AU2006100261A4 - Communications system - Google Patents

Description

3. APR. 2006 17:01 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 2 92615486 NO 5279 P. S&FRef: 754705 en 0

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 INNOVATION PATENT SPECIFICATION Name and Address of Applicant: Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service: Invention Title: Gravity Ventures Pty Ltd, an Australian company (ACN 117 153 509), of Level 8, 8 Help Street, Chatswood, New South Wales, 2067, Australia Anthony Robert Farah Sigalit Klimovsky Spruson Ferguson St Martins Tower Level 31 Market Street Sydney NSW 2000 (CCN 3710000177) Communications system The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:- 5843C COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3,APR.2006 17:02 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 2 92615486 NO. 5279 P. 6 Va -1- 0 0

IND-

ci COMMUNICATIONS

SYSTEM

Field of the Invention o The present invention relates generally to methods and systems for communications.

_The present invention also relates to a method, an apparatus, and a computer program Cl 5 product including a computer readable medium having recorded thereon a computer Sprogram for scheduled access to a communications system.

o Background A communications network is a plurality of communications devices connected in a manner that enables an exchange of information from at least one communications device to another communications device. Communications networks are implemented using hard-wired connections, wireless connections, and various combinations thereof.

Computer networks are communications networks in which computing devices are utilised, and include, for example, Local Area Networks (LANs), and Wide Area Networks (WANs). Computing devices include, but are not limited to, personal computers, computer servers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), notepads, and mobile phones capable of transmitting and/or receiving data.

The Internet is a system of interconnected computer networks spanning the globe.

The Internet includes a multitude of smaller government, academic, commercial, and domestic computer networks The large number of connections among computing devices connected to the Internet provides an inherently large degree of resilience to the structure of the Internet, such that a significant proportion of the Internet is always available, even when individual computing devices or even computing networks are temporarily disconnected or offline.

I.O 7154707lS4Opfma.doa COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3. APR. 2006 17:02 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 2 92615486 NO. 5279 P. 7 N-2- 0 0 C,1 Computing devices connected to the Internet are used to host information on almost every topic imaginable. In particular, computing devices connected to the Internet host information relating to specific user groups, service providers, reference materials, and commercial activities As indicated above, the nature of the Internet ensures thatmost of I this information is available to users nearly all the time. Users of different computing CIo 8devices connected to the Internet are able to communicate with one another via email and IND instant messaging. Some Internet sites provide chat rooms that enable users to Clcommunicate With one another in real time. As the Internet is effectively available for access at any time, users access the Internet whenever they choose to do so.

Summary According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computerimplemented system comprising: a computing device adaptable for connection to a communications network, said computing device providing at least one facility accessible to a user accessing said communications network; and a scheduler for regulating access to said at least one facility to a predetermined interval of operating time during a predetermined period.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computing device for hosting an online matchmaking website, said computing device being adaptable for coupling to a communications network, said computing device comprising: at least one facility of said online matchmaking website; and a scheduling means for regulating access to said at least one facility to a predetermined interval of operating time during a predetermined period.

Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

I \75q731 7470_.p5"-' hal doc COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3. APR. 2096 17:02 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 2 92615486 NO. 5279 P. 8 (Brief Description of the Drawings One or more embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram representation of a communications system; ICS Fig. 2 is a flow diagram of a method for registering a user, oFigs 3A, 3B, and 3C are schematic illustrations of enrolment forms; INC Fig. 4 is a flow diagram of a method for establishing a profile of a user; 0Fig. 5 is a flow diagram of a method for creating a questionnaire; Fig. 6 is a schematic illustration of a display screen showing profiles of candidates; Fig. 7 is a flow diagram of a method for creating a compatibility ratings table; Fig. 8 is a schematic illustration of a compatibility ratings table; Fig. 9 is a schematic block diagram representation of a communications system; Fig. 10 is a schematic illustration of a screen shot of a host page of a website for online matchmaking; Fig. 11 is a schematic illustration of a screen shot of available candidates; Fig. 12 is a schematic illustration of a screen shot illustrating links to meeting rooms; Fig. 13 is a schematic illustration of a screen shot for creating a visual representation; Fig. 14 is a flow diagram of a method for creating a visual representation of a user; Fig. 1$ is a schematic block diagram representation of functional modules of a communications system; and Fig. 16 is a schematic block diagram of a general purpose computer upon which arrangements described can be practised.

lk\? 4 ?05W74 spee~fimL do COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3. APR. 2006 17:02 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 2 92615486 NO. 5279 P. 9 \O -4- 0 0 Detailed Description Where reference is made in any one or more of the accompanying drawings to steps o and/or features, which have the same reference numerals, those steps and/or features have for the purposes of this description the same function(s) or operation(s), unless the contrary I0 5 intention appears.

SIt is to be noted that the discussions contained in the "Background" section relate to N0 discussions of documents or devices which form public knowledge through their iespective C publication and/or use. Such should not be interpreted as a representation by the present inventor(s) or patent applicant that such documents or devices in any way form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

The principles of the preferred method described herein have general applicability to communications devices connected to a communications network. For ease of explanation, the steps of the preferred method are described with reference to computing devices connected to a computer network, particularly with reference to the Internet.

However, it is not intended that the present invention be limited to the described method.

In one embodiment, a computing device connected to the Internet serves as a host for a World Wide Web (WWW) website relating to online matchmaking. Online matchmaking facilitates the matching and introduction of individuals searching for other people who share one or more common interests. Such common interests may include, but are not limited to, hobbies, sports, geographical location, and nationality. Thus, an online matchmaking website may provide a virtual meeting point for people with one or more common interests. Alternatively, an online matchmaking website may be directed to an adult dating service, a human resource service, or an occupational recruitment service.

r.147 15'l7o ja1.neldoe COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3.APR2006 17:03 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 2 92615486 NO. 5279 P. IN) 0 0 c Fig. I is a schematic block diagram representation of a communications system 100.

The communications system includes a computing device in the form of a computer r terminal 110. The computer terminal 110 is connected to a communications network 120, in the form of the Internet. Also connected to the communications network 120 is a 0 5 computer server 130 that hosts a site 140 for online matchmaking. In this example, the site o 140 is a website on the World Wide Web.

IN A candidate wishing to meet other people utilises the computer terminal 110 to 0 access the site 140 on the server 130 via the Internet 120. The site 140 provides facilities for enrolling the candidate, which involves obtaining at least a minimum amount of information from the candidate to register the candidate. The minimum amount of information may include, for example, a user identifier. Optionally, further information is obtained from the candidate to establish a profile for the candidate. The enrolment facilities may include, for example, a form or template with empty fields that are to be completed by the candidate, one or more dialog boxes with questions that require answers, one or more dialog boxes with multiple choice answers to be selected by the candidate, or any combination thereof In one embodiment, the form is generated by a software application running on the server 130.

Fig. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a registration method 200 performed by a user, when registering with the site 140. The user may be either a candidate or a prospective suitor The method 200 begins at a Start step 205 and proceeds to step 210, in which the site 140 displays an electronic registration form to the user accessing the site 140. Control proceeds to step 220, in which the site 140 receives registration information from the user.

The registration information includes at least a user identifier. Depending on the particular application, the registration infonnation may also include, for example, name, address, date 1:\754705M17M.speeAnsl doe COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3, APR. 2036 17:03 SPRIJSON FERGUSON 61 292615486 NO. 5279 P. 11 -6c-i of birth, and contact details. Control passes from step 220 to step 230, in which the site 140 stores the received user information from step 220. Control passes from step 230 to an End step 240 and the method 200 terminates.

