Computer-implemented method, computing system, and non-transitory computer-readable medium

Abstract

A computer-implemented method, computing system, and non-transitory computer-readable medium. The method includes: monitoring, at a server, electronic communication over a network between a first matched individual at a first client device and a second matched individual at a second client device. The monitoring includes: observing an originator electronic communication contribution originating from the first client device and a recipient electronic communication contribution originating from the second client device; maintaining a total electronic communication count between the first client device and the second client device; and measuring an electronic communication duration period based on an initial originator electronic communication and a final electronic communication. Based on the monitored electronic communication, determining that a face-to-face meeting is ready for one or both of the first matched individual and the second matched individual. Providing a prompt to the first client device to initiate the face-to-face meeting.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an application with an application date of January 14, 2020, an application number of 202080009450.0, and an invention title of "Selectively Prompting Matched Individuals to Initiate In-Person Meetings". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention generally relates to social media dating applications deployed in a computer network. Background Art

[0003] Social media dating applications suggest matches between individuals. Once the suggested match is accepted, the matched individuals can use the dating application to communicate with each other electronically. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Generally, in one aspect, a computer-implemented method includes: monitoring, at a server, electronic communications over a network between a first matched individual at a first client device and a second matched individual at a second client device. The monitoring includes: observing an originating party electronic communication contribution originating from the first client device and a receiving party electronic communication contribution originating from the second client device, maintaining a total electronic communication count between the first client device and the second client device, and measuring an electronic communication duration based on an initial originating party electronic communication and a final electronic communication. Based on the monitored electronic communications, determining that one or both of the first matched individual and the second matched individual are ready for an in-person meeting. Providing a first prompt to the first client device to initiate the in-person meeting.

[0005] Generally, in one aspect, a system includes one or more processors coupled to a memory, the one or more processors being configured to monitor electronic communications over a network between a first matched individual at a first client device and a second matched individual at a second client device. The monitoring includes: observing an originating party electronic communication contribution originating from the first client device and a receiving party electronic communication contribution originating from the second client device, maintaining a total electronic communication count between the first client device and the second client device, and measuring an electronic communication duration based on an initial originating party electronic communication and a final electronic communication. Based on the monitored electronic communications, determining that one or both of the first matched individual and the second matched individual are ready for an in-person meeting. Providing a first prompt to the first client device to initiate the in-person meeting.

[0006] Generally, in one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions that cause a computing system to monitor electronic communications over a network between a first matching individual at a first client device and a second matching individual at a second client device. The monitoring includes: observing an originator electronic communication contribution originating from the first client device and a recipient electronic communication contribution originating from the second client device, maintaining a total electronic communication count between the first client device and the second client device, and measuring an electronic communication duration based on an initial originator electronic communication and a final electronic communication. Based on the monitored electronic communications, it is determined that a face-to-face meeting is ready for one or both of the first matching individual and the second matching individual. A first prompt is provided to the first client device to initiate the face-to-face meeting.

[0007] Implementations of any of the aspects listed above may include one or a combination of two or more of the following features. A second prompt may be provided to the second client device to initiate the in-person meeting. The second prompt may be provided to the second client device in response to the first client device accepting the first prompt to initiate the in-person meeting. A corresponding in-person meeting schedule prompt may be provided to each of the first client device and the second client device in response to the first client device accepting the first prompt to initiate the in-person meeting and the second client device accepting the second prompt to initiate the in-person meeting. Determining that one or both of the first matching individual and the second matching individual are ready for the in-person meeting may include: determining that a communication ratio between the initiating party electronic communication contribution and the receiving party electronic communication contribution meets a metric. Determining that one or both of the first matching individual and the second matching individual are ready for the in-person meeting may include: determining that the total electronic communication count exceeds a minimum electronic communication count. Determining that one or both of the first matching individual and the second matching individual are ready for the in-person meeting may include: determining that the electronic communication duration period exceeds a minimum electronic communication duration period. Monitoring may include: observing the content in the electronic communication between the first matching individual and the second matching individual, and wherein determining that one or both of the first matching individual and the second matching individual are ready for the in-person meeting includes: determining that the content includes one or more keywords. The one or more keywords may include the phone number or social media profile of the first matching individual or the second matching individual. The geographical locations of the first matching individual at the first client device and the second matching individual at the second client device may be obtained, and determining that one or both of the first matching individual and the second matching individual are ready for the in-person meeting may include: determining that the geographical location of the first matching individual is within a predefined distance of the geographical location of the second matching individual during a specific time interval. Monitoring of the electronic communication may be automatically stopped in response to providing the first prompt to the first client device.

