GB2501465A

GB2501465A - A website for combined social networking and events coordination

Info

Publication number: GB2501465A
Application number: GB1205840.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Felicity Amy Barwell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-03-31
Filing date: 2012-03-31
Publication date: 2013-10-30
Also published as: GB201205840D0

Abstract

A website for combined social networking and events coordination for young professionals which provides a single solution to allow events and social gatherings to be organised from a single point. The website may also provide such events in material form to members. The website may incorporate an interactive online calendar 12B, a chat facility and a means to interact with other members 5B who share similar interests. The website can also provide access to a provider of events and services including the supply of tickets or hosting of an event. The website may generate revenue by charging members subscriptions to the services.

Description

PATENT APPLICATION

OF

FELICITY BARWELL

FOR

WEBSITE SOLUTION FOR COMBINED SOCIAL NETWORKING AND EVENTS

COORDINATION FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a website solution for social networking and events coordination particularly for young working professionals.

Background

Social networking websites are commonly known and offer a medium status for individuals or groups to interact in varying areas on the internet or internal intranet capabilities. The known methods provide an ability for the user to arrange a secured entry to the area using passwords and provides a platform for communications and written and pictorial mediums to relate to other persons who share the website.

Common cases show websites and platforms that provide an open arena for users of all diversities to interact and communicate without boundary These include forums and message facilities. The ability to present pictorial and visual fixed or moving images including digital video formats are also widely known on a global status and provide a personal platform on which an individual user can express interests or share knowledge and events The nature of these formats provide individual or themed locations and websites, this may require the user to attend different locations or sites to perform various tasks, this is known to impede their successful usage of the available solutions due to time factors and the need to move between differing sites to perform procedures. This can create restriction on the usage and also the type of persons or groups they are able to interact with therein.

Prior Art

Accordingly patent applications have been filed in relation to known websites including the following: International patent application US 201 0/0125803 (JOHNSON) Discloses a method of communication between service providers and customers using Internet carriage via an online communications network system.

The aim being to provide a method for consumers to relate to providers in business and events organisation using the system solution for a mainly business to business purpose International publication number WO 2011/133403 (ZUCKERBERG) Discloses a method to personalise a webpage outside a social networking system using its content from the social networking system. This allows the users to communicate using mark-up language and associated code to retrieve information and customise from a remote point.

United states patent application US 2011/0264556 (YUAN DER HO) Discloses a method for sharing information on a network based social platform. A search request being made via the social networking website and being shared with a least a second user on a social climate or business basis.

United States patent publication US 2011/0154223 (WHITNAH) Discloses a method for sharing information posts regarding a live event on an interface provided by a social networking website The users can interact with streams of content on a social networking website and system in relation to live events United States patent application US 2005/0154639 (ZETMEIR) Discloses a business method and model for integrating social networking into electronic auctions and ecommerce venues. Provides means for members to interact and communicate with online auction or ecommerce websites linked via their social networking membership and platform.

United States patent application US2O1 0/0036912 (RAO) Discloses a social networking website that determines the location of the user via their satellite informed pc or handheld device and uses this information to locate them into a particular group based on location and varying factors therein.

United States patent application US 2011/0029388 (KENDALL) Discloses a method for providing advertising or social networking messages on a web site or platform. Provides an intelligent system for matching advertisement to certain network subscribers using a link of their personal information and interests. Proving potential business arrangements and benefits for the website and its advertisers.

United States patent publication US2O1O/0057535 (SHEPERD) Discloses a job or employment based social networking website which offers monetary incentives to encourage users to introduce new members to vacancies and the website and provide employment opportunities therein.

United States patent application U52009/0144369 (BROWN) Discloses a method by which the user activity on a social networking website or similar platform may be monitored or counted. Using web programing mediums and language the delivery is able to be maintained and monitored throughout usage.

United States patent application US2009/01 64475 (POTTENGER) Discloses social networking on a website with topic based data sharing. A method and system for constructing a social network using advanced content-based indexing, data and index sharing using a peer to peer network in conjunction with a website interface.

United States patent application US2O1 1/0306029 (PRINCE) Discloses an online bases student peer mentoring program for use within the education sector. Offers peer mentoring and support online via a system involving at least one school and a related system from a social networking site.

Summary of the invention

According to the present invention there is provided a website that operates and is supported using the worldwide web or an intranet possibility.