Fig. 3A schematically illustrates a basic form 3 10 presented to a user accessing the site 140. The formi 3 10 includes two fields 312 and 314 for entering a username and password, respectively. Fig. 3B schematically illustrates a form 320 for obtaining further user information. In the example of' Fig. 3B, the form 320 includes a height field 322, an 0N o age field 324, and a sex field 326. Fig. 30 schematically illustrates a further form 330 for obtaining additional user information. The form 330 includes a number of cheekboxes or push buttons to allow a user to select appropriate answers. For example, the form 330 includes a push button for each of the responses Male 332 and Female 334. A user selects either of the buttons to indicate the sex of the user. The form 330 also includes a question relating to the user's age, with the following age groupings each having an associated push button to be selected by a user: 18-25, 26-30, 3 1-35, and 35-40. Further, the fonn 330 includes a button to select smoker or non-smoker. It will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art that many other means for collecting enrolment infonuation from a candidate may equally be practised without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Depending on the specific application hosted by the site 140, the candidate may be required to provide further information such as age, height, geographical location, interests, hobbies, education, eye colour, hair, and other personal attributes. Access to the site may require that the candidate pays a joining fee or subscription fee. Alternatively, the candidate establishes an initial amount of credit with the site 140. The site 140 deducts an MA70d7ZS7Jzpecku dot COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3, APR. 2006 17:03 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 292615486 NO. 5279 P. 12 ci amount from the candidate's balance of credit each time the candidate communicates with another user of the site 140.

Returning to Fig. 1, the site 140 stores the information provided by the candidate as the profile of that candidate. The profile is stored by the site 140 in a database 150 on a Shard-disk drive, or other suitable recording medium. The profile may be reviewed, revised cIN o and edited by a user. In one implementation, feedback provided by the user is utilised to amend the user's profile. In another implementation, feedback from other users is utilised o to amend the user's profile. In a further implementation, all of a user's profile is viewable by that user. However, in an alternate implementation, some of the user's profile is not viewable by that user, and is utilised by an operator of the site 140 for purposes including, but not limited to, targeted marketing.

Fig. 4 is a flow diagram of a method 400 for establishing a profile of a user lregistered with the site 140. The registration of the user with the site, as described above with reference to Fig. 2, ensures that a minimum profile consisting of a user identifier is created for every registered user. The method 400 begins at a Start stop 405 and proceeds to step 410, in which the user enters personal data. The personal data may include, lbr example, name, date of birth, and contact details. The personal data may also include a list of personal likes and dislikes. Control passes to step 415, in which the user enters data relating to the type of person the user is seeking to meet. This data may include, for example, age, background, education, physical attributes, and interests.

Control passes from step 413 to a review step 420 that allows the user to rcvic-wthe profile. Control passes from step 420 to decision step 425, which determines whether the user wants to revise the profile data. If the user wants to revise the profile data, Yes,control returns to step 410. If at step 425 the user does not want to revise the profile date, JA7547M5754705 spec flids doo COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3. API 2006 17:03 SPRUSON FERGUSON 51 292615486 NO. 5279 P. 13

IND-

c-I No, control passes to step 430 and the method 400 tenninates. Having established an initial profile for a user, the profile may be revised and modified by that user, by an operator of the site 140, or as a result of feedback from other users.

The site 140 optionally provides functionality that enables the candidate to create a questionnaire to be completed by prospective, suitors. The questionnaire includes one or cIN o more questions. The questions may be selected by the candidate from a set of standard questions stored on the site 140. The candidate may then optionally select one or more o) answers from a set of answers associated with the standard questions. Alternatively, the candidate constructs one or more questions of his or her own choosing. The candidate is optionally able to provide one or more answers associated with the constructed questions.

In one implementation, the candidate creates a questionnaire that includes a combination of questions selected from the set of standard questions, and questions constructed by the candidate.

In one implementation, the site 140 provides a framework for the construction of questions by the candidate. In the case in which the site 140 provides a set of standard questions, the user is able to select one or more of those standard questions to be included in a questionnaire. The standard questions may be categorised, allowing a browsing candidate to select questions relevant to the candidate's likes, dislikes, and personal situation. For example, categories of questions may include, but are not limited to, background, education, physical attributes, lifestyle, values, and friendship. The candidate may select one or more, or even all, categories of standard questions when creating the questionnaire.

The standard questions may be associated with one or more predefined answers, In one embodiment, the answers are automatically associated with the standard, predefined IA5Ai?S70_pqfltSc 4ft c COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3. APR. 2006 M04 3. AR. 295 1:04 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 292615485 O 27 .1 NO. 5279 P. 14 questions. In another embodiment, the candidate is able to select whether to associate the predefined answers with the standard questions. In a further embodiment, a candidate is en able to select a standard question, and either choose a set of standard answers or allow a free text, open-ended answer, or a combination of both. i the case in which a free text answer is allowed, parsing of the answer is performed by either the candidate or the site cIN o 140.

When a candidate constructs a question, rather than selecting a standard question, the o candidate enters the question in a free text field. The candidate is then able to provide possible multiple choice answers to be selected by a prospective suitor. Alternatively, the candidate allows a free text, open-ended answer. As described above, when a free text answer is allowed, parsing of the answer is performed by either the candidate or the site 140.

The questionnaire may be embodied, for example, as an electronic form with empty fields to be completed by a prospective suitor, one or more dialog boxes with questions that require answers, one or more dialog boxes with multiple choice answers to be selected by the prospective suitor, or any combination thereof It will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art that other embodiments of the questionnaire may equally be practised without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

In one implementation, the candidate assigns a weighting factor to each question.

The weighting indicates how important the subject matter of each question is to the candidate. For example, a candidate with a strong prefcrcnce for meeting a suitor with brown hair assigns a high weighting factor to a question asking for the hair Colour of the suitor- In contrast, if eye colour is not important to the candidate, the candidate assigns a low weighting factor to a question about eye colour. In one implementation, the candidate 1A\754 70t57O5 spec fiLdoc COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3, APR, 2006 17:04 SFRIJSON FERGUSON 61 2 92615486 NO. 5279 P. INO c-I is able to provide a list of possible answers to each question, with individual weighting factors assignedito each of the possible answers. The questionnaire created by the en candidate is stored by the site 140 in a database on a suitable recording medium, such as a hard-disk drive, and is associated with the profile for that candidate. The database storing the questionnaires and associated data may be the same database 150 that stores the candidate data, or may equally be a separate database, not shown.

Fig. 5 is a flow diagramn of a method 500 for creating a questionnaire- In this 0N O particular example, the candidate is able to select questions from a sot of standard questions or construct questions of his or her own choosing. The method 500 begins at a Start step 505 and proceeds to a decision step 5 10, in which a candidate chooses whether to select a question from the set of standard questions. If the candidate chooses to select a question from the set of standard questions, Yes, control passes to step 515 in which the candidate selects a standard question. In this example, a set of predefined answers is optionally associated with each standard question. Control passes from step 515 to step 520, in which the candidate associates an answer with the standard question selected in step 515. The associated answer may be selected from the set of predefined answers, or may be provided by toe candidate. Control passes from step 520 and returns to decision step 5 10 to allow the candidate to select more questions from the set of standard questions.

Step 520 of associating one or more answers with a selected question is an optional step, and may be omitted in other implementations.

Returning to step 5 10, if the candidate chooscs not to select a question from the set of standard questions, No, control passes to another decision step 525, in which the candidate decides whether to co-nstruct a question. If the candidate wants to construct a question, Yes, control passes to step 530, in which the candidate constructs a question, preferably in 1:\7St7O$\747O,pnaI1 dox SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3.APR.2006 17:04 3, AR, 206 1:04 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 292615486 N,57 .1 NO. 5279 P. 16 Cl a free-text field. Control passes from step 530 to step 535, in which the candidate optionally associates one or more answers with the question created in step 530. Control passes from step 5 35 to decision step 540, which determines whether the candidate wants to construct further questions. If the candidate wants to construct a further question, Yes, control passes from step 540 to step 525 for another iteration. If the candidate does not want to construct a further question at step 540, No, control passes to step 545.

