(Online Dating Industry Journal) Microsoft has filed a patent that uses an image based system to match people looking for love. From the patent:
"The image-based search eases the challenge of textually describing physical attributes. The search includes comparing a query image provided by the user to a plurality of stored images of faces stored in a stored image database, and determining a similarity of the query image to the plurality of stored images. One or more resultant images of faces, selected from among the stored images, are displayed to the user based on the determined similarity of the stored images to the query image. The resultant images are displayed based at least in part on one or more facial features."
In other words, Microsoft believes that the most important factor in dating is appearance. And as such, they are developing a feature whereas you can upload an image of a man (or woman) that you are highly attracted to and the service will find similar matches based on looks. The service will also let you rate photos in order to store your preferences and return results more to your liking.
According to the patent, a person could also view an image and rate various features of the image like the eyes, nose, mouth, and face shape. Based on those ratings, Microsoft's application will be able to return results of other online daters who visually appeal to you.
Joe's Comments
It will be interesting to see where Microsoft goes with this. The patent allows users to upload pictures from a variety of sources, including a PC or mobile phone. The application will likely spread across several digital sources, not just PCs.
Microsoft says clearly in the patent that it is for "an image based online dating service". We'll likely be hearing a lot more about this in the coming weeks/months. The online dating industry is extremely lucrative to services that rise to the top and it's clear Microsoft wants a piece of that pie.
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