Patent Publication Number: US-2005137896-A1

Title: Integrated recruiting system and method

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates to computer systems, and more particularly, but not exclusively, relates to recruiting systems.  
      Various methods are used in facilitating the recruiting process and matching up candidates with prospective employers. Such methods have included allowing candidates to upload videos, such as video resumes, to give their profile a more personal flavor. However, due to the complexity, inconvenience and cost involved with the taping, editing and post-production of the video, the burden of generating the video is typically placed on the candidate&#39;s shoulders. If the candidate purchases or uses existing equipment such as a web camera to record the video, the quality is typically poor or unprofessional. If the candidate visits a recording studio, he has to obtain a digital version of the recording and then upload it to his profile on a career board. Such an approach is inconvenient, time consuming, and expensive. There is therefore a need for an easier system and method for allowing candidates to record higher quality videos and for employers to view these videos. The present invention is directed to meeting this and other needs.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      One form of the present invention is a recruiting system. Other forms include unique systems and methods to improve recording and capturing of video recordings in a candidate portfolio.  
      Another form includes operating a computer system that has video kiosks distributed across various locations that record and transmit videos to a video processing server for further processing and inclusion in a portfolio. The video kiosks include a computer with a touch-screen display and a camera, and can be fill-size kiosks or mini-size kiosks depending on space and privacy considerations. Another form includes operating a computer system that receives a video recording from a video kiosk, stores the video recording in a portfolio, and provides an authorized user with access to one or more portfolios. The video recordings can be a video resume or a video response to interview questions, as a few examples. Yet another form includes operating a computer system that provides authorized users with access to one or more candidate portfolios, including video recordings received from a video kiosk.  
      Further forms, embodiments, objects, advantages, benefits, features, and aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description and drawings contained herein.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic view of a computer system of one embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 2  is a view of a full-size video kiosk for the system of  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a full-size video kiosk for the system of  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 4  is a front view of a mini-size video kiosk for the system of  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 5  is a side view of a mini-size video kiosk for the system of  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 6  is a diagram for the system of  FIG. 1  illustrating the elements stored in a candidate ePortfolio.  
       FIG. 7  is a process flow diagram for the system of  FIG. 1  demonstrating the stages involved in creating a candidate ePortfolio.  
       FIG. 8   a  is a first half process flow diagram for the system of  FIG. 1  demonstrating the stages involved in recording a video at a video kiosk.  
       FIG. 8   b  is a second half process flow diagram for the system of  FIG. 1  demonstrating the stages involved in reviewing and saving a video recorded at a video kiosk.  
       FIG. 9  is a simulated screen for the system of  FIG. 1  and process of  FIG. 8  illustrating an introduction screen on a video kiosk.  
       FIG. 10  is a simulated screen for the system of  FIG. 1  and process of  FIG. 8  illustrating a log-in screen on a video kiosk.  
       FIG. 11  is a simulated screen for the system of  FIG. 1  and process of  FIG. 8  illustrating a welcome screen on a video kiosk.  
       FIG. 12  is a simulated screen for the system of  FIG. 1  and process of  FIG. 8  illustrating an instruction screen on a video kiosk.  
       FIG. 13  is a simulated screen for the system of  FIG. 1  and process of  FIG. 8  illustrating a camera positioning screen on a video kiosk.  
       FIG. 14  is a simulated screen for the system of  FIG. 1  and process of  FIG. 8  illustrating a still photo screen on a video kiosk.  
       FIG. 15  is a simulated screen for the system of  FIG. 1  and process of  FIG. 8  illustrating a begin video recording screen on a video kiosk.  
       FIG. 16  is a simulated screen for the system of  FIG. 1  and process of  FIG. 8  illustrating a stop video recording screen on a video kiosk.  
       FIG. 17  is a simulated screen for the system of  FIG. 1  and process of  FIG. 8  illustrating a screen for reviewing videos and selecting a video from a video kiosk.  
       FIG. 18  is a simulated screen for the system of  FIG. 1  and process of  FIG. 8  illustrating a screen for confirming a video selection from a video kiosk.  
       FIG. 19  is a simulated screen for the system of  FIG. 1  and process of  FIG. 8  illustrating a screen for verifying the selected video was accepted.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS  
      For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.  
      One embodiment of the present invention includes a unique recruiting system.  FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic view of computer system  20  of one embodiment of the present invention. Computer system  20  includes computer network  22 . Computer network  22  couples together a number of computers  21  over network pathways  23 . More specifically, system  20  includes several servers, namely Video Collection Server  24 , File Server  25 , and Web Server  26 . System  20  also includes Video Kiosks  28   a,    28   b,  and  28   c,  and Client Computers  30   a,    30   b,  and  30   c.  While computers  21  are illustrated as being a client or a server, it should be understood that any of computers  21  may be arranged to include both a client and server, just a client, or just a server. Furthermore, it should be understood that while nine computers  21  are illustrated, more or fewer may be utilized in alternative embodiments.  
