Computer-implemented method and system for enabling communication between networked users based on common characteristics

Abstract

A computer-implemented method and system for enabling communication between networked users based on search queries and common characteristics is disclosed. Particular embodiments relate to receiving a search query from a first user and establishing a communication link between the first user and a second user based on the first user's search query. Particular embodiments relate to receiving a first search query from a first user, receiving a second search query from a second user, determining if the first user and the second user fit within match criteria, and establishing a communication link between the first user and the second user if the first user and the second user fit within match criteria. Particular embodiments relate to receiving a first search query from a first user, receiving a second search query from a second user, determining if the first search query and the second search query fit within match criteria, determining if the first user and the second user fit within match criteria, and establishing a communication link between the first user and the second user if the first search query and the second search query fit within match criteria and if the first user and the second user fit within match criteria.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A computer-implemented method comprising:
 receiving search topics from a plurality of users via a network;   using a processor to determine if a search topic submitted by a first user and any of the search topics submitted by any of the other users fit within match criteria;   providing the first user with a list of search topics submitted by the other users where the search topics submitted by the other users fit within the match criteria;   generating for the first user a communication link for each search topic in the list, each communication link being automatically generated from a corresponding search topic and configured for user activation to enable communication between networked users based on common search queries, the communication link establishing a conversation with a corresponding user of the plurality of users associated with the search topic; and   upon activation of one of the communication links in the list by the first user, establishing a conversation between the first user and the corresponding user associated with the search topic.   
     
     
         2 . The method as claimed in  claim 1  further including:
 receiving context information about the plurality of users via the network; and 
 using a processor to determine if an affiliation exists between the first user and any of the plurality of other users from whom a search topic was received, the determination being based on the context information. 
 
     
     
         3 . The method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the conversation is established without pre-installing application-specific software on a system operated by the first user. 
     
     
         4 . The method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the conversation is established anonymously between the first user and any of the plurality of other users from whom a search topic was received. 
     
     
         5 . The method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the conversation is established without requiring registration by the first user. 
     
     
         6 . The method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the conversation includes voice or video communications. 
     
     
         7 . The method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the network is a type of network from the group consisting of: a client/server network and a peer-to-peer network. 
     
     
         8 . The method as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the affiliation between the first user and the corresponding affiliated user exists if the first user and the corresponding affiliated user are both logged into the same application. 
     
     
         9 . The method as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the affiliation between the first user and the corresponding affiliated user exists if the first user and the corresponding affiliated user have common user characteristics. 
     
     
         10 . The method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein activation of one of the communication links by the first user further enabling the first user to invite a second user to join the conversation. 
     
     
         11 . The method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the plurality of users can concurrently maintain multiple conversations with multiple users about multiple topics. 
     
     
         12 . The method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein more than two users can participate in a single conversation, the single conversation being accessible only to the participating users. 
     
     
         13 . The method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein at least one search topic being received via a mobile device. 
     
     
         14 . An apparatus comprising:
 one or more processors;   memory coupled to the one or more processors;   a search topic receiver, executable by the one or more processors, to receive search topics from a plurality of users via a network, use the one or more processors to determine if a search topic submitted by a first user and any of the search topics submitted by any of the other users fit within match criteria, provide the first user with a list of search topics submitted by the other users where the search topics submitted by the other users fit within the match criteria, and generate for the first user a communication link for each search topic in the list, each communication link being automatically generated from a corresponding search topic and configured for user activation to enable communication between networked users based on common search queries, the communication link establishing a conversation with a corresponding user of the plurality of users associated with the search topic; and   a communication component, executable by the one or more processors, to establish a conversation between the first user and the corresponding user associated with the search topic, upon activation of one of the communication links in the list by the first user.   
     
     
         15 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 14  being further configured to:
 receive context information about the plurality of users via the network; and 
 use the one or more processors to determine if an affiliation exists between the first user and any of the plurality of other users from whom a search topic was received, the determination being based on the context information. 
 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the conversation is established without pre-installing application-specific software on a system operated by the first user. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the conversation is established anonymously between the first user and any of the plurality of other users from whom a search topic was received. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the conversation is established without requiring registration by the first user. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the conversation includes voice or video communications. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 15  wherein the affiliation between the first user and the corresponding affiliated user exists if the first user and the corresponding affiliated user have common user characteristics.