[0008] The methods described herein can have one or more of the following advantages. In some implementations, the techniques described herein can determine whether individuals are ready for an in-person meeting based on information collected, for example, from monitoring electronic communications between matched individuals. In this way, informed decisions can be made regarding the potential interest in an in-person meeting for one or both of the matched individuals, which can enhance the individuals' experience with the dating application and improve the dating application itself. In some implementations, adaptive monitoring techniques can be employed that can reduce the computational, network, and storage resources consumed by monitoring operations while maintaining the ability to accurately identify whether a matched individual is ready for an in-person meeting. If it is determined that a matched individual is ready for an in-person meeting, the techniques described herein can provide a prompt to the individual to initiate and schedule an in-person meeting. This allows the matched individuals to make a more confident decision to meet, thereby improving their experience with the dating application. Additionally, by selectively encouraging in-person meetings in appropriate circumstances, the dating application can bring individuals together in person, which can reduce the amount of electronic communication between matched individuals. These and other aspects of the technique can reduce processor cycles, memory usage, and power consumption at both the server and client devices implementing the dating application, and can reduce the amount of data transmitted over the network connecting the server and client devices.

[0009] These and other aspects, features, and implementations can be represented as methods, apparatus, systems, components, program products, business methods, means or steps for performing functions, and other ways, and will become apparent from the following description including the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 Shows a system.

[0011] Figure 2 and Figure 3 Shows a processing operation.

[0012] Figure 4 and Figure 5 Shows a user interface.

[0013] Like reference numerals in the various drawings indicate like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The technology described herein relates to selectively prompting matched individuals in a dating application to initiate an in-person meeting. In some implementations, the technology described herein can determine when one or both of the individuals are ready for an in-person meeting based on information collected from electronic communications between the matched individuals and other information. If it is determined that the matched individuals are ready for an in-person meeting, the technology described herein can provide a prompt to the individuals to initiate and schedule an in-person meeting. These and other aspects of the technology can improve the experience of individuals with the dating application and reduce the amount of electronic communication between matched individuals, which can reduce processor cycles, memory usage, and power consumption at both the server and client devices implementing the dating application, and can reduce the amount of data transmitted over the network connecting the server and client devices.

[0015] Typically, a user of a client device can create a personal profile to participate in a dating application, social network, etc. The user's personal profile can include a name, age, city, photo, resume, links to social media profiles on other networks, and a series of other fields that allow the user to describe his or her characteristics. Once the profile is completed, the user can start viewing the profiles of other users while their own profile is disseminated among the user population.

[0016] The user can receive the profiles of other users that meet predefined criteria, where the predefined criteria can be provided by the user. The user is able to browse the personal information added to the profile. The profiles can be provided to the user one by one, and the user can choose to view multiple pictures of each profile, expand the text, and click to access external information and profiles on other social networks. In order to determine mutual consent to connect two users, each viewed profile can be "selected". For example, after viewing the personal profile of another user, the viewing user can choose "yes" by interacting with a first user interface button (e.g., a heart button) or swiping the provided profile from the screen in a specific direction (e.g., to the right) (i.e., using their finger to click and drag the profile) if they want to connect with that particular user, or can choose "no" by interacting with a second user interface button (e.g., a cross button) or swiping in another direction (e.g., to the left) if they are not interested in connecting.

