Social Networking System Using Account Data Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Individuals face challenges in networking outside of their usual environments, such as workplaces and social groups, as existing social networking sites rely on self-identification and do not effectively facilitate connections based on common interests or locations.

Innovation Solution

A system that analyzes user account data to identify social networking opportunities, detects triggers indicating user interest, and offers networking opportunities based on demographic information, creating a social networking site for contact exchange with user consent, and requiring meeting specific requirements before offering opportunities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing social networking sites rely on self-identification by individuals, then users can freely choose their social groups, but the system cannot effectively identify and facilitate connections based on common interests or locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser freedom to choose social groupsVSAvoidsystem inability to identify common interests

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically analyzes account data (transactions, demographics, location) to identify social networking opportunities without requiring users to manually self-identify their interests or preferences. The system serves itself by generating networking recommendations based on objective data analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameters used for social group identification from user-stated preferences to objective account data parameters such as transaction patterns, demographic information, and location data, enabling more accurate matching of common interests.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Extent of automation

If the system automatically identifies social networking opportunities based on account data, then networking connections can be facilitated without user input, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated networking opportunity identificationVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses existing account data infrastructure (transaction processing, demographic collection) for a new function (social networking identification), leveraging multi-functionality to reduce overall system complexity while achieving automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary analysis layer that processes existing account data to generate networking opportunities, acting as a mediator between the existing financial data system and the new social networking functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the system offers social networking opportunities to users, then user satisfaction and account activity increase, but the requirements for offering opportunities must be met which may limit availability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser account activityVSAvoidavailability of networking opportunities

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by offering networking opportunities only to users who meet specific criteria (sufficient account activity, demographic matching), rather than universally to all users, thereby balancing productivity gains with manageable system requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS8874674B2System for optimizing social networking

Publication Date: 2014.10.28 BANK OF AMERICA CORP

AI summary

Systems, methods and computer program products are provided for optimizing social networks. In the systems and methods, account data associated with a user account is received and the account data is stored in a storage device. Pluralities of networking opportunities are identified based on the account data. Furthermore, based on the account data triggers may be detected indicating a user's interest in one or more social networking opportunities. The system then offers the user, based at least partially on the detected trigger, the one or more social networking opportunities.