Abstract:
A method includes receiving from a product supplier a consumer profile comprising preferred criteria, identifying recruits fitting the profile, establishing a virtual meeting space for electronic communication with said recruits, receiving from the supplier a set of questions, receiving from the recruits via the meeting space a set of answers to the questions, and supplying the answer set to the supplier.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
       [0001]    This patent application claims priority from U.S. Provisional App. No. 62/098,486 filed Dec. 31, 2014 and entitled “AGGREGATING ONLINE RECRUITS FOR LIVE WEBCAM INTERVIEWS,” the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
       [0002]    Preferred and alternative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawing figures: 
         [0003]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view of elements of an embodiment of the invention; 
         [0004]      FIG. 2  is a flowchart illustrating a recruitment process according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         [0005]      FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating establishment of a virtual meeting room according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         [0006]      FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating establishment of a user interface according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         [0007]      FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating a video-editing process according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         [0008]      FIG. 6  is a schematic view of an exemplary operating environment in which an embodiment of the invention can be implemented; and 
         [0009]      FIG. 7  is a functional block diagram of an exemplary operating environment in which an embodiment of the invention can be implemented. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0010]    This patent application is intended to describe one or more embodiments of the present invention. It is to be understood that the use of absolute terms, such as “must,” “will,” and the like, as well as specific quantities, is to be construed as being applicable to one or more of such embodiments, but not necessarily to all such embodiments. As such, embodiments of the invention may omit, or include a modification of, one or more features or functionalities described in the context of such absolute terms. 
         [0011]    Embodiments of the invention may be operational with numerous general purpose or special purpose computing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-known computing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable for use with the invention include, but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices, and the like. 
         [0012]    Embodiments of the invention may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer and/or by computer-readable media on which such instructions or modules can be stored. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote computer storage media including memory storage devices. Additionally, the entity that may implement, or otherwise provide the ability to implement, elements of embodiments of the invention may be referred to herein as an “administrator.” 
         [0013]    With reference to  FIG. 6 , an exemplary system for implementing an embodiment of the invention includes a computing device, such as computing device  600 . The computing device  600  typically includes at least one processing unit  602  and memory  604 . 
         [0014]    Depending on the exact configuration and type of computing device, memory  604  may be volatile (such as random-access memory (RAM)), nonvolatile (such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, etc.) or some combination of the two. This most basic configuration is illustrated in  FIG. 6  by dashed line  606 . 
         [0015]    Additionally, the device  600  may have additional features, aspects, and functionality. For example, the device  600  may include additional storage (removable and/or non-removable) which may take the form of, but is not limited to, magnetic or optical disks or tapes. Such additional storage is illustrated in  FIG. 6  by removable storage  608  and non-removable storage  610 . Computer storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Memory  604 , removable storage  608  and non-removable storage  610  are all examples of computer storage media. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by device  600 . Any such computer storage media may be part of device  600 . 
         [0016]    The device  600  may also include a communications connection  612  that allows the device to communicate with other devices. The communications connection  612  is an example of communication media. Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, the communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, radio-frequency (RF), infrared and other wireless media. The term computer-readable media as used herein includes both storage media and communication media. 
         [0017]    The device  600  may also have an input device  614  such as keyboard, mouse, pen, voice-input device, touch-input device, etc. Further, an output device  616  such as a display, speakers, printer, etc. may also be included. Additional input devices  614  and output devices  616  may be included depending on a desired functionality of the device  600 . 
         [0018]    According to one or more embodiments, the combination of software or computer-executable instructions with a computer-readable medium results in the creation of a machine or apparatus. Similarly, the execution of software or computer-executable instructions by a processing device results in the creation of a machine or apparatus, which may be distinguishable from the processing device, itself, according to an embodiment. 
         [0019]    Correspondingly, it is to be understood that a computer-readable medium is transformed by storing software or computer-executable instructions thereon. Likewise, a processing device is transformed in the course of executing software or computer-executable instructions. Additionally, it is to be understood that a first set of data input to a processing device during, or otherwise in association with, the execution of software or computer-executable instructions by the processing device is transformed into a second set of data as a consequence of such execution. This second data set may subsequently be stored, displayed, or otherwise communicated. Such transformation, alluded to in each of the above examples, may be a consequence of, or otherwise involve, the physical alteration of portions of a computer-readable medium. Such transformation, alluded to in each of the above examples, may also be a consequence of, or otherwise involve, the physical alteration of, for example, the states of registers and/or counters associated with a processing device during execution of software or computer-executable instructions by the processing device. 
