NETWORKING ROUNDTABLE CONTROLLER, SYSTEM AND METHOD AND NETWORKING ENGINE

Title:

NETWORKING ROUNDTABLE CONTROLLER, SYSTEM AND METHOD AND NETWORKING ENGINE

Document Type and Number:

WIPO Patent Application WO/2019/005734

Kind Code:

A4

Abstract:

A disposition system and method uses software and/or hardware tools to bring persons sharing common interests face to face. In one aspect, a system is used which includes disposition devices such as seating or standing supports and/or counter/table arrangements. The system is adapted to dispose at least three persons in which a guiding system guides relative movement of at least one person of the at least three persons to place the at least one person so as to successively face one of the at least two remaining persons for a desired time period. The system facilitates networking in a manner which reduces awkward situations and provides discipline and efficiency in facilitating contact with a plurality of users. A controller controls the disposition for improved networking, including considering occupancy on the disposition devices. In another aspect, the system is an app operating on a smartphone which may or may not use the seating system of the invention. In addition, the invention creates communities and provides effective and efficient means of connecting with others.

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Inventors:

MOETTELI JOHN BRENT (CH)

Application Number:

PCT/US2018/039408

Publication Date:

March 28, 2019

Filing Date:

June 26, 2018

Export Citation:

Click for automatic bibliography generation Help

Assignee:

MOETTELI JOHN BRENT (CH)

International Classes:

G06Q50/00; G06Q50/10; G06Q50/30

Attorney, Agent or Firm:

MOETTELI, John (CH)

Download PDF:

View/Download PDF PDF Help

Claims:

AMENDED CLAIMS

received by the International Bureau on 16 January 2019 (16.01.2019)

What is claimed is:

1 . An online social networking system operating together with user communication devices, personal computing devices connected in a network comprising a server or servers hosting dedicated control software of which method steps are executed by a processor so as to access a database of user profile data of users to operate the said social networking system, the system, during a registration step, providing the users an opt-in, permission and/or preferences selection device such as a drop-down menu, enabling users to provide permission

(a) to have a recommendation contact engine compare and share their user data such as user characteristics and preferences with those o other users for which matches on the compared and sharable user data are determined, and

(b) based on matching criteria, to be contacted via the recommendation contact engine, wherein the system is adapted to contact users identified by the recommendation contact engine as having common interests and invite such users to a meeting, the system further adapted to propose times and/or locations for such suggested meetings, and to register user- indicated-suitable-dates for such meeting based on decision criteria, and wherein, once an engagement such as a virtual or physical face to face meeting between two recommended users is commenced, the system is adapted to provide engaging users with a user communication device such as a display adapted to indicate to the users what the matching user characteristics are, thereby facilitating identification of common interests between users during an engagement between users.

2. The social networking system of claim 1 , selected from one of a group of social networks consisting of FACEBOOK®, "LINKEDIN"® or "XING"™, "MEETUP"™ and "GOOGLEPLUS"®, "FREINDER", "INTERNATIONS", and dating service networks.

3. The social networking system of claim 1 wherein the user communication device is a personal computing device such as a smart phone on which a specialized application operates to display matching characteristics.

4. The social networking system of claim 1 , wherein decision selection means is provided to users to limit the users with whom a user can be matched based on the system's knowledge of their location and their physical proximity to a searching user, enabling the searching user to organize and participate in a networking event during which the user can meet those persons in their geographical area.

5. A disposition system in combination with the social networking system of claim 1 , the disposition system comprising disposition devices such as seating or standing supports and/or counter/table arrangements adapted to dispose at least two persons face to face, a guiding system guiding relative movement of at least one person of the at least two persons to place the at least one person so as to successively face one of the at least one remaining persons for a desired time period, wherein transport of a user is controlled by a controller, and wherein the controller reads inputs of presence or weight sensors associated with the at least one seat(s) or standing support(s) and/or counter/table arrangement(s) to ensure that users disposed on the fixed and translatable seat(s) or standing support(s) and/or counter/table arrangement(s) are matched with each other for a time period.

6. The disposition system of the above claim, wherein the sensed weight or sensed presence of a user involved in an engagement is registered in association with a particular engagement, thereby enabling identification of the user for further actions.

