Computer-implemented visual query matching method and system for implementing the method

Abstract

Examples described herein relate to computer-implemented visual query matching methods and systems for implementing the methods. An example method includes storing first query data including queries associated with a first set of users, each query including a criterion selected from a plurality of query criteria and first filter data for the plurality of query criteria, storing second query data including metadata and queries associated with a second set of users, each query including a criterion selected from the plurality of query criteria and second filter data for the plurality of query criteria, determining, by a processor, for a first user of the first set of users, matching users from the second set of users, and providing, by the processor, a dashboard display including a matrix of matching users to the first user.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 945,551, entitled "Computer-Implemented Visual Query Matching Methods, and Systems for Implementing Thereof," filed Sep. 15, 2022. The complete disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 945,551 is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The described embodiments relate to computer-implemented visual query matching methods and systems for implementing the methods. [Background technology]

[0003] Modern computing technology allows large amounts of data to be stored in databases. For example, a research publications database may store large amounts of data related to research publications, a product database associated with an e-commerce website may store large amounts of data related to different products, and a trading opportunity database may store large amounts of data related to available trading opportunities. The large amount of available data can make searching and navigating the data challenging and time-consuming.

[0004] A database may include a query system that allows a user to query the database and search for specific information. A user may specify one or more search criteria when querying the database. Depending on the data stored in the database and the specified search criteria, multiple search results may be generated in response to a user query. The search results may match one or more of the specified search criteria. The query system needs to be efficient for presenting the user with multiple search results that meet different search criteria. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Various embodiments described herein relate generally to computer-implemented methods of visual query matching (and associated systems configured to implement the methods).

[0006] According to an illustrative embodiment, a computer-implemented method of visual query matching is provided, the method including: storing first query data including queries associated with a first set of users, each query including selected criteria from a plurality of query criteria and first filter data for the plurality of query criteria; storing second query data including metadata and queries associated with a second set of users, each query including selected criteria from the plurality of query criteria and second filter data for the plurality of query criteria; determining, by a processor, for a first user of the first set of users matching users from the second set of users by comparing the first filter data for the selected criteria of the first queries associated with the first user with the metadata and second filter data included in the second query data; and providing, by the processor, a dashboard display to the first user including a matrix of matching users, the matrix organized by the number of matching criteria among the selected criteria of the first queries for each matching user.

[0007] In some embodiments, the method further includes storing object data corresponding to a plurality of criteria for a first object associated with the first user; determining, by the processor, matching queries from among the queries associated with the second set of users by comparing the object data for the first object with second filter data for selected criteria of the queries associated with the second set of users; and providing, by the processor, a dashboard display to the first user including a matrix of the matching queries, the matrix organized by the number of matching criteria among the selected criteria of the matching queries.

[0008] In some embodiments, the second query data includes a plurality of queries associated with a single user for one or more users of the second set of users, any one query of the plurality of queries being designated a primary query for each of the second set of users, and the processor determines a matching user from the second set of users for a first user of the first set of users by comparing first filter data for selected criteria of the first query associated with the first user with the metadata and second filter data of the primary query for each of the second set of users.

[0009] In some embodiments, the method includes, in response to detecting one or more changes in the first query data and the second query data, determining, by the processor, whether the matching users are different; and, in response to determining that the matching users are different, operating the processor to update a dashboard display to indicate that the matching users have changed.

[0010] In some embodiments, the one or more changes to the first query data and the second query data include a new user being 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 includes displaying a new user indicator on the dashboard display to indicate that the matching users include the new matching user.

[0011] 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.

[0012] In some embodiments, the plurality of criteria includes a set of 10 criteria and the selected criteria include 5 criteria selected from the set of 10 criteria.

[0013] In some embodiments, the method further includes providing, by the processor, a communication interface between the first user and one of the matching users from the second set of users based on a user status of the first user.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first query data includes one or more queries associated with the 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 corresponding to a given query of the one or more queries associated with the first user, and the number of columns of the first table corresponding to the number of selected criteria for the one or more queries associated with the first user.

[0015] In some embodiments, matching users are displayed in columns of a first table ordered according to the number of matching criteria among the criteria selected for a given query of one or more queries associated with the first user.

[0016] In some embodiments, the dashboard display provided to the first user includes a matrix of matching queries displayed in a second table, where each row in 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 selected criteria in the matching queries.

[0017] In some embodiments, the matching queries are displayed in columns of a second table ordered according to the number of matching criteria among the selected criteria of the matching queries.

[0018] According to another illustrative embodiment, a system for visual query matching is provided. The system includes a memory unit and a processor. The memory unit is configured to: store first query data including queries associated with a first set of users, each query including selected criteria from a plurality of query criteria and first filter data for the plurality of query criteria; and store second query data including metadata and queries associated with a second set of users, each query including selected criteria from the plurality of query criteria and second filter data for the plurality of query criteria. The processor is configured to: determine matching users from the second set of users for a first user of the first set of users by comparing the first filter data for the selected criteria of the first queries associated with the first user with the metadata and second filter data included in the second query data; and provide the first user with a dashboard display including a matrix of matching users, the matrix being organized by the number of matching criteria among the selected criteria of the first queries for each matching user.

[0019] In some embodiments, the memory unit is further configured to store object data corresponding to a plurality of criteria for a first object associated with the first user, and the processor is further configured to: determine matching queries from among the queries associated with the second set of users by comparing the object data for the first object with second filter data for selected criteria of the queries associated with the second set of users; and provide to the first user a dashboard display including a matrix of the matching queries, the matrix organized by the number of matching criteria among the selected criteria of the matching queries.

[0020] In some embodiments, the second query data includes a plurality of queries associated with a single user for one or more users of the second set of users, and any one query of the plurality of queries is designated a primary query for each of the second set of users, and the processor is configured to determine a matching user from the second set of users for a first user of the first set of users by comparing first filter data for selected criteria of the first query associated with the first user with the metadata and second filter data of the primary query for each of the second set of users.

[0021] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to: in response to detecting one or more changes in the first query data and the second query data, determine whether the matching users are different; and in response to determining that the matching users are different, update the dashboard display to indicate that the matching users have changed.

[0022] In some embodiments, the one or more changes to the first query data and the second query data include a new user being added to the second set of users, the memory unit is configured to store updated second query data including new metadata and the new query associated with the new user, and the processor configured to update the dashboard display to indicate that the matching users has changed includes displaying a new user indicator on the dashboard display to indicate that the matching users includes the new matching user.

[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, 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.

[0024] In some embodiments, the plurality of criteria includes a set of 10 criteria and the selected criteria include 5 criteria selected from the set of 10 criteria.

[0025] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to provide a communication interface between the first user and one of the matching users from the second set of users based on a user status of the first user.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first query data includes one or more queries associated with the 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 corresponding to a given query of the one or more queries associated with the first user, and the number of columns of the first table corresponding to the number of selected criteria for the one or more queries associated with the first user.

[0027] In some embodiments, matching users are displayed in columns of a first table ordered according to the number of matching criteria among the criteria selected for a given query of one or more queries associated with the first user.

[0028] In some embodiments, the dashboard display provided to the first user includes a matrix of matching queries displayed in a second table, where each row in 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 selected criteria in the matching queries.

