Computer-implemented visual query matching method and implementation system thereof

Abstract

The embodiments described herein relate to a computer-implemented visual query matching method and implementation system thereof. The example method includes storing first query data, the first query data including queries associated with a first user set, wherein each query includes a selected condition from a plurality of query conditions and first filtering data for the plurality of query conditions; storing second query data, the second query data including metadata and queries associated with a second user set, wherein each query includes a selected condition from a plurality of query conditions and second filtering data for the plurality of query conditions; determining, by a processor, matching users of a first user in the first user set, the matching users being from the second user set; and providing, by the processor, a dashboard display including a matrix of the matching users to the first user.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application with the application date of September 20, 2022, application number "202280024650.2", and invention name "Visual query matching method and implementation system implemented by computer".

[0002] Cross-references to Related Patent Applications

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 945,551, entitled “Computer-Implemented Visual Query Matching Methods, and Systems for Implementing Thereof,” filed on September 15, 2022. The entire disclosure of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 945,551 is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] The described embodiments relate to a computer-implemented visual query matching method and a system for implementing the method. Background Art

[0005] Modern computing technology allows for the storage of vast amounts of data in databases. For example, a research publication database might contain a large amount of data related to research publications, a product database associated with an e-commerce website might contain a large amount of data related to different products, and a business opportunity database might contain a large amount of data related to available business opportunities. The large amount of available data can make searching and retrieving data challenging and time-consuming.

[0006] A database may include a query system that enables users to query the database and search for specific information. When querying the database, users may specify one or more search criteria. Based on the data stored in the database and the specified search criteria, a large number of search results may be generated in response to the user's query. The search results may meet one or more of the specified search criteria. The query system needs to efficiently provide users with a large number of search results that meet different search criteria. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Various embodiments described herein generally relate to computer-implemented visual query matching methods (and related systems configured to implement these methods).

[0008] According to an example embodiment, a computer-implemented method for visual query matching is provided, comprising: storing first query data, the first query data comprising queries associated with a first user set, wherein each query comprises a selected condition from a plurality of query conditions and first filtering data for the plurality of query conditions; storing second query data, the second query data comprising metadata and queries associated with a second user set, wherein each query comprises a selected condition from a plurality of query conditions and second filtering data for the plurality of query conditions; determining, by a processor, matching users of a first user in the first user set by comparing the first filtering data of the selected condition of the first query associated with the first user with the metadata and the second filtering data included in the second query data, the matching users being from the second user set; and providing, by the processor, a dashboard display including a matrix of matching users to the first user, the matrix being arranged according to the number of matching conditions in the selected condition of the first query of each matching user.

[0009] In some embodiments, the method further includes: storing object data corresponding to a plurality of conditions for a first object associated with the first user; determining, by the processor, matching queries in queries associated with the second set of users by comparing the object data for the first object with second filter data for selected conditions of the queries associated with the second set of users; and providing, by the processor, a dashboard display including a matrix of matching queries to the first user, the matrix arranged according to the number of matching conditions in the selected conditions of the matching queries.

[0010] In some embodiments, the second query data includes multiple queries associated with a single user of one or more users in the second user set, wherein any one of the multiple queries is designated as a primary query for each user in the second user set; and the processor determines a matching user of the first user in the first user set by comparing the first filtering data of the selected conditions of the first query associated with the first user with the metadata of each user in the second user set and the second filtering data of the primary query, wherein the matching user is from the second user set.

[0011] In some embodiments, the method further includes: in response to detecting a change in one or more of the first query data and the second query data, determining by the processor whether the matching user is different; and in response to determining that the matching user is different, operating the processor to update the dashboard display to indicate that the matching user has changed.

[0012] In some embodiments, the change in one or more of the first query data and the second query data includes a new user added to the second set of users, and the method further includes: updating the second query data with new metadata and a new query associated with the new user; and operating the processor to update the dashboard display to indicate that the matching users have changed, which includes displaying a new user indication signal on the dashboard display to indicate that the matching users include a new matching user.

[0013] In some embodiments, the method further includes: in response to detecting a change in one or more of the first query data, the second query data, and the object data, determining, by the processor, whether the matching query is different; and in response to determining that the matching query is different, operating the processor to update the dashboard display to indicate that the matching query has changed.

[0014] In some embodiments, the plurality of conditions includes a set of ten conditions, and the selected conditions include five conditions selected from the set of ten conditions.

[0015] In some embodiments, the method further includes providing, by the processor, a communication interface between the first user and any matching user in the second user set based on the user status of the first user.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first query data includes one or more queries associated with a first user, and the dashboard display provided to the first user includes a matrix of matching users displayed in a first table, each row of the first table corresponds to a given query in the one or more queries associated with the first user, and the number of columns in the first table corresponds to the number of selected conditions of the one or more queries associated with the first user.

[0017] In some embodiments, matching users are displayed in columns of a first table that are organized according to the number of matching criteria in selected criteria for a given query in one or more queries associated with the first user.

[0018] In some embodiments, the dashboard display provided to the first user includes a matrix of matching queries displayed in a second table, wherein each row of the second table corresponds to an object associated with the first user and the number of columns of the second table corresponds to the number of selected conditions that match the query.

[0019] In some embodiments, the matching queries are displayed in columns of a second table, and the columns of the second table are arranged according to the number of matching conditions in the matching query selected conditions.

[0020] According to another example embodiment, a visual query matching system is provided. The system includes a storage unit and a processor. The storage unit is configured to: store first query data, the first query data including queries associated with a first user set, wherein each query includes a selected condition from a plurality of query conditions and first filtering data of the plurality of query conditions; and store second query data, which includes metadata and queries associated with a second user set, wherein each query includes a selected condition from a plurality of query conditions and second filtering data of the plurality of query conditions. The processor is configured to: determine matching users of a first user in the first user set by comparing the metadata and second filtering data included in the first filtering data of the selected condition of the first query associated with the first user and the second query data, wherein the matching users are from the second user set; and provide the first user with a dashboard display including a matrix of matching users, the matrix being arranged according to the number of matching conditions in the selected condition of the first query of each matching user.

[0021] In some embodiments, the storage unit is further configured to store object data corresponding to a plurality of conditions for a first object associated with the first user; and the processor is further configured to: determine matching queries in queries associated with the second set of users by comparing the object data of the first object and second filtering data for selected conditions for queries associated with the second set of users; and provide a dashboard display to the first user including a matrix of matching queries, the matrix being arranged according to the number of matching conditions in the selected conditions of the matching queries.