[0017] In some embodiments, once the user selects "yes" to another user's profile, the matching module can place the first user's profile in a queue of profiles to be viewed by the second user. Through this mechanism, the matching module can speed up the rate at which two users can view each other's profiles compared to a pure organization system in which profile selection occurs.

[0018] In some embodiments, when one user selects "Yes" but another user selects "No", no further connection is established between the two users, and their profiles may no longer be shown to each other (or they may be shown again based on changes within their profiles, location, search parameters, or due to the passage of time). When both users mutually select "Yes" for the profile of the other user, a connection (sometimes referred to as a "match") is established between the two accounts. In this way, the operation of the matching module can enable the intentions of individual users to be communicated to one or more other users within the social network.

[0019] Once a match is established, the matching module can provide a notification of the match to either of the two matched individuals to prompt contact with the other matched individual. In some embodiments, the matched users are directed to a messaging system within a dating application, for example, supported by a server, to contact the other matched individual. Once the users are within the messaging system, they can send messages back and forth to each other. In some embodiments, the messaging system can display elements of the user profiles to increase the identification of other users (e.g., name, age, photo, etc.).

[0020] The matching module can monitor messages between the matched users, such as by monitoring the originator of the message, the recipient of the message, or the content of the message. In some cases, the matching module can employ adaptive monitoring techniques to reduce the computational, network, and storage resources consumed by the monitoring operation. Based in part on information from the monitored messages, the matching module can determine that one or both of the matched users are ready for an in-person meeting. In response, the matching module can provide a prompt to the matched users to initiate and schedule an in-person meeting.

[0021] Figure 1A system 100 is shown for selectively prompting matched individuals to initiate an in-person meeting. The system 100 includes a set of client devices 102_1 to 102_N that communicate with a server 104 via a network 106, which can be any combination of a wired network and a wireless network. Each client device 102 includes a processor (e.g., a central processing unit) 110 that communicates with an input / output device 112 via a bus 114. The input / output device 112 can include a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch display, etc. A network interface circuit 116 is also connected to the bus 114 to provide a connection to the network 106. A memory 120 is also connected to the bus 114. The memory 120 stores instructions executed by the processor 110. In particular, the memory 120 stores a dating application 122 that communicates with the server 104 to coordinate introductions between individuals who have been identified as potential matches. Typically, each of the client devices 102_1 to 102_N is a mobile device (e.g., a smart phone, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, etc.) that executes the dating application 122. Different client devices 102_1 to 102_N are operated by different individuals who subscribe to the same dating application 122.

[0022] The server 104 includes a processor 130, a bus 132, an input / output device 134, and a network interface circuit 136 that provides a connection to the network 106. A memory 140 is connected to the bus 132. The memory 140 stores a matching module 142 having instructions executed by the processor 130 to implement the operations associated with Figure 2 and Figure 3 the operations disclosed.

[0023] Turning to Figure 2 , a flowchart showing the operation of the matching module 142 is presented. In some implementations, the matching module 142 can provide matches (200) to users of the dating application 122. More particularly, the matching module 142 can send a match notification to a first matched individual operating a first client device (e.g., client device 102_1) and prompt contact with a second matched individual operating a second client device (e.g., client device 102_2). The matching module 142 can use any number of criteria such as age, gender, geographic region, height, weight, or appearance to determine a first matched individual, for example, as a potential partner or friend suitable for a second matched individual. The matching module 142 can use any number of techniques including applied rules, collaborative filtering, machine learning, or a combination thereof to generate matches based on the criteria.

[0024] In some implementations, a match can be predicted based on the acceptance of one or both of the individuals. For example, the matching module 142 can send a notification of a potential match to the client device 102 operated by one or both of the individuals and prompt the individual to accept or reject the match. The individual can then accept the match by a first gesture (e.g., selecting a first user interface button or swiping left on the screen, etc.) or reject the match by a second gesture (e.g., selecting a second user interface button or swiping right on the screen, etc.).