         [0020]    As used herein, a process that is performed “automatically” may mean that the process is performed as a result of machine-executed instructions and does not, other than the establishment of user preferences, require manual effort. 
         [0021]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , an embodiment of the present invention may take the form, and/or may be implemented using one or more elements, of an exemplary computer network system  700 . The system  700  includes an electronic client device  710 , such as a personal computer or workstation, tablet, smart phone or other handheld electronic device, that is linked via a communication medium, such as a network  720  (e.g., the Internet), to an electronic device or system, such as a server  730 . The server  730  may further be coupled, or otherwise have access, to a database  740  and a computer system  760 . Although the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7  includes one server  730  coupled to one client device  710  via the network  720 , it should be recognized that embodiments of the invention may be implemented using one or more such client devices coupled to one or more such servers. 
         [0022]    The client device  710  and the server  730  may include all or fewer than all of the features associated with the device  600  illustrated in and discussed with reference to  FIG. 6 . The client device  710  includes or is otherwise coupled to a computer screen or display  750 . The client device  710  may be used for various purposes such as network- and local-computing processes. 
         [0023]    The client device  710  is linked via the network  720  to server  730  so that computer programs, such as, for example, a browser, running on the client device  710  can cooperate in two-way communication with server  730 . The server  730  may be coupled to database  740  to retrieve information therefrom and to store information thereto. Database  740  may have stored therein data (not shown) that can be used by the server  730  and/or client device  710  to enable performance of various aspects of embodiments of the invention. Additionally, the server  730  may be coupled to the computer system  760  in a manner allowing the server to delegate certain processing functions to the computer system. In an embodiment, the client device  710  may bypass network  720  and communicate directly with computer system  760 . In alternative embodiments, most or all of the functionality described herein may be implemented in a desktop application  780  that may include one or more executable modules and/or the aforementioned browser. 
         [0024]    Still referring to  FIG. 7 , and in operation according to an embodiment of the invention, a user (not shown) of the client device  710  desiring to enjoy functionality described below herein may invoke the desktop application  780 . Alternatively, the user may invoke a browser running on the client device  710  to access web content, which may, but need not, be served by the server  730 . Specifically, by employing an appropriate uniform resource locator (URL) in a known manner, the user may navigate to or otherwise access a website hosted by the server  730  and access features provided by one or more embodiments described herein. 
         [0025]    An embodiment provides a method for recruiting people quickly to participate in, for example, market research. It may include a composition of a number of independent software technologies. An embodiment automates the recruitment, hosting and execution of online depth interviews and focus groups. 
         [0026]    An embodiment may include tight Integration into a video client, recruit-scheduling reminders, translation and interpretation with live interpreters, and video editing. 
         [0027]    All operations described below may be performed in the context of a currently selected project. It should be noted that one can have multiple projects within his/her account. 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  illustrates a process according to an embodiment of the invention. The process of  FIG. 1  may be implementable in an electronic interface to recruit human subjects for a marketing research data collection and analysis of qualitative market research data. The process of  FIG. 1  is illustrated as a set of operations shown as discrete blocks. The process of  FIG. 1  may be implemented in any suitable hardware (such as, e.g., server  730  and/or computer system  760 ), software, and/or human capital or combination thereof. The order in which the operations are described is not to be necessarily construed as a limitation. 
         [0029]    The following discussion is with reference to  FIG. 1  and the reference numerals illustrated therein. 
         [0030]    At block  100 , recruitment criteria settings characterizing human subjects are formulated or otherwise established. This is described in more detail in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0031]    At block  105  recruitment vendors are asked for available (and fulfilling-all-criteria) respondents. More on this is discussed with reference to  FIG. 4  (as recruit vendors aggregator). 
         [0032]    At block  110  a set of vendors is identified that provide sampling services from which panelists can be taken. 
         [0033]    At block  115 , potential recruits are informed about the nature of study. Recruits may be required to go through a screening process (if screening questions were set at block  100 ) and pass a client-device hardware requirements check page. 