[0029] In some embodiments, the matching queries are displayed in columns of a second table ordered according to the number of matching criteria among the selected criteria of the matching queries.

[0030] According to another illustrative example, a computer-implemented method for visual query matching is provided, the method including: storing object data corresponding to a plurality of query criteria for a plurality of objects, each of the plurality of objects being associated with a user of a first set of users; storing second query data including metadata and queries associated with a second set of users, each query including selected criteria from the plurality of query criteria and filter data for the plurality of query criteria; determining, by a processor, matching objects from the plurality of objects for a first user of the second set of users by comparing the filter data for the selected criteria of the first query associated with the first user with the object data for the plurality of objects; and providing, by the processor, a dashboard display to the first user including a matrix of matching objects, the matrix organized by the number of matching criteria among the selected criteria of the first query for each matching object.

[0031] In some embodiments, the stored object data includes timing parameters for each of the plurality of objects, and the matrix of matching objects includes an ordering according to the timing parameters.

[0032] In some embodiments, the method further includes, in response to detecting one or more changes in the query data and the object data, determining, by the processor, whether the matching objects are different, and, in response to determining that the matching objects are different, operating the processor to update a dashboard display to indicate that the matching objects have changed.

[0033] In some embodiments, the change to one or more of the query data and the object data includes a new object being 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 includes displaying a new object indicator on the dashboard display to indicate that the matching object includes the new matching object.

[0034] In some embodiments, the criteria are based on characteristics associated with the objects.

[0035] In some embodiments, the plurality of criteria includes a set of 10 criteria and the selected criteria include 5 criteria selected from the set of 10 criteria.

[0036] In some embodiments, the method further includes providing, by the processor, a communication interface between the first user and any user from the first set of users associated with the matching object based on a user status of the first user.

[0037] In some embodiments, the query data includes one or more queries associated with the 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 corresponding to a given query of the one or more queries associated with the first user, and the number of columns of the first table corresponding to the number of selected criteria for the one or more queries associated with the first user.

[0038] In some embodiments, the matching objects are displayed in columns of a first table ordered according to the number of matching criteria among the criteria selected for a given query of one or more queries associated with the first user.

[0039] In some embodiments, the dashboard display provided to the first user includes a matrix of matching objects displayed in a second table, the rows of the second table being ordered according to the timing parameters, and the number of columns of the second table corresponding to the number of selected criteria of the first query.

[0040] In some embodiments, the matching objects are displayed in columns of a second table ordered according to the number of matching criteria among the selected criteria of the first query.

[0041] According to another illustrative embodiment, a system for visual query matching is provided. The system includes a memory unit and a processor. The memory unit is configured to: store object data corresponding to a plurality of query criteria for a plurality of objects, each of the plurality of objects being associated with a user of a first set of users; and store second query data including metadata and queries associated with a second set of users, each query including selected criteria from the plurality of query criteria and filter data for the plurality of query criteria. The processor is configured to determine matching objects from the plurality of objects for a first user of the second set of users by comparing the filter data for the selected criteria of the first query associated with the first user with the object data for the plurality of objects; and provide a dashboard display to the first user including a matrix of matching objects, the matrix being organized by the number of matching criteria among the selected criteria of the first query for each matching object.

[0042] In some embodiments, the stored object data includes timing parameters for each of the plurality of objects, and the matrix of matching objects includes an ordering according to the timing parameters.

[0043] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to: in response to detecting one or more changes in the query data and the object data, determine whether the matching objects are different; and in response to determining that the matching objects are different, update a dashboard display to indicate that the matching objects have changed.

[0044] In some embodiments, the change to one or more of the query data and the object data includes a new object being added to the plurality of objects, and the memory unit is further configured to store updated object data including new data associated with the new object, and the processor configured to update the dashboard display to indicate that the matching object has changed includes displaying a new object indicator on the dashboard display to indicate that the matching object includes the new matching object.

[0045] In some embodiments, the criteria are based on characteristics associated with the objects.

[0046] In some embodiments, the plurality of criteria includes a set of 10 criteria and the selected criteria include 5 criteria selected from the set of 10 criteria.

[0047] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to provide a communication interface between the first user and any user from the first set of users associated with the matching object based on a user status of the first user.

[0048] In some embodiments, the query data includes one or more queries associated with the 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 corresponding to a given query of the one or more queries associated with the first user, and the number of columns of the first table corresponding to the number of selected criteria for the one or more queries associated with the first user.

[0049] In some embodiments, the matching objects are displayed in columns of a first table ordered according to the number of matching criteria among the criteria selected for a given query of one or more queries associated with the first user.

[0050] In some embodiments, the dashboard display provided to the first user includes a matrix of matching objects displayed in a second table, the rows of the second table being ordered according to the timing parameters, and the number of columns of the second table corresponding to the number of selected criteria of the first query.

[0051] In some embodiments, the matching objects are displayed in columns of a second table ordered according to the number of matching criteria among the selected criteria of the first query.

[0052] Some embodiments are described below with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0053] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for visual query matching according to an example embodiment. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart illustrating steps of an example method for visual query matching in accordance with an example embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is a screen shot of an example user interface displaying two queries associated with a user, according to an example embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a screen shot of another example user interface displaying two queries associated with a user, according to another example embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a screen shot of an example dashboard display provided to a user according to an example embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a screen shot of another example dashboard display provided to a user according to another example embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating steps of another example method for visual query matching, according to another example embodiment. [Figure 8]10 is a screen shot of another example dashboard display provided to a user according to another example embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a screen shot of another example dashboard display provided to a user according to another example embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0054] The following drawings are provided to illustrate, but not to limit, various example aspects and features of the embodiments described herein. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the drawings have not necessarily been drawn to scale. The dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the drawings to indicate corresponding or analogous elements or steps.

[0055] With databases storing large amounts of data, query systems need to be efficient in responding to user queries and presenting numerous search results that meet different search criteria. The systems and methods disclosed herein allow users to create queries by selecting desired query criteria from among multiple criteria. For example, in the case of a research publication database, a user may create a query by selecting "publication date," "author," "affiliated institution," and "keyword" from multiple available criteria. Furthermore, the user may provide filter data for each selected query criterion. For example, a user may provide "January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021" as filter data for the "publication date" criterion. The disclosed systems and methods can present generated search results to the user as a dashboard display including a matrix of generated search results. The matrix of search results can be organized based on the number of matching criteria among the query criteria selected for each search result. This can improve the efficiency of the query system in presenting search results to the user (e.g., compared to presenting search results as a list without a clear indication of the number of matching criteria for each search result).

[0056] The disclosed systems and methods can also improve the efficiency of a query system by dynamically matching users based on user-provided search query data. For an example opportunity database, users offering selling opportunities may be presented by dynamically matching users searching for buying opportunities based on user-provided search query data.

[0057] A dynamic matching process may be a continuous process that can continuously update the matches generated in response to any changes in query data provided by a user and / or data stored in a database. This may improve the efficiency of a query system compared to a passive search process in which the query system generates search results only when a query is received and does not use the query data to generate matching results.

[0058] 1, which illustrates a block diagram 100 of an example visual query matching system 110 that communicates with multiple user devices 120a-120c (collectively or generally referred to as user devices 120) over a network 130. In some embodiments, the visual query matching system 110 may communicate with external data storage 140 over the network 130.

