INFORMATION

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a virtual business card application which allows users to create and store several business cards based on their institution or organization affiliation.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A business card has been commonly used to share professional and contact information between new colleagues, friends, etc. A virtual business card app allows for similar communication exchanges with more ease and accessibility for users.

[0003] US Patent number 7,921,167 describes a computer implemented method of online networking based on exchange of virtual electronic cards. The user can create a personal profile in the online networking environment and can create a company profile or link with an existing company profile. A virtual electronic card of the user is automatically created in the online networking environment. A personal or business contact network of the user is established in the online networking environment by exchanging personal or business electronic cards between the user and the plurality of users. The Ί67 patent however, is lacking a convenient locator feature to allow users to easily connect and communicate with other user’s in a predetermined area. Furthermore, the Ί67 patent does not disclose a feature that allows a user to simply tap the screen to access more information on another user’s virtual business card.

[0004] US Patent number 9,881,322 describes a method to transfer data between mobile devices using short-range communication systems. This transferring of data between mobile computing devices is achieved via «inverting contact information stored in a proprietary format on a first mobile computing device to a nonproprietary graphical format, transferring the contact information in the nonproprietary graphical format from the ifirst mobile computing device to a second mobile computing device and storing the contact information in the nonproprietary graphical format on the second mobile computing device. Then the contact information stored in the nonproprietary graphical format on the second mobile computing device can be converted to the proprietary format and stored on the second mobile computing device. Furthermore, the transfer of the contact information can be performed in response to an indication that the users of the first and second mobile computing devices have had contact with one another. The ‘322 patent however, is also lacking a convenient locator feature to allow users to easily connect and communicate with other user’s in a predetermined area. Furthermore, the ‘322 patent also does not disclose a feature that allows a user to simply tap the screen to access more information on another user’s virtual business card.

[0005] From the above, it is clear that a need exists for an improved virtual business card that allows for enhanced customizability, ease of sharing, a locater feature, and library for neatly storing and organizing business cards.

SUMMARY

[0006] In one embodiment of the invention, a virtual business card app which allows users to create a number of business cards based on their institution or organization affiliation. The app also allows users to store a number of business cards which are shared with them.

[0007] In a further embodiment of the invention, the virtual business card app allows users to share virtual business cards through short range wireless communication, such as Airdrop or Bluetooth. This data may be encrypted at rest and in transit as it is shared amongt devices.

[0008] In additional embodiments of the invention, the virtual business card app contains a locator feature that enables users to find other users dose by that are also using the app. This feature also allows for Instant Messaging (IM) to those that are identified in the predefined locator radius. This predefined locator radius can be defined by the user. [0009] In yet another embodiment the virtual business card app enables organizations to design unique business card templates which can be used by their employees. Allowing for the company to never have to reorder cards for the future. A simple replacement of the photo, and personnel information is the only requirement for update. Each card is intended to be maintained, monitored and issued thru its individual Human Resource (HR) office or departments.

[0010] In another embodiment, the virtual business card app contains a designated note space located on the back of each virtual card. This note space allows the user to make and add notes and input important updates on the back of the card. This also allows for a picture to be taken to better identify new contacts.

[0011] In one embodiment, the virtual business card app can be utilized in a way that allow for immediate access to the businesses website, email addresses, phone numbers, fax, business address (Map), and all the social media accesses by a tap on the screen, in the designated location.

[0012] In additional embodiments, the virtual business card app allows users to retain as many virtual business cards a ffiliated or connected to the user, as many groups or organizations they want. Each individual card will contain the organizations authorized official logo or trademark symbol.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The above-mentioned and other features of this disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the disclosure itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0014] Unless otherwise stated, a reference to a compound or component includes the compound or component by itself, as well as in combination with other compounds or components, such as mixtures of compounds. [0015] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0016] All publications, patents and patent applications cited herein, whether supra or infra, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication, psitent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0017] Figure 1A illustrates one embodiment of the virtual business card application logo.

[0018] Figure 1B illustrates one embodiment of the virtual business card application welcome page.

[0019] Figure 1C illustrates one embodiment of the virtual business card application create account page.

[0020] Figure 1D illustrates one embodiment of the virtual business card application create account page with personal information filled out.