[0022] In some embodiments, the second query data includes multiple queries associated with a single user of one or more users in the second user set, wherein any one of the multiple queries is designated as a primary query for each user in the second user set; and the processor is configured to determine a matching user of the first user in the first user set by comparing first filtering data of selected conditions of the first query associated with the first user with metadata of each user in the second user set and second filtering data of the primary query, wherein the matching user is from the second user set.

[0023] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to: in response to detecting a change in one or more of the first query data and the second query data, determine whether the matching user is different; and in response to determining that the matching user is different, update the dashboard display to indicate that the matching user has changed.

[0024] In some embodiments, the change in one or more of the first query data and the second query data includes a new user added to the second user set, and the storage unit is further configured to store the updated second query data, the updated second query data including new metadata and a new query associated with the new user; and the processor is configured to update the dashboard display to indicate that the matching users have changed, which includes displaying a new user indication signal on the dashboard display to indicate that the matching users include a new matching user.

[0025] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to: in response to detecting a change in one or more of the first query data, the second query data, and the object data, determine whether the matching query is different; and in response to determining that the matching query is different, update the dashboard display to indicate that the matching query has changed.

[0026] In some embodiments, the plurality of conditions includes a set of ten conditions, and the selected conditions include five conditions selected from the set of ten conditions.

[0027] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to provide a communication interface between the first user and any matching users in the set of second users based on the user status of the first user.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first query data includes one or more queries associated with a first user, and the dashboard display provided to the first user includes a matching user matrix displayed in a first table, each row of the first table corresponds to a given query in the one or more queries associated with the first user, and the number of columns in the first table corresponds to the number of selected conditions of the one or more queries associated with the first user.

[0029] In some embodiments, matching users are displayed in columns of a first table that are organized according to the number of matching criteria in selected criteria for a given query in one or more queries associated with the first user.

[0030] In some embodiments, the dashboard display provided to the first user includes a matching query matrix displayed in a second table, wherein each row of the second table corresponds to an object associated with the first user and the number of columns in the second table corresponds to the number of matching query selected criteria.

[0031] In some embodiments, the matching queries are displayed in columns of a second table, and the columns of the second table are arranged according to the number of matching conditions in the matching query selected conditions.

[0032] According to another exemplary embodiment, a computer-implemented method for visual query matching is provided, comprising: storing object data corresponding to multiple query conditions for multiple objects, wherein each of the multiple objects is associated with a user of a first user set; storing query data comprising metadata and queries associated with a second user set, wherein each query comprises a selected condition from the multiple query conditions and filtering data for the multiple query conditions; determining, by a processor, matching objects for a first user in the second user set by comparing the filtering data for the selected condition of a first query associated with the first user with object data of the multiple objects, wherein the matching objects are from the multiple objects; and providing, by the processor, a dashboard display comprising a matrix of matching objects to the first user, wherein the matrix is ​​arranged according to the number of matching conditions in the selected condition of the first query for each matching object.

[0033] In some embodiments, the stored object data includes a time parameter for each of the plurality of objects, and matching the matrix of objects includes organizing according to the time parameter.

[0034] In some embodiments, the method further includes: in response to detecting a change in one or more of the query data and the object data, determining by the processor whether the matching object is different; and in response to determining that the matching object is different, operating the processor to update the dashboard display to indicate that the matching object has changed.

[0035] In some embodiments, the change in one or more of the query data and the object data includes a new object added to the plurality of objects, and the method further includes: updating the object data with new data associated with the new object; and operating the processor to update the dashboard display to indicate that the matching object has changed, which includes displaying a new object indication signal on the dashboard display to indicate that the matching objects include a new matching object.

[0036] In some embodiments, the plurality of conditions are based on properties associated with the plurality of objects.

[0037] In some embodiments, the plurality of conditions includes a set of ten conditions, and the selected conditions include five conditions selected from the set of ten conditions.

[0038] In some embodiments, the method further includes providing, by the processor, a communication interface between the first user and any user in the first set of users associated with the matching object based on the user status of the first user.

[0039] In some embodiments, the query data includes one or more queries associated with a first user, and the dashboard display provided to the first user includes a matrix of matching objects displayed in a first table, each row of the first table corresponds to a given query in the one or more queries associated with the first user, and the number of columns in the first table corresponds to the number of selected conditions of the one or more queries associated with the first user.

[0040] In some embodiments, the matching objects are displayed in columns of a first table that are arranged according to the number of matching criteria in a selected criterion of a given query in one or more queries associated with the first user.

[0041] In some embodiments, the dashboard display provided to the first user includes a matrix of matching objects displayed in a second table, wherein the rows of the second table are arranged according to the time parameter and the number of columns of the second table corresponds to the number of selected conditions of the first query.

[0042] In some embodiments, the matching objects are displayed in columns of the second table, and the columns of the second table are arranged according to the number of matching conditions in the first query selection conditions.

[0043] According to another example embodiment, a visual query matching system is provided. The system includes a storage unit and a processor. The storage unit is configured to: store object data corresponding to multiple query conditions for multiple objects, wherein each of the multiple objects is associated with a user in a first user set; and store query data, which includes metadata and queries associated with a second user set, wherein each query includes a selected condition from the multiple query conditions and filtering data for the multiple query conditions. The processor is configured to: determine matching objects for the first user in the second user set by comparing the filtering data for the selected condition of the first query associated with the first user with the object data of the multiple objects, the matching objects being from the multiple objects; and provide the first user with a dashboard display including a matrix of matching objects, the matrix being arranged according to the number of matching conditions in the selected condition of the first query for each matching object.

[0044] In some embodiments, the stored object data includes a time parameter for each of the plurality of objects, and matching the matrix of objects includes organizing according to the time parameter.

[0045] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to: in response to detecting a change in one or more of the query data and the object data, determine whether the matching object is different; and in response to determining that the matching object is different, update the dashboard display to indicate that the matching object has changed.

[0046] In some embodiments, the change in one or more of the query data and the object data includes a new object added to the plurality of objects, and the storage unit is further configured to store updated object data, the updated object data including new data associated with the new object; and the processor is configured to update the dashboard display to indicate that the matching object has changed, including displaying a new object indication signal on the dashboard display to indicate that the matching objects include a new matching object.