[0059] The visual query matching system 110 includes a system processor 112, a system data storage 114, and a system communication interface 116. The visual query matching system 110 may be implemented on multiple computer servers distributed over a wide geographic area and connected via a network 130. The system processor 112, the system data storage 114, and the system communication interface 116 may be combined into fewer components or separated into additional components. The system processor 112, the system data storage 114, and the system communication interface 116 may be implemented in software or hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0060] System processor 112 may be implemented by any suitable processor, controller, digital signal processor, graphics processing unit, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and / or field programmable gate array (FPGA) capable of providing sufficient processing power for the configuration, purpose, and requirements of visual query matching system 110 described herein. System processor 112 may include multiple processors, each configurable to perform a different dedicated task.

[0061] The system communication interface 116 may include any interface that enables the visual query matching system 110 to communicate with various computing devices and other systems. In some embodiments, the system communication interface 116 may include at least one of a serial port, a parallel port, or a USB port. For example, the system communication interface 116 may receive data from or transmit data to the user device 120 and / or external data storage 140. The system communication interface 116 may include one or more of the Internet, a local area network (LAN), Ethernet, Firewire, a modem, or a digital subscriber line connection.

[0062] 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. System data storage 114 may include, for example, memory used to store programs and operating systems used by visual query matching system 110. System data storage 114 may include one or more databases for storing information, including, but not limited to, queries associated with users of visual query matching system 110, metadata associated with users, and object data for objects associated with users. The information may be stored in one database or may be separated into multiple databases.

[0063] External data storage 140 can store data similar to and / or different from that in system data storage 114. External data storage 140 can be used as backup data storage and / or to store larger files that are directly searchable or accessible via network 130. External data storage 140 can be, for example, network-attached storage (NAS) or cloud storage. Data stored in external data storage 140 can be accessed by visual query matching system 110 and / or user device 120 via network 130.

[0064] User device 120 may include any network device operable to connect to network 130. A network device is a device that can communicate with other devices over a network, such as network 130. A network device may be coupled to network 130 through a wired or wireless connection.

[0065] User device 120 can receive input from a user and can communicate with visual query matching system 110 and / or external data storage 140 via network 130. User device 120 can include at least a processor, a communication interface, and data storage, and can be an electronic tablet device, a personal computer, a workstation, a portable computer, a mobile device, a personal digital assistant, a laptop, a smartphone, a handheld electronic device, or any combination thereof. Although only three user devices 120a-120c are shown in FIG. 1, four or more user devices 120 can communicate with the other components shown in FIG. 1.

[0066] 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, fiber optics, satellite, cellular, wireless (e.g., Wi-Fi, WiMAX), SS7 signaling networks, fixed lines, local area networks, wide area networks, etc., and any combination thereof, which interfaces with and enables communication between the visual query matching system 110, user devices 120, and external data storage 140.

[0067] 2, there is shown a flow chart diagram illustrating steps of a method for visual query matching, generally designated 200. Method 200 can be implemented, for example, using visual query matching system 110 shown in FIG. 1. To illustrate the steps of the method, reference is made simultaneously to block diagram 100 and FIGS. 3-6, which show screen shots of various examples of user interfaces provided on user device 120.

[0068] Method 200 may be performed at various times. For example, method 200 may be performed continuously by visual query matching system 110. In other instances, method 200 may be performed according to a schedule stored in system data storage 114. In some embodiments, method 200 may be performed in response to input received from an administrator or user of visual query matching system 110.

[0069] At 210, the visual query matching system 110 may store first query data including queries associated with a first set of users. Each query may include criteria selected from a plurality of available query criteria and filter data for the query criteria. The first set of users may include any providers of goods, services, and / or information.

[0070] As a first example, the visual query matching system 110 may include a trading opportunity database that stores opportunity data related to the purchases and sales of companies or entities. A first set of users may include sellers of trading opportunities.

[0071] The trading opportunity database may be stored, for example, in system data storage 114 or external data storage 140. The database may include object data for multiple objects. Each object may be associated with a trading opportunity and the seller of that trading opportunity. The stored object data may correspond to multiple criteria for the object. For example, the multiple criteria may include 10 criteria, including "industry," "country," "revenue," "seller type," "buyer type," "customer type," "years in business," "FTE count," "capital contribution," and "reason for sale." In other instances, the multiple criteria may include fewer or more than 10 criteria. The number of criteria is not intended to be limiting. The stored object data may include values ​​for each of the multiple criteria for each of the multiple objects.

[0072] The visual query matching system 110 can receive one or more queries from one user of the first set of users (e.g., a seller of a trading opportunity). For example, the queries may be for buyers of a trading opportunity that is up for sale. Each query may include filter data for multiple criteria and a selection of one or more criteria from the multiple criteria. For example, FIG. 3 shows a screenshot of an example user interface provided on the user device 120 displaying two queries 310a and 310b associated with a user. Queries 310a and 310b include a selection of five criteria 320a-320e from ten available criteria. In other examples, the queries may include a selection of fewer or more than five criteria. Each query 310 may include filter data for the selected criteria. For example, query 310b may include filter data 330a-330e for each of the selected criteria 320a-320e.

[0073] As another example, the visual query matching system 110 may include a research publication database, and the first set of users may include authors of the research publications. The database may be stored, for example, 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 this example, an author) from the first set of users. The stored object data may correspond to multiple criteria for the object. For example, the multiple criteria may include "title," "author," "publication date," "affiliated institution," "keywords," "citations," etc. A user may provide one or more queries, such as a query for other research publications in the same research area. A query may include one or more criteria selected from the multiple criteria and filter data for the query criteria. For example, a user may be interested in research publications from 2021 that include the keyword "nanotechnology." Thus, a query may include the selected criteria of "publication date" and "keyword" with corresponding filter data for "January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021" and "nanotechnology," respectively.

[0074] At 220, the visual query matching system 110 may store second query data including queries and metadata associated with a second set of users, each query including criteria selected from a plurality of available query criteria and filter data for the query criteria.

[0075] The second set of users may include any consumers of goods, services, and / or information. Referring initially to the above-described example of a visual query matching system 110 including a business opportunity database, the second set of users may include buyers of business opportunities.

[0076] The visual query matching system 110 may receive one or more queries from a user (e.g., a buyer of a trading opportunity) in the second set of users. For example, the queries may relate to trading opportunities for sale. Each query may include filter data for multiple criteria associated with the trading opportunity (e.g., the ten criteria described herein) and a selection of one or more criteria from the multiple criteria. For example, FIG. 4 shows a screenshot of an example user interface provided on the user device 120 displaying two queries 410a and 410b associated with a user. Queries 410a and 410b include a selection of five criteria 420a-420e from the ten available criteria. Each query 410a may include filter data for the selected criteria. For example, query 410b may include filter data 430a-430e for the selected criteria 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 an inactivity time associated with each buyer of the second set of users.

[0077] Referring now to the above-described example of a visual query matching system 110 including a research publication database, a second set of users may include readers of research publications. The readers may provide one or more queries, e.g., queries for research publications of interest. The queries may include one or more criteria selected from a plurality of criteria and filter data for the query criteria. For example, a reader may be interested in research publications that include the keyword "nanotechnology" and have an author named "Jane Doe." Thus, the query may include selected criteria of "author" and "keyword" with corresponding filter data for "Jane Doe" and "nanotechnology," respectively.

