WO2025236017A1

WO2025236017A1 - A proximity based social networking system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2025236017A1
Application number: PCT/ZA2024/050063
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gilad Yaron ABELMAN
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2024-05-09
Filing date: 2024-12-03
Publication date: 2025-11-13
Anticipated expiration: 2026-11-09

Abstract

The invention presents a method and system for anonymously linking a requestor with a matched sponsor, enabling the sponsor to pay for a transaction on behalf of the requestor. The process involves a service provider's processor evaluating compatibility between the requestor and potential sponsors based on personal profiles and geolocation data. A sponsor within a specified radius is invited to pay for a transaction, such as purchasing a meal or donating to charity. The system facilitates the reservation of funds on the sponsor's payment card, ensures payment through authentication at a vendor's point-of-sale, and includes a facilitation fee for the service provider. The system allows anonymous communication between the requestor and sponsor without exchanging personal information. The system integrates geolocation data and communication protocols to ensure efficient matching, transaction processing, and notifications, with all parties receiving updates regarding the transaction's status.

Description

A PROXIMITY- BAS ED SOCIAL NETWORKING SYSTEM

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to proximity-based social networking, particularly to payments made by one person on behalf of another based on proximity and social matching.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] An abundance of social networking Apps exists. However, the prevailing model often revolves around matching individuals based on personality profiles, leaving the onus on one party or the other to initiate contact through the application. Subsequently, an initial face-to-face meeting becomes necessary, typically in a restaurant or similar setting, where the two individuals acquaint themselves with the hope of establishing a meaningful connection and expressing a desire to meet again for further relationshipbuilding. Unfortunately, there is no avenue to engage with someone in a flirtatious manner before committing to a formal dinner date without feeling a sense of obligation.

[0003] In a broader sense, concerning social networking, the challenge of maintaining current and relevant networks persists, particularly in today's busy society. This is compounded by the absence of systems, tools, or apps to facilitate such networking endeavours, whether the parties involved are acquainted. [0004] Presently, expressing or maintaining a social interest in another person through gestures like buying a drink, a meal, or a gift necessitates physical presence to pay for the drink, meal, or gift, exacerbating the challenge of avoiding any perceived obligation on the recipient's part.

[0005] The present invention addresses, at least partially, the issues above, offering a new and more engaging way of social interactions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The invention provides a method for anonymously linking a requestor with a matched sponsor to enable a payment to be made by the matched sponsor for a transaction on behalf of the requestor, comprising:

(a) providing, by a service provider, a processor and related software running on the processor, and a database interfacing with the processor that includes a personal profile of the requestor and one or more potential sponsors,

(b) receiving, by the processor, a request from a requestor’s device for the requestor to be matched to one or more potential sponsors,

(c) evaluating, by the processor, the compatibility of the requestor to one or more potential sponsors based on their respective personal profiles,

(d) determining, by the processor, if one or more potential sponsors are within a predetermined radius of the requestor, (e) transmitting, by the processor, an invitation to pay for the transaction to a device of one or more potential sponsors evaluated as compatible and within the predefined radius.

[0007] Hereinafter, it should be understood that when the requestor or a potential sponsor receives or sends a notification or request, it is sent or received by a device of the requestor or potential sponsor.

[0008] The personal profile may include information on the person such as age, gender, occupation, address, interests, hobbies, and any other specified preferences or settings.

[0009] The transaction may be purchasing a meal, drink, beverage, gift, or donating to a preferred charity.

[0010] The invitation may include a transaction value. The transaction value may be an estimated or actual amount encoded in a dynamic QR code scanned by the requestor and sent with the request.

[0011] The invitation may include a prompt for the potential sponsor to make an offer in response to the invitation.

[0012] The invitation may inform the potential sponsor that funds will be reserved on a payment card linked to his profile if an offer is made to cover the payment.

[0013] The transaction value may include a facilitation fee payable to the service provider. [0014] The method may include receiving, by the processor, an offer from a potential sponsor.

