DATA MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims priority based upon copending U. S. Provisional Application No. 60/211,534, filed June 15, 2000, and incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention is generally related to classification and database technology. More specifically, the invention relates to a web-based data management system and method, where audio and/or video data is accessed from a data source via direct connection to a local and/or global network, such as the Internet.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Traditional approaches to seeking employment requires significant investment of time and financial resources, both for the employer and candidate. For example, a corporation in search of a worker with specified job skills, generally begins the hiring process by placing an advertisement in the classified employment section of the newspaper. Subsequently, a human resource personnel would review the hundreds or thousands of job appKcations received, in order to narrow the search to a selected number of qualified candidates, before scheduling and conducting interviews. The
interviewing process oftentimes involve significant expense, particularly if the candidate
must travel to the job site.
Alternatively, employment agencies are retained by employers to match job
candidates to specific job criteria required by employers. However, most employment agencies also employ a manual system of matching personnel to job specification criteria,
that is slow.
From the candidate perspective, a job seeker may spend hundreds of hours
preparing a resume, mass-mailing resumes to, and interviewing prospective employers. For the job seeker, this too is generally a time-consuming, and laborious expensive
process.
The following prior patents represent the state of the art, and are all hereby
incorporated by reference:
U.S. Patent No. 5,117,353 to Stipanovichet al. discloses a software system for
scheduling personnel suited to particular tasks for work on a temporary basis.
Temporary help applicants are screened and their particular skills matched to client job
orders. The system monitors jobs in progress, schedules work, trains temporary help
workers, and report on the operation of the temporary help business.
U.S. Patent No. 5,164,897 to Clark et al. discloses an automated method of selecting qualified job candidates for positions defined by specific selection criteria based
upon encoded job classification titles, industrial experience and special qualifications.
U.S. Patent No. 5,197,004 to Sobotka et al. discloses an automated
computerized system for resume analysis using a combination of frame-based and rule-
based techniques, and further by incorporating probabilistic methods, to classify an applicant according to employment potential with a high degree of accuracy. An
extractor, using a predetermined list of word patterns, the word patterns having been
selected as indicative of skill in different job categories and assigned a weight
commensurate with its value as an indicator of skill in a particular job category or
categories, locates those words and word groups found in the resume that match the
patterns.
U.S. Patent No. 5,416,694 to Parrish et al. discloses a computer based data
integration and management processing system and a method for workforce planning
and occupational readjustment that uses a number of databases for skill matching based
on a behavioral skill analysis of target occupations.
The problem with one or more of the above-mentioned conventional automated
systems is the reliance exclusively on keyword searching, whereby certain key words that relate to the job criteria are hopefully matched with key words with the job criteria.
An additional problem with one or more of the prior art references is
impreciseness. That is, use of key words is very imprecise because job titles and "buzz" words, particularly in technology industries, have meanings that very from employer to
employer, and even from region to region.
Yet another problem in one or more of the prior art references is that the systems
are limited by misspellings, which is very common in large databases. As a result,
potentially qualified candidates are overlooked in a search. Additionally, in order to
avoid missing a candidate, the undesirable task of performing a line-by-line search of
every file, is required.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a feature and advantage of the present invention to provide an automated
web- and/or network-based audio/visual approach that reduces the shortcoming of the
above approaches.
It is another feature and advantage of the present invention to provide an
improved automated approach to the problems of work force hiring/interviewing and
management that facilitates easy, efficient and convenient access by all users. It is another feature and advantage of the present invention to provide an
improved automated approach that is inexpensive.
It is another feature and advantage of the present invention to provide an
improved automated approach that is manageable and practical in its implementation.
It is another feature and advantage of the present invention to provide an
improved automated approach that does not require additional software in its
implementation.
It is another feature and advantage of the present invention to provide an
improved automated approach that is flexible in providing the user with real time
information in support of the overall desired interviewing and management process. It is another feature and advantage of the present invention to provide an
improved automated approach that will enable a user to handle an increased participant
load in the workforce hiring/interviewing and management process with no impairment or degradation in selection effectiveness.
It is another feature and advantage of the present invention to provide an
improved automated approach having an open architecture that will allow a variety of
uses depending on the types of data and/or databases employed for the matching activity.
The features and advantages of the present invention is accomplished by bringing
a comprehensive information technology (IT) solution to a user at home or office, for
example, that is seeking an efficient, inexpensive and user-friendly tool for selecting a worker or employer.