[0025] After a match is provided, network communication (202) can be enabled between the individuals who are matched. For example, the dating application 122 can provide a messaging system supported by the server 104 that enables network communication between a first matched individual and a second matched individual in the form of text or multimedia messages.

[0026] Next, the communication between the matched individuals is monitored (204). For example, the matching module 142 of the server 104 can monitor the communication over the network 106 between a first matched individual operating a first client device (e.g., client device 102_1) and a second matched individual operating a second client device (e.g., client device 102_2). Monitoring can generally include observing any aspect, characteristic, or feature of the communication or its participants or both. For example, monitoring can include one or a combination of two or more of the following: observing the originating party electronic communication contribution originating from the first client device 102_1 and the receiving party electronic communication contribution originating from the second client device 102_2; maintaining a total electronic communication count between the first client device 102_1 and the second client device 102_2; measuring the electronic communication duration based on the initial originating communication and the final communication; and observing the content of the electronic communication, such as whether the communication includes one or more keywords or phrases, etc.

[0027] Since monitoring communications between matched individuals can consume significant resources at server 104, on network 106, and at other components in system 100, in some implementations, matching module 142 can employ adaptive monitoring techniques. For example, matching module 142 can employ limited monitoring operations, such as by not monitoring the content of electronic communications until a triggering event occurs, such as when the respective matched individuals initiate an electronic communication. Once a triggering event occurs, matching module 142 can automatically begin full monitoring operations to collect data for determining whether the matched individuals are ready for an in-person meeting. In some cases, once it is determined that the matched individuals are ready for an in-person meeting and an in-person meeting prompt is provided, matching module 142 can stop monitoring communications between the matched individuals. In some cases, such as when the matched individuals accept or schedule an in-person meeting, even if the matched individuals continue a conversation in dating application 122, matching module 142 can automatically stop monitoring communications between those individuals. In some cases, if one or both of the matched individuals do not accept the in-person meeting prompt or fail to schedule an in-person meeting, matching module 142 can automatically re-initiate full or limited monitoring. By adaptively monitoring electronic communications between matched individuals, among other advantages, the matching module can reduce the processor cycles, memory, storage space, and power consumed by monitoring operations at server 104, and can reduce the amount of data transmitted over network 106.

[0028] Based on the monitored communications, determine whether the matched individuals are ready for an in-person meeting (206). For example, matching module 142 can process data obtained from monitoring communications between the matched individuals, as well as other data, to generate one or more criteria for determining whether the matched individuals are potentially interested in an in-person meeting. By detecting whether the matched individuals are ready for an in-person meeting, matching module 142 can facilitate in-person meetings, which can improve the user experience of dating application 122 and can reduce the amount of electronic communications between the matched individuals.

[0029] Turning Figure 3 , a flowchart is presented showing operations for generating criteria that can be used to determine whether matched individuals are ready for an in-person meeting. Although Figure 3 a series of operations for generating a particular set of criteria are shown, some implementations can include fewer or additional operations for generating fewer or additional criteria.

[0030] In some implementations, the matching module 142 may determine a communication ratio (300) for a conversation between the matched individuals. The communication ratio can be determined by dividing the number of communications originating from (or received by) the matched individuals by the total communication count between the matched individuals. In this way, the matching module 142 can determine whether both of the matched individuals are contributing to the conversation, and if both of the matched individuals are contributing to the conversation, this may indicate that the conversation is meaningful and that both of the matched individuals are potentially interested in meeting in person.

[0031] In some implementations, the matching module 142 may determine an electronic communication count (302) for a conversation between the matched individuals. The electronic communication count can represent the total number of electronic communications transmitted between the matched individuals. In this way, the matching module 142 can use the number of electronic communications as a measure of the potential interest of the matched individuals in meeting in person.

