WO2010060447A1

WO2010060447A1 - Communication system for people to make contact with one another, and communication method

Info

Publication number: WO2010060447A1
Application number: PCT/EP2008/010090
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thoren Steffen; Ulrich Sieberling
Original assignee: Thoren Steffen; Ulrich Sieberling
Priority date: 2008-11-27
Filing date: 2008-11-27
Publication date: 2010-06-03

Abstract

Communication system for people to make contact with one another, characterized by portable communication appliances (10), each of which comprises a data memory (12) for storing at least one intrinsic personal data record (A) which comprises personal data, an interface (14) which can be used to store said personal data record (A) in the data memory (12), communication means (18) for wirelessly sending the intrinsic personal data record (A) and for receiving an extrinsic data record (B) to and/or from another communication appliance (10), data processing means (16) for comparing the extrinsic data record (B) with a predetermined search profile S (A), and signal means (20) which are provided for the purpose of producing a signal if there is an at least partial match between the extrinsic data record (B) and the search profile S (A).

Description

COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR TAKING CONTACT BETWEEN PERSONS AND COMMUNICATION METHOD

The present invention relates to a communication system for establishing contact between persons, a method for communication between communication devices, and a corresponding data processing program.

Recently, new technical possibilities have been devised to establish contacts between persons who wish to expand their circle of acquaintances and friends on the basis of similar personality profiles, equal interests, or the like. Such systems have become known as "social networks". The communication system used here is usually the Internet, which provides the technical basis of the network. A large number of interested people can be associated in such a network community. With the help of search profiles, which are created by the users themselves, other users with matching personality profiles or interests can be found. If desired, contact can then be made.

Although such communication systems are relatively simple and accessible, this type of contact initiation has specific disadvantages. One of them is the need for a particular infrastructure represented by the Internet with the terminals connected to it. Without a web-enabled PC, a corresponding mobile phone or the like access to the social network is not possible.

Another disadvantage is the anonymity of contacting. Even the insight into a very detailed personality profile does not replace immediate personal contact. Furthermore, there is little protection against dishonest persons forging their personality profiles and thus deceiving other users. In addition, the deliberate search for interested persons may be very time consuming. Object of the present invention is therefore to provide a communication system of the type mentioned that simplifies the contact between people unknown to each other and made more natural and personal. The aforementioned disadvantages of known communication systems should be excluded. In particular, the possibility of an attempt to deceive should be minimized.

Another object is to provide a corresponding method for communication between communication devices, as well as a data processing program, which embodies this method.

These objects are achieved by a communication system with the features of claim 1, by a method according to claim 15 and by a data processing program according to claim 23.

The communication system according to the invention comprises portable communication devices that can be conveniently carried by the users. Each device is equipped with a data memory which serves to store its own personal data set which includes personal data such as age, height, gender, etc. Through an interface, this personal data record can be stored in the data memory. The apparatus includes communication means for wirelessly transmitting the own data set to other communication devices in the environment, as well as for receiving a foreign data set with personality data from another device. By means of data processing means, a receiving foreign data record can be compared with a predetermined search profile that has been created by the user. If the received foreign data record at least partially matches the search profile, the communication device generates a signal.

This signal can be heard by the wearer of the device and indicates that another user who fits into his search profile is within range of the device. This gives the user an opportunity to review their environment and locate the person in question to form an opinion on them. On the basis of this, the user can then decide whether or not he would like to make personal contact by addressing this person. The present communication system has the advantage that it can be used in any everyday situations and, for example, automatically locates people in a larger group of people who fit into their own search profile. The immediate possibility of personal contact makes this system much less anonymous than networks that rely on the Internet as a technical basis. The possibility of being deceived by fake personality profiles is reduced by enabling an immediate comparison with the person's appearance. The type of contact is perceived as much more natural, as it is the case with the initiation of contact via the known social networks on the Internet. It goes without saying, however, that the communication system proposed according to the invention can also be used without difficulty as a supplement to social networks on the Internet.

In a preferred embodiment, the search profile corresponds to or is associated with the personal record.

This means, for example, that users can be searched for whose records are in a certain relation to their own personal data record. For example, you can search for other users who are in the same age group as you, have a different gender, and so on.

