Interactive networking systems with user classes

US9275247B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Gregory A. Pearson, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Gregory A. Pearson · Seabrook, US
• Ronald Shane Hamilton · St. Petersburg, US
• David B. Hall · New Port Richey, US
• Joseph J. Cahill · Rochester, US
• Nicholas N. Panone · St. Petersburg, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 25, 2011
• Grant date: Mar 1, 2016
• Expiry date: Nov 22, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H04L67/306
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A networking system may comprise a web site incorporating a combination of one or more of the following: a crediting system, a chat bidding system, a performance bidding system, a telephony switching system, a media interaction system, a display system, a photo management system, and a messaging system. The networking system may categorize each user of the web site into classes, including a featured class, a common class, a sponsored class, and a sponsoring class. The networking system may facilitate user interactions, some of which may be partially dependent on user classes. A featured user may opt to temporarily appear as a common user, thus activating an alternative user profile and hiding his featured status. A sponsored user may participate in interactions on the web site if a sponsoring user offers his credits to pay for the sponsored member's participation. Other aspects of the networking system are also disclosed herein.