Visual Similarity Matching Server for Online Dating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing online matching services face challenges in accurately predicting physical attraction, which is a critical factor in initiating relationships, and are limited by user-uploaded photos and a focus on short-term physical appeal rather than long-lasting interpersonal connections.

Innovation Solution

A matching server system that stores and retrieves images to calculate a compatibility value based on user feedback and visual similarity, using an attractiveness scoring engine to present potential matches whose physical attractiveness meets a predefined threshold, allowing users to initiate relationships.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If matching services use self-identified variables from user surveys, then they can collect comprehensive data about personality, interests, and traits, but they cannot accurately predict physical attraction which is critical for initiating relationships

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of physical attraction predictionVSAvoidinability to capture physical appearance data

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses photographic images as copies of physical appearance to capture and analyze physical attraction factors. Instead of relying on self-identified survey data, the system creates visual representations that can be objectively analyzed for physical compatibility and attraction potential.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical survey-based data collection system with an image-based visual analysis system. By substituting self-reported physical description data with actual photographic images, the system enables more accurate prediction of physical attraction through visual similarity analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If websites use randomly generated photos and focus solely on physical appearance, then they can assess physical attractiveness, but they are limited in presenting opportunities for long lasting interpersonal relationships

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysical attractiveness assessmentVSAvoidability to facilitate long-term relationships

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges physical appearance assessment with compatibility analysis by combining image-based visual similarity metrics with survey-based personality and interest data. This integration allows the system to evaluate both physical attraction and long-term relationship potential simultaneously, rather than treating them as separate dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-functional matching system that serves both physical attraction assessment and long-term relationship facilitation. The image analysis technology is applied universally to evaluate various aspects including physical compatibility, relationship potential, and overall match quality, making the system versatile for different relationship goals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Quantity of substance

If matching services rely on user uploaded photos, then they can assess physical appearance, but the pool of potential candidates is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepool of potential candidatesVSAvoiddependency on user photo uploads

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary image analysis and compatibility calculations before users complete their profiles or upload photos. By pre-processing and pre-evaluating available image data, the system can identify potential matches early in the process, expanding the candidate pool without requiring complete user participation at each stage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10489445B1Systems and methods for online matching using visual similarity

Publication Date: 2019.11.26 EHARMONY

AI summary

A computer-based system for presenting interpersonal relationship analysis and recommendation, comprising: a matching server system, operatively coupled to a public network, wherein the matching server system is configured to: retrieve a plurality of stored images of individuals, including at least a first image and a second image, the second image being of a potential match and having an associated match profile; present the first image to a user via a user-interface device; receive feedback from a first user via the user-interface device, the feedback indicating a level of physical attraction to the individual portrayed in the first image; generate a compatibility value for the user and the potential match, the compatibility value generated based on at least the user feedback and a calculated visual similarity between the first image and the second image; and present the match profile of the potential match to the user based on the generated compatibility value, including means for the user to contact the potential match.