[0047] In some embodiments, the plurality of conditions are based on properties associated with the plurality of objects.

[0048] In some embodiments, the plurality of conditions includes a set of ten conditions, and the selected conditions include five conditions selected from the set of ten conditions.

[0049] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to provide a communication interface between the first user and any user in the first set of users associated with the matching object based on the user status of the first user.

[0050] In some embodiments, the query data includes one or more queries associated with a first user, and the dashboard display provided to the first user includes a matrix of matching objects displayed in a first table, each row of the first table corresponds to a given query in the one or more queries associated with the first user, and the number of columns in the first table corresponds to the number of selected conditions of the one or more queries associated with the first user.

[0051] In some embodiments, the matching objects are displayed in columns of a first table that are arranged according to the number of matching criteria in a selected criterion of a given query in one or more queries associated with the first user.

[0052] In some embodiments, the dashboard display provided to the first user includes a matrix of matching objects displayed in a second table, wherein the rows of the second table are arranged according to the time parameter and the number of columns of the second table corresponds to the number of selected conditions of the first query.

[0053] In some embodiments, the matching objects are displayed in columns of the second table, and the columns of the second table are arranged according to the number of matching conditions in the first query selection conditions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] Several embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0055] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a visual query matching system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0056] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating steps of an example method for performing visual query matching according to an example embodiment;

[0057] Figure 3 is a screenshot of an example user interface displaying two queries associated with a user according to an example embodiment;

[0058] Figure 4 is a screenshot of another example user interface displaying two queries associated with a user according to another example embodiment;

[0059] Figure 5 is a screenshot of an example dashboard display provided to a user according to an example embodiment;

[0060] Figure 6 is a screenshot of another example dashboard display provided to a user according to another example embodiment;

[0061] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating steps of another visual query matching method according to another example embodiment;

[0062] Figure 8 is a screenshot of another example dashboard display provided to a user according to another example embodiment; and

[0063] Figure 9 is a screenshot of another example dashboard display provided to a user according to another example embodiment.

[0064] The figures described below are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, various aspects and features of the various embodiments described herein. For clarity and simplicity, the elements shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For clarity, the dimensions of some elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements. It will be appreciated that, for simplicity and clarity, reference numerals may be repeated in the figures to indicate corresponding or similar elements or steps, where deemed appropriate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] For databases that store a large amount of data, the query system must be efficient in order to provide a large number of search results that meet different search criteria for the user's query. The system and method disclosed herein enable users to establish queries by selecting the desired query criteria from multiple criteria. Taking a research publication database as an example, a user can establish a query by selecting "publication date", "author", "affiliated institution" and "keywords" from multiple available criteria. In addition, the user can also provide filtering data for each selected query condition. For example, the user can provide "January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021" as filtering data for the "publication date" condition. The disclosed system and method can present the generated search results to the user in the form of a dashboard display, including a generated search result matrix. The search result matrix can be arranged according to the number of matching conditions in the selected query conditions in each search result. This can improve the efficiency of the query system in displaying search results to the user (for example, compared to displaying search results in a list without explicitly displaying the number of matching conditions for each search result).

[0066] The disclosed systems and methods can also dynamically match users based on user-provided search query data, thereby improving the efficiency of the query system. In the example of a trading opportunity database, users with trading opportunities for sale can be presented with user-provided search query data and dynamically matched with users searching for trading opportunities to buy.

[0067] The dynamic matching process can be a continuous process that continuously updates the generated matching results based on any changes to the query data provided by the user and / or the data stored in the database. This can improve the efficiency of the query system compared to a passive search process (where the query system only generates search results when a query is received, without using the query data to generate matching results).

[0068] See first Figure 1 , Figure 1 An example block diagram 100 is shown of a visual query matching system 110 that communicates with a plurality of user devices 120a-120c (also collectively or generally referred to as user devices 120) via a network 130. In some embodiments, the visual query matching system 110 may also communicate with an external data store 140 via the network 130.

[0069] Visual query matching system 110 includes a system processor 112, a system data storage 114, and a system communication interface 116. Visual query matching system 110 may be implemented using one or more computer servers distributed across a wide geographic area and connected via a network 130. System processor 112, system data storage 114, and system communication interface 116 may be combined into fewer components or separated into more components. System processor 112, system data storage 114, and system communication interface 116 may be implemented using software, hardware, or a combination of both.

[0070] The system processor 112 may be implemented using any suitable processor, controller, digital signal processor, graphics processing unit, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and / or field-programmable gate array (FPGA) that provides sufficient processing power for the configuration, purpose, and requirements of the visual query matching system 110 discussed herein. The system processor 112 may include more than one processor, each of which may be configured to perform different dedicated tasks.

[0071] System communication interface 116 may include any interface that enables visual query matching system 110 to communicate with various computing devices and other systems. In some embodiments, system communication interface 116 may include at least one of a serial port, a parallel port, or a USB port. For example, system communication interface 116 may receive data from or transmit data to user device 120 and / or external data storage 140. System communication interface 116 may include one or more of the following: the Internet, a local area network (LAN), Ethernet, FireWire, a modem, or a digital subscriber line connection.

[0072] System data storage 114 may include RAM, ROM, one or more hard drives, one or more flash drives, or some other suitable data storage element, such as a disk drive. For example, system data storage 114 may include memory for storing programs and an operating system used by visual query matching system 110. System data storage 114 may include one or more databases for storing, but is not limited to, information related to queries associated with users of visual query matching system 110, metadata associated with the users, and object data associated with the users. This information may be stored in a single database or distributed across multiple databases.

[0073] External data storage 140 can store data similar to and / or different from that of system data storage 114. External data storage 140 can be used as a backup data storage and / or for storing larger files that can be retrieved or accessed directly via network 130. For example, external data storage 140 can be a network attached storage (NAS) or cloud storage. Visual query matching system 110 and / or user device 120 can access data stored in external data storage 140 via network 130.

[0074] User device 120 may include any networked device operatively connected to network 130. A networked device is a device capable of communicating with other devices over a network, such as network 130. A networked device may connect to network 130 via a wired or wireless connection.