[0015] The method may include communicating, by the processor, with a bank associated with the payment card to reserve the funds to cover the transaction value before the offer is transmitted to the requestor.

[0016] The method may include receiving, by the processor, from the bank confirmation that the funds have been reserved.

[0017] The method may include transmitting, by the processor, a notification of the offer to the requestor once the funds have been confirmed as reserved.

[0018] The notification may include information about the potential sponsor who made the offer, allowing the requestor to decide whether to accept the offer.

[0019] The method may include receiving, by the processor, an acceptance of the offer by the requestor.

[0020] The method may include transmitting, by the processor, a prompt to the requestor to confirm the actual amount if the invitation contains an estimated amount.

[0021] The method may include transmitting, by the processor, notification to the potential, now matched, sponsor of the offer’s acceptance by the requestor.

[0022] If an estimated amount was sent initially, the notification may inform the potential sponsor of the actual amount. [0023] The method may include transmitting, by the processor, a prompt to the requestor to redeem the offer to pay for the transaction.

[0024] The method may include receiving, by the processor, authentication of the transaction from the requestor.

[0025] Authentication may be achieved by the requestor interacting with a vendor's point-of-sale (POS) system by using her device to scan a dynamic QR code generated by the POS or entering a near-field communication range with the POS.

[0026] The method may include communicating, by the processor, with the bank to pay a beneficiary or vendor for the transaction from the reserved funds.

[0027] The service operator may be paid the facilitation fee.

[0028] The method may include notifying, by the processor, the matched sponsor that the offer has been redeemed.

[0029] The method may include linking by and via the processor, the requestor and the matched sponsor to enable communication without personal information being exchanged.

[0030] The invention provides a proximity-based social networking system which includes a server which has: a processor and related software running on the processing means, a database interfacing with the processor that includes a personal profile of a first person (requestor) and a second person (sponsor), which processor is communicable with a device associated with both the first person and the second person, and which, on receipt of a request from the first person, the processor is operable to: evaluate the compatibility between the first and the second persons based on their respective personal profiles, determine whether the second person is within a predetermined radius of the first person based on geolocation data pulled from the respective devices, addressing the device of the second person with an invitation based on the evaluation, the request and the second person’s location.

[0031] The process may address the first or second person's device through direct pushes, in-app notifications achieved by periodic polling, or maintenance of long-lived connections.

[0032] The personal profile may include information on the person such as age, gender, occupation, address, interests, hobbies, and any other specified preferences or settings.

[0033] The request may be a request by the first person to be matched with anyone nearby who is evaluated as compatible and to extend to that person the invitation. [0034] The invitation may be an invitation to pay for a transaction on behalf of the first person.

[0035] The transaction may be purchasing a meal, drink, beverage, gift, or donating to a preferred charity.

[0036] The invitation may include a transaction value. The transaction value may be an estimated or actual amount encoded in a dynamic QR code scanned by the first person and sent with the request.

[0037] The invitation may include a prompt that the second person makes an offer in response to the invitation.

[0038] The invitation may inform the second person that funds will be reserved on a payment card linked to his profile if an offer is made to cover the transaction value and a facilitation fee (the transaction costs) payable to an operator of the system.

[0039] The processor may be operable to address the first person’s device with a notification of the offer when made.

[0040] The notification may include a link to the second person’s personal profile, enabling the first person to decide whether to accept the offer.

[0041] The processor may be operable to connect to a payment gateway to address a bank associated with the payment card to reserve the funds to cover the transaction costs when the second person makes the offer. The processor may only transmit the offer to the first person when it receives confirmation that the funds have been reserved. [0042] Upon acceptance of the offer, the processor may be operable to address the first person’s device with a prompt to confirm the actual amount of the invitation, which contains an estimated amount. Confirmation may be achieved by scanning a dynamic QR code.

[0043] The processor may be operable to notify the second person’s device of the offer’s acceptance or rejection. If an estimated amount was sent initially, the notification may inform the second person of the actual amount.