7. The disposition system of claims 5 or 6, wherein, the weight is sensed by a scale attached to a cord that passes from a first attachment area below the seat or standing support area to an opposing area.

8. The disposition system of any one of claims 6 including a user communication device which a user disposed on the device can choose to command the controller to avoid further contact with the user with whom they have been matched, such command continuing until the presence detector detects that the user has lifted off the seat or standing support.

9. The disposition system of any one of claims 7 including a user communication device which a user disposed on the device can choose to command the controller to avoid further contact with the user with whom they have been matched, such command continuing until the presence detector detects that the user has lifted off the seat or standing support.

10. The disposition system of any one of the claims 5-6 including a slip clutch to prevent movement when a jam occurs.

11. The disposition system of any one of the claims 7 including a slip clutch to prevent movement when ajam occurs.

12. The disposition system of any one of the claims 8 including a slip clutch to prevent movement when a jam occurs.

13. The disposition system of any one of the claims 9 including a slip clutch to prevent movement when a jam occurs.

14. The disposition system of any one of claims 5-6 including privacy baffles between seats or standing supports which minimize distractions and so focus the attention of matched users.

15. The disposition system of any one of claims 7 including privacy baffles between seats or standing supports which minimize distractions and so focus the attention of matched users.

16. The disposition system of any one of claims 8 including privacy baffles between seats or standing supports which minimize distractions and so focus the attention of matched users.

17. The disposition system of any one of claims 9 including privacy baffles between seats or standing supports which minimize distractions and so focus the attention of matched users.

18. The disposition system of any one of claims 10 including privacy baffles between seats or standing supports which minimize distractions and so focus the attention of matched users.

19. The disposition system of claim 5, wherein the guiding system is activated by a motor.

20. The disposition system of claim 5, wherein the guiding system is activated by a gear motor and rack and pinion gear arrangement.

21 . The disposition system of claim 5, wherein the guiding system is activated by hand, such as by rotating a wheel or by a push or pull handle.

22. The disposition system of claim 5, wherein the guiding system is a conveyor arrangement.

23. The disposition system of claim 22, wherein the conveyor arrangement is a closed loop.

24. The disposition system of claim 23, wherein the closed loop is of any serpentine form.

25. The disposition system of claim 5, wherein the guiding system comprises at least one rotating table.

26. The disposition system of claim 25, wherein rotating table is formed as a ring.

27. The disposition system of claim 5, having a round couch disposed on a rotating platform.

28. The disposition system of claim 5, wherein the desired time period is a set time period, at the end of said set time period, translation or relative motion is initiated to place persons in another facing relationship.

29. The disposition system of claim 28, wherein a computer processor initiates relative motion to place persons in the facing relationship.

30. The disposition system of claim 22, wherein a refreshment or food conveyor system conveys refreshments or food to persons disposed on the disposition system.

31. The disposition system of claim 30, wherein sensors in the conveyor system registers the lifting of drinks or food taken from the conveyor system for billing purposes.

32. The disposition system of claim 31 , wherein a relative location sensor, relative to adjacent persons on the disposition system is determined to properly attribute the taken drinks or food for billing purposes.

33. The disposition system of claim 5, wherein possible snag or pinch points in the system are reduced or eliminated.

34. The disposition system of claim 5, wherein a safety switch prevents movement o the guiding system when persons are being disposed on or who leave the system.

35. The disposition system of claim 5, including a payment system for taking payment from users who wish to be disposed on the system, who wish to remain on the system for a longer term, or who which to be matched in a desired way.

36. A social media enabled cafe suitable for putting persons of similar interest in contact, the cafe, working with a recommendation engine, uses the disposition system of claims 5 to 6, to put people with similar interests in contact in a fair and orderly way, minimizing annoyances of attempted monopolization (or harassment) by pushy users.

37. A social media enabled cafe suitable for putting persons of similar interest in contact, the cafe, working with a recommendation engine, uses the disposition system of claim 7, to put people with similar interests in contact in a fair and orderly way, minimizing annoyances of attempted monopolization (or harassment) by pushy users.