[0075] The user device 120 can receive input from the user and communicate with the visual query matching system 110 and / or the external data storage 140 via the network 130. The user device 120 can include at least a processor, a communication interface, and a data storage. The user device 120 can be an electronic tablet device, a personal computer, a workstation, a laptop, a mobile device, a personal digital assistant, a laptop, a smartphone, a portable electronic device, or any combination thereof. Figure 1 Only three user devices 120a-120c are shown, but four or more user devices 120 may be used with Figure 1 Communicates with other components shown in .

[0076] The network 130 may include any network capable of transmitting data, including the Internet, Ethernet, plain old telephone service (POTS) lines, public switched telephone network (PSTN), integrated services digital network (ISDN), digital subscriber line (DSL), coaxial cable, optical fiber, satellite, mobile, wireless (such as WiFi, WiMAX), SS7 signaling network, fixed line, local area network, wide area network and other networks, including any combination of the above, and can be connected to the visual query matching system 110, user device 120 and external data storage 140 and realize communication therebetween.

[0077] See Figure 2 ,The flowchart in the figure illustrates the steps of a visual query matching method, generally indicated at 200. The method 200 may be performed by, for example Figure 1 To illustrate the steps of the method, reference will be made to the block diagram 100 and the Figures 3 to 6 , Figures 3 to 6 Various example screenshots of a user interface provided on user device 120 are shown.

[0078] Method 200 may be executed at different times. For example, method 200 may be executed continuously by visual query matching system 110. In other examples, method 200 may be executed according to a schedule stored in system data storage 114. In some embodiments, method 200 may be executed in response to input received from an administrator or user of visual query matching system 110.

[0079] At 210, the visual query matching system 110 may store first query data, the first query data including queries related to a first set of users. Each query may include a selected condition from a plurality of available query conditions and filter data for the query condition. The first set of users may include any provider of goods, services, and / or information.

[0080] As a first example, the visual query matching system 110 may include a business opportunity database that stores opportunity data related to buying and selling for a company or business organization. A first set of users may include sellers of business opportunities.

[0081] For example, the trading opportunity database may be stored in the system data storage 114 or the external data storage 140. The database may include object data for a plurality of objects. Each object may be associated with a trading opportunity and a seller of the trading opportunity. The stored object data may correspond to a plurality of conditions for the object. For example, the plurality of conditions may include ten conditions, including "industry", "country", "revenue", "seller type", "buyer type", "customer type", "years in business", "FTE count", "equity offered", and "reason for sale". In another example, the plurality of conditions may include fewer than or more than ten conditions. The number of conditions is not limiting. The stored object data may include a value for each of the plurality of conditions for each of the plurality of objects.

[0082] The visual query matching system 110 may receive one or more queries from a first set of users (e.g., sellers of trading opportunities). For example, the query may be about finding a buyer for selling a trading opportunity. Each query may include filtering data for multiple conditions and selecting one or more conditions from the multiple conditions. For example, Figure 3 An example screenshot of a user interface provided on a user device 120 is shown, which displays two queries 310a and 310b associated with a user. Queries 310a and 310b include selecting five conditions 320a-320e from ten available conditions. In other examples, a query may include selecting fewer or more than five conditions. Each query 310 may include filtering data for the selected conditions. For example, query 310b may include filtering data 330a-330e for the selected conditions 320a-320e, respectively.

[0083] As another example, the visual query matching system 110 may include a database of research publications, and the first user set may include authors of the research publications. For example, the database may be stored in the system data storage 114 or the external data storage 140. The database may include object data for multiple objects. Each object may be associated with a research publication and a user in the first user set (in this case, the author). The stored object data may correspond to multiple conditions of the object. For example, the multiple conditions may include "title", "author", "publication date", "affiliation", "keywords", "citations", etc. The user may provide one or more queries, for example, to query other research publications in the same research field. The query may include selecting one or more conditions from the multiple conditions, as well as filtering data including the query conditions. For example, the user may be interested in research publications in 2021 that contain the keyword "nanotechnology". Therefore, the query may include the selected conditions of "publication date" and "keywords", including corresponding filtering data for "January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021" and "nanotechnology", respectively.

[0084] At 220 , the visual query matching system 110 may store second query data including metadata and queries related to the second set of users. Each query may include a selected condition from a plurality of available query conditions and filter data including the query condition.

[0085] The second user set may include purchasers of any goods, services, and / or information. Referring first to the example of the visual query matching system 110 including a transaction opportunity database described above, the second user set may include buyers of transaction opportunities.

[0086] The visual query matching system 110 may receive one or more queries from users of the second user set (e.g., buyers of trading opportunities). For example, the query content may be about trading opportunities for sale. Each query may include filtering data for multiple conditions related to the trading opportunity (e.g., the ten conditions described above), and selecting one or more conditions from the multiple conditions. For example, Figure 4 An example screenshot of a user interface provided on user device 120 is shown, which displays two queries 410a and 410b associated with a user. Queries 410a and 410b include selecting five conditions 420a-420e from ten available conditions. Each query 410 may include filtering data for the selected conditions. For example, query 410b may include filtering data 430a-430e for the selected conditions 420a-420e, respectively. The second query data may also include metadata associated with the second set of users. For example, the second query data may include inactivity time associated with each buyer in the second set of users.

[0087] Next, referring to the example of the visual query matching system 110 described above, the system includes a research publication database, and the second user set may include readers of the research publications. The readers may provide one or more queries, such as searching for research publications of interest. The query may include selecting one or more conditions from a plurality of conditions, as well as filtering data including the query conditions. For example, the reader may be interested in research publications published by an author named "Jane Doe" and including the keyword "nanotechnology." Therefore, the query may include selecting the conditions "author" and "keyword," including corresponding filtering data for "Jane Doe" and "nanotechnology," respectively.

[0088] At 230 , the visual query matching system 110 may determine matching users of the first user in the first user set from the second user set by comparing the first filtering data of the selected condition of the first query associated with the first user with the metadata and the second filtering data included in the second query data. The matching users are from the second user set.

