Internet Human Network Brokering with Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current human networking tools on the Internet are inadequate for forming relationships among disparate networks and lack a brokering function essential for exchanging social capital, often resulting in inefficient decision-making processes due to insufficient information and privacy concerns.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for Internet-based human network brokering that automatically matches search queries with potential targets by comparing search criteria with profile criteria, while respecting access controls, using client applications and server-side broker agents to facilitate secure and anonymous exchanges of information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a connector reveals contacts to a requester, then the requester gains access to potential referrals, but the connector compromises their network and exposes contacts to unwanted solicitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a broker as an intermediary between the connector and the requester. The broker receives referral requests from requesters, contacts connectors through secure channels, and facilitates introductions only with permission. This mediator role allows referrals to be made without directly exposing connectors to unwanted solicitations or compromising their networks, as the broker controls and filters all interactions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a connector does not make referrals, then their network remains protected, but they risk losing association with the person seeking the referral
Solution Approach 1:
The broker serves as a protective intermediary that allows connectors to maintain associations with requesters without directly engaging in referral transactions. The broker handles all communication and coordination, enabling connectors to stay connected to requesters while avoiding direct exposure to potential harm from unsolicited referrals or network exploitation.
3Productivity
If the requester tracks down multiple leads without sufficient information, then more options are explored, but the process becomes inefficient due to lack of proper profiling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary profiling of both connectors and requesters before referrals are made. The system collects and stores detailed information about individuals' networks, preferences, and characteristics in advance, creating comprehensive profiles. This preliminary action ensures that when referrals are needed, the requester already has sufficient information about potential targets to make informed decisions, eliminating the need to track down multiple leads without proper profiling.
4Measurement precision
If detailed profiles are created and shared, then accurate matches can be made, but access control and privacy concerns limit information sharing
Solution Approach 1:
The broker acts as a secure intermediary that manages access to detailed profiles while maintaining privacy. The system allows the broker to access comprehensive profile information for accurate matching, while controlling who can view what information. The broker facilitates introductions based on profile data without exposing raw profile information to all parties, thus achieving accurate matches while protecting privacy and managing access control.
Data Source
AI summary
Matches between search queries and potential targets of such search queries are automatically brokered by (i) comparing search criteria specified in the search queries with profile criteria describing the potential targets, and (ii) reporting instances of acceptable correspondence between the search criteria and the profile criteria, provided that access controls associated with the profile criteria of the targets permit such reporting in light of access levels assigned to the search inquiries. Initiators, using client applications at various remote locations, may formulate the search queries and the brokering may be performed at one or more server locations communicatively coupled (e.g., via the Internet) thereto. The profile criteria may include portions of rich descriptive profiles of the potential targets.