38. A social media enabled cafe suitable for putting persons of similar interest in contact, the cafe, working with a recommendation engine, uses the disposition system of claims 8, to put people with similar interests in contact in a fair and orderly way, minimizing annoyances of attempted monopolization (or harassment) by pushy users.

39. A social media enabled cafe suitable for putting persons of similar interest in contact, the cafe, working with a recommendation engine, uses the disposition system of claims 9, to put people with similar interests in contact in a fair and orderly way, minimizing annoyances of attempted monopolization (or harassment) by pushy users.

40. A social media enabled cafe suitable for puttin persons of similar interest in contact, the cafe, working with a recommendation engine, uses the disposition system o claim 10, to put people with similar interests in contact in a fair and orderly way, minimizing annoyances of attempted monopolization (or harassment) by pushy users.

41. A social media enabled cafe suitable for putting persons of similar interest in contact, the cafe, working with a recommendation engine, uses the disposition system of claim 1 1, to put people with similar interests in contact in a fair and orderly way, minimizing annoyances of attempted monopolization (or harassment) by pushy users.

42. A social media enabled cafe suitable for putting persons of similar interest in contact, the cafe, working with a recommendation engine, uses the disposition system of claim 12, to put people with similar interests in contact in a fair and orderly way, minimizing annoyances of attempted monopolization (or harassment) by pushy users.

43. A social media enabled cafe suitable for putting persons of similar interest in contact, the cafe, working with a recommendation engine, uses the disposition system of claim 13, to put people with similar interests in contact in a fair and orderly way, minimizing annoyances of attempted monopolization (or harassment) by pushy users.

44. A social media enabled cafe suitable for putting persons of similar interest in contact, the cafe, working with a recommendation engine, uses the disposition system of claim 14, to put people with similar interests in contact in a fair and orderly way, minimizing annoyances of attempted monopolization (or harassment) by pushy users.

45. A social media enabled cafe suitable for putting persons of similar interest in contact, the cafe, working with a recommendation engine, uses the disposition system of claim 1 5, to put people with similar interests in contact in a fair and orderly way, minimizing annoyances of attempted monopolization (or harassment) by pushy users.

46. A social media enabled cafe suitable for putting persons of similar interest in contact, the cafe, working with a recommendation engine, uses the disposition system of claim 16, to put people with similar interests in contact in a fair and orderly way, minimizing annoyances o attempted monopolization (or harassment) by pushy users.

47. A social media enabled cafe suitable for putting persons of similar interest in contact, the cafe, working with a recommendation engine, uses the disposition system of claim 17, to put people with similar interests in contact in a fair and orderly way, minimizing annoyances of attempted monopolization (or harassment) by pushy users.

48. A social media enabled cafe suitable for putting persons of similar interest in contact, the cafe, working with a recommendation engine, uses the disposition system of claim 18, to put people with similar interests in contact in a fair and orderly way, minimizing annoyances of attempted monopolization (or harassment) by pushy users.

49. A social media enabled cafe suitable for putting persons of similar interest in contact, the cafe, working with a recommendation engine, uses the disposition system of claims 19 to 35, to put people with similar interests in contact in a fair and orderly way, minimizing annoyances of attempted monopolization (or harassment) by pushy users.

50. The social media enabled cafe of claim 36, wherein the cafe has at least one meeting area adapted to serve walk-in visitors who are not online registered users through integrated routines selectable at the device thereby serving those who wish to use the system in an impromptu manner.

51. The social media enabled cafe of claim 37, wherein the cafe has at least one meeting area adapted to serve walk-in visitors who are not online registered users through integrated routines selectable at the device thereby serving those who wish to use the system in an impromptu manner.

52. The social media enabled cafe of claim 38, wherein the cafe has at least one meeting area adapted to serve walk-in visitors who are not online registered users through integrated routines selectable at the device thereby serving those who wish to use the system in an impromptu manner.

53. The social media enabled cafe of claim 39, wherein the cafe has at least one meeting area adapted to serve walk-in visitors who are not online registered users through integrated routines selectable at the device thereby serving those who wish to use the system in an impromptu manner.