[0089] Referring to the example of a visual query matching system 110 including a trading opportunity database described above, Table 1 provides an example scenario for query 1, where query 1 is associated with the first user (seller) in the first user set, and queries 2 and 3 are associated with users (buyers) in the second user set. Each of queries 1-3 may include filter data for selecting five conditions from a plurality of available conditions. In this example scenario, the visual query matching system may determine the number of matching conditions between queries 1 and 2 to be 5 / 5, and the number of matching conditions between queries 1 and 3 to be 3 / 5. In certain embodiments, if a match exists for any of the filter data provided for a condition, the visual query matching system 110 may designate that condition as a matching condition. Condition 2 may be designated as a matching condition between queries 1 and 2 because at least one filter data ("investment bank") matches. In this example scenario, queries 1 and 3 may have 3 / 5 matching conditions because there is no matching filter data between the queries for condition 2 and condition 4. The visual query matching system 110 may determine the buyers corresponding to queries 2 and 3 as matching users for the seller corresponding to query 1 because they both contain at least one matching condition. If there is no matching condition between the query corresponding to the buyer and the query 1 corresponding to the seller, the buyer will not be determined as a matching user.

[0090] Table 1 - Examples of queries provided by the first user in the first user set and users in the second user set

[0091]

[0092]

[0093] In some embodiments, the query condition filter data may include keywords. If two queries contain matching keywords, the visual query matching system 110 may determine a matching condition between the two queries. In some embodiments, at least one condition used to determine matching users includes a "buyer type" condition.

[0094] In some embodiments, the second query data may include metadata associated with users in the second user set. The metadata may be stored in a device such as system data storage 114. The metadata may include, for example, inactivity time associated with each user. For example, the inactivity time may correspond to the last time the user logged into the visual query matching system 110. In some embodiments, users whose inactivity time exceeds a threshold time setting may not be displayed as matching users. The threshold time setting may be, for example, 180 days. In other examples, the threshold time setting may be greater or less than 180 days. The threshold time setting may be a global setting for the entire visual query matching system 110. In some embodiments, the visual query matching system 110 may allow a specific user to modify the threshold time setting to customize the matching users displayed to that user.

[0095] At 240 , the visual query matching system 110 may provide a dashboard display to the first user, which includes a matrix of matching users. The matrix may be arranged by the number of matching conditions among the selected conditions of the first query of each matching user.

[0096] Now please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 Shown is an example screenshot of a dashboard display 500 provided to a first user on a user device 120. Referring to the example of the visual query matching system 110 including a database of trading opportunities, the first user may be a seller of a trading opportunity. The database of trading opportunities may include a plurality of queries 510a-510c associated with the first user. The visual query matching system 110 may determine (e.g., at step 230 of method 200) a matching user from the second set of users for each query 510a-510c.

[0097] Dashboard display 500 may include a matrix of matching users displayed in a tabular format. Each row 520a-520c may display the matching users corresponding to each query 510a-510c, respectively. The number of columns in the table may correspond to the number of selected conditions for queries 510a-510c. Matching users may be displayed in columns corresponding to the number of matching conditions in the selected conditions for that query. For the example described with reference to Table 1 above, if query 510c corresponds to query 1, matching users corresponding to query 2 may be displayed in cell 540a (5 / 5 matching conditions), and matching users corresponding to query 3 may be displayed in cell 540b.

[0098] In some embodiments, the matrix of matched users can be interactive. For example, the visual query matching system 110 can receive user input from the first user to drill down to the matched users for any cell (e.g., cell 540a) and request all matched users corresponding to that cell (e.g., matched users corresponding to 5 / 5 matching conditions of query 510c for cell 540a). The visual query matching system 110 can also receive further user input from the first user to request detailed information about the matched users.

[0099] In some embodiments, the visual query matching system 110 may provide a communication interface for the first user to communicate with matching users of interest. The visual query matching system 110 may also include a user status (e.g., subscription status) associated with each user. The user status may be stored in the system data storage 114. In some embodiments, the visual query matching system 110 may only provide a communication interface to users in the active user status.

[0100] In some embodiments, the visual query matching system 110 may determine whether the matching users are different based on detected changes in one or more of the first query data and the second query data. For example, the visual query matching system 110 may determine that the first query data corresponding to a change in the filter data of one of the selected conditions has changed. This change in the filter data may cause the matching users determined in step 230 of method 200 to change. After determining that the matching users are different, the visual query matching system 110 may update the dashboard display 500 to indicate that the matching users have changed. For example, the number of matching users in cell 540b may change from "2" to "3."

[0101] As another example, visual query matching system 110 may determine that a change has occurred in the second query data corresponding to the removal of a user from the second set of users. If the removed user is one of the matching users identified in step 230, visual query matching system 110 may update dashboard display 500 to indicate that a change has occurred in the matching users. For example, the number of matching users in cell 540b may be changed from "2" to "1," and / or an annotation may be added to visually indicate the change.

[0102] As another example, if a new user is added to the second set of users, the corresponding second set of query data may change. In response, the visual query matching system 110 may update the stored second query data with the new metadata and new queries associated with the new user (at step 220 of method 200). If the new user is included in the matching users determined at step 230, the visual query matching system 110 may update the dashboard display 500 to indicate that the matching users have changed by displaying a new user indicator on the dashboard display, indicating that the matching users include a new matching user (not previously viewed by the first user). In some embodiments, the new user indicator may include, but is not limited to, an annotation in the corresponding matrix cell, such as a colored annotation. For example, if the matching users in cell 540b include a new user, the number of matching users may be changed from "2" to "3," and a red dot annotation may be added to cell 540b to indicate the new matching user. The visual query matching system 110 may receive a request from the first user to view the new user's details by interacting with the dashboard display 500 as described herein. In some embodiments, the visual query matching system 110 may delete the annotation after the first user views the new user's details.

[0103] In some embodiments, the visual query matching system 110 may determine matching queries in queries associated with the second set of users by comparing object data of objects associated with the first user in the first set of users with second filter data of selected conditions of queries associated with the second set of users.

[0104] Referring to the example of the visual query matching system 110 described above, which includes a database of trading opportunities, the object data may include data for multiple conditions for each trading opportunity associated with a seller. A seller may be associated with multiple trading opportunities. In the example scenario where each trading opportunity includes ten conditions, the object data may include data for all ten conditions for each trading opportunity. It should be understood that any number of conditions may apply.

[0105] In some embodiments, the object data may include the creation time of each object, and the visual query matching system 110 may exclude objects older than a threshold time during the matching process. For example, the threshold time may be 90 days, and the visual query matching system 110 may exclude any transaction opportunities older than 90 days during the matching process.