[0044] The processor may be operable to address the first person’s device with a prompt to redeem the offer to pay for the transaction. The first person may redeem the offer to pay, thereby triggering payment of a vendor by the second person, by interacting with a vendor's point-of-sale (POS) system by using her device to scan a dynamic QR code generated by the POS or entering near-field communication range with the POS.

[0045] On redemption, the processor may be operable to connect to the payment gateway to address the bank to pay a beneficiary or vendor the transaction amount and pay the operator the facilitation fee from the reserved funds.

[0046] The processor may be operable to notify the second person’s device that the offer has been redeemed.

[0047] The processor may be operable to open a communication channel between the first person and the second person either upon receipt of confirmation that funds have been reserved, upon acceptance of the offer, or redemption. [0048] The system may include devices associated with both the first person and the second person, each device including a processor and a related software application (“App”) running on the processor that enables the device to communicate with the processor to send the request, receive the invitation, send the offer, accept, or reject the offer and receive the notifications.

[0049] Each device may include a GPS module in electronic communication with the processing unit that is adapted to determine geolocation and transmit this geolocation information to the processor for integration with the App and transmission to the processing means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] The invention is further described by way of an example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 presents a schematic representation of a proximity-based social networking system as per the invention, comprising a server, a device belonging to the first person, and a device owned by the second person;

Figure 2 schematically illustrates the hardware components constituting the system's server;

Figure 3 provides a diagram illustrating the sequential process steps undertaken by the first person and the second person on their individual devices while utilizing the system;

Figure 4 offers a schematic representation of the system in action, establishing communication with ancillary systems; Figure 5 is a process diagram detailing the steps taken by the first person when receiving multiple offers and deciding among them;

Figures 6 to 18 depict a sequence of screenshots displayed either on the device owned by the first person or on the device belonging to the second person, depending on the utilisation of the system.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0051] Figure 1 illustrates a system 10 (and associated method) configured to facilitate a social networking service. This service can foster any social interaction motivated by any number of factors. In the example that follows, social networking is directed explicitly at fostering dating relationships between potential partners. In this instance, the individuals involved are characterised as a first person and a second person.

[0052] At the system's centre is server 12, which includes a processors, related system-specific software 16 running on the processing means, and a database 18 communicating with the processing means.

[0053] System 10 further includes a first device, 20, which, in this example, is owned by the first person, and a second device, 22, owned by the second person. Typically, the first and second devices will be cell phones, but the invention is not limited in this regard.

[0054] In the following description, similar features are assigned the same designations. [0055] Each of these devices includes a processor 24 and an App 16 running on the processor, enabling the device to communicate with server 12 and processor 14, in particular, to facilitate social networking.

[0056] With reference to Figure 2, the processor 14, configured to execute the functionalities of the system and the method of the invention, includes at least one processing unit 24 (CPU) in communication via a respective bus, with a mass memory 30 and a storage drive 32 on which the database 18 is stored.

[0057] The mass memory 30 includes ROM (containing firmware) and RAM components. The memory includes data storage 36, operating system 38, and software (including system-specific software 16). In conjunction with this bespoke software, the processor configures the system to perform the operations or method steps described below.

[0058] Communicating with the processors, the server includes one or more of the following peripherals: a power supply 42, one or more network interfaces or transceivers 44, an audio interface 46, a display 48, a keypad or virtual keypad 50 and one or more input/output interfaces 52.

[0059] The network interface or transceiver 44 has circuitry designed to enable communication between server 10 and devices (20, 22). It is intended to support various communication protocols, such as, but not limited to, GSM, TCP/IP, SMS, GPRS, WAP, UWB, IEEE 802.16, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, or any other wireless communication protocol.

[0060] The transceiver 44 can be an NFC card reader. [0061] Audio interface 46 is arranged to produce audio signals such as when coupled to a speaker. Display 48 can be any suitable display such as, for example, LSD or LED. For example, the display can include a touch-sensitive screen arranged to receive input from the first person or the second person.

[0062] The devices (20, 22) similarly include counterparts to the hardware components described above. Still, for ease of explanation, these components are not specifically described, save to say that the corresponding software is referred to as an App 16.