54. The social media enabled cafe of claim 40, wherein the cafe has at least one meeting area adapted to serve walk-in visitors who are not online registered users through integrated routines selectable at the device thereby serving those who wish to use the system in an impromptu manner.

55. The social media enabled cafe of claim 41, wherein the cafe has at least one meeting area adapted to serve walk-in visitors who are not online registered users through integrated routines selectable at the device thereby serving those who wish to use the system in an impromptu manner.

56. The social media enabled cafe of claim 42, wherein the cafe has at least one meeting area adapted to serve walk-in visitors who are not online registered users through integrated routines selectable at the device thereby serving those who wish to use the system in an impromptu manner.

57. The social media enabled cafe of claim 43, wherein the cafe has at least one meeting area adapted to serve walk-in visitors who are not online registered users through integrated routines selectable at the device thereby serving those who wish to use the system in an impromptu manner.

58. The social media enabled cafe of claim 44, wherein the cafe has at least one meeting area adapted to serve walk-in visitors who are not online registered users through integrated routines selectable at the device thereby serving those who wish to use the system in an impromptu manner.

59. The social media enabled cafe of claim 45, wherein the cafe has at least one meeting area adapted to serve walk-in visitors who are not online registered users through integrated routines selectable at the device thereby serving those who wish to use the system in an impromptu manner.

60. The social media enabled cafe of claim 46, wherein the cafe has at least one meeting area adapted to serve walk-in visitors who are not online registered users through integrated routines selectable at the device thereby serving those who wish to use the system in an impromptu manner.

61. The social media enabled cafe of claim 47, wherein the cafe has at least one meeting area adapted to serve walk-in visitors who are not online registered users through integrated routines selectable at the device thereby serving those who wish to use the system in an impromptu manner.

62. The social media enabled cafe of claim 48, wherein the cafe has at least one meeting area adapted to serve walk-in visitors who are not online registered users through integrated routines selectable at the device thereby serving those who wish to use the system in an impromptu manner.

63. The social media enabled cafe of claim 49, wherein the cafe has at least one meeting area adapted to serve walk-in visitors who are not online registered users through integrated routines selectable at the device thereby serving those who wish to use the system in an impromptu manner.

64. The social media enabled cafe of claim 50, wherein, using the disposition system, the cafe provides each user the opportunity to meet other users as an aid for a user to decide whether to allow the other user into their network or friends and family circle, thereby helping avoid abuse of the network.

65. The social media enabled cafe of claim 51 , wherein, using the disposition system, the cafe provides each user the opportunity to meet other users as an aid for a user to decide whether to allow the other user into their network or friends and family circle, thereby helping avoid abuse of the network.

66. The social media enabled cafe of claim 52, wherein, using the disposition system, the cafe^" provides each user the opportunity to meet other users as an aid for a user to decide whether to allow the other user into their network or friends and family circle, thereby helping avoid abuse of the network.

67. The social media enabled cafe of claim 53, wherein, using the disposition system, the cafe provides each user the opportunity to meet other users as an aid for a user to decide whether to allow the other user into their network or friends and family circle, thereby helping avoid abuse of the network.

68. The social media enabled cafe of claim 54, wherein, using the disposition system, the cafe provides each user the opportunity to meet other users as an aid for a user to decide whether to allow the other user into their network or friends and family circle, thereby helping avoid abuse of the network.

69. The social media enabled cafe of claim 55, wherein, using the disposition system, the cafe provides each user the opportunity to meet other users as an aid for a user to decide whether to allow the other user into their network or friends and family circle, thereby helping avoid abuse of the network.

70. The social media enabled cafe of claim 56, wherein, using the disposition system, the cafe provides each user the opportunity to meet other users as an aid for a user to decide whether to allow the other user into their network or friends and family circle, thereby helping avoid abuse of the network.

71 . The social media enabled cafe of claim 57, wherein, using the disposition system, the cafe provides each user the opportunity to meet other users as an aid for a user to decide whether to allow the other user into their network or friends and family circle, thereby helping avoid abuse of the network.

72. The social media enabled cafe of claim 58, wherein, using the disposition system, the cafe provides each user the opportunity to meet other users as an aid for a user to decide whether to allow the other user into their network or friends and family circle, thereby helping avoid abuse of the network.