[0106] The visual query matching system 110 can determine matching queries by comparing the filter data of the selected conditions (e.g., five conditions can be selected from ten conditions) of each query with the object data of the corresponding conditions of the object. The comparison and number of matching conditions can be determined as described above to determine matching users.

[0107] The visual query matching system 110 may provide a dashboard display to the first user, which includes a matrix of matching queries. The matrix may be arranged by the number of matching conditions among the selected conditions of the matching query.

[0108] Now please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 Shown is an example screenshot of a dashboard display 600 provided to a first user on a user device 120. Referring to the example of the visual query matching system 110 including a trading opportunity database, the first user may be a seller of a trading opportunity. The trading opportunity database may include multiple objects (e.g., 610a, 610b) associated with the first seller. For each object 610, the visual query matching system 110 may determine matching queries related to a second set of users (e.g., buyers).

[0109] Dashboard display 600 may include a matrix of matching queries displayed in a table format. Each row (e.g., 620a, 620b) may display matching queries corresponding to each object (e.g., 610a, 610b). The number of columns in the table may correspond to the number of selected conditions for the matching queries. The matching queries may be displayed in columns of the table, with the columns of the table being arranged according to the number of matching conditions in the selected conditions for the matching queries. For example, cell 640a represents two matching queries for which the object in row 620b has 4 / 5 matching conditions. Cell 640b represents three matching queries for which the object in row 620b has 3 / 5 matching conditions.

[0110] In some embodiments, the matrix of matching users can be interactive. For example, the visual query matching system 110 can receive user input from a first user requesting to drill down into any cell of a matching query (e.g., cell 640a) and view all matching users corresponding to that cell (e.g., for cell 640a, the matching buyers corresponding to the two matching queries). The visual query matching system 110 can receive further user input requesting to view detailed information about the matching users.

[0111] In some embodiments, the visual query matching system 110 may determine whether the matching query is different based on detected changes in one or more of the first query data, the second query data, and the object data. For example, the first query data may change, corresponding to a change in the filter data for one of the selected conditions. The change in the filter data may result in a change in the matching query. In response to the matching query being different, the visual query matching system 110 may update the dashboard display 600 to indicate that the matching query has changed. For example, the number of matching queries in cell 640b may change from "3" to "4."

[0112] As another example, if a new user is added to the second group of users, the corresponding second group of query data may change. In response, the visual query matching system 110 may update the stored second query data with the new metadata and the new query associated with the new user. If the matching queries include queries associated with the new user, the visual query matching system 110 may update the dashboard display 600 to indicate that the matching queries have changed by displaying a new user indicator on the dashboard display to indicate that the matching queries include queries corresponding to the new user (which the first user has not previously viewed). In some embodiments, the new user indicator may include an annotation in the corresponding matrix cell. The first user can view the new user's detailed information by interacting with the dashboard display 600. In some embodiments, the visual query matching system 110 may delete the annotation after the first user views the new user's detailed information.

[0113] In some embodiments, the second query data may include multiple queries associated with a single user of one or more users in the second user set, with any one of the multiple queries being designated as a primary query for each user in the second user set. For example, the second user set may include multiple buyers, and the second query data may include multiple queries associated with the single buyer. At least one of the multiple queries associated with the single buyer may be designated as the primary query for that buyer. When executing process 200, the visual query matching system 110 may determine matching users for the first user in the first user set by comparing the first filter data for the selected conditions of the first query associated with the first user with the metadata of each user in the second user set and the second filter data for the primary query, wherein the matching users are from the second user set. When determining matching users, the visual query matching system 110 may not perform a comparison with the second filter data of non-primary queries.

[0114] See also Figure 7 ,The flow in the figure illustrates the steps of the visual query matching method, generally denoted as 700. ,The method 700 may be performed by, for example Figure 1 To illustrate the steps of the method, reference will be made to the block diagram 100 and the Figure 4 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 ,in Figure 4 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 Various example screenshots of a user interface provided on user device 120 are illustrated.

[0115] Method 700 may be executed at different times. For example, method 700 may be executed continuously by visual query matching system 110. In other examples, method 700 may be executed according to a schedule stored in system data storage 114. In some embodiments, method 700 may be executed in response to input received from an administrator or user of visual query matching system 110.

[0116] At 710, the visual query matching system 110 may store object data corresponding to multiple query conditions for multiple objects, where each of the multiple objects is associated with a user in a first user set. The first user set may include any provider of goods, services, and / or information. In some embodiments, multiple objects may be associated with a single user in the first user set.

[0117] As a first example, the visual query matching system 110 may include a business opportunity database that stores opportunity data related to buying and selling for a company or business organization. A first set of users may include sellers of business opportunities.

[0118] For example, the trading opportunity database may be stored in the system data storage 114 or the external data storage 140. The database may include object data for a plurality of objects. Each object may be associated with a trading opportunity and a seller of the trading opportunity. The stored object data may correspond to a plurality of conditions for the object. The plurality of conditions may be based on attributes associated with the plurality of objects. For example, the plurality of conditions may include ten conditions, including "industry", "country", "revenue", "seller type", "buyer type", "customer type", "years in business", "FTE count", "equity offered", and "reason for sale". In another example, the plurality of conditions may include fewer than or more than ten conditions. The stored object data may include a value for each of the plurality of conditions for each of the plurality of objects.

[0119] At 720 , the visual query matching system 110 may store second query data including metadata and queries related to the second set of users. Each query may include a selected condition from a plurality of available query conditions and filter data including the query condition.

[0120] The second user set may include purchasers of any goods, services, and / or information. Referring to the example of the visual query matching system 110 including a transaction opportunity database described above, the second user set may include buyers of transaction opportunities.

[0121] The visual query matching system 110 may receive one or more queries from a second set of users (e.g., buyers of trading opportunities). The query content may be about trading opportunities for sale. Figure 4As described above, each query may include screening data of a plurality of conditions related to the transaction opportunity (eg, the ten conditions described above), and one or more conditions selected from the plurality of conditions.

[0122] At 730, the visual query matching system 110 may determine matching objects for the first user in the second user set by comparing the first filter data for the selected conditions of the first query associated with the first user with the object data of the plurality of objects. Referring to the above example of the visual query matching system 110 including a transaction opportunity database, the visual query matching system 110 may determine matching objects by comparing the filter data for the selected conditions of the first query associated with the first buyer with the object data for the corresponding conditions of each of the plurality of objects.