         [0034]    Block  125  a set of respondents that comes from recruiting vendors is identified. 
         [0035]    Block  130  represents the process around executing a synchronous online market research interview. This block  130  is described in more detail on  FIG. 5   
         [0036]    Block  140  represents a researcher user. 
         [0037]    Block  145  represents a virtual meeting room. 
         [0038]    Block  150  depicts an optional way in which the support personnel can enter this meeting room. Support personnel are granted access rights to administer the meeting room. 
         [0039]    Block  152  depicts the ability for observers to observe the activities conducted in the meeting room while not being detected by at least some of the participants as doing so. This may be considered as, for example, the virtual equivalent of a one-way mirror in a traditional focus group facility. The recruits are unable to see or hear the observer but the observer is able to see the other participants. 
         [0040]    Block  155  represents a service that is responsible for synchronous recording of audio, video, and/or slides of all discussion participants. This recorded data may be used in and/or to create a discussion archive. 
         [0041]    At block  160 , Video/audio processing may be performed after the discussion in order to prepare high-quality archive files. File format and video resolution may be changed in this step. 
         [0042]    At block  165 , Audio may be extracted and sent to a transcription vendor. Such vendor may employ either machine or human transcription. The choice of which may depend on what was selected on discussion schedule screen at block  100 . 
         [0043]    At block  170 , an audio to text service vendor, such as an external company that is able to transcribe speech to text, may be utilized. Text is optionally advantageous for search functionality on the archive page. 
         [0044]      FIG. 2  illustrates a process according to an embodiment of the invention. The process of  FIG. 2  may be implementable in an electronic interface to recruit human subjects for a marketing research data collection and analysis of qualitative market research data. The process of  FIG. 2  is illustrated as a set of operations shown as discrete blocks. The process of  FIG. 2  may be implemented in any suitable hardware (such as, e.g., server  730  and/or computer system  760 ), software, and/or human capital or combination thereof. The order in which the operations are described is not to be necessarily construed as a limitation. 
         [0045]    Block  200  represents potential human-subject recruits. 
         [0046]    Block  205  represents recruiting vendors. The administrator may select vendors from which to request recruits. This block takes attributes defined by the end user in an order for sample. The administrator applies business rules for requesting sample recruits. The administrator maintains the status of total recruits. The administrator pauses and stops recruitment once quotas have been achieved. Application may be localized to the recruit&#39;s local language. 
         [0047]    Block  210  represents the entrance page to the screening process. The page explains to the recruit what the recruit is going to do. The interface explains what the reward will be for completion. Application is localized to the recruit&#39;s local language. 
         [0048]    Block  215  represents an interface that allows potential recruits to select from interview time slots that they may qualify for. Application is localized to the recruit&#39;s local language. 
         [0049]    Block  225  encompasses a section that presents the screening survey if a survey has been defined in block  220 . The potential recruit is presented the questions that have been defined as part of the survey. The recruit may be presented all of the questions. The recruit can submit the survey data within the application. Application is localized to the recruit&#39;s local language. 
         [0050]    At block  230 , the application scores the recruit&#39;s answers based on an answer key. 
         [0051]    At block  235 , Recruits that don&#39;t qualify for the final interview in block  230  are informed that they did not pass the screening question. An embodiment records information about the recruit&#39;s computer IP address to block a given IP for that study for a period of time. This functionality is intended to deter people from taking the same survey over and over again to figure out how to successfully qualify. 
         [0052]    Block  240  represents an automated technical verification test. This functionality tests to verify that the recruit&#39;s device meets the technical capabilities to participate. This includes, but is not limited to, bandwidth tests, websockets tests, browser test, and audio/video tests. Application is localized to the recruit&#39;s local language. 
         [0053]    Block  245  represents a decision variable if the recruit passes the screening survey. 
         [0054]    At block  250  the recruit is prompted to schedule a tech check. This is a required step to verify that the recruit&#39;s device is working with the administrator&#39;s technology. The recruit is presented with a calendar of available time slots to choose from. The list of available timeslots is dynamically populated based upon the timeslot availability calendar of administrator staff. Application is localized to the recruit&#39;s local language. 