73. The social media enabled cafe of claim 59, wherein, using the disposition system, the cafe provides each user the opportunity to meet other users as an aid for a user to decide whether to allow the other user into their network or friends and family circle, thereby helping avoid abuse of the network.

74. The social media enabled cafe of claim 60, wherein, using the disposition system, the cafe provides each user the opportunity to meet other users as an aid for a user to decide whether to allow the other user into their network or friends and family circle, thereby helping avoid abuse of the network.

75. The social media enabled cafe of claim 61 , wherein, using the disposition system, the cafe provides each user the opportunity to meet other users as an aid for a user to decide whether to allow the other user into their network or friends and family circle, thereby helping avoid abuse of the network.

76. The social media enabled cafe of claim 62, wherein, using the disposition system, the cafe provides each user the opportunity to meet other users as an aid for a user to decide whether to allow the other user into their network or friends and family circle, thereby helping avoid abuse of the network.

77. The social media enabled cafe of claim 63, wherein, using the disposition system, the cafe provides each user the opportunity to meet other users as an aid for a user to decide whether to allow the other user into their network or friends and family circle, thereby helping avoid abuse of the network.

78. A controller which controls the transport of users to establish alternating facing relationships for a time period, the controller being fed with detected inputs indicating the presence of users disposed on fixed and translatable seat(s) or standing support(s)

and/or counter/table arrangement(s), to match those users detected to at least another user based on matching criteria.

79. The controller of claim 78 in which matches are made randomly, or consecutively according to programmed inputs.

80. The controller of claim 78, wherein the matches are made to match men to women or vice versa.

81. The controller of claim 78, wherein the matches are made to match employers to candidate employees or head hunters and vice versa.

82. The controller of claim 78, wherein the matches are made to match investors to entrepreneurs and vice versa.

83. The controller of claim 78, wherein the matches are made between students and teachers for testing purposes, such as oral examinations, thereby enabling review of student's oral

91 knowledge by one or more teachers and enabling a grading system in which each teacher can register a grade for the performance of each student.

84. The controller of claim 78, wherein the matches are made between hostile users under controlled conditions to facilitate communication and understanding with a view to resolving disputes.

85. The controller of claim 78, wherein the matches are made between managers of companies considering merger, to facilitate understanding of the needs and wishes of the managers.

86. The controller of claim 78, wherein input means such as a selection push button allows persons who dispose themselves on the device to be matched to input at least one of a group of characteristics consisting of gender, age, sexual orientation, profession, employment status, interests, and purpose in being matched.

87. The controller of claim 78, wherein the characteristics input are of the disposed persons and/or of those with whom they would prefer to be matched.

88. The controller of claim 78, wherein when only users on at least one of the translatable or the fixed seat or standing support are detected, the controller does not start a matching routine because no matches are possible.

89. The controller of claim 88, wherein, because no match is possible, the controller starts a waiting routine, which optionally slowly translates a translatable seat(s) or standing support(s) and/or counter/table arrangement(s).

90. The controller of claim 78, wherein, when presence detection indicates a match can be made, such as at least one user disposed on a fixed seat(s) or standing support(s) and/or counter/table arrangement(s), and at least one on a translatable seat(s) or standing support(s) and/or counter/table arrangement(s), the controller initiates translation to make the match.

91. The controller of claim 78, wherein a warning light, such as a red light, indicates when it is not safe to take a seat or dispose a user on the translatable seat(s) or standing support(s) and/or counter/table arrangement(s).

92. The controller of claim 78, wherein the time period of engagement is counted down on a display visible to the users.

93. The controller of claim 78, wherein the controller receives inputs from the users indicating a desire to be matched again, or not, with another user, at least for the duration of the detected presence of the another user.

92

94. The controller of claim 78, wherein presence is detected and seating or standing is suggested via, for example, a light or sound indication, in order to achieve an even distribution of weight on the translatable seat(s) or standing support(s) and/or counter/table arrangement(s).

95. The controller of any of the above claims 78 to 94, wherein a payment device allows users to pay to make another match with a desired user.