In a further preferred embodiment, in the operating state of the communication device, the communication means constantly or periodically repeats its own personal data record, while the communication means are constantly or in periodic changes with the transmission mode in readiness to receive a foreign data record.

Thus, during operation of the device, its own data record is practically permanently transmitted by the communication means. Depending on the technical design of the communication means, the reception of foreign data records can take place simultaneously with the transmission, or in the transmission pauses, so that the communication means are constantly switched back and forth between transmission and reception. Further preferably, the signal means are provided for generating an optical signal, an acoustic signal and / or a vibration signal.

A vibration signal, for example, offers the possibility of discrete signaling, so that the user of the device who has received a suitable foreign data record is informed of this fact without his environment taking notice of it.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the communication device comprises a display device for displaying the received foreign data record.

This offers the user the opportunity to check specifically which personality profile has just been received from the environment. This creates additional decision-making bases for personal contact.

The communication device preferably further comprises an input device, and the communication means are provided to send an information stored in the data memory upon actuation of the input device.

The input device can be designed as a key, for example, which can be pressed by the user in order to send the pre-stored message. This can in turn be received by the other user from whom the foreign data record with his personality profile has just been received. The input device thus offers a response function.

Preferably, the input device is provided for receiving different inputs, and the data processing means are provided to select a message to be sent by the communication means from a plurality of messages in the data memory according to the input.

In this case, the user can by different inputs, for. For example, by pressing different keys, select from a number of prestored messages a desired message. For example, two messages may be available in the data store, one of which is seeks to signal approval and the other refusal. For each of these messages, a button is available. If desired, other types of messages for which a corresponding key is available may also be provided. Such input means provides the user with a wider range of response functions for receiving a foreign data record.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the communication system comprises at least one personal computer with which the communication device can be connected via its interface.

It is thus easy to feed or change your own data record into the portable communication device via the PC. It is also conceivable the possibility of feeding and changing the search profile in the device. These features can be easily done from a home office.

In this case, the personal computer can preferably contain a data processing program for processing the personal data record and / or the search profile and for transferring it into the data memory of the communication device.

According to a further embodiment, the personal computer is connected to a network, such as the Internet, and contains a data processing program for retrieving its own personal data record and / or a search profile from the network and transmitting it to the data memory of the communication device.

In this way, it is possible to connect to a social network built up on the Internet as an option. Personality data already stored in this social network can easily be transferred to the portable device.

Preferably, the communication device is designed as a key fob. Further preferably, the communication device is designed as a USB stick.

Further preferably, the communication device is designed as an MP3 player.

Further preferably, the communication device is designed as a car key.

Further preferably, the communication device is designed as a wristwatch.

According to another preferred embodiment, the communication device is designed as a mobile telephone.

In this case, the device can have a large number of additional functions for making calls, writing short messages, etc. It is conceivable to use the existing hardware of a mobile phone, which assumes the functions of the data memory, the interface, the communication means, the data processing means and the signal means in the sense of the present invention.

The inventive method according to claim 17 for communication between communication devices comprises the constant or repeated transmission of a personal record, which is stored on a communication device, with simultaneous or periodically repeated readiness for receiving foreign records from other communication devices, the comparison of a received foreign record with a search profile stored in the own communication device and the generation of a signal if the received foreign data record at least partially matches the own created search profile.

Advantageous embodiments of this method emerge from the subclaims 18 to 25. A corresponding data processing program is intended to be stored and executed on a communication device such as a mobile phone. In this way, different mobile phones that have corresponding software can communicate with each other in the manner according to the invention. It is understood that such a data processing program can also be implemented in portable devices of other types, such as in MP3 players, devices in the form of USB sticks, car keys, watches or the like.

In the following a preferred embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of the structure of a portable communication device which is part of an embodiment of the communication system according to the invention;

Fig. 2 schematically shows the structure of a data set used in the communication system according to the invention;

Fig. 3 is a schematic plan view of a communication device according to the invention; and

4 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of a communication apparatus according to the present invention.