Va Returning to step 525, if the candidate does not want to create a question, No, control o passes f-rm step 525 to step 545. In step 545, the candidate is able to assign weights to one or more questions. The candidate is optionally able to assign weights to answers associated with the questions from steps 520 and 535. Control passes from step 545 to an End step 550 and the method 500 terminates. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that one or more of the steps of method 500 may be performed in parallel. Further, the assigning of weights to questions and answers may equally occur i'mmediately after each of steps 520 and 535, without departing from the spirit and scope of the method 500.

Prospective suitors utilise computing devices connected to the communications network 120 to access the site 140 and browse profiles of candidates that are presently enrolled on the site 140. In one implementation, all candidate profiles are available for browsing by a prospective suitor. In another implementation, the site 140 provides search, facilities to enable a prospective suitor to enter a minimum amount of search criteria, thus restricting viewable profiles to those associated with candidates that meet the search criteria- In a further embodiment, a prospective suitor completes a registration form, similar to the enrolment forms described above with respect to Figs 3A, 3B, and 3C. The candidate profiles available for viewing by the prospective suitor are then determined COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time (I-tm) 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3. APR. 2006 17:05 3, AR, 206 1:05SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 2 92615485 O 27 .1 NO. 5279 P. 17 IND -12based on a compatibility rating between the registration form information provided by the prospective suitor and profiles of candidates enrolled on the site.

en Fig. 6 is a schematic illustration of a sample display screen 600 presented by the site 140 to a browsing suitor. The display screen 600 includes profiles associated with a number of candidates. I particular, the display screen includes profiles 610, 620 630, 640, 650, and 660 associated with Candidate A, Candidate B, Candidate C, Candidate D, Candidate E, and Candidate F, respectively. in the example of Fig. 6, each of the profiles o 610, 620, 630, 640, 65 0, and 660 includes a usernarne, age, and a link to a questionnaire associated with the respective candidate. Some of the profiles include further information, such as a hobby or smoking sttus. For example, the profile 6 10 associated with Candidate A includes an identification box 612, which may include a photograph of Candidate A, a visual representation of Candidate A, or avatar selected by Candidate A. The profile 610 also includes information indicating that Candidate A is 25, a female, and a non-smoker.

The profile further includes a hyperlink 614 to a questionnaire associated with Candidate A. In one implementation, a candidate is able to personalise an associated profile by inserting, for example, sound, a picture, photograph, video, or avatar.

When a browsing suitor identifies an appealing candidate profile, the browsing suitor can complete the questionnaire created by the appealing candidate, preferably by activating a link displayed on the screen and associated with the profile of the appealing candidate, such as the hyperlink 614 associated with Candidate A in Fig. 6. The site 140 processes the answers provided by the browsing suitor, assigns any weighting factors assigned by the appealing candidate to the questions and any possible answers, and determnines a compatibility rating between the browsing suitor and the appealing candidate. The 1A73705IS470SWecfinid*0 COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3, APR. 2036 17:05 SFRIJSON FERGUSON 61 2 92615486 NO. 5279 P. 18 IND -13- (N compatibility rating provides the browsing suitor and the appealing candidate with an initial indication of their compatibility with each other.

en The extent of match indicated by the compatibility rating can be a valuable commercial tool that attracts both candidates and suitors, thus making the site 140 attractive to advertisers. A candidate is thus provided with an initial indication of a level of compatibility that exists with prospective suitors who have completed the questionnaire IND created by the candidate. Rather than receiving requests fo-r communication from a o potentially large number of suitors, with no pre-qualifying indication of compatibility, the candidate is able to readily identify suitors with a relatively high level of compatibility.

io The initial filtering provided by the compatibility ratings provides the candidate with a degree of convenience and saves the candidate time in assessing prospective suitors with whom to communicate.

In one Implementation, the site 140 provides a table of compatibility ratings for comparing the relative compatibility ratings of each suitor that completes the electronic questionnaire for a given candidate. Thus, when a browsing suitor completes the questionnaire of the appealing candidate, the browsing suitor (and optionally the appealing candidate) receives an indication of not only their compatibility with each other, but also an indication of their compatibility relative to the compatibility of the appealing candidate with each other suitor who has completed the questionnaire of the appealing candidate. As 201 more suitors complete the questionnaire of the appealing candidate, the table of compatibility ratings stores more compatibility ratings and provides a dynamic tally of the prospective suitors. As the site provides a table of compatibility ratings for each candidate, prospective suitors are able to view their relative rankings with each candidate, based on the answers to the questionnaires. Tbe tabulated compatibility ratings tables provide a I \75 470 COMSiD No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3. APR. 2005 17:05 SPR{JSON FERGUSON 61 2 92615485 NO. 5279 P, 19 -14candidate with a further degree of convenience in assessing prospective suitors with whom to communicate.

en The tabulated compatibility ratings may be used by the site 140 to correlate results between suitors and candidates, particularly in respect of responses provided by suitors to questions in candidate questionnaires, where those questions are selected from a common cIN o set of standard questions- -In one example, questionnaires created by candidates include one or more questions o selected from a set of standard questions. Prospective suitors complete the questionnaires for candidates that appeal to them, based on viewable profiles of the candidates. As the questi onnaires include one or more common questions, the site 140 is able to perform correlation of responses provided by suitors for different candidates. This enables the site to identify other candidates that may appeal to prospective suitors. Further, the site 140 is able to utilise a response provided by a suitor to a first question on a questionnaire of a first candidate to complete automatically a response to a second question on a questionnaire of a second candidate, where the first and second questions relate to the same question selected from the set of standard questions.

Fig. 7 is a flow diagram of a method 700 for creating a compatibility ratings table in accordance with the present disclosure, based on informnation provided by prospective suitors when completing a questionnaire associated with a candidate. The method 700 begins at a Start step 705 and proceeds to step 710, in which the information provided by the prospective suitors when completing the questionnaires is retrieved from a storage device, such as a databasc. Control passes from step 710 to step 715, which optionally assigns weightings to the retrieved information, The weightings may be determined by L\734705\7S47D~spaccjlcc doe COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3. APR. 2006, 17 05 3. AR. 20W 1:DbSPRUSON FERGUSON 61 29261548610.57 P.2 NO. 5279 P. Cl either an operator of a website hosting the questionnaires, or by the candidate. The weightings may be applied to the questions, the answers, or a combination thereof.

Control passes from step 715 to step 720, which determines individual compatibility ratings for the prospective suitors who completed the questionnaire, based on the retrieved IND 5 infonnation and the weightings of step 715. In another implementation, the assignment of weightings and determination of compatibility ratings is performed when a suitor IND completes the questionnaire, and the compatibility rating is stored with the information o provided by the suitor. In such an implementation, steps 715 and 720 are optional.

Control passes from step 720 to 725, which compares individual compatibility ratings associated with the prospective suitors to produce a ranking, In step 730, a compatibility ratings table is produced, based on the ranking from step 725. Control passes from step 730 to step 735 and the method 700 terminates.