[0078] At 230, the visual query matching system 110 may determine matching users from the second set of users for a first user from the first set of users by comparing the first filter data for selected criteria of the first query associated with the first user with the metadata and second filter data included in the second query data.

[0079] Referring to the above-described example of a visual query matching system 110 including a trading opportunity database, Table 1 provides an example scenario of Query 1 associated with a first user (seller) from a first set of users and Queries 2 and 3 associated with users (buyers) from a second set of users. Queries 1 through 3 may each include filter data for five criteria selected from a plurality of available criteria. In this example scenario, the visual query matching system may determine the number of matching criteria between Query 1 and Query 2 as 5 / 5 and the number of matching criteria between Query 1 and Query 3 as 3 / 5. In some embodiments, the visual query matching system 110 may designate a criterion as a matching criterion if there is a match for any of the filter data provided for that criterion. Criterion 2 can be designated as a matching criterion between Query 1 and Query 2 because there is at least one match in the filter data ("Investment Bank"). In this example scenario, query 1 and query 3 may have matching criteria of 3 / 5 because there is no matching filter data between the queries for criteria 2 and 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 contain at least one matching criterion. If there is no matching criterion between the query corresponding to the buyer and query 1 corresponding to the seller, the buyer may be determined not to be a matching user. [Table 1]

[0080] In some embodiments, the filter data for the query criteria may include key words. The visual query matching system 110 can determine matching criteria between two queries if the two queries contain matching key words. In some embodiments, at least one of the criteria used to determine matching users includes a "buyer type" criterion.

[0081] In some embodiments, the second query data may include metadata associated with users of the second set of users. The metadata may be stored, for example, in system data storage 114. The metadata may include, for example, an inactivity time associated with each user. For example, the inactivity time may correspond to the time since the user last logged into the visual query matching system 110. In some embodiments, users with an inactivity time greater than a threshold time setting may not be displayed as matching users. The threshold time setting may be, for example, 180 days. In other instances, 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 given user to change the threshold time setting to customize the matching users displayed to the given user.

[0082] At 240, the visual query matching system 110 may provide the first user with a dashboard display including a matrix of matching users. The matrix may be organized by the number of matching criteria among the selected criteria of the first query for each matching user.

[0083] Referring next to FIG. 5, an example screen shot of an example dashboard display 500 provided to a first user on a user device 120 is shown. Referring to the above-described example of a visual query matching system 110 including a trading opportunity database, the first user may be a seller of trading opportunities. The trading opportunity database may include multiple queries 510a-510c associated with the first user. The visual query matching system 110 may determine (e.g., in step 230 of method 200) matching users from the second set of users for each query 510a-510c.

[0084] Dashboard display 500 may include a matrix of matching users displayed in a tabular format. Each of rows 520a-520c may display matching users corresponding to each of queries 510a-510c, respectively. The number of columns in the table may correspond to the number of selected criteria for queries 510a-510c. Matching users may be displayed in columns corresponding to the number of matching criteria among the selected criteria for that query. For the example scenario 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 criteria), and matching users corresponding to query 3 may be displayed in cell 540b.

[0085] In some embodiments, the matrix of matching users can be bidirectional. For example, visual query matching system 110 can receive user input from a first user drilling down into matching users for one of the cells (e.g., cell 540a) and requesting all matching users corresponding to that cell (e.g., for cell 540a, matching users corresponding to the 5 / 5 matching criteria for query 510c). Visual query matching system 110 can receive further user input from the first user requesting details of the matching users.

[0086] In some embodiments, the visual query matching system 110 may provide a communication interface to the first user to enable communication with interested matching users. The visual query matching system 110 may 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 provide a communication interface only to users with an active user status.

[0087] In some embodiments, the visual query matching system 110 may determine whether the matching users are different in response to detecting one or more changes in the first query data and the second query data. For example, the visual query matching system 110 may determine that there is a change in the first query data that corresponds to a change in the filter data for one of the selected criteria. The change in the filter data may cause a change in the matching users determined in step 230 of method 200. In response to 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.”

[0088] As another example, visual query matching system 110 may determine that there is a change 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 determined in step 230, visual query matching system 110 may update 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 “1” and / or add an annotation to visually indicate that a change has occurred.

[0089] As another example, there may be a change in the second query data corresponding to a new user being added to the second set of users. In response, visual query matching system 110 may update the second query data stored (in step 220 of method 200) with the new metadata and new query associated with the new user. If the new user is included among the matching users determined in step 230, visual query matching system 110 may update dashboard display 500 to indicate that the matching users have changed by displaying a new user indicator on the dashboard display to indicate that the matching users include a new matching user (not previously seen by the first user). In some embodiments, the new user indicator includes an annotation in the corresponding matrix cell, such as, but not limited to, a colored annotation. For example, if the new user is included among the matching users in cell 540b, the number of matching users may change from “2” to “3,” and a red dot annotation may be included in 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 details of the new user by interacting with the dashboard display 500, as described herein. In some embodiments, after the first user views the details of the new user, the visual query matching system 110 may remove the annotation.

[0090] In some embodiments, the visual query matching system 110 may determine matching queries from among the queries associated with the second set of users by comparing object data for objects associated with a first user of the first set of users to second filter data for selected criteria of queries associated with the second set of users.

[0091] Referring to the above-described example of a visual query matching system 110 including a trading opportunity database, the object data may include data for multiple criteria for each trading opportunity associated with a seller. There may be multiple trading opportunities associated with a seller. For the example scenario including 10 criteria for each trading opportunity, the object data may include data for all 10 criteria for each trading opportunity. It should be understood that any number of criteria may be applicable.

[0092] In some embodiments, the object data may include a time of creation for each object, and the visual query matching system 110 may not include objects older than a threshold age setting in the matching process. For example, the threshold age setting may be 90 days, and the visual query matching system 110 may not include any trading opportunities older than 90 days in the matching process.

[0093] The visual query matching system 110 may determine matching queries by comparing the filter data for each query's selected criteria (e.g., five criteria may be selected from ten) with the object data for the corresponding criteria of that object. The number of comparison and matching criteria may be determined as described above herein to determine matching users.

[0094] The visual query matching system 110 may provide the first user with a dashboard display including a matrix of matching queries, which may be organized by the number of matching criteria among the selected criteria of the matching queries.

[0095] Referring next to FIG. 6, an example screen shot of an example dashboard display 600 provided to a first user on a user device 120 is shown. Referring to the above-described example of a visual query matching system 110 including a trading opportunity database, the first user may be a seller of trading opportunities. The trading opportunity database may include multiple objects (e.g., 610a, 610b) associated with the first seller. For each of the objects 610, the visual query matching system 110 may determine matching queries associated with a second set of users (e.g., buyers).

[0096] Dashboard display 600 may include a matrix of matching queries displayed in a tabular format. Each row (e.g., 620a, 620b) may display a matching query corresponding to each of the objects (e.g., 610a, 610b). The number of columns in the table may correspond to the number of selected criteria for the matching query. The matching queries may be displayed in the table columns ordered according to the number of matching criteria among the selected criteria of the matching query. For example, cell 640a shows two matching queries with a matching criterion of 4 / 5 for the objects in row 620b. Cell 640b shows three matching queries with a matching criterion of 3 / 5 for the objects in row 620b.