      Computers  21  include one or more processors or CPUs ( 50   a,    50   b,    50   c,    50   d,    50   e,    50   f,    50   g,    50   h,  and  50   i,  respectively) and one or more types of memory ( 52   a,    52   b,    52   c,    52   d,    52   e,    52   f,    52   g,    52   h  and  52   i,  respectively). Each memory  52   a,    52   b,    52   c,    52   d,    52   e,    52   f,    52   g,    52   h  and  52   i  includes a removable memory device, which is not shown to preserve clarity. Each processor may be comprised of one or more components configured as a single unit. Alternatively, when of a multi-component form, a processor may have one or more components located remotely relative to the others. One or more components of each processor may be of the electronic variety defining digital circuitry, analog circuitry, or both. In one embodiment, each processor is of a conventional, integrated circuit microprocessor arrangement, such as one or more PENTIUM III or PENTIUM 4 processors supplied by INTEL Corporation of 2200 Mission College Boulevard, Santa Clara, Calif. 95052, USA.  
      Each memory (removable or otherwise) is one form of computer-readable device. Each memory may include one or more types of solid-state electronic memory, magnetic memory, or optical memory, just to name a few. By way of non-limiting example, each memory may include solid-state electronic Random Access Memory (RAM), Sequentially Accessible Memory (SAM) (such as the First-In, First-Out (FIFO) variety or the Last-In-First-Out (LIFO) variety), Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM), Electronically Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), or Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM); an optical disc memory (such as a DVD or CD); a magnetically encoded hard disc, floppy disc, tape, or cartridge media; or a combination of any of these memory types. Also, each memory may be volatile, nonvolatile, or a hybrid combination of volatile and nonvolatile varieties.  
      Each video kiosk includes a video camera  54   a,    54   b,  and  54   c  or other such video recording unit coupled to the computer and used for recording videos. Various types of video cameras can be used and can be connected to computer in various ways, such as through a USB or other port on CPU ( 50   a,    50   b,  or  50   c ), to name one non-limiting example. In one embodiment, the video camera is a video recording unit that is capable of capturing professional-quality video capture.  
      In one embodiment, each video kiosk computer includes a Touch Screen display  40   a,    40   b,  and  40   c  for an input means. Alternatively or additionally, the input means can be one or more combinations of a mouse, keyboard, touch pad, and/or voice command microphone or other such input device(s) as would occur to one of ordinary skill in the art.  
      Computer network  22  can be in the form of a Local Area Network (LAN), Municipal Area Network (MAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), such as the Internet, a combination of these, or such other network arrangement as would occur to those skilled in the art. The network can be wired, wireless, satellite, a combination of these, or be other arrangements as known in the art. The operating logic of system  20  can be embodied in signals transmitted over network  22 , in programming instructions, dedicated hardware, or a combination of these. It should be understood that more or fewer computers  21  can be coupled together by computer network  22 .  
      In one embodiment, system  20  operates as a recruiting system at one or more physical locations with Video Collection Server  24  being configured as a server for receiving and processing videos that were recorded at one of Video Kiosks ( 28   a,    28   b,  or  28   c ), File Server  25  being configured as a server for storing the video recordings and associated candidate data, and Web Server  26  being configured as a server to allow users to access candidate and employer records, including stored video recordings, from one of Client Computers ( 30   a,    30   b,  or  30   c ). It should be understood by one in the computer software art that various other server arrangements are possible, such as one or more servers acting as both a Video Collection Server and a Web Server, one or more servers acting as both a File Server and a Web Server, or one or more servers acting as all three, to name a few non-limiting examples. Typically applications of system  20  would include many more Client Computers  30   a,    30   b,  and  30   c  and many more Video Kiosks  28   a,    28   b,  and  28   c,  at one or more physical locations, but only a few have been illustrated in  FIG. 1  to preserve clarity.  