96. The controller of claim 95, wherein the controller assumes that a desired user is still present when their non-presence has not be registered, such non-presence being registered by the presence indicator indicating an interruption in presence such as the desired user lifting out of their seat or standing support.

97. The controller of claims 78 to 94 in which, depending on the number of input users and their interests, seating locations are suggested by, for example, color lighting.

98. The controller of claim 95 in which, depending on the number of input users and their interests, seating locations are suggested by, for example, color lighting.

99. The controller of claim 96 in which, depending on the number of input users and their interests, seating locations are suggested by, for example, color lighting.

100. A bar or restaurant or conference center having at least one device of claim 5 to 6, wherein each device is themed as selected from one of the group of themes consisting of dating, friendship, business contacts, networking, employment, over 30 dating, over 40 dating, under 30 dating, and under 40 dating.

101. A bar or restaurant or conference center having at least the device of claim 7, wherein each device is themed as selected from one of the group of themes consisting of dating, friendship, business contacts, networking, employment, over 30 dating, over 40 dating, under 30 dating, and under 40 dating.

102. A bar or restaurant or conference center having at least the device of claim 8, wherein each device is themed as selected from one of the group of themes consisting of dating, friendship, business contacts, networking, employment, over 30 dating, over 40 dating, under 30 dating, and under 40 dating.

103. A bar or restaurant or conference center having at least the device of claim 9, wherein each device is themed as selected from one of the group of themes consisting of dating, friendship, business contacts, networking, employment, over 30 dating, over 40 dating, under 30 dating, and under 40 dating.

104. A bar or restaurant or conference center having at least the device of claim 10, wherein each device is themed as selected from one of the group of themes consisting of dating, friendship,

93 business contacts, networking, employment, over 30 dating, over 40 dating, under 30 dating, and under 40 dating.

105. A bar or restaurant or conference center having at least the device of claim 1 1, wherein each device is themed as selected from one of the group of themes consisting of dating, friendship, business contacts, networking, employment, over 30 dating, over 40 dating, under 30 dating, and under 40 dating.

106. A bar or restaurant or conference center having at least the device of claim 12, wherein each device is themed as selected from one of the group of themes consisting of dating, friendship, business contacts, networking, employment, over 30 dating, over 40 dating, under 30 dating, and under 40 dating.

107. A bar or restaurant or conference center having at least the device of claim 13, wherein each device is themed as selected from one of the group of themes consisting of dating, friendship, business contacts, networking, employment, over 30 dating, over 40 dating, under 30 dating, and under 40 dating.

108. A bar or restaurant or conference center having at least the device of claim 14, wherein each device is themed as selected from one of the group f themes consisting of dating, friendship, business contacts, networking, employment, over 30 dating, over 40 dating, under 30 dating, and under 40 dating.

109. A bar or restaurant or conference center having at least the device of claim 15, wherein each device is themed as selected from one of the group of themes consisting of dating, friendship, business contacts, networking, employment, over 30 dating, over 40 dating, under 30 dating, and under 40 dating.

1 10. A bar or restaurant or conference center having at least the device of claim 16, wherein each device is themed as selected from one of the group of themes consisting of dating, friendship, business contacts, networking, employment, over 30 dating, over 40 dating, under 30 dating, and under 40 dating.

1 1 1. A bar or restaurant or conference center having at least the device of claim 17, wherein each device is themed as selected from one of the group of themes consisting of dating, friendship, business contacts, networking, employment, over 30 dating, over 40 dating, under 30 dating, and under 40 dating.

1 12. A bar or restaurant or conference center having at least the device of claim 18, wherein each device is themed as selected from one of the group of themes consisting of dating, friendship,

94 business contacts, networking, employment, over 30 dating, over 40 dating, under 30 dating, and under 40 dating.

113. A bar or restaurant or conference center having at least one device of claim 19 to 35, wherein each device is themed as selected from one of the group of themes consisting of dating, friendship, business contacts, networking, employment, over 30 dating, over 40 dating, under 30 dating, and under 40 dating.