[0063] Each device does, though, include a GPS module 54. The GPS module connects to the processor 24 (a central processing unit or system-on- a-chip). The GPS module is integrated into the phone's hardware, and the communication between the GPS module and the processor integrates this geolocation information with the app and transmits this geolocation information via the transceiver 44.

[0064] The system-specific software 16 and the corresponding App 16 consist of computer-executable instructions. When executed on server 12 or a device (20, 22), respectively, this software facilitates the transmission, reception, and processing of communication messages in the form of data packets transmitted using any suitable protocol between the server and the devices. These messages collectively enable the functionality of Apps, allowing them to synchronise data, fetch updates, and provide an interactive communication channel between the first and the second person. [0065] Embodiments of the disclosure can be implemented via the respective CPU 24 and/or memory 30. The functions described below can be partially implemented via hardware logic in the CPUs and partially using instructions stored in memory. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to a specific hardware and/or software configuration.

[0066] Database 18 contains personal information about, in this example, the first person and the second person. This personal information can include a photograph of the person’s face, his/her age, gender, occupation, address, interests, hobbies, other specified preferences, and a short biography which the first and the second person (and any other member for that matter) will provide when subscribing to use the social networking service as provided by the system, enable by the software and App.

[0067] Upon downloading App 16 onto the respective device (20, 22), the first or second person will be prompted to subscribe by navigating through a series of screens. In these screens, the individual inputs preferences for notification delivery (choosing between push or in-app notifications), provides payment card details for service-related payments and furnishes personal information. Once the information is uploaded and stored in the database as the user’s settings, the person receives a notification confirming the successful setup of their profile.

[0068] System 10 is designed for all users to assume the roles of the second person (the sponsor) and the first person (the recipient). Therefore, any modifications made to the account settings impact both sponsoring and receiving outcomes. For example, adjusting age or distance preferences will alter your profile to receive offers from individuals within the new range and affect your ability to sponsor individuals falling outside the newly selected search criteria.

[0069] A chosen payment card 55 can be a debit or credit card, and the details can include card number, cardholder name, expiration date, and CVV number. These details need not be input at the profile set-up stage, but if not provided at this stage, the person will be prompted to include this information at the “make an offer stage”, described below (see screen 94). The card details are not stored on database 18 but with a chosen card payment facilitation company.

[0070] When describing the system's (10) operation, the reference to the processor addressing a device (20 or 22) may involve communication through direct push or in-app notifications, achieved through periodic polling or maintenance of long-lived connections.

[0071] With both the first person using her device 20 and the second person using his device 22 now set up with a respective profile, an example of the system in use 10 is now described with reference to Figures 3 to 17.

[0072] The first person would initiate an interaction by creating a request. A request is an invitation for another person to pay for a purchase the first person wants to make. That purchase can be for a “gift” such as a gift, a coffee, a meal, a donation to the first person’s chosen charity or the like. The merchant, in each case, will have to be enabled with a POS system which supports the generation of a supported QR code (either static or dynamic) or includes a contactless card reader or NFC reader that can communicate with

NFC-enabled devices, as the means to encode and communicate the identity of the merchant and/or the transaction information.

[0073] Referring to Figure 6, the App will direct the first person to a first screen 56, a “New Request” screen, where a request 58 can be created by: choosing a participating venue 60, inputting the value 62 of the gift, and uploading a picture of the gift 64. The App will prompt (screen 66, see Figure 7) the first person to scan 68 a QR code 70, if available. Scanning a dynamic QR code will populate the value field (if this transaction information is available now) and/or the venue without manual input (or verify and correct the value if input). If a QR code is unavailable at this stage, this option can be skipped 64.

[0074] A notice 74 (see Figure 3) will be triggered if a QR code is not available or scanned, informing the first person that all requests ultimately will require a QR code to be scanned or the person’s device enabled for contactless payments

[0075] Before request 58 is ready for publication, the first person can preview it (screen 80) and include a message 76. Once confirmed 78, the request is sent to server 12. Geolocation data was sent with the request.