[0097] In some embodiments, the matrix of matching users can be bidirectional. For example, visual query matching system 110 can receive user input from a first user requesting to drill down into the matching queries for one of the cells (e.g., cell 640a) and view all matching users corresponding to that cell (e.g., matching buyers corresponding to the two matching queries for cell 640a). Visual query matching system 110 can receive further user input requesting to view details of the matching users.

[0098] In some embodiments, the visual query matching system 110 may determine whether the matching queries are different in response to detecting a change in one or more of the first query data, the second query data, and the object data. For example, there may be a change in the first query data corresponding to a change in the filter data for one of the selected criteria. The change in the filter data may cause a change in the matching queries. In response to determining that the matching queries are different, the visual query matching system 110 may update the dashboard display 600 to indicate that the matching queries have changed. For example, the number of matching queries in cell 640b may change from “3” to “4.”

[0099] As another example, there may be a change in the second query data corresponding to a new user being added to the second set of users. In response, the visual query matching system 110 may update the stored second query data with the new metadata and new query associated with the new user. If the matching query includes a query associated with the new user, the visual query matching system 110 may update the dashboard display 600 to indicate that the matching query has changed by displaying a new user indicator on the dashboard display and indicating that the matching query includes a query corresponding to the new user (not previously seen by the first user). In some embodiments, the new user indicator may include an annotation of the corresponding matrix cell. The first user may view details of the new user by interacting with the dashboard display 600. In some embodiments, after the first user views details of the new user, the visual query matching system 110 may remove the annotation.

[0100] In some embodiments, the second query data may include multiple queries associated with a single user for one or more users in the second set of users, and any one query of the multiple queries may be designated as a primary query for each of the second set of users. For example, the second set of users may include multiple buyers, and the second query data may include multiple queries associated with a single buyer. At least one of the multiple queries associated with a single buyer may be designated as a primary query for that buyer. While performing process 200, the visual query matching system 110 may determine a matching user from the second set of users for a first user in the first set of users by comparing first filter data for selected criteria of the first query associated with the first user with the metadata and second filter data of primary queries for each of the second set of users. The visual query matching system 110 may not perform a comparison with the second filter data of non-primary queries when determining matching users.

[0101] Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown a flowchart illustrating steps of a method for visual query matching, generally designated 700. Method 700 can be implemented, for example, using visual query matching system 110 shown in Figure 1. To illustrate the steps of the method, reference is made simultaneously to block diagram 100 and Figures 4, 8, and 9, which show screen shots of various examples of user interfaces provided on user device 120.

[0102] Method 700 may be performed at various times. For example, method 700 may be performed continuously by visual query matching system 110. In other instances, method 700 may be performed according to a schedule stored in system data storage 114. In some embodiments, method 700 may be performed in response to input received from an administrator or user of visual query matching system 110.

[0103] At 710, the visual query matching system 110 may store object data corresponding to the plurality of query criteria for a plurality of objects, each of the plurality of objects being associated with a user of a first set of users. The first set of users may include any provider of goods, services, and / or information. In some embodiments, the plurality of objects may be associated with a single user of the first set of users.

[0104] As a first example, the visual query matching system 110 may include a trading opportunity database that stores opportunity data related to the purchases and sales of companies or entities. A first set of users may include sellers of trading opportunities.

[0105] The trading opportunity database may be stored, for example, in system data storage 114 or external data storage 140. The database may include object data for multiple objects. Each object may be associated with a trading opportunity and the seller of that trading opportunity. The stored object data may correspond to multiple criteria for the object. The multiple criteria may be based on characteristics associated with the multiple objects. For example, the multiple criteria may include 10 criteria, including “industry,” “country,” “revenue,” “seller type,” “buyer type,” “customer type,” “years in business,” “FTE count,” “capital investment,” and “reason for sale.” In other instances, the multiple criteria may include fewer or more than 10 criteria. The stored object data may include a value for each of the multiple criteria for each of the multiple objects.

[0106] At 720, the visual query matching system 110 may store second query data including queries and metadata associated with a second set of users, each query including criteria selected from a plurality of available query criteria and filter data for the query criteria.

[0107] The second set of users may include any consumers of goods, services, and / or information. Referring to the above-described example of a visual query matching system 110 including a business opportunity database, the second set of users may include buyers of business opportunities.

[0108] The visual query matching system 110 may receive one or more queries from a user of the second set of users (e.g., a buyer of a trading opportunity). The queries may relate to trading opportunities that are offered for sale. As described herein above with reference to FIG. 4, each query may include filter data for multiple criteria associated with the trading opportunity (e.g., the 10 criteria described herein above) and a selection of one or more criteria from the multiple criteria.

[0109] At 730, the visual query matching system 110 may determine a matching object from the plurality of objects for a first user of the second set of users by comparing first filter data for selected criteria of the first query associated with the first user with object data for the plurality of objects. Referring to the above-described example of the visual query matching system 110 including a trading opportunity database, the visual query matching system 110 may determine a matching object by comparing filter data for selected criteria of the first query associated with the first buyer with object data for corresponding criteria of each of the plurality of objects.

[0110] At 740, the visual query matching system 110 may provide the first user with a dashboard display including a matrix of matching objects. The matrix may be organized by the number of matching criteria among the selected criteria of the first query for each matching object.

[0111] Referring next to FIG. 8, an example screen shot of an example dashboard display 800 provided to a first user on a user device 120 is shown. Referring to the above-described example of a visual query matching system 110 including a trading opportunity database, the first user may be a buyer of a trading opportunity. The trading opportunity database may include multiple queries (e.g., 810a and 810b) associated with the buyer. The visual query matching system 110 may determine a matching object from the multiple objects of each query 810 (e.g., in step 730 of method 700).

[0112] The dashboard display 800 may include a matrix of matching objects displayed in a tabular format. Each of the rows (e.g., 820a and 820b) may display a matching object corresponding to each of the queries 810. The number of columns in the table may correspond to the number of selected criteria for the query 810. Matching objects may be displayed in columns 830a-830e corresponding to the number of matching criteria among the selected criteria for that query.

[0113] In some embodiments, the matrix of matching users can be bidirectional. For example, visual query matching system 110 can receive user input from a first user requesting to drill down into the matching objects for one of the cells (e.g., cell 840a or cell 840b) and request all matching objects corresponding to that cell (e.g., for cell 840a, the matching objects corresponding to 3 / 5 of the matching criteria for query 810b). Visual query matching system 110 can also receive further user input from the first user requesting to view more details about the matching objects.

[0114] In some embodiments, the visual query matching system 110 may provide a communication interface to a first user to enable communication with the user associated with the matching object. The visual query matching system 110 may 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 provide a communication interface only to users with an active user status.

[0115] In some embodiments, the visual query matching system 110 may determine whether the matching objects are different in response to detecting one or more changes in the second query data and the object data. For example, there may be a change in the second query data corresponding to a change in the filter data for one of the selected criteria. The change in the filter data may cause a change in the matching objects determined in step 730 of method 700. In response to 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."