The aspect of the proposed website is to present its focus toward the working professional and to provide means for these to relate, communicate and interact with each other on a chosen basis, mainly sharing a common ground of young professionals and similar, in a singular encompassed environment.

Their ability to interact and share, facilitate information and arrange events combined with their common interest as they are from similar or related professional environments and backgrounds is enhanced creating a social evolution.

The ability to combine many known aspects into a single social environment is presented with a core element toward offering relief to the user costs in arranging events and social developments by combining online portal applications with linked businesses.

The solution presents all aspects of social and business related activities in one location including, food and drink dining out events, shopping options and excursions, holiday, leisure and music events, social gatherings of various nature, themed nights, entertainment and comedy, outdoor activities and a unlimited scope of creative additions including charity events in an automated website.

The Amalgamates system also offers a relation or buddy up facility designed to introduce you to events alongside other members already showing interest in that area, confirming prior to your attendance that others will be appointed.

It is known that people who are in the same employ relate more easily to each other and are able to share common ground more widely than those of differing professions as this presentation suggests.

A facility for an interactive online calendar is also presented allowing you to view what other members have arranged and act accordingly. The solution may also include an offer to manage the member's events; this can include business to business outsourcing services and event hosts.

The portal is therefore offered as a provider of events and services or a presenter of third party events and services to at least one user or more with a focus toward the young professional as a theme. This solution provides the complete package including the supply of the event content itself and may offer the ability to also purchase access or tickets for third party events or a wide variation of social and business activity related functions.

Brief description of figures

Figures 1 shows a plan view of the home page Figures 2 shows a plan view of the user profile Figures 3 shows a plan view of the interactive website calendar Figures 4 shows a plan view of the events page The website has a home page or login page 1 as shown in Figure t This is the static point at which all members and non-members may view the entry point of introduction to the website. The website name 2 as shown in Figure 1 is located at a desired and nonspecific area of the home page 1. Company identification 3 is situated none specifically on the homepage as shown. The website is accessed using the name and identity log in area 4 as shown in Figure 1. The user is able to create personal information to use within this area of the site to provide security for themselves. This is followed by the depressing of link point 5, as shown to processes the information and allow the user to enter the following stage of the site pages.

Entered or highlighted as a larger graphic or pictorial view to this home page 1 is the display of on-going or new events 6, as shown in Figure 1. This is designed to attract the attention of the user to upcoming or planned events using vendor specific logos or linked apparel. To the surrounding or related circumference of the new events area 6 are listed a static or moving rotation of event categories 7, as shown in Figure 1. These allow the user to witness options clearly without the written word. Making options for events and identification process of pictorials of symbols that represent differing options of activity. Included in this rotating category selection process are the active links 8 shown in Figure 1, to allow the selection of the option desired.

The user selects options throughout the site to allow them to pass into differing areas and link to various requirements within the process. These may be static or interactive options to allow them to proceed to stall at a particular point. If stalling is achieved then the user would require a new option to move away from the static layer.

Third parties may display in or around new events section 6, these will normally provide links via web programming methods and ecommerce to their own websites to allow direct application or reservations. It is also preferred to offer a control to the website provider to channel the user to a fronted selection being fed via the server, wherein the link to displayed events is solely within the confines of the Amalgamates website.

Users in this instance may only purchase or reserve events from this view for the benefit of the owners. The user would see this format when selecting a process and the information and delivery would arrive via the Amalgamates web source.

Events and transactions from various third parties can be presented at the home page 1 and the events section 6, this is not limited to the design offered in Figure 1 and may vary to provide an unlimited and desired location variation to the visual and working appeal of the application.

Figure 2 discloses an example of the profile page 1, it is known commonly that websites and social networking event areas require or suggest an area where the user or member can provide certain details regarding themselves.

It may be suggested that with a solution in which the persons details may determine greatly the outcome of the success of the event, that these profiles require careful attention from the user and must be completed accurately. In relation to this theory it is presented in Figure 2 that the profile may be customised or created to suit that of the individual also. The only area which is not compatible with this is the static header 2A as shown in Figure 2. To establish a theme of planning and organisation the profile page 3A as shown in Figure 2 is designed to relate visually to a manually written paper file system or a variant of this we can suggest in this presentation.

This profile page 3A as shown is the personal area of the user and would be providing a variant of changeable or personalised areas from which to change or update details.