More specifically, these features and advantages are achieved by a web- and/or network- based data management system and method whereby users of the system, such as job
seekers or job providers, can provide, access and manipulate recorded video versions
of their resume. In one embodiment, the data management system and method of the present
invention allows job providers and their representatives, such as human resource
personnel, hiring managers or recruiters, to access, download or upload online audio and
video data and/or data streams of potential employees explaining their skills, background
and experience. Conversely, the present invention allows job seekers, such as employees, contractors and project-based workers, the same online capabilities regarding potential employers describing their company, job criteria and working
environment, for example.
Since, in one embodiment, the present invention is web-based, users can access
the system' s database of text, audio and/or video resumes and interviews from any place
at any time. In addition, no software is required, other than what is needed to play
audio/video clips, which is generally available (including downloadable) for free.
For the first time, job seekers and job providers alike can see and hear a
candidate on line. For example, a job provider will now be able to judge presentation
and commumcation skills of a desired candidate without the expense of travel or
investing time via scheduling interviews or telephone screens.
The data management system and method of the present invention is developed in a three-tier architecture. This architecture consists of a front-end for user interface;
middle tier software; and a back-end for storing all forms of text, audio and/or video
data and/or data streams.
In one embodiment of the present invention, users can register into the data
management system and enter pertinent information, including contact details, salary and location expectations and work status. Users will then enter pertinent details regarding
skills and experience as well as a text version of the resume. Also, users will be given
instructions on how to record, edit or enter audio and video resumes to the database.
Once all information is entered, users will have options to manage resumes, such as
editing or deleting resumes. In another embodiment of the present invention, users are able to logon through
a web-browser, register and enter pertinent information, such as contact details, salary
and location expectations and work status. Users will then enter pertinent details
regarding skills and experience as well as a text version of the resume. Finally, users are
given instructions on how to record, edit and upload, for example, audio and video
resumes to the database. Once all information is entered, users will have options to manage resumes.
In another embodiment of the present invention, users may register and/or logon
to the data management system to gain access thereof as a subscriber. Subscribers
include, but are not limited to, head hunters, HR personnel, hiring managers, recruiters, job seekers and job providers. Subscribers may also include individuals or their
representatives seeking personal and/or business companionship. Subscribers may enter a search criteria or search criteria list to narrow the field
of potential candidates. Once again, subscribers are able to enter pertinent information,
gain instructions on how to record, edit, enter/upload audit and video resumes, as well
as exercise options on managing those resumes. Subscribers can also post job
descriptions to which potential job seekers can browse and submit tailored audio-video
resumes.
In all of the embodiments of the present invention, users and subscribers are able to see and hear candidates describing experience and/or personal information and skills
in whole or in part. Users and subscribers may gain access to candidate contact
information. Alternatively and optionally, users and/or subscribers are able to email a
candidate or candidates of choice through the data management system.
The data management system and method of the present invention is configurable
to fit the needs of its users. For example, one feature and option of the present invention
is the variability in timing and content of a video resume. That is, a video resume may
be user-defined or subscriber-defined. For example, a college graduate candidate may upload a 15 second video resume, while another candidate with 20 years experience may
upload a 60-second video resume. In another scenario, a job provider may request a 2-
minute video resume in a desired format and/or of a desired candidate. The system is
able to accommodate differently sized and scripted video resumes depending on the
differing skills, background and needs of each candidate and/or user.
The data management system and method of the present invention is also configurable to accommodate varying search criteria, which may include geographical
location, IT experience, number of years, specific core competencies, and the like.
Alternatively and optionally, the present invention can accommodate searches on the
audio component only and/or the video component of an audio and/or video resume. Audio search attributes, such as tone of voice and speed of speech, are enabled in the
present invention by voice recognition technology.
The data management system and method of the present invention is also
configurable to accommodate editing requests submitted by a job seeker or job provider.
For example, for existing video and or audio resumes on the data base, the present
invention can edit portions of a audio, video and/or text resume to a requested resume
format, which may require, for example, information on the three most recent programming skills. Editing may be performed via content, resume length or resume
type (i.e. audio vs video), and the like.
There has been outlined, rather broadly, the important features of the present
invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better
appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be
described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended
hereto.
In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the
details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the
following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose
of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which
this disclosure is based, may readily be used as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such
equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the
present invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U. S. Patent and
Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art, who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology,
to determine quickly from a cursory inspection, the nature and essence of the technical
disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of
the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to
the scope of the invention in any way.
The above objects of the invention, together with other apparent objects of the
invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the invention, are
pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this
disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the
specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying
drawings and descriptive matter, which illustrates preferred embodiments of the invention.
BRJEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 illustrates a high level block diagram of one embodiment of the
architecture of the data management system and method of the present invention.
FIGS. 2A-2C is a block diagram of one embodiment of the front end of the present invention.