In Fig. 1, several components of a portable communication device 10 are shown schematically, which is part of a communication system according to the invention. The communication device 10 comprises a data memory 12, an interface 14, via which data can be input and read into the data memory 12, a computing unit 16 for data processing, a communication unit 18 for wireless transmission and reception of data, and a signal unit 20 for generating a sig - Nals, which is controlled by the arithmetic unit 16. The data memory 12 is a volatile memory (Random Access Memory or RAM), which is intended to receive data via the interface 14 and store. The arithmetic unit 16, which is shown here only schematically in blocks, may comprise a central data processing unit (Central Processing Unit or CPU) and optionally further necessary components and is provided for reading out and processing the data stored in the data memory 12. Data can also be fed back from the arithmetic unit 16 into the data memory 12 and stored there. The usual functions for data storage, that is to say addressing, etc., can be adopted by the arithmetic unit 16 in the usual way and therefore require no further explanation here. Furthermore, it is possible to control the input / output of data from the data memory 12 via the interface 14 by the arithmetic unit 16.

The data read from the data memory 12 can be forwarded by the arithmetic unit 16 to the communication unit 18, which is intended to transmit the data wirelessly to the environment of the portable communication device 10. This transmission mode can be maintained continuously in the operating state of the communication device 10, i. h., The data provided for transmission are continuously repeated or periodically intermittently transmitted from the communication unit 18. At the same time, the communication unit 18 may be ready to receive, i. h., while transmitting data, foreign data can be received simultaneously, or the data reception takes place in the transmission pauses of the periodic transmission mode, so that the receiving unit 18 constantly switches between transmission mode and receiving mode in rapid succession. Received data is returned by the communication unit 18 to the arithmetic unit 16 and processed there.

The data memory 12 is in particular intended to store at least one personal data set A, which is structured as shown in FIG. 2. In the left column in FIG. 2, a plurality of data fields 22, 24, 26, 28 are shown one below the other, designated in the present case with "gender", "age", "size" and "interests". In the right-hand column, the assigned contents of the data fields 22, 24, 26, 28 of the data set 21 are listed. leads. For example, "gender", "age", and "size" may have a specific numeric value stored in the data fields. For the data field 26 titled "interests", several terms may be stored, for example "sports", "cinema" and "cooking". In addition to the example shown here, many other data fields may be present, with parameters to be selected arbitrarily.

The data record A maps a personality profile of the user of the communication device 10. A separate personal data record A, as shown in FIG. 2, is stored in the data memory 12 via the interface 14, can be called up by the arithmetic unit 16 and forwarded to the communication unit 18, which transfers the contents of its own data record A to the already described manner to the environment of the wearer of the communication device 10 emits.

The user can also create a search profile that is linked in a certain way with the own personal record A. The search profile can contain the same data fields 22, 24, 26, 28 as its own data record A, but instead of specific numerical values for the parameters of the individual data fields 22, 24, 26, 28, optionally value ranges, such as an age range for the field "Age "24. The user can thus select in which value ranges the corresponding values of the requested person should lie. If necessary, it can also be determined that it is not absolutely necessary for all data fields 22, 24, 26, 28 to have a correspondence of the wanted personality profile with the own personal data record A.

In the following, the working method of the inventive portable communication device 10 of the present communication system will be explained.

While the communication unit 18 repeatedly or periodically sends its own personal data record A, which is assigned to the communication device 10 itself or its user, the communication unit 18 is simultaneously ready to receive, ie data records can be received continuously or in the transmission pauses , Is within range of the communication device 10, another communication device 10 of this communication system, the communication unit 18 automatically receives a foreign data record B, which is structured identically to the personal data record A shown in FIG. 2. That is, the foreign data record B has the same data fields 22, 24, 26, 28, but other parameters are stored in these data fields 22, 24, 26, 28, corresponding to the personality profile of the foreign user from whose device the foreign data set B has been received.

The foreign data record B is forwarded by the communication unit 18 to the computing unit 16. The arithmetic unit 16 then compares the content of the foreign data record B with the search profile. If the search profile at least partially coincides with the received foreign data record B, the signal unit 20 is actuated by the arithmetic unit 16 and excited to generate a signal for the user of the communication device 10. This signal may, for example, be a discrete vibration signal, so that only the carrier of the respective communication device 10 that generates the signal can perceive the signal. However, other types of signals are conceivable, for example an acoustic or an optical signal.

In this way, the carrier of the communication device 10 is automatically made aware by the signal unit 20 that another user of the communication system is within range of the communication unit 18 whose record B, which represents a personality profile, matches the own search profile.