      Video Kiosks  28   a,    28   b,  and  28   c  can be full-size or mini-size kiosks, located at various physical locations such as in retail stores or other facilities. In one embodiment, full-size kiosks are used to provide a full enclosure for areas in a public space that need privacy while mini-size kiosks are used for private and educational partners where the kiosk can be placed in a more controlled private setting. As will be described hereafter,  FIGS. 2-5  illustrate full-size and mini-size kiosks in further detail. Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a full-size kiosk  100  is illustrated. Full-size kiosk  100  includes multiple walls  102  for providing a privacy enclosure, a bench  106  for allowing a user to sit down, and a curtain  108  or other means such as a door on one of the walls  102  that allows entry and exit from the kiosk and ensures aids privacy. Full-size kiosk  100  can optionally include a roof  104 , a sign  110  to indicate its purpose, and/or or a bulletin board  112  for posting announcements.  
      Referring additionally to  FIG. 3 , a perspective view of full-size kiosk  100  is shown. A video camera  124  and a computer including a central processing unit  120  and a display  122  are located in a housing unit which consists of an inner wall  125  and a portion of the outer walls  102 . Alternatively or additionally, computer can include internal or external speakers to allow a user to hear sounds that are output by computer. Bench  106  allows a candidate to sit in front of video camera  124  and display  122 . In one embodiment, the distance between bench  106  and inner wall  125  allows a user to reach the display  122  while sitting down. Although not shown to preserve clarity, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other components can be present inside the full-size kiosk, such as cables connecting the components together, one or more power cords and/or outlets, network cables and/or outlets, to name a few non-limiting examples.  
      An example of a mini-size kiosk is shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , mini-size kiosk  130  is housed in an upright unit that includes an upper member  140 , a base member  142 , and a floor member  146 . Mini-size kiosk  130  reveals a video camera  156  and display  154  in a viewing area  157 . Alternatively or additionally, mini-size kiosk can include external speakers  158   a  and  158   b  coupled to computer  160 , or speakers that are internal to computer. A sign  152  can be used to display a message indicating the purpose of the system or other desired message.  
      As shown in  FIG. 5 , the upper member  140  can be curved if desired for aesthetic appeal or other reasons. A door or access panel  162  is provided on one side of mini-kiosk  130  to allow for access to the contents. Mini-size kiosk  130  contains a video camera  156  and a computer including a central processing unit  160  and a display  154 . In one embodiment, a chair or bench is positioned in front of base member  142  to allow a user to sit down while accessing display  154  and/or recording a video. In another embodiment, a user accesses the display and/or records a video while standing. Although not shown to preserve clarity, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other components can be present inside the mini-size kiosk, such as cables connecting the components together, one or more power cords and/or outlets, network cables and/or outlets, to name a few non-limiting examples.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 6  with continued reference to  FIG. 1 , the contents of a candidate ePortfolio  170  in one embodiment are displayed. In one aspect of the invention, system  20  is used as a recruiting system that allows a candidate to generate an ePortfolio  170  and potential employers to access one or more candidate ePortfolios  170  to find a match for an open position. A candidate eportfolio  170  can include both private and public information. For example, personal information  172 , a still photo of the candidate  174 , a resume  176 , a video resume  178 , and job preferences/position(s) desired  180  included in ePortfolio  170  might be accessible by the candidate and potential employers, while a teleprompt script  182  and account credentials (user name and password)  184  might only be accessible by the candidate.  
      In one embodiment, video resume  178  of candidate ePortfolio  170  can be captured at one of the video kiosks  28   a,    28   b,  or  28   c  and transmitted to Video Collection Server  24  for further processing and later storage on File Server  25  with the rest of candidate ePortfolio  170 . Candidate ePortfolios  170  can be accessed from Web Server  26  when requested by an authorized user from client computer  30   a,    30   b,  or  30   c.  As one non-limiting example, users such as a prospective employer can run searches to find all candidate ePortfolios that meet a specified criteria. The search can be performed interactively, or can be set up as criteria that is saved and then the results displayed when selecting a particular retrieve option in system  20 . From the list of results, users can select a candidate ePortfolio and view the related details, including the video resume and/or still photo that was recorded at a video kiosk. In one embodiment, an employer can specify search criteria for one or more open positions and then receives messages in a virtual inbox that link to each candidate eportfolio that met the specified criteria.  
      Referring to  FIG. 7  with continued reference to  FIG. 1 , one embodiment for implementation with system  20  is illustrated in flow chart form as procedure  200 , which demonstrates a high level process for generating a candidate ePortfolio. In one form, procedure  200  is at least partially implemented in the operating logic of system  20 . Procedure  200  begins with a user creating a new user account (stage  202 ). User then fills in personal information (stage  204 ), such as name and address, and can add various other pieces of information to indicate his/her qualifications and/or preferences. For example, user can add a resume or profile (stage  206 ), specify the job position(s) desired (stage  208 ), and/or input a video recording teleprompt script (stage  210 ) that can later be used to aid in recording a video resume from a video kiosk. After filling in at least the minimum amount of information required for generating a new candidate profile, the user visits a video kiosk  28   a,    28   b,  or  28   c  and records a video and/or still photo (stage  212 ) to be included in the ePortfolio. The recorded video and/or still photo is transmitted over network  22  from the video kiosk to Video Collection Server  24  for further processing, and is ultimately stored on File Server  25  in the candidate&#39;s ePortfolio (stage  214 ). Authorized users such as the candidate or a prospective employer can access the ePortfolio before or after a video recording is recorded and stored, as described in further detail herein.  