[0076] Upon receiving it, the processor 24 scans its member database 18 for compatibility, considering personal profiles or settings and their locations relative to the first person. As numerous prospective members/users may qualify as potential matches, notifications will be sent to all compatibility- qualifying members. In this example, the second person is identified as a match 84.

[0077] Referring to Figure 9 (screen 86), the server addresses the second person’s device 22 with an invitation 84 to make an offer to pay 88 for the purchase. In this example, the second person opts to make the offer 90 through a touch-based input mechanism (hereinafter described as a button), an “it's on me” button, designated 92.

[0078] At this point, if the payment card details are not in the database, the second person is prompted (screen 94) to choose a card (96) before proceeding with sending the offer. Once the card details are provided, the second person is prepared to send the offer. A confirmation screen (97) displays the offer details. It notifies the person that funds are adequate to cover the purchase and that a handling fee payable to the system administrator will be reserved on card 98. On accepting this confirmation 100, the offer is made and sent, subject to the funds being reserved.

[0079] In the backend, the processor24 establishes a connection with a payment gateway 102 to contact the bank 104 linked to the payment card (see Figure 4) and request that the funds be reserved. The processor permits the completion and transmission of offer 106 to the first person only upon confirmation that the funds have been successfully reserved.

[0080] The offer is transmitted 106 to the first person who receives the offer 108 on her device 20. [0081] As mentioned, it is conceivable that many members may be matched by system 10, with each offer being sent to the first person. All the received offers (108.1 , 108.2, 108.3) will be displayed on a “My Chats” screen 110. This scenario is further illustrated in Figure 5. The first person may then touch on each offer, bringing up the respective offeror’s profile and allowing the first person to choose which offer to accept. In this example, the offer from the second person is accepted. Figure 13 shows the second person's profile (screen 112), the successful candidate in this example.

[0082] The unsuccessful candidates are notified 114 of their rejected offers.

[0083] The first person accepts the offer from the second person by touching the accept button 116. At this stage, the first person can redeem the offer to pay, triggering the second person's vendor payment. The accepted offer is transmitted 120 to the second person’s device. This acceptance is received as a push notification 122 on the second device (see screen 124 depicted in Figure 14).

[0084] System 10 will send notification 124 to the first person that the offer is available for redemption via a push notification 126 to her device 20 (see screen 128 of Figure 15). The notification reminds the first person of the offer's value and that it is open for redemption within a certain period (for example, one hour). If not redeemed within that period, the offer will expire.

[0085] The first person is provided with two redemption options. On-screen 128, positioned at the bottom, there are two buttons available: one labelled "QR CODE" and the other labelled "TAP & PAY" (designated as 130 and 131 , respectively). Each option facilitates the interaction between the first person's device and a vendor's point-of-sale (POS) system 138.

[0086] This interaction can occur either by choosing button 130 and being prompted to scan 133, a dynamic QR code 118 generated by the POS and printed on the bill or displayed on the POS or a terminal (see screen 132 of Figure 16), or by choosing button 131 and being prompted to enter into a near-field communication range 135 with the POS (see screen 134 of Figure 17). When using the latter option, It will be necessary to turn on the NFC function of the device 20. In using the latter option, the system operator uses a virtual card. The processor communicates with the first person’s device, enabling her to use her device as a virtual card for the duration of the transaction.

[0087] Depending upon the redemption method chosen above the receipt of the QR code information, either the device 20 or the POS 138 communicates with the processor24 with the authenticated vendor, sales and payee information, whereupon the processor is triggered to re-establish a connection with a payment gateway 102. In this engagement, the bank 104 is requested to:

• pay the amount of the bill (and any fee that the system operator chooses the levy on the transaction) from the reserved funds to the system operator’s bank account 134, and

• on receipt of payment, pay the amount of the bill to the merchant’s bank account 136. [0088] With notification from the payment gateway 102 that the merchant has been settled, server 12 establishes a connection with the point-of-sale system 138 of the merchant with notification of the payment of the bill. Simultaneously, server 12 communicates a successful offer of redemption to both the first and second persons. On the first device, 20, this is displayed as screen 136 (Figure 18).