Fig. 8 is a schematic illustration of a compatibility ratings table 800. The example of Fig. 8 relates to prospective suitors that have completed a questionnaire associated with Candidate B. The ratings table 800 includes an optional profile 805 of Candidate B. The ratings table 800 includes a list of the top five prospective suitors that have completed the questionnaire associated with Candidate B. The table 800 shows that a top position 810 in the ratings table 800 is presently occupied by Suitor E, who achieved a compatibility rating with Candidate B of 86%. A second position 820 is occupied by Suitor B with a cormpatibi lity rating of 74%, a third position 83 0 is occupied by Suitor A with a compatibility rating of 68%, a fourth position is occupied by Suitor C with a compatibility rating of 54%, and a final position is occupied by Suitor D) with a compatibility rating of 12%.

Lt757I41O~qpcAhI doe COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3. APR. 2006 17:06 3, AR. 206 1:06 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 292615486 N.57 .2 NO, 5279 P. 21 ci In one implementation, the site forwards profile information associated with a prospective suitor to the appealing candidate, if the compatibility rating of that prospective en suitor meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold. Thus, the candidates are assured that they will only communicate with other people who satisfyr a predetermined compatibility threshold. The predetermined compatibility threshold may be defined by an operator of the site, or the candidate. Alternatively, the compatibility threshold may be linked to the compatibility table, with profiles of a predetermined number of prospective suitors with the 0N o highest compatibility ratings being forwarded to the candidate at a predeternined time.

The predetermined time may include, but is not limited to, the end of a session defined by an operator of thc site, the end of each day, or the end of each week.

In one example, a predetennined compatibility threshold of 70% is set by an operator of an oniine matchmaking site. Prospective suitors are informed that if they achieve a compatibility rating of 70% or higher with a candidate enrolled on the site, based on answers to a questionnaire, then their profiles will be forwarded to the candidate. In the example of Fig. 8, the profiles of Suitor E and Suitor B are forwarded to Candidate B, as Suitor E achieved a compatibility rating with Candidate B of 86% and Suitor B achieved a compatibility rating with Candidate B of 74%.

In one implementation, a profile of a candidate includes a photograph of that candidate. However, the profile available for viewing by browsing suitors does not initially include the photograph of the candidate. When a prospective suitor completes a questionnaire for a candidate and achieves a minimum compatibility rating with that candidate, the site reveals a photograph of that candidate to that prospective suitor. Thus, the site rewards the prospective suitor for achieving a minimutm level of compatibility with that candidate, based on responses to the questionnaire- COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: lime 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3.APR.2006 17:06 3, AR, 236 1:66 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 292615486 N.67 .2 NO. 5279 P. 22 -17c-i Communication networks are generally configured in a manner that enables communication between two parties at any given time, provided that each party is able to en connect to the relevant communication network Thus, fixed and wireless telephone networks operate continuously. Similarly, the Internet is configured to provide a resilient network that is accessible by users throughout the world at any time.

cIN o In contrast to this established paradigm of continuous network service, in accordance with the present disclosure a communications device connected to a communications o network is provided in which one or more aspects of facilities or functionality hosted on the communications device are only accessible by users during a scheduled interval of operating time.

Fig. 9 is a schematic block diagram representation of a communications systemn 900.

The comimuni cations system 900 includes a computing device 930 connected to a communications network 920, in the form of the Internet. The computing device 930 acts as a host for a website 940. In this example, the website 940 includes a number of accessible areas, in the form of a plurality of webpages. However, rather than allowing users connected to the Internet to access all of the functionality or areas of the website 940 at all times, the host 930 restricts access to selected functionality or areas of the website 940, such as one or more of the webp ages, to one or more scheduled intervals of operating time. In the example of Fig. 9, the website 940 is directed to online matchmaking and includes a central host page 942 home page). Connected to the host page 942 is a meeting page 950, along with other webpages 944, 946, and 948. A user is able to utilise a computing device 910 connected to the communications network 920 to access the host page 942 at all times to learn about services provided by the website 940, to register with COMS ID Na:SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3,APR.2006 17:06 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 2 92615486 NO. 5279 P. 23 -18-

\O

c the website 940, to establish or edit a profile, and to browse through profiles of other users Sregistered with the website 940.

C, In this embodiment, access to the meeting page 950 of the website 940 is restricted to

O

a scheduled interval of operating time. The scheduled interval of operating time may include, but is not limited to, a two hour interval, a day or 24 hour period, or a weekly

IN

Sinterval, for example. The scheduling of the interval of operating time is associated with a 0 predetermined period, which establishes a frequency at which the interval of operating 0 O time is to occur The predetermined period is greater than the interval of operating time, and may include, but is not limited to, daily, weekly, weeknights, weekends, or monthly.

For example, a two hour interval of operating time between the hours of 8pm and for accessing the meeting page 950 may be scheduled to occur on a weekly basis, on Thursday nights. In this instance, the predetermined period is a week, and the scheduled.

interval of operating time is between 8pm and 10pm on Thursday night. In another example, a one hour interval of operating time between the hours of 10pm and 11pm for accessing the meeting page 950 is scheduled to occur on weeknights. In another example, a scheduled interval of operating time relates to the hours between 6pm and 9pm on Monday and Friday evenings.

Restricting the times during which access is available to a portion of the website 950, in the form of one or more pages or functionality of the website, influences and controls a behaviour of users seeking to utilise the meeting page 950, as those users know when they are able to access the meeting page 950 and must organise themselves to be available at those times. For example, the meeting page 950 may be configured to be open and available for an interval of operating time between 7pm 10pm, seven days per week.

I ~7 47DS W 17OS cip ltl.doc COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3. APR. U0b 1'1:06 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 2 92615486 NO. 5279 P. 24 -19- 0 0 C' Known arrangements provide access to a website or a portion of a website on an event basis. For example, website facilities are known to be provided for voting associated with the genre of reality-based television programs. However, such website facilities are 0 available for access at all times up until a closing time. As users are able to access the 5 website voting facilities at any time of their choosing, there is no influence or effect on the

IND

O behaviour of users accessing the site. This is in contrast to the scheduled intervalof operating time within which to access to a portion of a website in accordance with the opresent disclosure, which provides a substantial contribution to influencing the behaviour of users accessing the website. Scheduling intervals of operating time also enhances the attractiveness of the website to potential sponsors, as there is an increased likelihood of a target audience during the scheduled intervals of operating time.

In one implementation, access to the meeting page 950 is controlled by a scheduler residing on the host 930. The scheduler restricts access to the meeting page 950 to a predetermined scheduled interval of operating time during a predetermined period, as configured by an operator of the host 930. The scheduled interval of operating time may be, for example, but is not limited to, a minute, five minutes, ten minutes, an hour, a number of hours, a day or 24 hour period, or a week. The predetermined period may be, for example, but is not limited to, daily, weekly, monthly, annually, or portions thereof- It will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art that other intervals of operating time and other predetermined periods may equally be practised without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The website 940 optionally applies other criteria to the meeting page 950, such that the meeting page 950 is accessible at different scheduled intervals of operating times by users that satisfy different criteria. The other criteria may include, for example, but are not [A57O\4 7V~~'OSc. frI.doc COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3, APR. 2006 17:07 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 2 92615486 NO. 5279 P, IN 0 0 ^c limited to, compatibility ratings based on user profiles or questionnaires. In one particular implementation, the ability of a user to access a portion of a site is determined based on the o n geographical location of the user. The geographical location may be determined, for example, from a profile associated with the user, or from analysing an Internet Protocol D 5 (IP) address of a communications device being utilised by the user to access the site. The Sgeographical location is desirably one of the time zones of the Earth, but could include \O adjacent time zones.

o In one example, a website is hosted on a server connected to the Internet. The website is directed to lifestyle interests, and provides a host page that provides links to one or more lifestyle interests associated with the website. In this example, the lifestyle interests include woodwork, needlecraft, and photography. The host page allows a user to register with the website and create a profile indicating one or more lifestyle interests in which the user is interested. The lifestyle interests website also provides a meeting page that allows registered users to communicate with one another, However, the lifestyle interests website schedules access to the meeting page, so that each lifestyle interest has a predetermined scheduled interval of operating time during which other users with a common interest can communicate with one another. For example, the meeting page may be scheduled for access on Wednesday night between 7pm and Scheduling access to a portion of a site's functionality allows the site to control the behaviour of users. If a meeting page is constantly available for people interested in woodwork, there is little certainty that any other users with a common interest will be connected to the meeting page at any given time. However, restricting access to the meeting page to a scheduled interval of operating time increases the probability that other users with a common interest will be connected during the scheduled time. The scheduled ITA14t0S 14705 .apejml doc COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3, APR. 2006 17:07 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 2 92615486 NO. 5279 P. 26 -21-

O

O

Cl intervals of operating times for access to the meeting page, or other restricted resource, are Spreferably published on the host page, or otherwise notified to users of the website (by CC) email for example).