[0123] At 740 , the visual query matching system 110 may provide a dashboard display to the first user, including a matrix of matching objects. The matrix may be arranged according to the number of matching conditions in the selected conditions of the first query for each matching object.

[0124] Now please refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8 Shown is an example screenshot of a dashboard display 800 provided to a first user on a user device 120. Referring to the example of the visual query matching system 110 including a database of trading opportunities, the first user may be a buyer of a trading opportunity. The database of trading opportunities may include multiple queries (e.g., 810a, 810b) associated with the buyer. The visual query matching system 110 may determine (e.g., at step 730 of method 700) matching objects from the multiple objects for each query 810.

[0125] The dashboard display 800 may include a matrix of matching objects displayed in a table format. Each row (e.g., 820a and 820b) may display matching objects corresponding to each query 810. The number of columns in the table may correspond to the number of selected conditions for the query 810. Matching objects may be displayed in columns 830a-830e corresponding to the number of matching conditions in the selected conditions for the query.

[0126] In some embodiments, the matrix of matching users can be interactive. For example, the visual query matching system 110 can receive user input from the first user to drill down to the matching objects of any cell (e.g., cell 840a or 840b) and request all matching objects corresponding to that cell (e.g., for cell 840a, matching objects corresponding to 3 / 5 matching conditions of query 810b). The visual query matching system 110 can also receive further user input from the first user to request to view detailed information about the matching objects.

[0127] In some embodiments, the visual query matching system 110 may provide a communication interface for the first user to communicate with users associated with the matching object. The visual query matching system 110 may also include a user status (e.g., subscription status) associated with each user. The user status may be stored in the system data storage 114. In some embodiments, the visual query matching system 110 may only provide the communication interface to users in the active user status.

[0128] In some embodiments, the visual query matching system 110 may determine whether the matching objects are different based on detected changes in one or more of the second query data and the object data. For example, the second query data may change, corresponding to a change in the filter data for one of the selected conditions. This change in the filter data may cause the matching objects determined in step 730 of method 700 to change. Upon determining that the matching objects are different, the visual query matching system 110 may update the dashboard display 800 to indicate that the matching objects have changed. For example, the number of matching objects in cell 840b may change from "6" to "7."

[0129] As another example, visual query matching system 110 may determine that object data has changed in response to the deletion of an object from a plurality of objects. If the deleted object is one of the matching objects determined in step 730, visual query matching system 110 may update dashboard display 800 to indicate that the matching objects have changed. For example, the number of matching objects in cell 840b may be changed from "6" to "5," and / or an annotation may be added to visually indicate the change.

[0130] As another example, a user may be deleted from the first set of users. If one or more objects are associated with the deleted user, a change in object data may appear in the object data, corresponding to the deletion of the one or more objects associated with the deleted user. If the deleted one or more objects include matching objects determined in step 730, the visual query matching system 110 may update the dashboard display 800 to indicate that a change has occurred to the matching users. For example, if the matching objects displayed in cell 840b include three objects associated with the deleted user, the number of matching objects in cell 840b may be changed from "6" to "3" and / or an annotation may be added to visually indicate the change that has occurred.

[0131] As another example, when a new object is added to multiple objects, the corresponding object data may change. In response, the visual query matching system 110 may update the stored second object data with new data related to the new object.

[0132] If the new object is included in the matching objects determined in step 730, the visual query matching system 110 may update the dashboard display 800 to indicate that the matching objects have changed by displaying a new user indicator on the dashboard display to indicate that the matching objects include the new matching object (which the first user has not previously viewed). In some embodiments, the new object indicator may be an annotation in the corresponding matrix cell. For example, if the matching objects in cell 840a include the new object, the number of matching objects may be changed from "5" to "6", and a red dot annotation 850 may be included in cell 840a to indicate the new matching object. As described above, the first user can view the details of the new object by interacting with the dashboard display 800. In some embodiments, the visual query matching system 110 may delete the annotation 850 after the first user views the details of the new object.

[0133] In some embodiments, the object data may include the creation time of each object, and the visual query matching system 110 may exclude objects older than a threshold time during the matching process. For example, the threshold time may be 90 days, and the visual query matching system 110 may exclude any transaction opportunities older than 90 days during the matching process.

[0134] In some embodiments, the visual query matching system 110 can determine an expiration time for each object. For example, the visual query matching system 110 can use the current time and the creation time of the given object to determine the expiration time of the given object. The visual query matching system 110 can provide a dashboard display in which the object matrix includes an arrangement based on the time parameter.

[0135] Now please refer to Figure 9 , Figure 9 Shown is an example screenshot of an example dashboard display 900 provided to a first user on user device 120. Dashboard display 900 may include a matrix of matching objects displayed in a table format. Each row (e.g., 910a and 910b) may display matching objects in the table, with the rows in the table organized by expiration time. The number of columns in the table may correspond to the number of selected conditions in the query. Matching objects may be displayed in columns 920a-920e, corresponding to the number of matching conditions in the selected conditions of the query.

[0136] In some embodiments, the matrix of matching users can be interactive. For example, the visual query matching system 110 can receive user input from the first user requesting to drill down to the matching objects in any cell (e.g., cell 940a or 940b) and view all matching objects corresponding to that cell (e.g., for cell 940a, matching objects that meet 3 / 5 matching conditions and have an expiration time of 21 to 30 days). The visual query matching system 110 can also receive further user input from the first user requesting to view detailed information about the matching objects.

[0137] It will be appreciated that numerous specific details are set forth herein in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, this description and the accompanying drawings should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein in any way, but rather as merely describing the implementation of the various embodiments described herein.

[0138] The embodiments of the systems and methods described herein may be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of both. However, these embodiments are preferably implemented in a computer program executed on a programmable computer, each of which includes at least one processor (such as a microprocessor), a data storage system (including volatile and non-volatile memory and / or storage elements), at least one input device, and at least one output device. For example, a programmable computer (referred to herein as a computing device) may be a personal computer, a laptop computer, a personal data assistant, a mobile phone, a smartphone device, a tablet computer, and / or a wireless device, but is not limited thereto. Program code is applied to input data to perform the functions described herein and generate output information. The output information is applied to one or more output devices in a known manner.