These details may also be changed remotely via a stream from a third party location to update the user on their profile page. Advertising banners or pop up events or notification may or may not be included in this variant. It may be said that these have a degree of advantage to the user but this may be an option that they may or may not include based on personal choice. The status area 4A as shown in Figure 2 provides an area where the user can display notifications and update these freely. These may incorporate updates or news from themselves of coming in from third parties to be displayed in the status area 4A.

A profile picture area 5A is also provided in which the user may or may not display a picture or similar as show in Figure 2 It may also be desired to run a live or moving graphic or picture using digital or similar methods within this enclosed area 5A to enhance the theme1 advertising or banners may also be suggested to be displayed within the profile picture area from which the user could benefit financially or be rewarded by the site. The individual members name or title is displayed in the members name area 6A, as shown and their address or similar details listed in area 7k Events and interests of the users are displayed following selection in the events area BA as shown in Figure 2. This may form a symbol as shown or a similar identification method, being designed to be simple and easy to select visually. This events area BA also provides the ability for other site member to locate people with related or similar interests. The basis of the solution presented is to allow likeminded young professionals to interact and join in many various activities and events whether these are outside their usual social circle or are within a combined or related, known social or business company group. These events may also be online interaction around groups using chat or live feed and may adhere these social patterns and interest, a live feed section 9A as shown in Figure 2 would provide this live option. Chat or information or their own personal likes or dislikes and other areas used or found within the site may be displayed on the live feed section 9A and recommendations 1OA as shown.

The output of information written and displayed from this area may vary greatly and it may also be desired that other members or third parties feed live into this stream and live feed section 9A and recommendations WA offering a two way chat option and interactive facility, this may be an option that the user can select or deselect. The source of the server based information patter would be depicted and supplied by the live feed 1 1A as shown.

B

The manage my event option or area 12A as shown in Figure 2 enables the user to choose to outsource their own or personal event organisation to the website and its owners, arrangers. This event may vary greatly and there would be no limit to its capabilities and would include Birthdays, Wedding and other calendar and cultural events. It is suggested that this would be available to members to configure personal details of their event, to enable the website owners to return quotes and details for said event, allowing the owners to provide the full package to the consumer including, for example: food, venue, Location.

The budget planner or budget tool would also be in relation to these selections. The ability to have a section that allows a budgetary planning and amendments within a social networking area arena are advantageous when combined with the other and aforementioned applications. This budget tool would be able to show event and planning costs of activities and would be aligned with the user in mind helping to provide a social balance to daily life and commitments. It would compare the cost of events with planned or shown limits within a budget, giving automated deductions and implemental and final figures for the balance The calendar facility is presented in the members online calendar page 1 B as shown in Figure 3. From here members can organise their dates and events on screen and within the linked environ of the social network. This facility would be linked to passive or main caption pages for information feed to and from the website using direct comparison1 allowing other members to possibly view one or more members calendar contents or events 1DB as shown in Figure 3 and interact freely with them to provide advice on where and when events are happening and to also allow the favoured or type of event lOB to be viewed. The ability to view the symbol event 8 as shown in Figure 1 would allow the third party to build a profile of the user interests also.

This may in part allow the third party to contact the user, should the user allow this contact regarding similar events or to expand upon their possibilities by being provided this information about their choices. In all instances users will gain or lose selected usages or privileges by being registered and a paying member or having an account that is not paid for. They user would decide to choose these options themselves. Users would also have the controlling choice of which third parties to allow to view their differing sections and portals.

The symbols for events 8 may also display the business names or registered symbols of said businesses in replacement of the shown event symbol 8 as shown. This allows the businesses to gain advertising exposure from the user's calendar by their symbol or registered name being displayed; this would be an option for the user but may also be a handed or static format that is delivered upon certain types of enrolment being purchased.

It may be possible to extract revenue to the user for displaying these which may come in the form of various methods which may include reduced pricing on events or products. The Website owner may also be given revenue stream from this as in all of the aspects of the website where a company name or logo design may be used.

Revenue or rewards may be allowed to both the users and the website owners in all of these combined areas.

Present on the calendar page view 18 as shown in Figure 3 is the active link to the user profile 28 as shown in figure 3. This provides an active return to the profile for working ease and practical purposes. The calendar page 1 B is a live visual support to the uses and offers an advantage to known versions due to its visual and usage capabilities. Its interactive qualities and is bold visual appeal would suggest an improved method. Users wiSi have a link system by way of being able to include themselves or invite at least one other user to an event or situation with time and date.