[0021] Figure 1E illustrates one embodiment of the virtual business card application set password page.

[0022] Figure 2A illustrates one embodiment of the virtual business card application verify account page.

[0023] Figure 2B illustrates one embodiment of the virtual business card application log-in page.

[0024] Figure 2C illustrates one embodiment of the virtual business card application forgot password page.

[0025] Figure 2D illustrates one embodiment of the virtual business card application password recovery page. [0026] Figure 2E illustrates one embodiment of the virtual business card application reset password page.

[0027] Figure 3A illustrates one embodiment of the virtual business card application eCard select template page.

[0028] Figure 3B illustrates one embodiment of the virtual business card application eCard basic details page.

[0029] Figure 3C illustrates one embodiment of the virtual business card application eCard contact details page.

[0030] Figure 3D illustrates another embodiment of the virtual business card application eCard contact details page.

[0031] Figure 4A illustrates one embodiment of the virtual business card application main page with an empty network card library.

[0032] Figure 4B illustrates one embodiment of the virtual business card application main page illustrating the two options to share virtual business cards.

[0033] Figure 4C illustrates one embodiment of the virtual business card application main page with various virtual business cards in the network card library.

[0034] Figure 4D illustrates one embodiment of the virtual business card application main page illustrating when a user taps the screen on a business card in the network card library.

[0035] Figure 4E illustrates one embodiment of the virtual business card application front of another user’s virtual business card.

[0036] Figure 5A illustrates one embodiment of the virtual business card application front of another user’s virtual business card with a focus on the biography section. [0037] Figure 5B illustrates one embodiment of the virtual business card application back of another user’s virtual business card.

[0038] Figure 5C illustrates one other embodiment of the virtual business card application front of another user’s virtual business card.

[0039] Figure 5D illustrates one embodiment of the virtual business card application front of another user’s virtual business card with a focus on the command bar.

[0040] Figure 6A illustrates one other embodiment of the virtual business card application back of another user's virtual business card.

[0041] Figure 6B illustrates one other embodiment of the virtual business card application front of another user’s virtual business card.

[0042] Figure 6C illustrates another embodiment of the virtual business card application back of another user’s virtual business card.

[0043] Figure 6D illustrates another embodiment of the virtual business card application front of another user’s virtual business card.

[0044] Figure 6E illustrates yet another embodiment of the virtual business card application front of another user’s virtual business card.

[0045] Figure 7A illustrates another embodiment of the virtual business card application back of another user’s virtual business card.

[0046] Figure 7B illustrates another embodiment of the virtual business card application front of another user’s virtual business card.

[0047] Figure 7C illustrates one possible embodiment of the virtual business card application back of another user’s virtual business card. [0048] Figure 7D illustrates one possible embodiment of the virtual business card application front of another user’s virtual business card.

[0049] Figure 7E illustrates one possible embodiment of the virtual business card application add notes feature.

[0050] Figure 8A illustrates one possible embodiment of the virtual business card application view user on a map feature.

[0051] Figure 8B illustrates one possible embodiment of the virtual business card application network card manager feature.

[0052] Figure 8C illustrates one possible embodiment of the virtual business card application main page with the network card library organized by group.

[0053] Figure 8D illustrates one possible embodiment of the virtual business card application create group feature.

[0054] Figure 8E illustrates one possible embodiment of the virtual business card application group page with a list of members.

[0055] Figure 9A illustrates one other possible embodiment of the virtual business card application group page with a list of members.

[0056] Figure 9B illustrates one possible embodiment of the virtual business card application group page where a user selects users to add to a group.

[0057] Figure 9C illustrates another possible embodiment of the virtual business card application group page with a list of members.

[0058] Figure 9D illustrates one possible embodiment of the virtual business card application wherein a user can decide to select other users to add to a group. [0059] Figure 9E illustrates another possible embodiment of the virtual business card application group page where a user selects users to add to a group.

[0060] Figure 10A illustrates one embodiment of the virtual business card application eCard select template page.

[0061] Figure 10B illustrates one other embodiment of the virtual business card application main page illustrating the two options to share virtual business cards.

[0062] Figure 10C illustrates one other embodiment of the virtual business card application locator feature.

[0063] Figure 10D illustrates one other embodiment of the virtual business card application messager library featuring various user’s in the range.