[0032] In some implementations, the matching module 142 may determine the number of words per communication (304) for a conversation between the matched individuals. For example, the matching module 142 may calculate the average word count for some or all of the communications in the conversation. In some cases, the matching module 142 may calculate one or more other word count metrics, such as the minimum or maximum word count of the conversation, etc. In some cases, the matching module 142 may break down some or all of the word count metrics, for example, by word count of the matched individuals or by time period. Since longer communications may indicate a more meaningful conversation, the matching module 142 can use the word count as a measure of the interest of the matched individuals in meeting in person.

[0033] In some implementations, the matching module 142 may determine the electronic communication duration (306) for a conversation between the matched individuals. For example, the matching module 142 may calculate the duration between the timestamp of the first electronic communication and the timestamp of the most recent electronic communication. In this way, the matching module 142 can determine whether the matched individuals have shown a sustained interest through their conversation, which can indicate whether the matched individuals are ready to meet in person.

[0034] In some implementations, the matching module 142 can determine whether one or more keywords or phrases (308) exist in the electronic communications between the matched individuals. The matching module 142 can use any number of techniques, including keyword search and natural language processing, to detect the keywords or phrases. For example, the matching module 142 can determine whether the communication includes one or more keywords indicating an interest in the conversation, such as "nice chatting with you" or "we have a lot in common". Similarly, in some cases, the matching module 142 can determine whether the communication includes one or more keywords indicating an interest in meeting in person, such as "we should hang out sometime", "want to grab a coffee together", or simply "hang out?" or "coffee?" etc. In this way, when one or both of the individuals show interest during the conversation, the matching module 142 can facilitate an in-person meeting between the matched individuals.

[0035] In some cases, the matching module 142 can determine whether the communication includes keywords or phrases indicating that one or both of the matched individuals have shared their phone numbers, social media profiles, or another alternative form of communication. By doing so, the matching module 142 can determine whether the matched individuals have taken their conversation outside of the dating app 122 and thus may be interested in an in-person meeting.

[0036] In some implementations, the matching module 142 can use machine learning techniques to identify other keywords or phrases indicating readiness for an in-person meeting. Machine learning techniques can be trained, for example, using the conversations of other matched individuals who have successfully arranged an in-person meeting and other data. In this way, the matching module 142 can identify, with improved accuracy, the matched individuals who are ready for an earlier in-person meeting during the conversation, which can enable the matching module 122 to facilitate an earlier in-person meeting between the matched individuals, thereby reducing electronic communication volume and improving the individuals' experience with the dating app 122 and the dating app itself.

[0037] In some implementations, the matching module 142 may determine whether the matched individuals are within a predefined geographic distance of each other within a particular time interval (310). For example, the matching module 142 may periodically obtain the geographic locations of a first matched individual operating the first client device 102_1 and a second matched individual operating the second client device 102_2. The geographic locations of the individuals may be obtained from location sensors included in the respective client devices 102_1, 102_2 or from other techniques known in the art. Based on the geographic locations of the individuals, the matching module 142 may determine whether the individuals are within a predefined geographic distance, such as 50 meters, within a particular time interval, such as a 30-minute interval. Since in-person meetings may be particularly likely for individuals who travel to similar locations during similar time periods, the matching module 142 may infer that the matched individuals meeting this criterion are ready for an in-person meeting.

[0038] The matching module 142 may determine whether the matched individuals are ready for an in-person meeting based on some or all of the operations and criteria described in reference blocks 300 to 310. To this end, the matching module 142 may apply rules, dynamic thresholds, weighted algorithms, or combinations thereof, and other techniques to the criteria. For example, in some cases, the matching module 142 may determine whether the conversations between the matched individuals meet a minimum communication ratio (e.g., at least 30% electronic communication, which indicates that each matched individual initiated at least 30% of the electronic communication and was the recipient of no more than 70% of the electronic communication). In some cases, the matching module 142 may determine whether the conversation meets a minimum electronic communication count, such as 7 communications. In some cases, the matching module 142 may determine whether the average number of words per electronic communication meets a threshold, such as 10 words per communication. In some cases, the matching module 142 may determine whether the duration of the conversation meets a minimum communication duration threshold, such as 8 hours. In some cases, the matching module 142 may flag the presence (or absence) of criteria, which includes whether the individuals were within similar places during similar time periods (310), or whether the individuals shared certain keywords or phrases (such as phone numbers or social media profiles) during their electronic communication (308).