[0116] As another example, visual query matching system 110 may determine that there is a change in object data corresponding to the removal of an object from among the plurality of objects. If the removed object was 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 change from "6" to "5," and / or there may be an annotation visually indicating that a change has occurred.

[0117] As another example, a user may be removed from the first set of users. If one or more objects were associated with the deleted user, there may be a change in object data corresponding to the removal of the one or more objects associated with the deleted user. If the deleted object or objects are included in 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, 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 change from "6" to "3," and / or there may be an annotation visually indicating that a change has occurred.

[0118] As another example, there may be a change in object data corresponding to a new object being added to the plurality of objects, and in response, visual query matching system 110 may update the stored second object data with the new data associated with the new object.

[0119] If a new object is included among 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 by displaying a new object indicator on the dashboard display to indicate that the matching objects include a new matching object (not previously seen by the first user). In some embodiments, the new object indicator may be an annotation of the corresponding matrix cell. For example, if a new object is included among the matching objects in cell 840a, the number of matching objects may change from "5" to "6," and a red dot annotation 850 may be included in cell 840a to indicate the new matching object. The first user may view details of the new object by interacting with dashboard display 800 as described above herein. In some embodiments, after the first user views details of the new object, visual query matching system 110 may remove annotation 850.

[0120] In some embodiments, the object data may include a time of creation for each object, and the visual query matching system 110 may not include objects older than a threshold time setting in the matching process. For example, the threshold time setting may be 90 days, and the visual query matching system 110 may not include any trading opportunities older than 90 days in the matching process.

[0121] In some embodiments, the visual query matching system 110 may determine a time to expiration for each of the objects. For example, the visual query matching system 110 may determine a time to expiration for a given object using the current time and the time of creation for the given object. The visual query matching system 110 may provide a dashboard display that includes a matrix of objects ordered according to a timing parameter.

[0122] Referring next to FIG. 9, an example screen shot of an example dashboard display 900 provided to a first user on user device 120 is shown. Dashboard display 900 may include a matrix of matching objects displayed in a tabular format. Each of the rows (e.g., 910a and 910b) may display a matching object arranged in the table, with the table rows ordered according to time to maturity. The number of columns in the table may correspond to the number of selected criteria for the query. Matching objects may be displayed in columns 920a-920e corresponding to the number of matching criteria among the selected criteria for the query.

[0123] In some embodiments, the matrix of matching users can be bidirectional. For example, visual query matching system 110 can receive user input from a first user requesting to drill down into the matching objects in one of the cells (e.g., cell 940a or cell 940b) and view all matching objects corresponding to that cell (e.g., for cell 940a, the matching objects corresponding to the matching criteria of 3 / 5 and the time from 21 to 30 days to maturity). Visual query matching system 110 can then receive further user input from the first user requesting to view the details of the matching objects.

[0124] It should be appreciated that numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the illustrative embodiments described herein. However, it will be well 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 drawings should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein in any way, but rather as merely illustrating implementations of the various embodiments described herein.

[0125] Embodiments of the systems and methods described herein may be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of both. Preferably, however, these embodiments are implemented as a computer program executing on a programmable computer, each of which includes at least one processor (e.g., 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, but not by way of limitation, a programmable computer (referred to herein as a computing device) may be a personal computer, laptop, personal data assistant, mobile phone, smartphone device, tablet computer, and / or wireless device. 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 well-known fashion.

[0126] Each program is preferably implemented in a high-level procedural or object-oriented programming and / or scripting language to communicate with a computer system. However, the programs can be implemented in assembly or machine language, if desired. In either case, the language may be a compiled or interpreted language. Each such computer program is preferably loaded onto a storage medium or device (e.g., a ROM or magnetic diskette) readable by a general-purpose or special-purpose programmable computer, and the storage medium or device is stored on the computer to configure and operate the computer when performing the procedures described herein. The subject system may also be considered to be embodied as a computer-readable storage medium configured with a computer program, the storage medium being configured to cause the computer to operate in a specific and predetermined manner and perform the functions described herein.

[0127] Additionally, the systems, processes, and methods of the described embodiments can be distributed in a computer program product comprising a computer-readable medium having computer-usable instructions for one or more processors. The medium may be provided in various forms, including one or more diskettes, compact discs, tapes, chips, wired transmissions, satellite transmissions, Internet transmissions or downloads, magnetic and electronic storage media, digital and analog signals, etc. The computer-usable instructions may also be in various forms, including compiled and non-compiled code.

[0128] Various modifications and variations may be made to these illustrative embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims. For example, the steps of a method according to any of the embodiments described herein may be performed in any order, regardless of whether such steps are described in a numbered or lettered ordered manner in the claims, drawings, or otherwise. Also, in the various user interfaces shown in the figures, it should be understood that the illustrated user interface text and controls are provided by way of example only and are not limiting. Other suitable user interface elements are possible.

Claims

1. 1. A computer-implemented method for visual query matching, the method comprising: storing first query data comprising queries associated with a first set of users, each query including a criterion selected from a plurality of query criteria and first filter data for the plurality of query criteria; storing second query data comprising metadata and queries associated with a second set of users, each query including a criterion selected from the plurality of query criteria and second filter data for the plurality of query criteria; determining, for a first user of the first set of users, matching users from the second set of users by a processor comparing the first filter data for the selected criteria of a first query associated with the first user with the metadata and the second filter data included in the second query data; the processor providing the first user with a dashboard display comprising a matrix of the matching users, the matrix organized by the number of matching criteria among the selected criteria of the first query for each matching user; A method comprising:

2. The method comprises: storing object data corresponding to the plurality of query criteria for a first object associated with the first user; determining matching queries from among the queries associated with the second set of users by comparing the object data for the first object with the second filter data for the selected criteria of the queries associated with the second set of users; the processor providing the dashboard display to the first user comprising a matrix of the matching queries, the matrix organized by the number of matching criteria among the selected criteria of the matching queries; further comprising: The method of claim 1.

3. the second query data comprises a plurality of queries associated with a single user for one or more users of the second set of users, any one query of the plurality of queries being designated a primary query for each of the second set of users; the processor determines matching users from the second set of users by comparing, for a first user of the first set of users, the first filter data for the selected criteria of the first query associated with the first user with the metadata and the second filter data of the primary query for each of the second set of users; 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The method comprises: In response to detecting one or more changes in the first query data and the second query data, the processor determines whether the matching users are different; In response to determining that the matched users are different, operating the processor to update the dashboard display to indicate that the matched users have changed; further comprising:

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the change in one or more of the first query data and the second query data includes adding a new user to the second set of users; The method further includes updating the second query data with new metadata and a new query associated with the new user; operating the processor to update the dashboard display to indicate that the matching users have changed includes displaying a new user indicator on the dashboard display to indicate that the matching users include a new matching user; The method of claim 4.

6. The method comprises: In response to detecting a change in one or more of the first query data, the second query data, and the object data, the processor determines whether the matching queries are different; 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; further comprising: The method of claim 2.

7. The method further includes the step of the processor providing a communication interface between the first user and any of the matching users from the second set of users based on a user status of the first user.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2.