Mapping for directions and other determined information would pass within this solution process allowing the scope of user members to interact and arrange events on date and type choice via the calendar-Event symbols 8 as shown in Figure 1 are linked to individual or combined event websites. This action allows the user to more easily access information regarding the event and make reservations or enquiries therein.

It may also be desired to allow information gateways or advert and promotion apparel to flag when the user depressed the event symbol 8 to move areas. This promotional flag or banner would display products or similar guises that relate to the event in question and will be an optional event to be determined by the user or third party receiving. It may also be provided beyond control of all user variants and remain as a static delivery system for advertisements on the site by the website owner. Selection of the desired date, month or year is done via the selection area 38 as shown in Figure 3.

This would consist of varying depressible screen batons or markers, buttons, sliding scale sections or similar to select the chosen date and details for the event. Selection of the calendars within the friends or accepted scale is provided by button 4B as shown to allowing viewing and comparison. To combine with this there is provided an active quick link button to friend's profiles SB as shown in Figure 3.

The requirement to provide advertising areas within the website are already known and stated, the calendar 1 B provides areas for this outside or in addition to those mentioned herein in section 68 as shown in Figure 3. These may consist on static or moving pictorial and written information. Streamed video may also be introduced in these locations. This would either be fed from the web owners server under licence or from the providers regions. Promotional pictorial information and digital or similar video of the events may also be triggered and presented to the user when the event select 8 is depressed. This may remain or override other static or moving pictorial promotions that are present in the section 68. the choice of this would normally remain with the website owner. It may be expanded upon within this presentation that is a symbol or selection button or area, region on the viewing page is depressed, chosen or selected using the users mouse or any operating device, promotions material, streaming video pictorials audio and visual material may be presented to the user therein.

The calendars 8B may be presented in the page view lB as a single image or as a collation of calendars that rotate or reform, shuffle using the known genie effect as shown in Figure 3 as SB and the area as YB. Highlighted dates or areas would be achieved using a highlighted portion 9B, represented event symbols are shown as 108 in Figure 3. These would appear and be viewed as transparent images to allow the user to look through the calendar images for ease of comparison each calendar page.

To display dates that are not available within your calendar a marker may be used as shown as 11 B in Figure & This would be available for viewing and information to chosen or all friends, users or viewers under selection.

Throughout the theme of the website pages it is suggested remains the design of the hand written note book or fib fax design to boarder the page. The objective is for the website to resemble the hardcopy personal organiser in its format and as the user selects the pages or views of the site, it can be suggested that they are turning a page of said personal organiser. This would include subject tabs being displayed vertically on the edge of the page view to mirror the origin of the organiser design. Personal organisers of this type are known and they are widely used today following their introduction to users in the 1980's. Dates that are available to select or interrogate are marked with a strike or tick 12B as shown in Figure 3.

It is suggested that in a chosen location, in this presentation to the bottom of the page or view, a to do list 138 is provided as shown in Figure 3. This allows members to add details to your planning list via a request and to interrogate the content; this can be accepted or declined by the original user The calendar view 18 as shown may be interactive with other social networking media.

Various websites are known and these may also allow interaction to and from the Amalgamates system and allow also to show or display the full calendar or a derivative via their own view or page. This may be interrogated at the third party view or page of said social networking websites which may be able to also change or adjust the information on the calendar or other related pages or views. This may apply to all view and pages of this presentation.

The system has a facility of a members events page 1C as shown in Figure 4 to present a view and function to allow further details or the events taking place in relation to their organisation and also allow fellow users to communicate view and interact. This action is presented as a chat facility. This provides an events picture 2C as shown in Figure 4 that allows the users to display relevant pictorials or possible moving images or data. An event summary 3C as shown also provides more detailed and updated information regarding events or meetings with departure times of transport to and from events to be cited as one example. These are of printable format 4C as shown and this printable ability may apply to viewed applications throughout this presentation. This is noted by the content of 4C as a full events package 5C as shown, the Amalgamates solution may provide the full event format itself and not only an ability to purchase tickets to third party events. This presentation facility also provides a host 6C as shown in Figure 4 providing a personal face to face service for support of members at the event. This click option allows the member or user to see the hosts profile prior to meeting them.

