Social Network Profile Ranking and Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional social networking websites do not effectively display and navigate a user's connections beyond a small subset, lacking information and navigation tools to facilitate exploration of the network.
Innovation Solution
The system ranks and displays associated profiles based on various factors such as activity, popularity, and relationship strength, allowing users to visualize connections and relationships through a grid view and association paths, enabling better navigation within the social network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional websites display connections in a list format or concentric circles, then the structure is simple and easy to implement, but only a small subset of connections is exposed and navigation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic display structures where profiles can be arranged in various patterns (concentric circles, grids, lists) that adapt based on user interaction and selection. The system transitions from static conventional displays to dynamic reconfigurable layouts that respond to user needs, enabling versatile navigation while maintaining implementation feasibility through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial dimensionality to profile display by arranging connections in concentric circles representing different degrees of separation, and using grid views with multiple dimensions for organizing profiles. This dimensional approach allows users to navigate complex networks visually while the system manages the underlying complexity through structured spatial organization
2Measurement precision
If profiles are ranked based exclusively on degree of separation, then the ranking method is simple, but relevant and active profiles may not be prioritized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters used for profile ranking from solely degree of separation to multiple factors including activity level, popularity metrics, and relationship strength. This multi-parameter ranking system improves measurement precision of profile relevance while the system manages algorithmic complexity through weighted scoring mechanisms and configurable priority settings
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where user interactions with profiles provide data that refines future rankings. Activity levels and engagement patterns are continuously monitored and fed back into the ranking algorithm, improving relevance assessment while the feedback loops are managed through established data collection and processing infrastructure
3Loss of information
If all connections are displayed at once, then complete information is provided, but the interface becomes cluttered and difficult to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display of connections into organized groups based on degree of separation, activity levels, and relationship types. Profiles are divided into manageable sections within grid views and concentric circle layouts, allowing complete information to be presented in an organized, non-cluttered manner that maintains navigation ease while preserving comprehensive connection data
Solution Approach 2:
The system displays a curated subset of most relevant profiles prominently in the initial view, with options to expand and access additional connections. This partial display approach prioritizes navigation ease by showing key connections first, while the underlying system maintains complete information availability through expandable views and search capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for the display and navigation of a social network are set forth. According to one embodiment, a method comprising identifying a first profile in a social network, identifying associated profiles associated with the first profile, ranking the associated profiles, wherein ranking is not based exclusively on a degree of separation, and outputting the associated profiles based at least in part on the ranking is set forth. According to another embodiment, a method comprising identifying a user profile, identifying a member profile, determining an association path for the user profile and the member profile, and outputting the association path is set forth.