[0089] As the exact location of the first person is unknown to the second person at the time of sending the request, system 10 takes centre-stage, acting as the merchant in clearing the funds and setting the ultimate merchant.

[0090] Upon successful redemption of the offer on the second device 22, the second individual is notified 142 that a chat function is available, serving as a direct communication channel facilitated by system 10 with the first individual.

[0091] The benefits of the social networking service provided by system 10 over traditional social networking is that when the sponsor (second person) makes a payment or secures it, and the merchant is paid separately from the system operator's account or credit card, the venue's identity remains undisclosed. As a result, the sponsor cannot determine the recipient's location until the recipient feels comfortable revealing it after building rapport through chat.

[0092] Furthermore, system 10 social networking service can cater to general social interactions without focusing on meetings or dating or targeting specific meeting or dating objectives. The networking motives can range from philanthropic endeavours to fulfilling requests from family or friends expressing interest in certain items via the system. For instance, a mother in need of diapers or baby formula but lacking the funds could send a request. In such a scenario, a sponsor offering to cover the purchase would be driven by philanthropic intentions. Furthermore, the application of purchasing a Gift for another party in real-time when physically not present at that venue.

[0093] Essentially, the invention allows the second person to purchase, gift or donate a coffee, meal or gift to the first person when physically not present at that venue in real-time.

Claims

1 . A method for anonymously linking a requestor with a matched sponsor to enable a payment to be made by the matched sponsor for a transaction on behalf of the requestor, comprising:

(d) determining, by the processor, if one or more potential sponsors are within a predetermined radius of the requestor,

(e) transmitting, by the processor, an invitation to pay for the transaction to a device of one or more potential sponsors evaluated as compatible and within the predefined radius.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the personal profile includes information on the person such as age, gender, occupation, address, interests, hobbies, and any other specified preferences or settings.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the transaction is purchasing a meal, drink, beverage, gift, or donating to a preferred charity.

4. A method according to anyone of claims 1 to 3 wherein the invitation includes a transaction value.

5. A method according to claim 4 wherein the transaction value includes a facilitation fee payable to the service provider.

6. A method according to anyone of claims 1 to 5 wherein the invitation includes a prompt for the potential sponsor to make an offer in response to the invitation.

7. A method according to anyone of claims 1 to 6 wherein the invitation may inform the potential sponsor that funds will be reserved on a payment card linked to his profile if an offer is made to cover the payment.

8. A method according to claim 7 which includes receiving, by the processor, an offer from a potential sponsor.

9. A method according to claim 8 which includes communicating, by the processor, with a bank associated with the payment card to reserve funds to cover the transaction value before the offer is transmitted to the requestor.

10. A method according to claim 9 which includes receiving, by the processor, from the bank confirmation that funds have been reserved.

1 1. A method according to claim 10 which includes transmitting, by the processor, notification of the offer to the requestor once the funds have been confirmed as reserved.

12. A method according to claim 1 1 wherein notification includes information about the potential sponsor who made the offer.

13. A method according to claims 1 1 or 12 which includes receiving, by the processor, an acceptance of the offer by the requestor.

14. A method according to claim 13 which includes transmitting, by the processor, a prompt to the requestor to confirm the actual amount.

15. A method according to claim 14 which includes transmitting, by the processor, notification to the sponsor of the offer’s acceptance by the requestor.

16. A method according to anyone of claims 13 to 15 which includes transmitting, by the processor, a prompt to the requestor to redeem the offer to pay for the transaction.

17. A method according to claim 16 which includes receiving, by the processor, authentication of the transaction from the requestor.

18. A method according to claim 17 which includes communicating, by the processor, with the bank to pay a beneficiary or vendor for the transaction from reserved funds.

19. A method according to claim 18 which includes notifying, by the processor, the sponsor that the offer has been redeemed.

20. A method according to anyone of claims 1 1 to 19 which includes linking, by the processor, the requestor and the sponsor to enable communication without personal information being exchanged.