1 14. A method of matching registered users and displaying their common interests, the method operating via software code executing software instructions on a processor to receive inputs of users, store input data in a retrievable manner on a database and to display to the user information which enables the user to identify other users and their characteristics in order to organize meetings with other users, the method including the steps of:

a) registering unique user profiles including characteristics such as age, sex, city of residence, hobbies, etc. in a user database, optionally including ascertaining from other users characteristics of users that the users consider of interest to them such that they may be willing to connect with them;

b) obtaining permissions from users to compare registered user profiles and to suggest connections with those who meet criteria for user connection; and optionally obtaining permissions from the users of what can be revealed to other user having similar characteristics; c) over time and in the background, comparing user profiles by comparing profile inputs and/or user input characteristics of persons sought for connection for which permissions for comparing has been granted;

d) indexing users according to match criteria such as according to answers to registration questionnaire questions, for example, age range, race, education level, profession, etc. found in the comparison by assigning an index number or most frequent match identifier classification code to users having corresponding matching characteristics, thereby categorizing users via the indexing into sub-communities of users having common or complementary shared profile information;

e) suggest connections between members so categorized in step d, optionally providing a user the ability to search based on location of users including enabling searching in a generic or confidential manner by not revealing names of those having characteristics including further at least an option of brokering a face-to-face or virtual meeting with the suggested connections of at least some users;

95 f) where a brokered meeting of at least some users is selected, sending a meeting request between such users who've, by their selection or by a profile setting, permitted brokered meetings, soliciting input and/or agreement on possible meeting times, dates, places, etc.; g) repeating the above step until decision criteria determines agreement between suggested connections on time and place;

h) sending out reminders, optionally with an vCalendar Format (*.vcs) electronic calendar file, requesting RSVPs to such brokered meetings, optionally including coordinating with meeting locales such as bars or restaurants or amusements to ensure space availability;

i) during the meeting displaying via a user communication device to each matched user the other user's matching criteria for which permission for comparison and display was given by the user; and

j) after the meeting, soliciting ratings for each connection, including providing the option of connecting with the attendees online.

15. The method of claim 1 14, wherein after step h, during the meeting, participating users are at least initially limited to a predetermined amount of time of face to face contact with the other users, with each user receiving a turn at the face to face contact, thereby ensuring fair and orderly introductions between users.

16. The method described in any of the claims 1 14 to 1 1 5, wherein the place of the meeting includes infrastructure which enables the use of the networking software of the invention onsite.

17. The method of claim 1 16, wherein a transceiver is worn by members, the transceiver at least emitting and preferably also receiving the code of the community, optionally emitting the code readable by a RFID-enabled lock on an entrance to a restricted area which unlocks upon reading of the code to allow a code member to enter the restricted area reserved for members with the code.

18. The method of one of claim 1 16, wherein the face-to-face contact, optionally with the networking roundtable of the invention, takes place in a room whose walls are at least partially, preferably completely covered with a video panels adapted to display images or videos selected by the organizer of the event, a host meeting locale manager and/or the event sponsor, to create an immersive environment therein keyed to the common interests of the community.

19. The method of one of claim 1 17, wherein the face-to-face contact, optionally with the networking roundtable of the invention, takes place in a room whose walls are at least ί

96 partially, preferably completely covered with a video panels adapted to display images or videos selected by the organizer of the event, a host meeting locale manager and/or the event sponsor, to create an immersive environment therein keyed to the common interests of the community.

120. The method of claim 1 18, in which, at the place of the meeting and optionally during the time of the brokered meeting, the method provides an unlock code that is optionally specific to the place of the brokered meeting, such unlock code being provided at a specific time period during operation of the networking roundtable, or only after a certain number of connections are made, the unlock code unlocks a feature of the software which enables connection via a smartphone or tablet with selected users of interest who signed up to the brokered meeting.

121. The method of claim 1 19, in which, at the place of the meeting and optionally during the time of the brokered meeting, the method provides an unlock code that is optionally specific to the place of the brokered meeting, such unlock code being provided at a specific time period during operation of the networking roundtable, or only after a certain number of connections are made, the unlock code unlocks a feature of the software which enables connection via a smartphone or tablet with selected users of interest who signed up to the brokered meeting.