The chat or talk facility 7C as shown, is shared around members who have chosen this option and related directly to this event providing a method of confidentiality. This may be known as Buddy Up Chat in this presentation as shown as 7C.

The Buddy Up facility 7C and 8C as shown offers a privacy or confidentiality option to communicate with other users. Should a user wish to arrange a meeting with one or more other members they may express this in a chat or forum type message that cannot been seen or viewed by other members unless they have opted or chosen this same facility. This would normally relate to members attending or planning to attend the same event as the primary user. This provides a hidden communication facility.

In a need to enhance this method a quick fire chat option 8C as shown is provided to request contact or to enter a discussion with a further member who is requiring buddy up. As with the previous descriptions within this presentation the need to provide visual advertising or promotion space is provide as shown as 9C in Figure 4. This may be of the static pictorial nature or of a viral digital video or moving image as previously suggested. In accordance with the increasing need to provide viewable preferences to other users or members within the solution an activity display 1OC is provided on this page and may possibly be extended within other frames of the presentation. This allows the users to view other activities chosen by each member and adds to the sharing and bonding process of the site therein. This is furthered with the displays showing Attending and Expressed interest with differing activities as shown as 11 C in Figure 4.

The ability to demonstrate or share each members personal interests and activities that have been planned or may already be in progress is an important value of this sites bonding and sharing ability. These may also be provided in the form of symbols as previously cited within and shown here as 1 2C in Figure 4. Events details as provided may be sent to the user or member via email, text messaging or via the website communication functions.

Claims

Claims 1. A website solution for combined social networking and events coordination for young professionals wherein a single solution is provided to house all known social events.
2. A website solution for combined social networking and events coordination for young professionals according to claim 1 provides a single solution website aimed at young business professionals.
3. A website solution for combined social networking and events coordination for young professionals according to claim 2, provides young professionals a way of organising social events and activities with other members.
4. A website solution for combined social networking and events coordination for young professionals according to claim 3 wherein symbols representing the events are used to simplify the usage of the website,
5. A website solution for combined social networking and events coordination for young professionals according to claim 4 provides event symbols that interact with other areas of the website and allow the user to make a choice.
6. A website solution for combined social networking and events coordination for young professionals according to claim 5 wherein a home page displays all up and coming list of events with rotating events symbols.
7. A website solution for combined social networking and events coordination for young professionals according to claim 6 wherein events are offered and provided by the website solution.
8. A website solution for combined social networking and events coordination for young professionals as claimed in claim 7 allows the online members to outsource their personal event to the website and its owners.
9. A website solution for combined social networking and events coordination for young professionals as claimed in claim 8 wherein the website owners may receive event details for outsourced events via an online request form.
10. A website solution for combined social networking and events coordination for young professionals wherein members attending events can interact in all known methods with other users.
11. A website solution for combined social networking and events coordination for young professionals wherein members can provide a profile of themselves in relation to an event.
12. A website solution for combined social networking and events coordination for young professionals wherein an interactive shared calendar is provided for members to broadcast or receive information.
13. A website solution for combined social networking and events coordination for young professionals as claimed in claim 12 wherein a calendar allows members to interact and display preferences, availability and reservations.
14. A website solution for combined social networking and events coordination for young professionals according to claim 13 wherein a calendar facility interacts with and is supported by the website changes.
15. A website solution for combined social networking and events coordination for young professionals wherein a members events page facility is provided to allow members to display forecasted events.
16. A website solution for combined social networking and events coordination for young professionals according to claim 15 wherein a members events page facility allows members to display forecasted events and interact with other members.
17. A website solution for combined social networking and events coordination for young professionals provides social event organisation and provision as previously claimed, has a budgeting tool to aid the financial preparation of the user for each event.
18. A website solution for combined social networking and events coordination for young professionals according to claim 17 has a budgeting tool that presents events to the user that are within their personal budgetary constraints.
19. A website solution for combined social networking and events coordination for young professionals according to claim 18 has events that are budgeted using an online web tool, such events may be provided by the user in entirety but managed by the website owners.
20. A website solution for combined social networking and events coordination for young professionals has a Buddy Up facility that allows written communication between members and provides an opt in or out facility to do this confidentially.
21.A website solution for combined social networking and events coordination for young professionals as claimed in all previous claims is a website that offers a single location to organise and provide social and fun events for young professionals and is supported by bespoke applications.