O

Fig. 10 is a schematic illustration of a screen shot of a host page 1000 of a xkebsite 5 for an online matchmaking service. The host page 1000 includes a notification portion

IN

o 1010 that indicates that an online matchmaking meeting page will next be available for 0 access on Thursday night between the hours of 8pm and 10pm. The host page 1000

O

O optionally includes links to other functionality or areas of the website that are available to be accessed by a user at all times. For example, the host page 1000 includes a registration button 1020, a browse button 1030, and links 1040, 1050 to sponsors Sponsor A and Sponsor B, respectively.

An Internet site is provided that hosts a website relating to an online matchmaking service. One area of the website provides a list of all available dating candidates that are presently connected to the website for communication and who are prepared to enter into communication with other dating candidates. The available dating candidates may include all dating candidates presently connected to the website, Alternatively, the availability of a dating candidate may be determined, for example, by comparing a profile associated with that dating candidate with the profile ofa prospective suitor browsing the online matchmaking website. In such a case, a minimum compatibility rating may be required to establish the availability of that particular dating candidate to the browsing suitor.

Fig. 11 schematically illustrates a screen shot 1100 displaying four available dating candidates, Candidate A, Candidate B, Candidate C, and Candidate D. Each of the candidates has an associated profile 1110, 1120, 1130, and 1140, respectively. The browsing suitor reviews the profiles 1110, 1120, 1130, and 1140 associated with the I1A\7547wl70sIppes_Siol.doc COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3. APR. 2006 17:07 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 2 92615486 NO. 5279 P. 27 ID-22 0 cI available dating candidates and selects an available dating candidate. The website includes a meeting page, in the form of a dating room that enables communication between the browsing suitor and the selected dating candidate. The communication between the suitor and the selected dating candidate is preferably established on a one to one basis. When the 5 suitor selects a dating candidate, the website establishes a communication link beiween the

IND

o suitor and the selected dating candidate. Communication between the suitor and the candidate includes, for example, but is not limited to, text messages sent via an instant omessaging (IM) chat facility, voice transmitted over an Internet Protocol telephony link, and video conferencing utilising webcam communication. The communication between the suitor and the candidate may also include an Internet to mobile phone video conference, such as may occur via a 3G mobile telephone handset, or a video conference from one mobile telephone handset to another mobile telephone handset.

As indicated above, the communication between the suitor and the selected dating candidate is preferably established on a one to one basis. However, the establishment of communication between multiple suitors and a single candidate, or communication between a suitor and multiple candidates, or communication between multiple suitors and multiple candidates, such as on a chat room or video conference, may equally be practised.

In one implementation, the profiles 1110, 1120, 1130, and 1140 available for review by a browsing suitor do not include photographs of the dating candidates. When the suitor selects a dating candidate, the website reveals a stored photograph of the selected dating candidate to the suitor. In the embodiment in which a minimum compatibility rating is required to establish the availability of a dating candidate to the browsing suitor, the revelation of the candidate's photograph only upon establishing one to one communication with a suitably compatible suitor provides the candidate with a level of privacy. Revealing

I:\A

7 547O.S74 7 o3P. fipAld| COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3. APR 2005 17:08 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 2 92615486 NO. 5279 P. 28 -23- 0 0 C,1 the photograph to the suitor upon selecting the dating candidate also provides a snse of reward to the suitor.

In another implementation, the profiles 1110, 1120, 1130, and 1140 available for review by a browsing suitor do include photographs of the dating candidates.

S Once a communication link is established between a suitor and a dating candidate,

N-

othe two respective parties are able to communicate as they choose. In one implementation, IND the website regulates communication between the two respective parties on a timed basis.

oFor example, the website establishes a time-limited one-to-one communication link between the two parties to create a speed-dating session. Each of the parties is informed beforehand that communication with the other party will be restricted to a predetermined amount of time, such as five minutes or ten minutes, for example. Restricting the duration of the communication sessions ensures that the candidate's time is not dominated by one prospective suitor. Thus, the candidate is able to communicate with other prospective suitors who satisfy compatibility requirements. Regulating the duration of communication between a suitor and candidate is advantageous in an implementation in which scheduled times are provided for access to a virtual meeting page, to improve the opportunity for users connecting to the system during the scheduled access period to communicate with one another.

Regulating the duration of communication between a suitor and a candidate also provides certain behavioural advantages, as caudidates and suitors are likely to be less intimidated by the prospect of a meeting of fixed duration with a stranger.

Upon completing a one to one communication session in a dating room, the website optionally provides each of the suitor and the dating candidate with the opportunity to provide feedback on the other participant For example, on terminating a dating room M\A7475\747P3.Jpecjtn~doe COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3.APP. 2006 17:08 SPIUSON FINGUSON 61 292615486 NO. 5279 P. IND -24ci session, each of the participants is presented with a dialog box wit one or more fields for responding to questions presented by an operator of the website. In an alternate M ~embodiment, the participants are presented wit checkboxes corresponding to a ratings scale for one or more attributes of the other participant. The website stores the feedback and optionally amends the profiles associated with the suitor and the candidate based on cIN o the feedback.

One implementation of the website assigns attributes to each virtual dating room.

o The attributes can include, for example, products and services of sponsors. Users, that are attracted to a particular product or sex-vice meet in the same dating room associated with that particular product, as those users have already established a minimum level of compatibility wit one another by virtue of their comimon attraction to the product. Thus, a virtual dating room associated with a luxury goods brand will attract an group of users who value luxury goods and clothing. A virtual dating room associated wit a local venue known for hosting live rock music will typically attract a younger group of users wit a common interest in rock music The attributes associated with the dating rooms are optionally geographically dependent such that local sponsors are presented to users. A user's geographical location may be determined, for example, by information in a user's profile or by analysing an [P address associated with the user. Other attributes may equally be associated with a profile of a meeting room. Such attributes may include, for example, demographic indici a, geographical locations, types of music, sports, and hobbies.

Fig. 12 is a schematic illustration of a screen shot 1200 displaying a scireen area 1210 associated with available virtual dating rooms. The screen area 1210 includes links to three dating rooms. In particular, the screen area 12 10 includes a link 1220 to a first dating room associated with the luxury goods brand Armani. The screen area 1220 includes a COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3, APR. 2006 17:08 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 2 92615486 NO. 5279 P. 25 c,1 link 1230 to Rock City, which in this example is a local sponsor that promotes rock music.

The screen are 1230 includes a further link 1240 to a charitable organisation. The Massociation of the sponsors or products with the links 1220, 1230 and 1240 to the dating rooms establishes an initial level of compatibility among users that access the sponsored 5 dating rooms, based on the users' common attraction to the sponsor.