122. The method of claim 120, wherein further, depending on the requirements set for unlocking, a unlock sequence or requirement can be found that encourages attendance at the brokered meeting and/or enables those who attend a brokered meeting and optionally, those who use the software or the networking roundtable of the invention at the locale or place of meeting during the networking time period to connect to each other using the software of the invention in order to ensure fair introductions before being permitted to get to know the invitees.

123. The method of claim 121 , wherein further, depending on the requirements set for unlocking, a unlock sequence or requirement can be found that encourages attendance at the brokered meeting and/or enables those who attend a brokered meeting and optionally, those who use the software or the networking roundtable of the invention at the locale or place of meeting during the networking time period to connect to each other using the software of the invention in order to ensure fair introductions before being permitted to get to know the invitees.

124. The method of claim 114, wherein the code is promoted within that community, wherein promotional materials such as T-shirts, sunglasses, bags and other items are branded with the code and made available to members of that particular community.

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125. The method of claim 120, further including a radio transceiver carried or worn by a member user that transmits and receives the code, wherein an alarm indicates whether another community member is within a certain area.

126. The method of claim 121, further including a radio transceiver carried or worn by a member user that transmits and receives the code, wherein an alarm indicates whether another community member is within a certain area.

127. The method of claim 125, wherein further, the transceiver further includes communication means which, when activated such as via contact with another transceiver, contact details are shared between the users associated with each transceiver, independently of whether the users match the criteria of a community that one or the other is a member of.

128. The method of claim 126, wherein further, the transceiver further includes communication means which, when activated such as via contact with another transceiver, contact details are shared between the users associated with each transceiver, independently of whether the users match the criteria of a community that one or the other is a member of.

129. The method of claims 1 14 to 1 15, wherein a directional indicator device is integrated in the transceiver to help the two members make an encounter.

130. The method of claim 1 16, wherein a directional indicator device is integrated in the transceiver to help the two members make an encounter.

131. The method of claim 117, wherein a directional indicator device is integrated in the transceiver to help the two members make an encounter.

132. The method of claim 1 18, wherein a directional indicator device is integrated in the transceiver to help the two members make an encounter.

133. The method of claim 1 19, wherein a directional indicator device is integrated in the transceiver to help the two members make an encounter.

134. The method of claim 120, wherein a directional indicator device is integrated in the transceiver to help the two members make an encounter.

135. The method of claim 121, wherein a directional indicator device is integrated in the transceiver to help the two members make an encounter.

136. The method of claim 122, wherein a directional indicator device is integrated in the transceiver to help the two members make an encounter.

137. The method of claim 123, wherein a directional indicator device is integrated in the transceiver to help the two members make an encounter.

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138. The method of claim 124, wherein a directional indicator device is integrated in the transceiver to help the two members make an encounter.

139. The method of claim 125, wherein a directional indicator device is integrated in the transceiver to help the two members make an encounter.

140. The method of claim 126, wherein a directional indicator device is integrated in the transceiver to help the two members make an encounter.

141. The method of claim 127, wherein a directional indicator device is integrated in the transceiver to help the two members make an encounter.

142. The method of claim 128, wherein a directional indicator device is integrated in the transceiver to help the two members make an encounter.

143. The method of claim 1 14, optionally using a MTDB, wherein each user may run a search on the database to find matches, and is provided with a save results feature, saving the results in association with a community website under a particular community name or code, the code being unique and saved in a column of the database associated with each user, thereby allowing the users to solicit a meeting or meetings among the users found in the search, such users being considered for the sake of the creating user members of the community.

144. The method of claim 143, wherein the community name or code is made known to the members and members of the community so formed being provided with means to run searches on the community optionally limited to a particular location, and thereby be able to set up meetings at any desired location.

145. The method of any of claims 1 14 to 1 15, wherein a sponsor module seeks sponsors offering products and/or services targeting members of a community having interests which match the codes, and, assuming the size of any brokered meeting is of interest to potential sponsors, a sponsor or sponsors indicating their interest and who contracts with the purveyors of the system to sponsor the meeting is provided with sponsoring options selected from at least one of the group of sponsoring options consisting of :