[0039] In some implementations, the matching module 142 may determine that the individuals determined to be a match are ready for an in-person meeting based on determining that the criteria described for reference blocks 300 to 310 are met. In some cases, the matching module 142 may determine that the individuals determined to be a match are ready for an in-person meeting based on a subset of the criteria being met. For example, if the conversations of the matched individuals meet the communication ratio, minimum electronic communication count, minimum number of words per communication, and minimum electronic communication duration, the matching module 142 may determine that these individuals are ready for an in-person meeting. In some cases, the matching module 142 may consider the satisfaction of one or more criteria as a determining factor for being ready for an in-person meeting. For example, if the matched individuals are in a similar location during a similar time period, or share certain keywords or phrases (such as phone numbers or social media profiles, etc.) during their electronic communications, the matching module 142 may determine that the matched individuals are ready for an in-person meeting.

[0040] In some implementations, the matching module 142 may use various techniques including machine learning techniques, such as those trained on the conversations of other matched individuals for whom in-person meetings have been successfully arranged and other data, to identify which criteria are most closely related to being ready for an in-person meeting. In this way, the matching module 142 can prioritize the criteria that can enable the matching module to selectively perform operations to produce a part or all of the criteria. For example, the matching module 142 may perform operations in a prioritized order to first produce high-priority criteria, and then may process the high-priority criteria to determine whether the matched individuals are ready for an in-person meeting. In this way, the matching module 142 can reduce the number of operations performed, as well as the amount of criteria generated and processed to determine whether the matched individuals are ready for an in-person meeting, which can reduce the consumption of computing resources at, for example, the server 104.

[0041] Return Figure 2 , if it is determined that the individuals determined to be a match are ready for an in-person meeting, provide an in-person meeting prompt (208). More specifically, the matching module 142 may provide a notification to one or both of the matched individuals operating the client devices 102_1, 102_2 and prompt the individual to indicate whether they are interested in an in-person meeting at that point in time. For example, Figure 4A mobile device interface 400 is shown with a prompt 402 that indicates to an individual whether he or she is "ready for a date?" (e.g., a in-person meeting). In response, the individual can select a "Yes" prompt response 404 to accept the in-person meeting or a "Later" prompt response 406 to decline the meeting at this time. The interface 400 can also include a keyboard 408. Input to the keyboard 408 causes text to be displayed in a text box 410. By selectively prompting matched individuals for in-person meetings, the matching module 142 can bring together matched individuals who are deemed ready while avoiding potential rejections or other negative experiences from unprepared individuals, which can improve the user experience of the dating application 122 and can reduce the amount of electronic communication between matched individuals.

[0042] In some implementations, the matching module 142 can provide an in-person meeting prompt to both of the matched individuals simultaneously. Optionally, in some implementations, the matching module 142 can provide an in-person meeting prompt to one of the matched individuals and can then determine whether to provide an in-person meeting prompt to the other of the matched individuals based on the response received to the first in-person meeting prompt. The matching module 142 can determine which of the matched individuals should receive the first in-person meeting prompt based on any number of factors, including gender, the originator or recipient of the first electronic communication between the matched individuals, the originator or recipient of the majority of the electronic communications between the matched individuals, etc. In some cases, the matching module 142 can store data related to previously successfully arranged in-person meetings with other matched individuals and can use machine learning or other techniques to determine which individual should receive the first in-person meeting prompt based on a machine learning analysis of the stored data. By making an informed decision about which of the matched individuals should receive the first in-person meeting prompt, the matching module 142 can increase the likelihood that the matched individuals will agree to an in-person meeting, which can improve the user experience of the dating application 122 and can reduce the amount of electronic communication between the matched individuals.