      With this understanding, reference is now made to  FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b.  In  FIG. 8 , another embodiment for implementation with system  20  is illustrated in flow chart form as procedure  218  for recording a video and/or still photo at a video kiosk. In one form, procedure  218  is at least partially implemented in the operating logic of system  20 . Procedure  218  begins on  FIG. 8   a  with a user visiting or entering a video kiosk (stage  219 ). The user selects an option to begin (stage  220 ), and logs in to his candidate profile (stage  221 ). In one embodiment, user logs into a candidate profile that was created prior to visiting the video kiosk. In another embodiment, a new candidate profile is established at the video kiosk. After verifying that he is logged in to the correct profile (stage  222 ), the user reviews instructions (stage  223 ) for recording a video and/or still photo. The user selects one or more options to position the camera as desired (stage  224 ). The user can select an option to record a still photo (stage  225 ). When ready to record a video, the user selects an option to begin video recording (stage  226 ). The user then speaks into the video camera, and uses a teleprompt script to assist with the recording if a teleprompt script exists for the user&#39;s profile and the user desires to use the script for assistance (stage  227 ). When the user is finished recording the video, he selects an option to end the video recording (stage  228 ).  
      Now continuing with  FIG. 8   b,  the user can be given an option to record another video (decision point  229 ), and if the user desires to record another video, the process returns to stage  226  where the user can select an option to begin recording. The user is given an option to review the recorded video(s) (decision point  230 ) and can select an option to play a particular recorded video (stage  231 ). If the user does not wish to review any recorded video (decision point  230 ) or if the user is finished reviewing recorded videos (decision point  232 ), then the user selects a video that he wants to have included in his ePortfolio (stage  233 ). After confirming a video selection (stage  234 ), the user receives and reviews a notice confirming his selection (stage  235 ). The video and/or still photo is transmitted from video kiosk  28   a,    28   b,  or  28   c  to video collection server  24  (stage  236 ) for further processing. Further processing can include processing, encoding, indexing, and/or preparing the video for eventual on-demand streaming, to name a few non-limiting examples.  
      The steps outlined in  FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b  will now be further illustrated by referring to  FIGS. 9-19 , which are simulated screens of the video kiosk display. This example illustrates how a female user named Kris Columbus uses the video kiosk to record a still photo and a video resume. Kris Columbus has already established her user profile before visiting the kiosk, and has already included personal information in her profile as well as a teleprompt script. As shown in  FIG. 9 , after the user enters or visits a video kiosk (stage  219 ), she selects an option to begin  239  (stage  220 ) from an introduction screen  238 . A screen  240  as shown in  FIG. 10  is then displayed. The user uses on-screen keyboard  248  to input a username  242  and password  244 , and then selects an option to log in  246  to her profile (stage  221 ). A welcome screen  260  as shown in  FIG. 11  is then displayed. Information about the profile is displayed  262  to allow the user to verify she is logged in to the correct profile (stage  222 ). If the incorrect profile is displayed, the user can select an option  264  to indicate the profile is not hers. If the profile is correct, which in this example it is, then she selects the option  266  to proceed to the next screen.  
      A screen  270  as shown on  FIG. 12  is then displayed, providing the user with general instructions  272  for using the video kiosk (stage  223 ). The user can proceed to the screen shown on  FIG. 13  by selecting the next option  274 . A camera positioning screen  280  is then displayed, allowing the user to see an example of an ideal positioning  282  and to use various controls to adjust the camera position. The user selects zoom-in  286 , zoom-out  288 , up  290 , down  292 , left  294 , and/or right  296  to position the camera to a desired location (stage  224 ). After positioning the camera as desired, the user selects the next option  298  to proceed to the screen shown in  FIG. 14 . The user reviews instructions  311 , and, if desired, the user can take a photo to add to her eportfolio. If the user desires to have her photo taken, she selects a photo capture option  312  (stage  225 ) when ready. If the user does not wish to take a photo, she can select the skip option  316 .  
