Matching information over a network by comparing profile data between different terminals

摘要

A communications system for matching information from compatible terminals in order to facilitate the matching of user interests. Possible applications include finding possible partners, searching for a retailer with a particular item in stock, searching for suitable property, etc. A plurality of user terminals 2 (which may be e.g. personal computers, PDAs, palmtops, mobile telephones) each store at least one profile, with different profile types being stored for different intended purposes. Each profile contains: attributes - personal data of the user and a set of characteristics of the user or of something offered by the user; requirements - the user's search criteria; and predetermined introduction information comprising introduction attributes and requirements. The introduction server compares introduction information with reference to one instance of an active profile, and registers two profiles as being "compatible" when the introduction requirements of one profile are satisfied by the introduction attributes of the other. A match processor, located at the terminal on whose profile the search was based or at the introduction sewer, then performs a frill profile match of the compatible profiles (again, on a one-to-many basis). The attributes are never shared between the terminals during the matching process. Methods for initiating communication between matching terminals are also described.