[0064] Figure 10E illustrates one embodiment of the virtual business card application messager feature.

[0065] Figure 11A illustrates one embodiment of the virtual business card application main page when the view my card command is pressed.

[0066] Figure 11 B illustrates one embodiment of the virtual business card application edit profile page.

[0067] Figure 11C illustrates one embodiment of the virtual business card application eCard template with professional information.

[0068] Figure 11 D illustrates one embodiment of the virtual business card application eCard select template page.

[0069] Figure 11 E illustrates one embodiment of the virtual business card application eCard select template page. [0070] Figure 12A illustrates another embodiment of the virtual business card application eCard contact details page.

[0071] Figure 12B illustrates one embodiment of the virtual business card application user feedback page.

[0072] Figure 12C illustrates one embodiment of the virtual business card application help page.

[0073] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Although the drawings represent embodiments of the present disclosure, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated in order to better illustrate and explain the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0074] The embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may utilize their teachings.

[0075] The virtual business card app is designed to allow users to create a number of business cards based on their institution or organization affiliation. The app also allows users to store a number of business cards which are shared with them. In accomplishing these goals, the application has a number of unique features which separate it from other virtual business card applications.

[0076] The app can be run on any smartphone and specifically a smartphone with touchscreen and Bluetooth compatibility.

[0077] Users can share virtual business cards with each other via short range wireless communication. Some examples of the short-range wireless communication include Airdrop and Bluetooth. Another way users can share virtual business cards is by scanning a QR code.

[0078] This app further contains a locator feature that enables users to find other users close by (within a predefined radius) that are using the app (allowing themselves to be located). Also, allows for Instant Messaging (IM) to those that are identified in the predefined radius, which can be determined by the user. This radius can be in a range of feet, yards, or miles.

[0079] The App also enables organizations to design unique business card templates which can be used by their employees. The App allows the company and/or organization to not have to reorder cards for the future. A simple replacement of the photo, and personnel information is the only requirement for update. Each card is intended to be maintained, monitored and issued thru its individual organization or company’s Human Resource (HR) office or departments.

[0080] The virtual business cards contain a designated note space located on the back of each virtual card, which allows the user to make and add notes and input important updates secured on the back of the card. Also allows for a picture to be taken (to help remember the activity and exchange of cards) so that you are better able to identify new contacts.

[0081] By a tap on the screen of the smartphone, in the designated location, each card will allow for immediate access to the businesses website, email addresses, phone numbers, fax, business address (Map), and all the social media accesses.

[0082] The App allows users to retain as many virtual business cards affiliated or connected to the user, and as many groups or organizations they want in a virtual library. Each individual card in the virtual library will contain the organizations authorized official logo or trademark symbol. An example of the various and multiple cards one users can have. [0083] Figure 1A illustrates the CardDoctor App 100 with the company logo 202 in the center of the screen of a smartphone. Figure 1B illustrates the welcome page 200 of the CardDoctor App 100. The welcome page 200 includes the company logo 202, a command to go to the create an account page 210 and a command to go the log-in page 220. Figure 1C illustrates the create an account page 210 which is accessible when a user prompts the command from the welcome page 200. The create an account page 210 includes, personal information 212, a forward command button 214, and a keyboard 216. A non-limiting list of items included in personal information 210 include, a user’s full name, email address, and phone number. Although in Figure 1C the keyboard 216 is a standard English keyboard, the keyboard 216 could be in any language included in the smartphone. Figure 1D illustrates one embodiment of the create sin account page 210 wherein a user, John Doe, inputs personal information 212, such as the user’s name. Once a user enters the personal information 212 using the keyboard 216, the user can press the forward command button 214 to go to the next page. Figure 1E illustrates the page where a user can input password information 218 using the keyboard 216 and then press the forward command button. In this particular embodiment, the password information 218 includes typing a password, and then typing the password again to confirm that the two passwords are identical. Also, in this embodiment, the forward command button 214 allows a user to complete the process of creating an account.