[0043] Returning to Figure 2 , if one or both of the matched individuals select the "Later" input 406, control returns to Figure 2 block 204. In some implementations, the matching module 142 can provide one or both of the matched individuals with a notification indicating that the individuals are not ready for an in-person meeting and encouraging the individuals to continue the conversation in the dating application 122.

[0044] On the other hand, if both of the matched individuals (e.g., by selecting the "Yes" prompt 404) indicate that they are interested in an in-person meeting, a scheduling prompt (210) is provided. More specifically, the matching module 142 can provide a notification to each of the matched individuals operating the client devices 102_1, 102_2 and prompt the individual to indicate whether he or she is available for an in-person meeting. For example, Figure 5 FIG. 500 shows a mobile device interface 500 having a prompt 502 for an individual to select one or more days on which the individual may be available. Each day has an associated radio button 504 that can be selected. In some implementations, the individual can be prompted to select the minimum number of days (e.g., two days) on which he or she is available. Once the individual indicates that they are available, the individual can select the "Looks good" button 506 to submit the availability to the matching module 142. The matching module 142 can process the information received in response to the scheduling prompt to inform the matched individuals of the dates on which both are available. The matched individuals can then use the keyboard 408 to communicate plans to finalize the time and meeting place. In some cases, the matching module 142 can provide suggestions for the in-person meeting, such as a suggested time or place for the meeting, etc.

[0045] In some implementations, if each of the matched individuals (e.g., by both being available during one or more days) accepts the in-person meeting prompt or schedules an in-person meeting, the matching module 142 can automatically stop monitoring the electronic communication between these individuals even if the matched individuals continue the conversation in the dating application 122. In this way, the matching module 142 can reduce the computational and network resources consumed by the monitoring operation.

[0046] If the matching module 142 determines that there are no days on which both of the matched individuals are available, control returns to Figure 2 block 210. The matching module 142 can then provide a new day for the in-person meeting for an additional scheduling prompt immediately or after a timeout period (e.g., one day). In some implementations, the matching module 142 can provide a notification to the individuals that they are ready for an in-person meeting and prompt the individuals to use the dating application 122 to find a day on which both are available. In some implementations, if the matching module 142 determines that there are no days on which both individuals are available, or if the individuals otherwise fail to schedule an in-person meeting, the matching module 142 can continue or re-initiate the monitoring of the electronic communication between the matched individuals.

[0047] The disclosed techniques identify matched individuals who are likely ready for an in-person meeting. This allows the matched individuals to make a more confident decision about the meeting, thereby improving the social media dating application experience.

[0048] The matching module 142 operates to selectively encourage in-person meetings in appropriate circumstances. As a result, the amount of electronic communication between matched individuals can be reduced. This reduces the processor cycles and memory usage at both the server 104 and the client device 102, and reduces data transmission over the network 106. The client device 102 also realizes an important technical benefit of reduced battery usage.

[0049] The methods described herein can be implemented, at least in part, using a computer storage product having a computer-readable storage medium having computer code thereon for performing various computer-implemented operations. The medium and the computer code can be specially designed and constructed for the purposes of the methods described herein, or they can be of a well-known type and available to those with computer software skills. Examples of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to: magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape; optical media such as CD-ROMs, DVDs, and holographic devices; magneto-optical media; and hardware devices specially configured to store and execute program code such as application specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”), programmable logic devices (“PLDs”), and ROM and RAM devices. Examples of computer code include machine code such as produced by a compiler and files containing higher-level code that is executed by a computer using an interpreter. For example, the methods described herein can be implemented using C++ or other object-oriented programming languages and development tools. In some examples, the methods described herein can be implemented in hardwired circuitry in place of, or in combination with, machine-executable software instructions.