[0139] Each program is preferably implemented in a high-level programming language or an object-oriented programming language and / or a scripting language to communicate with the computer system. However, if necessary, the program can also be implemented in assembly language or machine language. In any case, the language can be a compiled language or an interpreted language. Each such computer program is preferably stored on a storage medium or device (such as a ROM or disk) that can be read by a general or special programmable computer so that the computer is configured and operated when the computer reads the storage medium or device to execute the program described herein. The present system can also be implemented in the form of a computer-readable storage medium configured with a computer program, wherein the storage medium configured in this way can cause the computer to operate in a specific and predefined manner to perform the functions described herein.

[0140] Furthermore, the systems, processes, and methods described in the embodiments may also be implemented in a computer program product comprising a computer-readable medium carrying computer-usable instructions for one or more processors. The medium may be provided in a variety of forms, including one or more floppy disks, optical disks, magnetic tape, chips, wired transmission, satellite transmission, Internet transmission or download, magnetic and electronic storage media, digital and analog signals, and the like. The computer-usable instructions may also be in various forms, including compiled and non-compiled code.

[0141] Various modifications and variations may be made to these exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims. For example, the method steps according to any embodiment described herein may be performed in any order, regardless of whether the steps are described in the claims, the accompanying drawings, or in any sequential numbered or alphabetical order. Furthermore, in the various user interfaces shown in the figures, it will be understood that the user interface text and controls shown in the figures are provided by way of example only and are not intended to be limiting. Other suitable user interface elements may also be used.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented visual query matching method comprising: storing object data corresponding to a plurality of query conditions for a first object associated with a first user in a first set of users; storing second user query data, the second user query data comprising queries associated with a second set of users, wherein each query comprises a selected condition selected from a plurality of query conditions and second user filter data for the selected condition; determining, by the processor, matching queries among the queries associated with the second set of users by comparing the object data of the first object with the second user filter data of the selected criteria of the queries associated with the second set of users; as well as A dashboard display including a matrix of matching queries is provided to the first user by the processor, the matrix being organized according to the number of matching conditions among selected conditions of the matching queries.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second user query data further comprises metadata associated with the second set of users, and the method further comprises: storing first user query data, the first user query data comprising queries associated with a first set of users, wherein each query comprises a selected condition selected from a plurality of query conditions and first user filter data for the selected condition; as well as The processor determines matching users for the first user from the second set of users by comparing first user filtering data for selected criteria of a first query associated with the first user with metadata and second user filtering data included in second user query data.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: the second user query data includes a plurality of queries associated with a single user of the one or more users in the second set of users, wherein any one of the plurality of queries is designated as a primary query for each user in the second set of users; as well as The processor determines matching users for the first user in the first user set by comparing the first user filter data for the selected criteria of the first query associated with the first user with metadata of the main query of each user in the second user set and the second user filter data, the matching users being from the second user set.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: In response to detecting a change in one or more of the second user query data and the object data, determining, by the processor, whether the matching query is different; as well as In response to determining that the matching query is different, the operations processor updates the dashboard display to indicate that the matching query has changed.

5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the change in one or more of the second user query data and the object data comprises a new user added to the second set of users, and the method further comprises: updating the second user query data with one or more new metadata associated with the new user and the new query; as well as The operational processor updates the dashboard display to indicate that the matching queries have changed, including displaying a new user indication signal on the dashboard display to indicate that the matching queries include a new matching query associated with a new user. 6 . The method according to claim 2 , further comprising providing, by the processor, a communication interface between the first user and any matching user in the second set of users based on the user status of the first user.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the dashboard display provided to the first user comprises a matrix of matching queries displayed in a table, wherein each row of the table corresponds to an object associated with the first user and the number of columns of the table corresponds to the number of selected conditions that match the query.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the matching queries are displayed in columns of a table, the columns of the table being arranged according to the number of matching conditions among the selected conditions of the matching queries.

9. A system for visual query matching, the system comprising: A storage unit, wherein the storage unit is configured as: storing object data corresponding to a plurality of query conditions for a first object associated with a first user in a first set of users; as well as storing second user query data, the second user query data comprising queries associated with the second set of users, wherein each query comprises a selected condition selected from a plurality of query conditions and second user filter data for the selected condition; and A processor, wherein the processor is configured to: determining, by the processor, matching queries among the queries associated with the second set of users by comparing the object data of the first object with the second user filter data of the selected criteria of the queries associated with the second set of users; as well as A dashboard display including a matrix of matching queries is provided to the first user by the processor, the matrix being organized according to the number of matching conditions among selected conditions of the matching queries.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the second user query data further comprises metadata associated with the second set of users; The storage unit is further configured to store first user query data including queries associated with the first set of users, wherein each query includes a selected condition selected from a plurality of query conditions and first user filtering data for the selected condition; and The processor is further configured to: Matching users of the first user in the first set of users are determined by comparing first user filtering data of selected criteria of a first query associated with the first user with metadata and second user filtering data included in second user query data, the matching users being from the second set of users.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein: the second user query data includes a plurality of queries associated with a single user of the one or more users in the second set of users, wherein any one of the plurality of queries is designated as a primary query for each user in the second set of users; as well as The processor is configured to determine matching users for the first user in the first user set by comparing first user filter data for selected criteria of a first query associated with the first user with metadata of each user in the second user set and second user filter data for the main query, the matching users being from the second user set.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the processor is further configured to: In response to detecting a change in one or more of the second user query data and the object data, determining whether the matching query is different; and In response to determining that the matching query is different, the dashboard display is updated to indicate that the matching query has changed.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the change in one or more of the second user query data and the object data comprises a new user added to the second set of users, wherein the storage unit is further configured to store updated second user query data, the updated second user query data comprising one or more new metadata and a new query associated with the new user; and The processor is configured to update the dashboard display to indicate that the matching queries have changed, including displaying a new user indication signal on the dashboard display to indicate that the matching queries include a new matching query associated with a new user.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein the processor is further configured to provide a communication interface between the first user and any matching user in the set of second users based on the user status of the first user.

15. The system of claim 9, wherein the dashboard display provided to the first user comprises a matrix of matching queries displayed in a table, wherein each row of the table corresponds to an object associated with the first user and the number of columns of the table corresponds to the number of selected conditions that match the query.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the matching queries are displayed in columns of a table, the columns of the table being arranged according to the number of matching conditions among selected conditions of the matching queries.

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