ID

o In one implementation, the website 140 assigns a predetermined number of credits or tokens to a user upon registering with the website 140. Registration may be associated owith an access fee, a monthly subscription fee, or some other payment schedule- The credits or tokens arc consumed when the user obtains a service from the website. For example, establishing a profile may consume zero tokens. However, sending an email to another registered user, or receiving an email from another registered user, consumes a predetermined number of tokens. Services provided by the website may include, for example, but are not limited to, sending and receiving emails, sending and receiving instant messages, and the establishment of one to one communication in a dating room, such as via webeams, as described above. Services may further include the establishment or connection of voice over Internet Protocol (VolE) telephony calls, video conferencing utilising webcam communication, video conferencing from the Internet to a mobile telephone handset, and video conferencing from one mobile telephone handset to another mobile telephone handset. Users are able to purchase more tokens at any time, or on a scheduled basis. The establishment of communication links between users of the website 140 is preferably performed in an anonymous manner to provide users of the website 140 with a degree of privacy and security.

An Internet site is also provided in which a registered user is able to create a visual representation of himself or herself. The visual representation allows the registered user to 1 N1YS4?0597GS zpucjzS dot COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3, APR. 2006 17:08 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 292615486 NO. 5279 P. 31 IND- 26 Cl retain a degree of anonymity, whilst still providing an indication of the registered user's physical appearance to other users accessing the site. The user optionally provides a rating en indication of how accurate the visual representation is to the user's true appearance. Thus, a user with blonde hair and blue eyes, who has a visual representation with those same attributes, assigns a ratings indicator of eight out of ten, for example. The ratings indicator

IND

O is then associated with the visual representation of that user. In contrast, a user with blonde hair and blue eyes, who has a visual representation with brown hair and brown O eyes, assigns a ratings indicator of two out of ten to be associated with the visual representation.

The Internet site optionally provides a number of different physical attributes from which a user can select to create a visual representation. The accuracy of the visual representation is determined by the number of attributes provided by the site, and by the user. In one implementation, the site provides a number of options for hair colour, hair length, hair style, sex, eye colour, age, skin colouring, facial features, and physical build.

For example, one implementation provides the following eye colours fromn which to select: blue, dark brown, light brown, green, grey, and hazel. Similarly, possible hair colours may include, but are not limited to dark brown, light brown, blonde, black, grey, red, and auburn. Facial features may include, but are not limited to, Caucasian, Asian, Latino, and African. Physical builds may include, but are not limilted to, slim, average, fit, overweight, and king/queen size.

For example, Fig. 13 is a schematic illustration of a screen shot 1300 presented to a user to create a visual representation. In the example of Fig. 13, a user is able to select a type of mouth 1310, eyes 1320, nose 1330, ears 1340, and hair style 1350. The site optionally enables a user to select clothing and accessories to enhance the visual COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3. APR. 2065 17:09 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 2 92615486 NO. 5279 P. 32 IND -27- Cl representation and provide an indication of not only the appearance of the user, but also the style and personality of the user.

Fig. 14 is a flow diagram of a method 1400 for creating a visual representation. The method 1400 begins at a Start stop 1405 and proceeds to step 1410, in which a website presents a set of attributes to a user accessing the website. In step 1415, the use selects one or more attributes, and control passes to step 1420. Step 1420 determines whether the user wants to select more attributes or edit an already selected attribute. If the usdr does

IN

o want to select another attribute or edit an already selected attribute, Yes, control returns to step 1415. However, if at step 1420 the user does not want to select another attribute or edit an already selected attribute, No, control passes to step 1425, in which the website displays to the user a visual representation compiled from attributes selected by the user in step 1415. Control passes from step 1425 to decision step 1430, in which the user decides whether to make any changes to the visual representation. Such changes may be desirable if the user does not agree with the manner in which previously selected attributes combine is to form the visual representation. For example, the user may want to choose eyes that are slightly further apart, or a different nose. If the user wants to change the visual representation, Yes, control returns to step 1415. However, if at step 1430 the user is satisfied with the visual representation and does not want to make any changes, No, control passes to step 1435, which associates the visual representation with the user's profile.

Control passes to step 1440 and the method 1400 terminates.

In one embodiment, the website displays the visual representation to the user during the course of the method 1400. In another embodiment, the visual representation is displayed at the end of the method 1400. In a fruther embodiment, a default visual I:\7757347qcSjnCltdae COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by II' Australia: lime 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3.APR.2006 17:09 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 2 92615486 NO. 5279 P. 33 ID -28- 0 c- representation is presented at the beginning of the method 1400, and the user modifies the Sdefault visual representation by selecting attributes.

Ccn The visual representation is optionally utilised as an avatar associated with a profile of the registered user. In the case in which the Internet site relates to an online 5 matchmaking service, registered users are able to view the avatars associated with other

(N

0 users. Once users have established a minimum level of compatibility with one another, the avatars are optionally replaced by real photographs of the users. The minimum level of o compatibility may relate to a comparison of profiles associated with the users, or may be satisfied by the users accessing a particular portion of the Internet site at a nominal time.

For example, in the case in which the Internet site provides a dating room, as described above, two users who engage in a one to one communication link in the dating room are able to view each other's real photographs, instead of, or in addition to, avatars created by the users.

Fig. 15 is a schematic block diagram representation of a communications system 1500 in accordance with the present disclosure. The communications system 1500 is preferably implemented utilising one or more computing devices. At least one of the computing devices is connected to a communications network to allow users to access the communications system 1500.

The communications system 1500 includes a number of logical processing modules that provide one or more of the functions described above. The logical processing modules include a registration module 1510, a profiling module 1515, a visual representation module 1520, compatibility ratings module 1525, a tabulated ratings module 1530, a database module 1535, a scheduler module 1540, a meeting room module 1545, a communications module 1550, a browse module 1555, an accounts module 1560, and a I \747osl pB4_1O3t1dWo COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3, APR. 2006 17:09 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 292615485 NO. 5279 P. 34 -29 survey module 1565. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that one 'or more of the logical processing modules may reside on a commnon computing device and may be M ~implemented in one or more software applications.

0) The registration module 15 10 performs the functions associated with registering a user to the communications system, as described above with reference to Fig. 2. The S profiling module 1515 performs the functions associated with establishing and maintaining profiles of users registered with the commnunications system 1500. In particular, the

IN

o profiling module 1515 allows a user to establish a profile, as described above with reference to Fig. 4. The profiling module also enables data generated in other modules to modify a profile of a user, such as may occur when feedback is provided by another user in a meeting room.

The visual representation module 1520 provides a plurality of attributes that a user is able to select to create a visual representation of himself or herself, as described above with reference to Figs. 13 and 14. The visual representation module optional allows the user to assign a weighting to the visual representation to indicate how closely the visual representation reflects the true characteristics of the user.

The compatibility ratings module 1525 determines compatibility ratings between users registered to the communications system 1500. In one implementation, the compatibility ratings are determ-ined based on profiles of the respective users. In another implementation compatibility ratings are determined based on responses provided by prospective suitors to a questionnaire created by a candidate, as described above with refcrence to Fig. The tabulated ratings module 1530 determines a tabulated rating of prospective suitors for a given candidate, based on responses provided by the prospective suitors to a 1:%754757475yqmcfincl.doa COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3, APR. 2006 17:09 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 292615486 NO. 5279 P. IND c-I questionnaire created by that candidate or based on profiling information, or a coinbination thereof. The tabulated ratings module 1530 produces a ratings table, as described above en with reference to Figs. 7 and 8.

The database module 1535 stores all user data provided to the communications system 1500. The database module 1535 reads information provided by users, stores the information, and then retrieves the stored information for use by the other logical, processing modules. The database module 1535 stores the infonnation in one or more 0N o databases resident on one or more storage mediums, including, for example, but not limited to, a hard-disk dive, optical disk, compact disk, and the like.