         [0055]    At block  255 , the application sends the recruit a communication to confirm the appointment. The communication can include a link to click for the tech check interview. Communication is localized to the recruit&#39;s local language. 
         [0056]    At block  260 , the recruit participates in the tech check (aka prescreening interview). The application is localized to the recruit&#39;s local language. Real time translation is available within the text chatting component. This enables English speakers to diagnose technical problems with people in other languages. The administrator&#39;s support staff is able to push help content to the recruit in their native language. 
         [0057]    Block  265  represents a decision variable if the recruit passes the prescreening survey. 
         [0058]    At block  270 , the administrator&#39;s application sends the recruit communication to confirm the appointment. The communication can include a link to click for the tech check interview. Communication is localized to the recruit&#39;s local language. 
         [0059]    At block  275 , the recruit clicks on the link at the time of the interview. The link takes the recruit to the lobby. At this time, the recruit doesn&#39;t detect/see anything in the lobby. The administrator moderator can detect/see all the people in the lobby. The moderator/client may select any recruit detectable/present in the lobby. 
         [0060]    At block  280 , the administrator moderator selects available recruits from the lobby to enter the virtual meeting room to conduct the interview. 
         [0061]      FIG. 3  illustrates a process according to an embodiment of the invention. The process of  FIG. 3  may be implementable in an electronic interface to recruit human subjects for a marketing research data collection and analysis of qualitative market research data. The process of  FIG. 3  is illustrated as a set of operations shown as discrete blocks. The process of  FIG. 3  may be implemented in any suitable hardware (such as, e.g., server  730  and/or computer system  760 ), software, and/or human capital or combination thereof. The order in which the operations are described is not to be necessarily construed as a limitation. 
         [0062]    Block  300  represents potential recruits. 
         [0063]    Block  301  represents the administrator moderators/users. 
         [0064]    At block  303  the user enters the virtual meeting room by clicking on their link. Security measures ensure that authentication is verified. 
         [0065]    At block  305  the recruits click on a provided link that directs them to the lobby of the waiting room. A user interface associated with the lobby describes what they can expect to happen. Video games or the like may be provided to entertain the recruit while they wait. 
         [0066]    At block  310  recruits alert the moderator/user that they are available to be interviewed. 
         [0067]    At block  320 , the user/moderator invites the recruit into the virtual meeting room. 
         [0068]    Block  325  represents the virtual meeting room. Standard features include multiple-party video conferencing. The user/moderator has full control over the functionality within block  325 . They have the ability to control audio and video for all participants in the interview. 
         [0069]    Block  330  represents observers. Observers are participants who are watching the interview but don&#39;t participate directly in dialogue between the user and recruits. Observers&#39; audio and video are disabled by default. Observers can communicate with the user/moderator using an instant messaging (IM) utility that the recruits are unable to see. 
         [0070]    Block  335  represents support staff. Support staff can oversee and enter/access the virtual meeting room as needed. 
         [0071]    Block  340  represents the ability of meeting participants to share their device screen with other participants. 
         [0072]    Block  345  represents the ability of meeting participants to upload files within the meeting room. Uploaded files may be shared with all participants. All participants can annotate uploaded video assets. These annotations can be shared with all participants. 
         [0073]    Block  350  represents the meeting room&#39;s telephony service built into the administrator application. The telephone audio is bridged to the same audio channel so that all participants can communicate with each other regardless of whether they are using internet audio or traditional telephone. 
         [0074]    At block  355  the recruit leaves the interview. 
         [0075]    Block  359  represents a mechanism for calculating the reward to be given to the recruited participant. If the recruit was dismissed by the client prior to completing the interview (block  360 ) or if the recruit voluntarily left (block  370 ) the recruit earns a partial reward that is calculated by the system. 
         [0076]    Block  365  represents a mechanism for granting participants partial rewards. These rewards can be redeemed for financial rewards including gift cards and cash. These rewards may be presented as a catalog. 
         [0077]    Block  375  represents a mechanism for granting participants full rewards. 
         [0078]    At block  380  Recruit rewards can be redeemed for financial rewards including gift cards and cash. These rewards are presented as a catalog. 
