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WO-2026096595-A1 - NETWORKING ROUNDTABLE CONTROLLER, SYSTEM AND METHOD AND NETWORKING ENGINE

WO2026096595A1WO 2026096595 A1WO2026096595 A1WO 2026096595A1WO-2026096595-A1

Abstract

A computer-implemented method for matching users in a networking roundtable, preferably circular, wherein the networking roundtable has at least one first seat with a seat sensor, the first seat is preferably fixed in a position with respect to a plurality of second seats, wherein the plurality of second seats is movable with respect to the first seat, and wherein each of the second seats has a seat sensor, a sensor associated with a seat defines a seat sensor, the method including the steps of: d) activating the seat sensors for detecting the presence of uses; e) determining if seat sensors are revealing the presence of a first user on the first seat and at least a second user on one of the second seats of said plurality; f) moving the plurality of second seats for bringing one of the second seats having the seat sensor revealing the presence of a second user in a predetermined coupling zone around the first seat for enabling the match between the first and the second user.

Inventors

  • MOETTELI, JOHN BRENT
  • BURZALA-OCHOCINSKI, Kajetan

Dates

Publication Date
20260507
Application Date
20251029
Priority Date
20241030

Claims (20)

  1. CLAIMS
  2. What is claimed is:
  3. 1. A computer-implemented method stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, the method having instructions when executed by a processor, for matching users in a networking roundtable, preferably circular, wherein the networking roundtable comprises at least one first seat with a seat sensor, the first seat is preferably fixed in a position with respect to a plurality of second seats, wherein the plurality of second seats is movable with respect to the first seat, and wherein each of the second seats comprises a seat sensor, a sensor associated with a seal defines a seat sensor, the method comprising the steps of:
  4. a) activating the seat sensors for detecting the presence of users;
  5. b) determining if seat sensors are revealing the presence of a first user on the first seat and at least a second user on one of the second seats of said plurality:
  6. d) moving the plurality of second seats for bringing one of the second seats having the seat sensor revealing the presence of a second user in a predetermined coupling zone around the first seat for enabling the match between tire first and the second user.
  7. 2. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1 wherein the step d) of moving the plurality of second seats is repeated until all the second seats occupied by a user have reached the predetermined coupling zone, so that the first user matches all users seating on the plurality of second seats.
  8. 3. The computer-implemented method according to claim 2 wherein the method further comprises, preferably before step d), the step of:
  9. c) prioritizing the movements of the plurality of second seats for:
  10. - maximizing the number of different matches between the first user and the users occupying the plurality of second seats, and
  11. - minimizing the numbers of repetitions of step d) required for moving the plurality of second seats for matching the first user with all users sitting on the plurality of second seats, and
  12. - optionally, maximizing the number of common fort her parameters associated to a pair of users, wherein the further parameters are parameter associated to each user
  13. 4. The computer-implemented method according to claim 3 wherein the prioritizing step c) comprising the sub -steps of:
  14. cl) determining the actual position of the plurality of second seats relative to the first seat; c2.1) determining which seat sensors of the plurality of second seats are active, or in a different state, for determining the presence arrangement of the plurality of second seats, wherein the presence arrangement is defined by the seats of tire plurality of second seats winch are occupied by a user;
  15. c3) for each of the second seats occupied by a user, determining all the positions which can be assumed by a second seat in respect to the first seat in order to determine the distance between the first seat and the second seat, wherein each position of each second seat defines a configuration;
  16. c4) selecting the second seat with the configuration with the shortest distance from the first seat.
  17. 5. The computer-implemented method according to claim I and 4, wherein after step d) the method further comprises step e) of' eliminating, or recording as accomplished, the configuration selected in sub-step c4) after the match between the first user on the first seat and the second user on the second seat was made in accordance to said configuration determined in sub-step c4),
  18. 6. The computer-implemented method according to the preceding claim, wherein steps c), d) and e) are repeated until all configurations are eliminated/recorded.
  19. 7. The computer- implemented method according to claim I, wherein when one of the second seats of said plurality is within the predetermined coupling zone of the first seat, and the seat sensor of the first and the second seat are not activated so that no users is sitting on the first and the second seat within the predetermined coupling zone, the plurality of second seats is moved so that the empty second seat doesn’t stop in the predetermined coupling zone.
  20. S. The computer- 'implemented method according to claim 1, wherein the method further comprises the step of showing a message or a video for a predetermined period of rime to a user when a second seat of said plurality is within the predetermined coupling zone and the seat sensor of the first and the second seat are in two different states, so that one seat is occupied and the other one is empty, the user being defined as an unmatched user.