8. the first query data comprises one or more queries associated with the first user, and the dashboard display provided to the first user comprises the matrix of the matching users displayed in a first table, each row of the first table corresponding to a given query of the one or more queries associated with the first user, and the number of columns of the first table corresponding to the number of the selected criteria for the one or more queries associated with the first user; 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2.

9. the matching users are displayed in the columns of the first table ordered according to the number of matching criteria among the selected criteria for the given query of the one or more queries associated with the first user; The method of claim 8.

10. the dashboard display provided to the first user comprises the matrix of the matching queries displayed in a second table, each row of the second table corresponding to an object associated with the first user, and the number of columns of the second table corresponding to the number of the selected criteria of the matching queries; The method of claim 2.

11. the matching queries are displayed in the columns of the second table ordered according to the number of matching criteria in the selected criteria of the matching queries; The method of claim 10.

12. 1. A system for visual query matching, the system comprising: a memory unit and a processor; The memory unit comprises: storing first query data comprising queries associated with a first set of users, each query including a criterion selected from a plurality of query criteria and first filter data for the plurality of query criteria; storing second query data comprising metadata and queries associated with a second set of users, each query including a criterion selected from the plurality of query criteria and second filter data for the plurality of query criteria; configured to: The processor determines, for a first user of the first set of users, matching users from the second set of users by comparing the first filter data for the selected criteria of a first query associated with the first user with the metadata and the second filter data included in the second query data; providing the first user with a dashboard display comprising a matrix of the matching users, the matrix being organized by the number of matching criteria among the selected criteria of the first query for each matching user; configured to: system.

13. the memory unit is further configured to store object data corresponding to the plurality of query criteria for a first object associated with the first user; The processor: determining matching queries from among the queries associated with the second set of users by comparing the object data for the first object with the second filter data for the selected criteria of the queries associated with the second set of users; providing the dashboard display to the first user comprising a matrix of the matching queries, the matrix organized by the number of matching criteria among the selected criteria of the matching queries; further configured to: The system of claim 12.

14. the second query data comprises a plurality of queries associated with a single user for one or more users of the second set of users, any one query of the plurality of queries being designated a primary query for each of the second set of users; the processor is configured to determine matching users from the second set of users by comparing, for a first user of the first set of users, the first filter data for the selected criteria of the first query associated with the first user with the metadata and the second filter data of the primary query for each of the second set of users; 14. A system according to claim 12 or 13.

15. The processor: determining whether the matching users are different in response to detecting one or more changes in the first query data and the second query data; In response to determining that the matched users are different, updating the dashboard display to indicate that the matched users have changed; configured to:

14. A system according to claim 12 or 13.

16. the one or more changes to the first query data and the second query data include a new user being added to the second set of users, and the memory unit is further configured to store updated second query data including new metadata and a new query associated with the new user; the processor configured to update the dashboard display to indicate that the matching users have changed includes displaying a new user indicator on the dashboard display to indicate that the matching users include a new matching user. The system of claim 15.

17. The processor: determining whether the matching queries are different in response to detecting changes in one or more of the first query data, the second query data, and the object data; In response to determining that the matching query is different, updating the dashboard display to indicate that the matching query has changed; further configured to: The system of claim 13.

18. the processor is further configured to provide a communication interface between the first user and any of the matching users from the second set of users based on a user status of the first user.

14. A system according to claim 12 or 13.

19. the first query data comprises one or more queries associated with the first user, and the dashboard display provided to the first user comprises the matrix of the matching users displayed in a first table, each row of the first table corresponding to a given query of the one or more queries associated with the first user, and the number of columns of the first table corresponding to the number of the selected criteria for the one or more queries associated with the first user; 14. A system according to claim 12 or 13.

20. the matching users are displayed in the columns of the first table ordered according to the number of matching criteria among the selected criteria for the given query of the one or more queries associated with the first user; 20. The system of claim 19.

21. the dashboard display provided to the first user comprises the matrix of the matching queries displayed in a second table, each row of the second table corresponding to an object associated with the first user, and the number of columns of the second table corresponding to the number of the selected criteria of the matching queries; The system of claim 13.

22. the matching queries are displayed in the columns of the second table ordered according to the number of matching criteria in the selected criteria of the matching queries; 22. The system of claim 21.

23. 1. A computer-implemented method for visual query matching, the method comprising: storing object data corresponding to a plurality of query criteria for a plurality of objects, each of the plurality of objects being associated with a user of a first set of users; storing query data comprising metadata and queries associated with a second set of users, each query including a criterion selected from the plurality of query criteria and filter data for the plurality of query criteria; determining, by a processor, a matching object from the plurality of objects for the first user of the second set of users by comparing the filter data for the selected criteria of a first query associated with the first user with the object data for the plurality of objects; the processor providing the first user with a dashboard display comprising a matrix of the matching objects, the matrix organized by the number of matching criteria among the selected criteria of the first query for each matching object; A method comprising:

24. the stored object data comprises timing parameters for each of the plurality of objects, and the matrix of matching objects includes an ordering according to the timing parameters; 24. The method of claim 23.

25. The method comprises: in response to detecting one or more changes in the query data and the object data, the processor determining whether the matching objects are different; in response to determining that the matching objects are different, operating the processor to update the dashboard display to indicate that the matching objects have changed; further comprising:

25. The method of claim 23 or 24.

26. the change to one or more of the query data and the object data includes adding a new object to the plurality of objects; The method further includes updating the object data with new data associated with the new object; operating the processor to update the dashboard display to indicate that the matching object has changed includes displaying a new object indicator on the dashboard display to indicate that the matching object comprises a new matching object; 26. The method of claim 25.

27. the plurality of query criteria are based on characteristics associated with the plurality of objects; 25. The method of claim 23 or 24.

28. The method further includes the step of the processor providing a communication interface between the first user and any user from the first set of users associated with the matching object based on a user status of the first user.

25. The method of claim 23 or 24.

29. the query data comprises one or more queries associated with the first user, the dashboard display provided to the first user comprises the matrix of the matching objects displayed in a first table, each row of the first table corresponding to a given query of the one or more queries associated with the first user, and the number of columns of the first table corresponds to the number of the selected criteria for the one or more queries associated with the first user; 25. The method of claim 23 or 24.

30. the matching objects are displayed in the columns of the first table ordered according to the number of matching criteria among the selected criteria for the given query of the one or more queries associated with the first user; 30. The method of claim 29.

31. the dashboard display provided to the first user comprises the matrix of the matching objects displayed in a second table, the rows of the second table being ordered according to the timing parameters, and the number of columns of the second table corresponding to the number of the selected criteria of the first query; 25. The method of claim 24.

32. the matching objects are displayed in the columns of the second table ordered according to the number of matching criteria among the selected criteria of the first query; 32. The method of claim 31 .

33. 1. A system for visual query matching, the system comprising: a memory unit and a processor; The memory unit comprises: storing object data corresponding to a plurality of query criteria for a plurality of objects, each of the plurality of objects being associated with a user of a first set of users; storing query data comprising metadata and queries associated with a second set of users, each query including criteria selected from the plurality of query criteria and filter data for the plurality of query criteria; configured to: The processor: determining a matching object from the plurality of objects for a first user of the second set of users by comparing the filter data for the selected criteria of a first query associated with the first user with the object data for the plurality of objects; providing the first user with a dashboard display comprising a matrix of the matching objects, the matrix organized by the number of matching criteria among the selected criteria of the first query for each matching object; configured to: system.