[0084] Figure 2A illustrates the verify email page 219. On the verify email page 219, a user may enter the email associated with the account to verify it is an existing email address. Once the user enters the email address, the user presses the forward command button 214. Figure 2B illustrates the log-in page 220 which is accessible when a user presses the appropriate command on the welcome page 200. The log-in page 220 includes a command to go to the forgot password page 222, log-in information 224, forward command button 214, and a keyboard 216. In this particular embodiment the log-in information 224 includes a user’s email address and password. Figure 2C illustrates the forgot password page 222 which is accessible when a user prompts the appropriate command on the log-in page 200. The forgot password page 222 includes forgot password input 223, forward command button 214, and a keyboard 216. The forgot password input 223 in Figure 2C is a user’s email address, however, in other embodiments it could include a phone number or answering security questions. Figure 2D illustrates the password recovery page 226. In this embodiment the password recovery page 226 requires entering a code that was sent to the forgot password input 223 account. Once a user recovers the password, the user is taken to the reset password page 228, illustrated in Figure 2E. The reset password page 228 includes at least, password information 218, a keyboard 216, and a forward command button 214. In this particular embodiment, the password information 218 required is a new password that has not been used previously by the user.

[0085] Figure 3A illustrates one example of the eCard select template page 230. The eCard select template page 230 includes at least, eCard templates 232 and a forward command button 214. Thie eCard templates 232 may have been created by a marketing or human resources department for a large corporation to allow user’s to easily create new business cards that match the corporation’s standard styles. Upon pressing the forward command button 214 of the eCard select template page 230, the user is taken to the basic details page 236, illustrated in Figure 3B. The basic details page 236 includes professional information 234, professional/company images 235, a forward command button 214, and a backward command button 215. The professional information 234 in this embodiment may include a user’s first arid last name, company name, title, and a brief summary of the user. The professional/company image 235 may include a professional headshot, trademark company logo, or any image the user would like to use as a profile image. Figure 3C illustrates the contact details page 238 which is accessible when a user prompts the forward command button 214 on the basic details page 236. The basic details page 236 includes professional information 234, a forward command button 214, and a backward command button 215. In this embodiment the professional information 234 may include a user’s professional contact information, the company’s address, and a link to the company’s website. Figure 3D illustrates another example of the contact details page 238. [0086] Figure 4A illustrates the CardDoctor App’s main page 240. The main page 240 includes a command bar 242, view my card 244 command, and a network card library 260. The command bar 242 may include items such as, prompts to view the card library 260 page, messaging page, add new card page, view profile information, and exchange cards page. V/hen prompted by the appropriate item of the command bar 242, the two options to add a card 243 appear on the screen, as illustrated in Figure 4B. In this embodiment, the two options to add a card 243 include scanning a QR code or adding a card from short range wireless communication. Figure 4C illustrates another example of the CardDoctor App’s main page 240 but this time the network card library 260 has various cards shown. When comparing the network card library 260 in Figure 4C and Figure 4D, Figure 4D illustrates an example of what occurs when a user taps the screen of an eCard 248. When a user taps the screen of an eCard 248 a user has the options to call the other user, message the other user, find the user’s work location, forward the other user's card to a third user, or expand the other user’s card. Figure 4E illustrates one embodiment when a user taps the screen of an eCard 248 then expands the other user’s card to show the front of another user’s card 250.

[0087] As illustrated in Figure 5A, the front of another user’s card 250 may contain a biography of the user 252 and a command bar 242. The biography of the user 252 may also contain any profile image, background information, contact information, or professional information. Figure 5B illustrates the back of another user’s card 251. The back of another user’s card 251 may include a notes section 254, an image in the notes section 255, and a command bar 242. The notes section 254 and the image in the section 255 may help user’s that meet at a conference better remember each other. The notes section 254 may also include social media information of the user. Figures 5C and 5D are other examples of the front of another user’s card 250.

[0088] Figures 6A and 6B illustrate; one eCard design back of a user’s card

251 and front of a user’s card 250 respectively. Figures 6C and 6D illustrate another eCard design back of a user’s card 251 and front of a user’s card 250 respectively.

Figure 6E illustrates even another eCard design for the front of a user’s card 250. [0089] Figures 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D illustrate two other designs of an eCard front and back. Figures 7A and 7B illustrate one eCard design back of a user’s card 251 and front of a user’s card 250 respectiively. Figures 7C and 7D illustrate another eCard design back of a user’s card 251 and front of a user’s card 250 respectively. Figure 7E illustrates how a user can add notes to the back of a user’s card 251. A user has the option to add notes to the notes section 256 and upload an image by prompting the upload an image command 257. The user completes the process of adding a note section 256 by pressing the forward command button 214.