The scheduler module 1540 regulates access to one or more predefined functions or areas of the communications system 1500. Access to the prcdefmned functions or areas is regulated to a predeternined interval of operating time during a predetermined period. In the example described above with reference to Fig. 10, the scheduler module regulates -access to a meeting room for Thursday night between the hours of 8pmi and 10Opm. In one implementation, the scheduler module 1540 informs users of scheduled access times for one or more fuinctions or areas by providing a message on a host page, or by sending messages to registered users, such as by email, for example.

The meeting room module 1545 performs the fu~nctionality associated with providing a meeting room that allows a prospective suitor to communicate with a candidate. The meeting room may be a function of the communications system that is only available for access at operating times regulated by the scheduler module 1540. The meeting room may include one or more pages of a website, and associated functionality, including one or more dating rooms, as described above.

1; 7347QA754W'flfiae~de COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time (1-tm) 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3, APR, 2006 17:10 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 292615485 NO. 5279 P. ci The communications module 1550 facilitates the establishment of communication between a prospective suitor and a candidate, through the provision of a chat room or the Mf establishment of a communication link between the parties. As described above, the 0) communication link may include, for example, but is not limited to, text messages sent via IND 5 an instant messaging (IM) chat facility, voice transmitted over an Internet Protocol o telephony link, and video conferencing utilising webicana communication. The communication between the suitor and the candidate may also include an Internet, to

IN

o mobile phone video conference, such as may occur via a 3G mobile telephone haftdset, or a video conference from one mobile telephone handset to another mobile telephone- handset.

The browse module 1,555 allows a user to browse one or more areas of the site, including the ability to review a user's own profile. The browse module 1555 also allows a user to view profiles of candidates, such as described above with reference to Fig. 6.

The accounts module 1560 maintains details of an account for each registered user.

In one implementation, users subscribe to the site, and the accounts module 1560 ensures that only users with valid subscriptions are able to access certain areas of the site. In the embodiment in which a user is assigned tokens on registering with the communications system p 00 the accounts module 1560 monitors deducts tokens or credits from a user account when that user communicates with other users, as described above, The survey module 1565 provides functionality for surveying users to obtain feedback on the communications system itself, as well as other users. For example, the survey module 1565 provides facilities, such as an electronic feedback form, for obtaining information from a candidate after a meeting with a pr-ospective suitor in a dating room.

The survey information can then be utilised to update the profiles of the candidate and the prospective suitor.

COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3, APR. 2006 17:10 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 2 92615486 NO, 5279 P. 37 IND -32- 0 0 C- The methods of providing scheduled access to a communications system, dating rooms, and personalised visual representations may be implemented using a computer system 1600, such as that shown in Fig. 16 wherein the processes of Figs. I to 15:may be implemented as software, such as one or more application programs executable Within the IND 5 computer system 1600. In particular, the steps of the method of scheduling access to predetermined functionality of a host computer site, to a predetermined interval of IND operating time during a predetermined period, are effected by instructions in the software othat are carried out within the computer system 1600. The instructions may be fonned as one or more code modules, each for performing one or more particular tasks. In particular, 1o one or more code modules may perform the tasks described above with respect to the logical functional modules of Fig. 15, including the scheduler module 1540.

The software may also be divided into two separate parts, in which a first part and the corresponding code modules perform the tasks associated with the logical fimetional scheduler module 1540 of Fig. 15 for regulating access to predetermined functionality of a host computer site and a second part and the corresponding code modules manage a user interface between the first part and the user. The software may be stored in a computer readable medium, including the storage devices described below, for example. The software is loaded into the computer system 1600 from the computer readable medium, and then executed by the computer system 1600. A computer readable medium having such software or computer program recorded on it is a computer program product. The use of the computer program product in the computer system 1600 preferably effects an advantageous apparatus for communications.

As seen in Fig. 16, the computer system 1600 is formed by a computer module 1601, input devices such as a keyboard 1602 and a mouse pointer device 1603, and output 1'\757 75A705_spwclicld- COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3. APR. 2006 17:10 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 2 92615486 NO. 5279 P. 38 IN -33- 0 Cl devices including a printer 1615, a display device 1614 and loudspeakers 1617. An external Modulator-Demodulator (Modern) transceiver device 1616 may be used 'by the computer module 1601 for communicating to and from a communications network 1620 via a connection 1621. The network 1620 may be a wide-area network (WAN), such as IND 5 the Internet or a private WAN. Where the connection 1621 is a telephone line, the modem 1616 may be a traditional "dial-up" modem. Alternatively, where the connection! 1621 is a Ihigh capacity (eg: cable) connection, the modem 1616 may be a broadband modem. A o wireless modem may also be used for wireless connection to the network 1620.

The computer module 1601 typically includes at least one processor unit 1605, and a memory unit 1606 for example formed from semiconductor random access memory (RAM) and read only memory (ROM). The module 1601 also includes an number of input/output interfaces including an audio-video interface 1607 that couples'to the video display 1614 and loudspeakers 1617, an I/O interface 1613 for the keyboard 1602 and mouse 1603 and optionally ajoystick (not illustrated), and an interface 1608 for the external modem 1616 and printer 1615. In some implementations, the modem 1616 may be incorporated within the computer module 1601, for example within the interface 1608.

The computer module 1601 also has a local network interface 1611 which, via a connection 1623, permits coupling of the computer system 1600 to a local computer network 1622, known as a Local Area Network (LAN). As also illustrated, the local network 1622 may also couple to the wide network 1620 via a connection 1624, which would typically include a so-called "firewall" device or similar functionality. The interface 1611 may be formed by an EthernetJ M circuit card, a wireless BtuetoothlM or an IEEE 802.21 wireless an-angement.

r:\75.7075 7C5 sl _fbml~d COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3, APR, 2036 17:11 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 2 92615486 NO. 5279 P. 39 ,0 34- 0 0 C- The interfaces 1608 and 1613 may afford both serial and parallel connectivity, the former typically being implemented according to the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standards and having corresponding USB connectors (not illustrated). Storage devices 1609 are provided and typically include a hard disk drive (HDD) 1610. Other devices such as a floppy disk drive and a magnetic tape drive (not illustrated) may also be used. An optical disk drive 1612 is typically provided to act as a non-volatile source of data. Portable kN memory devices, such optical disks (eg: CD-ROM, DVD), USB-RAM, and floppy disks Ofor example may then be used as appropriate sources of data to the system 1600.

The components 1605 to 1613 of the computer module 1601 typically communicate via an interconnected bus 1604 and in a manner which results in a conventional mode of operation of the computer system 1600 known to those in the relevant art. Examples of computers on which the described arrangements can be practised include IBM-PCs and compatibles, Sun Sparcstations, Apple MacTM or alike computer systems evolved therefrom.

The computer module 1601 may be used to host a World Wide Web website accessible to users via the network 1620. Users are able to communicate with the computer module 1601 via a compater terminal 1650, a 3G mobile telephone handset 1655, or other appropriate communications device connected to the network 1620.