      After taking the photo or skipping the photo, a screen  320  as shown in  FIG. 15  is then displayed. A recording status indicator  322  indicates whether a video recording is in progress. At the bottom of the screen, a teleprompt script  326  from the user&#39;s profile is displayed. When ready to start the recording, the user selects the start recording option  324  (stage  226 ). A screen  330  as shown in  FIG. 16  is then displayed. The recording status indicator  332  now indicates that the video camera of the video kiosk is recording. The user speaks into the camera, reading her teleprompt script  338  as desired (stage  227 ). A count-down timer  336  is displayed to indicate the amount of time remaining, if such a time-limit is placed on the user. When the user is finished recording her video, she selects the stop recording option  334  (stage  228 ). The user can select an option to record multiple videos (decision point  229 ), and if so, the process illustrated in  FIG. 15-16  is repeated. The user can review a recorded video (decision point  230 ) by selecting an option to play a particular video (stage  231 ). As shown on the screen  350  in  FIG. 17 , the user has selected an option to play video  2  that she previously recorded. By selecting a stop option  356 , the currently playing video  2  will stop. The other videos can also be played by selecting option  354  or  358 . When the user is finished reviewing videos (decision point  232 ) and is ready to select a video to be included in her ePortfolio, she selects the respective choose video option  360 ,  362 , or  364  that corresponds to her desired video choice (stage  233 ).  
      A screen  370  as shown in  FIG. 18  is then displayed, allowing the user to select an option to confirm her video selection  372  (stage  234 ) or review her videos again  374 . Once a video selection is confirmed (stage  234 ), a screen  380  as shown in  FIG. 19  is then displayed. The user reviews completion notice  382  to confirm that the selected video will be included in the ePortfolio (stage  236 ). The recording session is ended by selecting an end session option  384 .  
      Alternatively or additionally, the present invention can include various features allowing candidates to search open positions of employers and to communicate with employers when finding a position of interest. The present invention can also be used to assist prospective students who are candidates applying to a college or institution of learning, candidates applying for a leadership program, or various other situations involving matching a party seeking to apply for a position with a party seeking to fill the position, to name a few non-limiting examples. Alternatively or additionally, an employer can use the video kiosk to record a company profile, a set of interview questions, a job description, or a set of ideal or required qualifications. These employer recordings can be associated with a company portfolio or job position portfolio to be later reviewed by candidates seeking a job and/or presented to candidates as part of an interview process. Alternatively or additionally, the system can be used with in-house employment search situations, such as to fill an open position with existing employees of the company.  
      Alternatively or additionally, the present invention can be used to allow interview questions to be presented to a user and to allow a user to record a response at the video kiosk. Interview questions could be presented on the kiosk screen in a text format, could be read to the user by a text-to-speech processor, or could be presented by a virtual interviewer, to name a few non-limiting examples. The virtual interviewer could also have artificial intelligence capability and process candidate responses to determine the next logical question based on a decision tree. Alternatively or additionally, candidates could choose a virtual interviewer from a variety of virtual interviewer options.  
      Alternatively or additionally, the present invention can be used for various other purposes, such as to create and/or access individual or group video greeting cards, video profiles of persons seeking dates through a dating service, and/or video auditions for talent searches, as a few non-limiting examples. Various other applications are possible, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.  
      In one embodiment, a system is disclosed that comprises: a plurality of video kiosks distributed across multiple locations; and wherein said video kiosks are operative to record a plurality of videos and transmit the recorded videos over a network to a video collection server so each of the recorded videos can be associated with a corresponding portfolio in a database containing a plurality of portfolios.  
      In another embodiment, a method is disclosed that comprises: receiving a video recording of a person that was recorded at one of a plurality of video kiosk locations and transmitted from the video kiosk location over a network; storing the video recording in a portfolio associated with the person; and providing an authorized user with access to the portfolio.  
      In yet another embodiment, a method is disclosed that comprises: visiting a video kiosk at one of a plurality of video kiosk locations; entering identifying information to access a profile; selecting a begin recording option to begin recording a video with a camera; speaking a message into the camera; and selecting a stop recording option to stop recording the video with the camera.  
      In another embodiment, a system is disclosed that comprises: a video kiosk having a storage unit that houses a video camera coupled to a computer, said computer including a central processing unit, a display, an input means, and a connection to a network; and wherein said video kiosk is operative to record a video of a user and transmit the recorded video over the network to a video collection server so the recorded video can be associated with a corresponding portfolio in a database containing a plurality of portfolios.  
      One of ordinary skill in the computer software art will appreciate that the functionality, components and/or screens described herein can be separated or combined on one or more computers or screens in various arrangements and still be within the spirit of the invention. While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all equivalents, changes, and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions as described herein and/or by the following claims are desired to be protected.