Description

NETWORKING ROUNDTABLE CONTROLLER, SYSTEM AND METHOD AND NETWORKING ENGINE Cross Reference to Related Applications This application is a PCT application claiming priority to US provisional application no. 63/734,872 filed 12/17/2024 and 63/713,605, filed 10/30/2024 and, for the purposes of the US. is a Continuation-in-part application of divisional application serial no. 18/654,059 filed on May 3rd, 2024 which is a national stage of PCT application no. PCT/US2018/039408 filed 26 June 2018 claiming the benefit of U. S. Provisional Application No. 62/524,658, filed 26 June 2017, U. S. Provisional Application No. 62/528,464, filed 4 July 2017, U. S. Provisional Application No. 62/628,801, filed February 9, 2918, U. S. Provisional Application No. 62/668,318, filed May 8, 2018, and U. S. Provisional Applicant No. 62/671,441 filed May 15th, 2018, the contents of which are incorporated by reference hereto and relied upon, in particular, the disclosure of PCT/US2018/039408. Background of the Invention This invention relates to means of making contact with other individuals (sometimes herein called “users” or “members”) using software, typically a social media networking system such as Facebook™ or an online community service system, and/or dedicated hardware. In addition, the invention relates to systems and methods for enabling connection with one or more members having similar preferences by providing a more efficient and effective means of making connections, as well as creating communities. Social networking sites are varied. They can incorporate a range of new information and communication tools, operating on desktops and on laptops, on mobile devices such as tablet computers and smartphones. They may feature digital photo/video/sharing and "web fogging" diary entries online (blogging). Online community services are sometimes considered social-network services, though in a broader sense, a social-network service usually provides an individual-centered service whereas online community services are group-centered. Defined as "websites that facilitate the building of a network of contacts in order to exchange various types of content online," social networking sites provide a space for interaction io continue beyond in person interactions. These computer mediated interactions link members of various networks and may help to both maintain and develop new social ties. Social networking sites allow users to share ideas, digital photos and videos, posts, and to inform others about online or real-world activities and events with people in their network. While in-person social networking - folk dancing, community social events and gathering in a village market to talk about, events - has existed since the earliest development of towns, the Web enables people to connect with others who live in different locations, ranging from across a city to across the world. Depending on the social media platform, members may be able to contact any other member. In other cases, members can contact anyone they have a connection to, and subsequently anyone that contact has a connection to, and so on. The success of social networking services can be seen in their dominance in society today, with Facebook having a massive 2.13 billion active monthly users and an average of 1.4 billion daily active users in 2017. Linkedln™, a career-oriented social-networking service, generally requires that a member personally know another member in real life before they contact them online. Some sendees require members to have a preexisting connection to contact other members. Such services and systems have provided users with an unprecedented way of making contacts. However, such systems provide little or nothing to facilitate face-to-face contact or to make such contact more likely to create lasting relationships. Hardware used in such social networking has typically been computer devices, tables and chairs, and dance floors. Seating exists which facilitates contact with others. Round tables exist which place persons opposite to each other in a facing relationship. Lazy Susans exist for placement at the center of the table to facilitate the selection of food or condiment items for use on food. However, once seated, changing the seating relationship requires getting up, convincing some else to get. up and to change seats. This creates an awkward and comfortable and sometimes impolite situation which is to be avoided to conform to accepted social etiquette. US Patent No.9,830,562, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference thereto and relied upon, describes a system and method for mobile social networking within a target area The method includes receiving a social networking profile within a target area. The social networking profile has at least one user preference. The method also includes broadcasting the social networking profile to one or more members of the social network within the target area, The method further includes searchin