34. the stored object data comprises timing parameters for each of the plurality of objects, and the matrix of matching objects includes an ordering according to the timing parameters; 34. The system of claim 33.

35. The processor: determining whether the matching objects are different in response to detecting one or more changes in the query data and the object data; In response to determining that the matching objects are different, updating the dashboard display to indicate that the matching objects have changed; further configured to:

35. A system according to claim 33 or 34.

36. the changes to one or more of the query data and the object data include a new object being added to the plurality of objects, and the memory unit is further configured to store updated object data including new data associated with the new object; the processor configured to update the dashboard display to indicate that the matching object has changed includes displaying a new object indicator on the dashboard display to indicate that the matching object comprises a new matching object.

36. The system of claim 35.

37. the plurality of query criteria are based on characteristics associated with the plurality of objects; 35. A system according to claim 33 or 34.

38. the processor is further configured to provide a communication interface between the first user and any user from the first set of users associated with the matching object based on a user status of the first user.

35. A system according to claim 33 or 34.

39. the query data comprises one or more queries associated with the first user, the dashboard display provided to the first user comprises the matrix of the matching objects displayed in a first table, each row of the first table corresponding to a given query of the one or more queries associated with the first user, and the number of columns of the first table corresponds to the number of the selected criteria for the one or more queries associated with the first user; 35. A system according to claim 33 or 34.

40. the matching objects are displayed in the columns of the first table ordered according to the number of matching criteria among the selected criteria for the given query of the one or more queries associated with the first user; 40. The system of claim 39.

41. the dashboard display provided to the first user comprises the matrix of the matching objects displayed in a second table, the rows of the second table being ordered according to the timing parameters, and the number of columns of the second table corresponding to the number of the selected criteria of the first query; 35. The system of claim 34.

42. the matching objects are displayed in the columns of the second table ordered according to the number of matching criteria among the selected criteria of the first query; 42. The system of claim 41.

43. 1. A computer-implemented method for visual query matching, the method comprising: storing first query data comprising queries associated with a first set of users, each query including a criterion selected from a plurality of query criteria and first filter data for the plurality of query criteria; storing second query data comprising metadata and queries associated with a second set of users, each query including a criterion selected from the plurality of query criteria and second filter data for the plurality of query criteria; storing object data corresponding to the plurality of query criteria for a first object associated with a first user of the first set of users; determining matching queries from among the queries associated with the second set of users by comparing the object data for the first object with the second filter data for the selected criteria of the queries associated with the second set of users; a processor providing a dashboard display to the first user comprising a matrix of the matching queries, the matrix organized by the number of matching criteria among the selected criteria of the matching queries; A method comprising:

44. The method further includes a processor determining, for a first user, matching users from the second set of users by comparing the first filter data for the selected criteria of a first query associated with the first user with the metadata and the second filter data included in the second query data.

44. The method of claim 43.

45. the second query data comprises a plurality of queries associated with a single user for one or more users of the second set of users, any one query of the plurality of queries being designated a primary query for each of the second set of users; the processor determines, for the first user, matching users from the second set of users by comparing the first filter data for the selected criteria of the first query associated with the first user with the metadata and the second filter data of the primary query for each of the second set of users; 45. The method of claim 44.

46. The method comprises: In response to detecting one or more changes in the first query data and the second query data, the processor determines whether the matching users are different; In response to determining that the matched users are different, operating the processor to update the dashboard display to indicate that the matched users have changed; further comprising:

45. The method of claim 44.

47. the change in one or more of the first query data and the second query data includes adding a new user to the second set of users; The method includes updating the second query data with new metadata and a new query associated with the new user; Operating the processor to update the dashboard display to indicate that the matching users have changed includes displaying a new user indicator on the dashboard display to indicate that the matching users include a new matching user; further comprising:

47. The method of claim 46.

48. The method comprises: In response to detecting a change in one or more of the first query data, the second query data, and the object data, the processor determines whether the matching queries are different; 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; further comprising:

45. The method of claim 44.

49. The method further includes the step of the processor providing a communication interface between the first user and any of the matching users from the second set of users based on a user status of the first user.

45. The method of claim 44.

50. the dashboard display provided to the first user comprises the matrix of the matching queries displayed in a table, each row of the table corresponding to an object associated with the first user, and the number of columns of the table corresponding to the number of the selected criteria of the matching queries; 44. The method of claim 43.

51. the matching queries are displayed in columns of a table ordered according to the number of matching criteria among the selected criteria of the matching queries; 47. The method of claim 46.

52. 1. A system for visual query matching, the system comprising: a memory unit and a processor; The memory unit comprises: storing first query data comprising queries associated with a first set of users, each query including a criterion selected from a plurality of query criteria and first filter data for the plurality of query criteria; storing second query data comprising metadata and queries associated with a second set of users, each query including a criterion selected from the plurality of query criteria and second filter data for the plurality of query criteria; storing object data corresponding to the plurality of query criteria for a first object associated with a first user of the first set of users; configured to: The processor: determining matching queries from among the queries associated with the second set of users by comparing the object data for the first object with the second filter data for the selected criteria of the queries associated with the second set of users; providing the first user with a dashboard display comprising a matrix of the matching queries, the matrix organized by number of matching criteria among the selected criteria of the matching queries; configured to: system.

53. The processor is further configured to determine, for the first user, matching users from the second set of users by comparing the first filter data for the selected criteria of a first query associated with the first user with the metadata and the second filter data included in the second query data.

53. The system of claim 52.

54. the second query data comprises a plurality of queries associated with a single user for one or more users of the second set of users, any one query of the plurality of queries being designated a primary query for each of the second set of users; the processor is configured to determine, for the first user, matching users from the second set of users by comparing the first filter data for the selected criteria of the first query associated with the first user with the metadata and the second filter data of the primary query for each of the second set of users; 54. The system of claim 53.

55. The processor: determining whether the matching users are different in response to detecting one or more changes in the first query data and the second query data; In response to determining that the matched users are different, updating the dashboard display to indicate that the matched users have changed; further configured to:

54. The system of claim 53.

56. the one or more changes to the first query data and the second query data include a new user being added to the second set of users, and the memory unit is further configured to store updated second query data including new metadata and a new query associated with the new user; the processor configured to update the dashboard display to indicate that the matching users have changed includes displaying a new user indicator on the dashboard display to indicate that the matching users include a new matching user.

56. The system of claim 55.

57. The processor: determining whether the matching queries are different in response to detecting changes in one or more of the first query data, the second query data, and the object data; In response to determining that the matching query is different, updating the dashboard display to indicate that the matching query has changed; further configured to:

53. The system of claim 52.

58. the processor is further configured to provide a communication interface between the first user and any of the matching users from the second set of users based on a user status of the first user.

54. The system of claim 53.

59. the dashboard display provided to the first user comprises the matrix of the matching queries displayed in a table, each row of the table corresponding to an object associated with the first user, and the number of columns of the table corresponding to the number of the selected criteria of the matching queries; 53. The system of claim 52.

60. the matching queries are displayed in the columns of the table ordered according to the number of matching criteria in the selected criteria of the matching queries; 60. The system of claim 59.

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