calculators, digital watches, telephones, pagers, as well as other electronic storage devices.

With reference to Fig. 2, a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of a network system 50 of the present invention. In one embodiment, the first and second computer systems 52, 54, are embodied as conventional personal computers. Alternatively, first and second computer systems 52, 54 are embodied as conventional terminals. The first and second computer systems 52, .54 are in electrical communication with a central computer 56 via a network 58. The network 58, as defined herein, may be a local area network, wide area network, the internet, telephone lines, or any form of hard wired or wireless medium. Thus, the computer systems 52, 54 may be in electrical communication with the central computer 56 through network interfaces, modems, wireless communication, a combination of communication mediums, and so forth.

Personality profiles are sent from the first and second computer systems 52, 54 across the network 58 to the central computer 56. In one embodiment, first and second personality profiles are stored in memories of the first and second computer systems 52, 54 respectively. In an alternative embodiment, first and second personality profiles are entered into the computer systems 52, 54 and sent across the network 58 to the central computer 56. The control program 30 is as previously described and is resident on the central computer 56 for comparing the weighting criteria of the first and second personality profiles. The central computer 56 executes the weighting rules to produce a compatibility result. The central computer 56 then transmits the compatibility result to both the first arid second computer systems 52, 54. In one embodiment, the central computer 56 hosts a website on the internet and prompts for personality profiles to perform a comparison. In response, the first and second computer systems 52, 54 enter personality profiles which are then transmitted to the central computer for comparison.

In the network system SO. transmissions of personality profiles to the central computer 56 may be encrypted to ensure privacy of the user. Accordingly, the central computer 56 decrypts received personality profiles in order to begin the compatibility comparison.

In one embodiment, the central computer 56 contains in a database a plurality of personality profiles. These personality profiles may be transmitted across the network 58 or may be stored in the memory of the central computer 56 by other methods. A computer

Claims

system 52 transmits a first personality profile across the network 58 to the central computer 56. The central computer 56 then accesses the database of personality profiles and performs comparisons with the personality profiles contained therein. The central computer 56 returns with a selection of compatible personality profiles. An indication of compatible personality profiles is then sent to the computer system 52. In this manner, a user need not look at each personality profile, but only at those which are deemed compatible by the central computer 56. -he amount of information that the central computer 56 relays to a user depends on the amount of discretion and privacy desired in the system. In another alternative embodiment, the central computer 56 is equipped as a stand alone device without necessarily having connection to a network 58. The central computer 56 comprises an input device through which a user can enter a first personality profile into a memory of the central computer 56. A second user may then enter a second personality profile into the memory of the central computer 56. The central computer 56 then performs a comparison of the personality profiles and returns with an indication of compatibility which is displayed on an output device.

The system and method of the present invention allows for an interactive method by which individuals may make an initial compatibility comparison of their personality profiles. The results of the comparison are immediate and discrete as the compatibility result is displayed, but the confidentiality of the personality profile is maintained. A comparison is only made at the discretion of both users. The comparison of the computer systems of the present invention may be embodied as portable, handheld devices for easy access and transportability. Alternatively, computer systems of the present invention provide interconnection across a network, such as the internet, to allow for compatibility comparisons.

It should be appreciated that the apparatus and methods of the present invention are capable of being incorporated in the form of a variety of embodiments, only a few of which have been illustrated and described above. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive of the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is: 1. A portable, handheld computer device for transmitting a first personality profile, receiving a second personality profile, and comparing first and second personality profiles to make a compatibility comparison, comprising: a memory containing the first personality profile; a transmitter in electrical communication with the memory for transmitting the first personality profile; a receiver in electrical communication with tile memory for receiving the second personality profile, wherein upon receipt the second personality profile is stored in the memory; a processor in electrical communication with the memory and comprising a control program to compare the first personality profile and the second personality profile based on an application of weighting rules to the first and second personality profiles to produce a compatibility result; and an output device in electrical communication with the processor for indicating the compatibility result.

2. The computer device of claim 1 wherein the memory comprises a nonvolatile memory containing the first personality profile.

3. The computer device of claim 1 wherein the memory comprises a low power device containing the first personality profile.

4. The computer device of claim I further comprising an input device in electrical communication with the processor, wherein upon manual activation of the input device the processor effects transmission of the first personality profile and is prompted to receive the second personality profile.

5. The computer device of claim 1 wherein the output device comprises a visual display.

6. The computer device of claim 1 wherein the first personality profile is encrypted prior to transmission.

7. The computer device of claim 1 wherein the processor receives an encrypted second personality profile and effects decryption of the second personality profile.

8. The computer device of claim 1 wherein the transmitter and receiver are configured to transmit and receive infra-red signals.

9. The computer device of claim 1 wherein the transmitter and receiver are configured to transmit and receive wireless signals.

10. In a computer system comprising a processor arid a memory, a method of comparing personality profiles to create a compatibility result, the method comprising: storing a first personality profile and weighting rules in the memory; transmitting the first personality profile to a second computer system; receiving a second personality profile and storing the second personality profile in the memory; retrieving from the memory the first personality profile arid a second personality profile stored in the memory; retrieving weighting rules from the memory; applying weighting rules to the first and second personality profiles to thereby assign weight values; analyzing the weight values to producing a compatibility result; and communicating the compatibility result to a user.

1 1. The method of comparing personality profiles to create a compatibility result as recited in claim 10 further comprising the step of encrypting the first personality profile prior to transmitting the first personality profile.

12. The method of comparing personality profiles to create a compatibility result as recited in claim 10 further comprising the step of decrypting the second personality profile prior to weighting the compatibility of the first personality profile and the second personality profile.

13. The method of comparing personality profiles to create a compatibility result as recited in claim 10 further comprising the step of updating the first personality profile stored in the memory

14. A computer system for receiving personality profiles across a network and comparing the personality profiles to make a compatibility comparison, comprising: a memory comprising weighting rules and storage locations for the placement of received first and second personality profiles; a network interface in electrical communication with the memory and the network for receiving first arid second personality profiles from remote computers over the network, wherein upon receipt of first and second personality profiles the first and second personality profile is stored in memory; arid a processor in electrical communication with the memory and having a control program programmed to compare the first personality profile with the second personality profile based on an application of weighting rules to the first arid second personality profiles to produce a compatibility result, wherein the compatibility result is delivered through the network interface to a remote computer across the network.

15. The computer system of claim 14 wherein the received first arid second personality profiles are encrypted and the processor is programmed to decrypt the first arid second personality profiles prior to comparing the first arid second personality profiles.

16. A computer-usable medium having a computer readable program code embodied therein which causes a computer system to perform a compatibility comparison of personality profiles by performing the steps of: receiving first and second personality profiles arid storing the first arid second personality profiles in a memory; retrieving the first arid second personality profile stored in the memory; retrieving weighting rules stored in the memory; applying weighting rules to the first arid second personality profiles to thereby assign weight values; analyzing the weight values to producing a compatibility result; arid communicating the compatibility result to a user.

17. The computer-usable medium having a computer readable program code embodied therein of claim 16 which further performs the step of decrypting the first personality profile when the first personality profile is received in an encrypted format.

18. The computer-usable medium having a computer readable program code embodied therein of claim 16 which further performs the step of updating the first personality profile stored in the memory.

19. The computer-usable medium having a computer readable program code embodied therein of claim 16 which further performs the step of updating the weighting rules stored in the memory.