In this case, it may be provided that the communication device 10 displays the received foreign data record B on a display 30, as shown in Fig. 3. The user who has just received the foreign data record B, thus has the opportunity to view the personal profile of the foreign sender. In this way, he receives a decision basis for whether he wants to make personal contact or not. In response to the reception of the foreign data record B, three keys 32, 34, 36 are available on the surface of the communication device 10. Each of the keys 32, 34, 36 represents a message pre-stored in the data memory 12. By pressing the respective key 32,34,36 the message from the data memory 12 via the arithmetic unit 16 to the Communication unit 18 passed and transmitted by this, so that they can be received by the sender of the foreign record B in response. For example, a key 32 may represent "YES", that is to express the desire for personal contact, the second key 34 may represent "NO", that is, represent a message denying contact, while the third key 36 may be any other Message can be linked.

The sender of the foreign record B thus receives a response via a response from the person who has received the record B.

Conveniently, the range of the wireless communication unit 10 is set so that the sending and receiving of records occurs in an area that can be personally surveyed by the users of the communication devices 10. A feedback by the signal unit 20 that a matching foreign data record B has been received, thus takes place only when the person concerned, this foreign record B is assigned, is in the immediate vicinity and is identifiable, for example, by eye contact. In a communication system that is used by many users who carry the corresponding personal communication devices 10, it is thus possible, with a corresponding density of users, to easily establish contact with a person that corresponds to a given search profile or personal profile.

Schematically this Kontaktanbahnungsvorgang is shown again in Fig. 4. In a first step 50, the user of a first communication device 10, which itself has a personal record A stored in his own device 10, receives a foreign record B of a second user of another communication device. As already mentioned, the own personal data record A and the received foreign data record B have the same data record structure. In the next step 52, the arithmetic unit 16 compares the foreign data record B with the search profile S (A) of the first user. This search profile S (A) can be linked to its own personal data set A in a manner specified by the user himself. If the arithmetic unit 16 determines a match of the received foreign data record B with its own search profile S (A) (step 54), the signal device 20 is automatically activated, which generates a signal to the user with the personal data record A in step 56. This user may then in turn press a selected key 32, 34, 36 on his personal communication device 10 to return a message in response to the second user (step 58).

The own personal record A, which is stored in the data memory 12, can be created on a personal computer, with which the communication device 10 can be connected via the interface 14, for example via a USB connection. The personal record can then be transferred from the personal computer in the data memory 12 or read from this. For this purpose, the personal computer may be provided with a data processing program which serves to process the personal data record. Furthermore, the search profile S (A) can also be managed on the personal computer and exchanged with the data memory 12 via the interface 14.

Another possibility is that the personal computer is connected to a network such as the Internet and the data processing program installed on the personal computer is provided for retrieving a personal record and / or the search profile from the Internet, and the personal record and optionally the search profile via the interface in the data memory 12 of the communication device 10 to transfer.

This enables the integration of the function of the communication device 10 into a social network created by the Internet. A personal record A, which is already stored in the social network, can be transmitted to the communication device 10 by means of the personal computer and, in the manner already described, enable the wearer of the device 10 to socialize independently of a fixed personal computer in everyday situations to pave the way. The communication device 10 may be configured in any desired manner, for example as a key fob, as a USB stick, MP3 player or the like. It is readily possible that the device 10 takes on additional functions, such as a data storage function and other functions as a personal digital assistant with clock, appointment book, address book and the like. Finally, it is readily possible to equip the communication device 10 with functions of a mobile phone, which are already common in the prior art, ie the phone function itself, the writing of short messages, Internet access, a camera function, an MP3 player, etc. components of the communication device 10, in particular the arithmetic unit 16 and the data memory 12, can also be available for other functions of the device 10 in this context.

The inventive method for contacting can be embodied by a data processing program, which on a mobile portable communication device such. B. a mobile phone can be stored and executed, so that several such devices can communicate with each other in the manner described. Such a program includes, in particular, the functions of storing a personal record of its own, including personal data, sending that personal record continuously or repeatedly to other devices with simultaneous or periodically repeated readiness to receive, and receiving a foreign record from another communication device. By appropriate program functions of the foreign data set is compared with a predetermined search profile, which is pre-stored in one's own device, and it is automatically generated at least partially match the foreign record with its own search profile, a signal. H. a signaling device such as a vibrating alarm of the mobile phone is excited.