Typically, the application programs discussed above are resident on the hard disk drive 1610 and read and controlled in execution by the processor 1605 Intermediate storage of such programs and any data fetched from the networks 1620 and 1622 may be accomplished using the semiconductor memory 1606, possibly in concert with the hard disk drive 1610. In some instances, the application programs may be supplied to the user encoded on one or more CD-ROM and read via the corresponding drive 1612, or COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3. APR. 2006 17: 11 3, AR. 206 1:11 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 2 92615436 N.57 .4 NO. 5279 P. ci alternatively may be read by the user from the networks 1620 or 1622. Still fur-ther, the software can also be loaded into the computer system 1600 from other computer readable en media. Computer readable media refers to any storage medium that participates in providing instructions and/or data to the computer system 1600 for execution and/or processing. Examples of such media include floppy disks, magnetic tape, CD-ROM, a o hard disk drive, a ROM or integrated circuit, a magneto-optical disk, or a computer readable card such as a PCMCIA card and the like, whether or not such devices are 0N o internal or external of the computer module 1601. Examples of computer readable transmission media that may also participate in the provision of Instructions and/or data include radio or infra-red transmission channels as well as a network connection to another computer or networked device, and the Internet or Intranets including e-mail transmissions and information recorded on Websites and the like.

The second part of the application programs and the corresponding code modules mentioned above may be executed to implement one or more graphical user interfaces IS (GUT~s) to be rendered or otherwise represented upon the display 1614. Through manipulation of the keyboard 1602 and the mouse 1603, a user of the computer system 1600 and the application may manipulate the interface to provide controlling commands and/or input to the applications associated with the GUI(s). Such GUIs may include, for example, the screen shots illustrated in Figs 3A, 3B3, 3C, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, and 13, as de.scribed above.

The method of scheduling access to a computer site may alternatively be implemented in dedicated hardware such as one or more integrated circuits performing the functions or sub functions of scheduling. Such a scheduler may be implemented in 1A7547W5\75475fliruAlbc COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3. APR. 2005 17:'11 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 2 92615486 NO. 5279 P. 41 1D -36-

NO

C dedicated hardware including graphic processors, digital signal processors, or one or more microprocessors and associated memories.

SIndustrial Applicability It is apparent from the above that the arrangements described are applicable to the 5 computer and communications industries.

CI

oThe foregoing describes only some embodiments of the present invention, and modifications and/or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and Ospirit of the invention, the embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive.

In the context of this specification, the word "comprising" means "including principally but not necessarily solely" or "having" or "including", and not "consisting only of'. Variations of the word "comprising", such as "comprise" and "comprises" have correspondingly varied meanings.

An innovation described herein above and with reference to the accompanying drawings relates to scheduled access to specified facilities of a computer site. The specified facilities of a computer site include, for example, but are not limited to, a webpage on a website, access to an application running on a computing device, and functionality of an application associated with the computer site.

The description above and the drawings also relate to a number of other inventions pertaining to tabulated compatibility ratings, meeting rooms, profiling of meeting rooms, and creating visual representations, as described further in the following paragraphs.

Compatibility ratings Al. A method of determining a compatibility rating between a first person and a second person comprises the steps of: the first person creating a questionnaire of at least one question; 1A54=754705Tsa nI doe COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3, APR. 2006 17:11 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 2 92615486 NO. 5279 P. 42 37-

O

0 cN the second person providing information in response to the questionnaire; and Sanalysing the information to determine a compatibility rating between the first person C and the second person.

O

A2. The method ofAl, wherein the first person assigns a question weighting factor to each question in the questionnaire, the question weighting factors being used tb 0 determine the compatibility rating.

0 SA3. The method of Al, wherein the first person provides sample answers to each 0 o question in the questionnaire.

A4. The method of A3, wherein the first person assigns answer weighting factors to the sample answers, the answer weighting factors being used to determine the compatibility ratings.

Constructing a Ouestionnaire Bl. A method for creating a questionnaire, comprising the steps of: selecting one or more questions from a set of predefmed questions.

B2. The method of B further comprising the step of associating a set of; predefined answers with each selected question.

B3. The method ofBl, further comprising the step of creating one or more free text questions, the free text questions may be open-ended or optionally associated with a set of user-defined answers.

B4. The method of B further comprising the step of assigning weightings to the selected questions and, where appropriate, the associated answers.

Compatibility Ratings Table C1. A method of producing a compatibility ratings table, comprising the steps of: I:1 4 70 5 \7J470Sjp c finall dos COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3, APR, 2006 17:12 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 2 92615486 NO. 5279 P. 43 ID -38-

O

0 Cl retrieving data provided by a plurality of suitors in response to a questionnaire created by a candidate; C determining individual compatibility ratings for each suitor; comparing the individual compatibility ratings to determine a ranking of the suitors; 5 and

IN

0 producing a sorted list of the suitors, based on ranking.

C2. The method of Cl, wherein weightings are assigned to the retrieved data, based 0 O on questions from the questionnaire.

C3. The method of Cl, wherein weightings are assigned to the retrieved data, based on predetermined answers associated with questions from the questionnaire.

Creating a Visual Representation D1. A method for creating a visual representation of a user, comprising the steps of: providing a set of predefined attributes; selecting one or more of said attributes; and displaying the visual representation, based on the selected attributes.

D2. The method of D, wherein the attributes are selected from the group of attributes consisting of: hair col6ur, hair length, hair style, sex, eye colour, age, skin colouring, facial features, and physical build.

D3 The method of Dl, comprising the further step of assigning a rating to the visual representation to indicate the likeness of the visual representation to a user's physical appearance.

70$754 705 spec l inal dt COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3. APR. 2006 17: 12 SPRUSON FERGUSON 61 2 92615486 NO. 5279 P. 44

O

a (c -39- Meeting Room El. A computer-implemented system hosting a website, the website including a meeting room to enable communication between two parties, once a minimum predetermined compatibility rating is achieved.

E2. The system of claim El, wherein the compatibility rating is based on a suitor completing a questionnaire constructed by a candidate registered with the website.

E3. The system of claim El, wherein a photo of the candidate is revealed to the suitor upon achieving the minimum predetermined compatibility rating.

Profiling of a Meeting Room Fl. A computer-implemented system hosting a website, the website including a meeting room to enable communication between two parties, wherein one or more attributes are associated with the meeting room.

F2. The system ofFI, wherein at least one attribute relates to a sponsor.

F3. The system ofFl, wherein one attribute relates to an interest.

I \?47057547__iesSfmldoc COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:22 Date 2006-04-03

Claims (4)

1. A computer-implemented system comprising: 0 a computing device adaptable for connection to a communications network, said computing device providing at least one facility accessible to a user accessing said o communications network; and 0 a scheduler for regulating access to said at least one facility to a predetermined 0 o interval of operating tie during a predetermined period.

2. The computer-implemented system according to claim 1, wherein said computing device hosts a website and said at least one facility is a webpagc, said scheduler preventing access to said at least webpage by a user accessing said communications network outside said predetermined interval of operating time.

3. A computing device for hosting an online matchmaking website, said computing device being adaptable for coupling to a communications network, said computing device comprising: at least one facility of said online matchmaking website; and a scheduling means for regulating access to said at least one facility to a predetermined interval of operating time during a predetermined period. COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:22 Date 2006-04-03 3, APR. 2006 17:'12 SPRUSON FERGUSON 612 92615486 NO. 5279 P. 46 Va 0 0 ci en 0 -41-

4. The computing device according to claim 3, wherein said at least one facility is a meeting room webpage of said website, and said scheduling means regulates access to said meeting room webpage in accordance with a notified schedule. A computer-implemented system for hosting an online matchmaking website, said computer-implement system being adaptable for coupling to a communications network, wherein said computer-implemented system is substantially as described herein with reference to any one of the embodiments, as that embodiment is shown in any one or more io of the accompanying drawings. DATED this Third Day of April 2006 GRAVITY VENTURES PTY LTD Patent Attorneys for the Applicant SPRUSON&FERGUSON 1\l7P47Mfl7W47Wsjpwjfisf COMS ID No: SBMI-03209139 Received by IP Australia: Time 17:22 Date 2006-04-03