         [0079]      FIG. 4  illustrates a process according to an embodiment of the invention. The process of  FIG. 4  may be implementable in an electronic interface to recruit consumers. The process of  FIG. 4  is illustrated as a set of operations shown as discrete blocks. The process of  FIG. 4  may be implemented in any suitable hardware (such as, e.g., server  730  and/or computer system  760 ), software, and/or human capital or combination thereof. The order in which the operations are described is not to be necessarily construed as a limitation. 
         [0080]    At block  405 , the recipient client creates a targeted consumer profile. 
         [0081]    At block  420 , the client submits demographic data for a targeted consumer profile. The embodiment captures attributes such as gender, age range, ethnicity, income etc. 
         [0082]    At block  425 , the administrator system communicates with product suppliers (users) to calculate the feasibility of finding the recruit fitting the targeted profile. Feasibility is calculated using an aggregate estimate of volume of sample along the duration of the time available and comparing it to historical recruiting data for related studies. 
         [0083]    At block  430 , the outcome of the feasibility estimate is provided to the supplier(s). 
         [0084]    At block  431 , the client creates a screening survey. The survey is designed to filter potential recruits. 
         [0085]    At block  435 , the client adds a screening criteria. This criteria may include question attributes designed to terminate potential recruits not fitting the supplier specified criteria. 
         [0086]    At block  441 , the client has the option of translating the screening survey into a different language. 
         [0087]    At block  443 , the client has the option to choose a transcription type. The type is either transcription by a human or transcription by a computer. 
         [0088]    At block  445 , if the client selects human transcription in block  443 , an embodiment of the invention checks which languages are supported by the system. 
         [0089]    At block  447 , the client selects which target language into which they would like the survey translated. 
         [0090]    At block  449 , an embodiment submits the request to a transcription provider. 
         [0091]    At block  455 , the translation provider processes the translation. The embodiment monitors the translation provider for completion. Upon completion, the embodiment adds the new language to the screening survey 
         [0092]    If the client selects machine transcription in block  443 , the client is provided an interface in block  453  to select a language to translate the screening into. The text can be automatically updated upon selecting the language. The client has the ability to override the text strings upon request. 
         [0093]    At block  415 , the client is presented with a scheduling interface. The interface provides the ability to schedule interviews described in block  460 . The interface includes a list of scheduled interviews. The interface provides details pertinent to the pending interview including, but not limited to, demographic data and screening survey response data. 
         [0094]    At block  460 , the client schedules a future session. The interface provides the ability to define parameters for the pending sessions. 
         [0095]    At block  462 , the interface includes the ability to define if the client is requesting automated recruiting. 
         [0096]    If the client selects automated recruiting in block  462  the embodiment manages recruitment for the interview. Automated recruitment finds people based on the provided requirements. It queries remote databases of potential recruits. It initiates the recruiting process described in  FIG. 2   
         [0097]    At block  468 , the interface provides information regarding the recruiting status. 
         [0098]    At block  470 , the interface provides the ability to invite potential recruits. This is done using a list of potential recruits that the supplier provides. Client submits an email address with the submission. The system messages consumers. The embodiment maintains state of the message and display if the message has been responded to or read. 
         [0099]      FIG. 5  illustrates a process according to an embodiment of the invention. The process of  FIG. 5  is illustrated as a set of operations shown as discrete blocks. The process of  FIG. 5  may be implemented in any suitable hardware (such as, e.g., server  730  and/or computer system  760 ), software, and/or human capital or combination thereof. The order in which the operations are described is not to be necessarily construed as a limitation. 
         [0100]    Block  500  indicates a researcher. An embodiment may only be available via a self-service delivery model. 
         [0101]    Block  501  represents a Video archive interface for viewing video that has been captured by an embodiment. The video is synchronized to a time stamped transcript. Suppliers can search the transcript using a keyword. 
         [0102]    The interface supports the creation of clips. Suppliers can select video selection—by text or video range. This selected range of video is copied as an individual video file. This video file is available to be downloaded. A security mechanism is available to “lock” and “unlock” the link to the video asset. 
         [0103]    At block  505 , a user may create any number of clips. 
         [0104]    Block  510  represents an interface for sequencing clips together. The unique sequences can be concatenated to form new videos assets. 
         [0105]    At block  515 , the newly created assets may be downloaded within the web browser. 
         [0106]    From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the personalized feed system have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.