Such software of a mobile phone may be provided for data exchange with a personal computer via an interface of the mobile phone. As already mentioned, functions for processing or retrieving the personal data record A can be outsourced to a PC or also be taken over by the mobile phone itself.

Claims

1. A communication system for establishing contact between persons, characterized by portable communication devices (10), each of which has a data memory (12) for storing at least one of its own personal data sets (A) comprising personal data, an interface (14), via which this personal data record (A) can be stored in the data memory (12), communication means (18) for the wireless transmission of the own personal data record (A) and for receiving a foreign data record (B) to or from another communication device (10) .

Data processing means (16) for comparing the foreign data set (B) with a predetermined search profile S (A) and signal means (20), which are provided, with at least partial correspondence of the foreign data set (B) with the search profile S (A) to generate a signal.

2. Communication system according to claim 1, characterized in that the search profile S (A) corresponds to its own personal record (A) or is linked to this.

3. Communication system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the operating state of the respective communication device (10) the communication means (18) the own personal record (A) constantly or periodically repeatedly and constantly or in periodic change with the transmission mode in readiness to receive to receive a foreign record (B).

4. Communication system according to claim one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal means (20) are provided for generating an optical signal, an acoustic signal and / or a vibration signal.

5. Communication system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication device (10) comprises a display device (30) for displaying the received foreign data record (B).

6. Communication system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication device (10) comprises an input device (32,34,36), and that the communication means (18) are provided, in the case of actuation of the input device (32,34 , 36) to send a message stored in the data memory.

Communication system according to claim 6, characterized in that the input means (32, 34, 36) are provided for receiving different inputs, and in that the data processing means (16) are arranged to receive one of the communication means (18) to be sent in the data memory (12) stored messages according to the input.

8. Communication system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one personal computer, with which the communication device (10) via its interface (14) is connectable.

9. Communication system according to claim 8, characterized in that the personal computer includes a data processing program for processing the personal record (A) and / or the search profile S (A) and for transmitting the same into the data memory (12) of the communication device (10) ,

A communication system according to claim 8, characterized in that the personal computer is connected to a network such as the Internet and a data processing program for retrieving its own personal record (A) and / or a search profile S (A) from the network and for transmission the same in the data memory (12) of the communication device (10).

1 1. Communication system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication device (10) is designed as a key fob.

12. Communication system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication device (10) is designed as a USB stick.

13. Communication system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication device (10) is designed as an MP3 player.

14. Communication system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication system (10) is designed as a car key.

15. Communication system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication device (10) is designed as a wristwatch.

16. Communication system according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the communication device (10) is designed as a mobile phone.

17. A method for communication between communication devices (10), characterized in that a communication device (10) has its own personal record (A), which includes personal data and which is stored in this communication device (10) to other communication devices (10) constantly or periodically repeatedly transmits and is constantly or in periodic change with the transmit mode in readiness to receive a foreign record (B),

on receipt of a foreign data record (B) from another communication device (10) compares the received foreign data record (B) with a stored predetermined search profile S (A),

and in the case of an at least partial correspondence of the foreign data record (B) with the search profile S (A) generates a signal.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that in the communication device (10) stored search profile S (A) corresponds to the stored therein own personal record (A) or is linked to this.

19. The method according to any one of claims 17 and 18, characterized in that the signal is an optical signal, an acoustic signal and / or a vibration signal.

20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that the received foreign data record (B) directly from the communication device (10), which has received this record (B) is displayed.

21. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that is selected on an input of a user in a communication device (10) stored therein a message and sent to another communication device (10) wirelessly.

22. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 21, characterized in that the own personal record is stored by an interface of the communication device (10) from a personal computer in the communication device (10).

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that the own personal data set is created or edited before being stored in the communication device (10) on the personal computer.

A method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the personal record (A) is retrieved from the personal computer from a network such as the Internet.

25. Data processing program for carrying out the method according to one of claims 17 to 24, which can be stored and executed on a communication device (10), such as a mobile telephone.