[0090] Figure 8A illustrates viewing a user on a map 258. In this embodiment, viewing a user on a map 258 places a map icon 259 on the location of the user. Figure 8B illustrates a user viewing the network card manager 261. In one embodiment the network card manager 2:61 includes sorting options, action items, and management options. Figure 8C illustrates the app main page 240 with the view my card 244 command and network card library 260 organized by group 262. Figure 8D illustrates the create group page 264. The create group page 264 includes a create group name 263, a forward command button 214, and a backward command button 215. Figure 8E illustrates a group page 268 which includes a list of members 269 and a command to add new members 266.

[0091] Figures 9A-9E illustrate different manners in which a user can add members to a group. Figure 9A illustrates; a group page 268 with a list of members 269 and a command bar 242. Figure 6B illustrates a group page 268, with a list of members 269, a command bar 242, and illustrates selecting a user 267 to add to the group page 268. In this embodiment, selecting a user 267 occurs when a user taps the screen on another user. To confirm a user was selected when selecting a user 267, a green checkmark is shown. Fiigure 9C illustrates a group page 268 with a list of members 269 and a command to add new members 266. When pressing the command to add new members 266 the user is taken to the screen illustrated in Figure 9D. If a user is on the screen illlustrated in Figure 9D and selects a user 267 then the user is taken to the screen illustrated in Figure 9E. To complete the process of adding a member to a group page 268 the user presses the forward command button 214. [0092] Figure 10A illustrates the eCard template page 230 with templates 232 and a forward command button 214. Figure 10B illustrates one possible embodiment of a page with two options to· add cards 243. Figure 10C illustrates the locator feature 270. The locator feature 270 can locate other users in a predefined range set by the user. Figure 10D illustrates one example of the locator feature 270 messaging library 272. The messaging library 272 lists the user’s in the predetermined range 273. When pressing a user in the user’s in the predetermined range 273, the user is taken to the messa ging feature 274, as shown in Figure 10E.

[0093] Figure 11A illustrates the app main page 240 when the view my card

244 command is pressed. Figure 11B illustrates the edit profile page wherein the user is editing log in information 224. Figure 11C illustrates one of the card templates 232 with professional information 234 and professional/company images 235. Figure 11D illustrates one example of the eCard select template page 230. The eCard select template page 230 includes at least, eCard templates 232 and a forward command button 214. The eCard templates 232 may have been created by a marketing or human resources department for a large corporation to allow user’s to easily create new business cards that match the corporation’s standard styles. Upon pressing the forward command button 214 of the eCard select template page 230, the user is taken to the basic details page 236, illustrated in Figure 11E. The basic details page 236 includes professional information 234, professional/company images 235, a forward command button 214, and a backward command button 215. The professional information 234 in this embodiment may include a user’s first arid last name, company name, title, and a brief summary of the user. The professional/company image 235 may include a professional headshot, trademark company logo, or any image the user would like to use as a profile image.

[0094] Figure 12A illustrates the contact details page 238 which is accessible when a user prompts the forward command button 214 on the basic details page

236. The basic details page 236 includes professional information 234, a forward command button 214, and a backward command button 215. In this embodiment the professional information 234 may include a user's professional contact information, the company’s address, and a link to the company’s website. Figure 12B illustrates the app feedback page 280. The app feedback page 280 includes the overall app rating scale 282, the feedback notes section 284, and a forward command button 214. A user can use the overall app rating scale 282 to give feedback on how satisfied the user is with the CardDoctor App 100. If the user has any comments with their feedback, the user can type out the comments in the feedback notes section 284. Figure 12C illustrates the help page 290 which includes a frequently asked questions 292 section and a notes section 294. If a user needs help maneuvering the CardDoctor App 100, the user can go to the help page 290. The frequently asked questions 292 will show the questions and answers that most commonly arise when using the app. If the user’s question is not answered in the frequently asked questions 292 section, the user can type the question in the notes section 294.

[0095] While this disclosure has been described as having an exemplary design, the present disclosure may be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this disclosure pertains.