[0050] For purposes of explanation, the foregoing description uses specific terms to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that no specific details are required to practice the methods described herein. Accordingly, for purposes of illustration and description, the foregoing description of specific embodiments is presented. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed; obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the methods described herein and their practical application, thereby enabling others of ordinary skill in the art to best utilize the methods described herein and various embodiments and various modifications suitable for the particular purposes contemplated. Other implementations not specifically described herein are also within the scope of the appended claims.

[0051] Priority

[0052] This application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Application Serial No. 62 / 792,606, filed on January 15, 2019, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method, comprising: Monitor, at a server, electronic communications over a network between a first matched individual at a first client device and a second matched individual at a second client device, wherein the monitoring includes: observing an originating electronic communication contribution from the first client device and a receiving electronic communication contribution from the second client device; Based on the monitored electronic communications, determine that a face-to-face meeting is ready for one or both of the first matched individual and the second matched individual; and Cause the first client device to display a graphical user interface including a prompt to initiate the face-to-face meeting.

2. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1, wherein the prompt includes a first prompt, and the method further comprises: In response to the first client device accepting the first prompt to initiate the face-to-face meeting, cause the second client device to display a graphical user interface including a second prompt to initiate the face-to-face meeting.

3. The computer-implemented method according to claim 2, further comprising: In response to the first client device accepting the first prompt to initiate the face-to-face meeting and the second client device accepting the second prompt to initiate the face-to-face meeting, cause the first client device to display a graphical user interface including a face-to-face meeting schedule prompt.

4. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1, wherein, Determining that a face-to-face meeting is ready for one or both of the first matched individual and the second matched individual includes: determining that a communication ratio between the originating electronic communication contribution and the receiving electronic communication contribution meets a metric.

5. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1, wherein, Determining that a face-to-face meeting is ready for one or both of the first matched individual and the second matched individual includes: determining that a total electronic communication count between the first matched individual and the second matched individual exceeds a minimum electronic communication count.

6. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1, wherein, Determining that a face-to-face meeting is ready for one or both of the first matched individual and the second matched individual includes: determining that an electronic communication duration period based on an initial originating electronic communication and a final electronic communication exceeds a minimum electronic communication duration period.

7. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1, wherein, The monitoring includes: observing the content in the electronic communications between the first matched individual and the second matched individual, and wherein determining that a face-to-face meeting is ready for one or both of the first matched individual and the second matched individual includes: determining that the content includes one or more keywords.

8. The computer-implemented method according to claim 7, wherein, The one or more keywords include the phone number or social media profile of the first matched individual or the second matched individual.

9. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1, further comprising: Obtain the respective geographical locations of the first matched individual at the first client device and the second matched individual at the second client device, wherein determining that a face-to-face meeting is ready for one or both of the first matched individual and the second matched individual includes: determining that the geographical location of the first matched individual is within a predefined distance of the geographical location of the second matched individual during a specific time interval.

10. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1, further comprising: In response to causing the first client device to display the graphical user interface with the prompt, automatically stop monitoring the electronic communications.

11. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1, further comprising: Detect a trigger event for monitoring the electronic communications between the first matched individual and the second matched individual, wherein the trigger event includes that each of the first matched individual and the second matched individual has initiated an electronic communication; And In response to detecting the trigger event, monitor the electronic communication between the first matching individual and the second matching individual at the server.

12. The computer-implemented method according to claim 8, wherein the one or more keywords have been determined by a machine learning model trained on conversations of other matching individuals for whom in-person meetings have been successfully arranged.

13. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1, wherein, The monitoring includes determining a word count of the electronic communication between the first matching individual and the second matching individual, and wherein determining that one or both of the first matching individual and the second matching individual are ready for the in-person meeting includes: determining that the word count meets a threshold.

14. A computing system, comprising: One or more processors coupled to a memory, the one or more processors being configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions for causing a computing system to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

16. A computer program product comprising instructions for causing a computing system to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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