NOTATIONS AND NOMENCLATURES
The detailed description that follows may be presented in terms of program procedures executed on a computer or network of computers. These procedural
descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in the art to most
effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art.
A procedure is here, and generally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence
of steps leading to a desired result. These steps are those requiring physical
manipulations of physical quantities . Usually, though no necessarily, these quantities take
the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined,
compared and otherwise manipulated. It proves convenient at times, principally for
reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols,
characters, terms, numbers, or the like. It should be noted, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are
merely convenient labels applied to these quantities.
Further, the manipulations performed are often referred to in terms, such as adding or comparing, which are commonly associated with mental operations performed
by a human operator. No such capability of a human operator is necessary, or desirable
in most cases, in any of the operations described herein which form part of the present
invention; the operations are machine operations. Useful machines for performing the
operation of the present invention include general purpose digital computers or similar devices.
The present invention also relates to apparatus for performing these operations. This apparatus may be specially constructed for the required purpose or it may comprise a general purpose computer as selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer
program stored in a computer. The procedures presented herein are not inherently
related to a particular computer or other apparatus. Various general purpose machines
may be used with programs written in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may
prove more convenient to construct more specialized apparatus to perform the required method steps. The required structure for a variety of these machines will appear from
the description given.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Figure 1 is a high level block diagram of one embodiment of the architecture of
the data management system and method of the present invention. The first tier of the
three-tier architecture is the front-end, which is the interface between a user and the
system. It consists of the screens that the user enters into through and the contact that
the user views. The front-end screens primarily provide point and click buttons for
entering and retrieving information.
The technologies employed for the development of the front-end screens from
the client side may include, but are not limited to, HTML, XML, Javascript, VBScript,
Java Applets and Java Beans, CORB A, stand alone web application, Macromedia tools,
ActiveX, Adobe tools used to develop front-end web pages, COM/DCOM, and C L.
Development of the front-end from the server side may include, but is not limited to,
Perl, C, C++, Java, python, tcl/tk, Jpython, all versions of Rexx, ASP, JSP, PHP, Servlets, all scripting and programming languages used for CGI programming, Java
Beans, COM DCOM, and ActiveX. Additionally, miscellaneous tools supporting client and server side programming may include, but are not limited to Coldfusion, zope, and
all web application servers. The front-end screens allow a user of the system to login,
setup an account, post a resume or job description /opening and searching capabilities,
for instance. That is, all functionalities that the system provides is visible to the user at
the front end. The middle layer 10 performs the operations requested by the user 4 and serves
as the interface between the front-end 2 and the back-end 12. It converts user-entered
information, such as contact or search information, into a format easily stored, accessed
and manipulated by the back end 12. Generally, the middle layer 10 comprises a
plurality of program modules such as a login 14, search 16 or view 18 module that
performs login, search and viewing operations, respectively. Each module may comprise
a plurality of files based on the desired functionality. Optionally, middle layer operations may be performed via a web server 20. The middle layer may employ technologies
including, but not limited to, Java servlets, JDBC, and server side programming to
accomplish various tasks. In addition, the middle layer 10 may employ CORBA,
COM DCOM, RMI, RPC, Message queuing servers, and Directory servers to
accomplish its tasks.
The back-end 12 generally consists of storage 22 where all user information and
audio and video data, in the form of audio and/or video resumes, are stored. Video
resumes may be stored in many different formats, including but not limited to JPEG, AVT, and GIF. In addition to storing video files along with other pertinent user
information, the database storage 22 is capable of storing text versions of resumes. It is a comprehensive relational database management and storage system that collects and
stores all the information from the front end. The storage of text documents in the database storage 22 will allow for the text documents, including the resumes, to be
searched using keywords. It can be housed coincidently with the middle layer or can be
located remotely from the middle layer. The back-end 12 may employ, but is not limited
to, all RDBMS, ODBMS, DBMS, flatfile databases, and inmemory databases to
accomplish its tasks. In addition, Oracle 8/8i may be utilized for managing the data
stored in the databases.
Figures 2A-2C outline a more detailed embodiment of the above-mentioned
system and method in more detail. Figure 2 A illustrates a block diagram of the process
flow at the front-end of the data management system. The general process begins with a user inquiry at the system's main page, as at step S30, which may include corporate
logo, a brief description of the system, advertisement(s), disclaimer(s), and the like.
Optionally, the main page may include a web site logo, and a brief description of what
the web site offers. Additionally, the main page may include icons or links to register
for or enter a variety of available services.
Upon access at the system' s main page, a determination is made whether the user
is registered (S32). If so, the user is prompted for login information, which may include
a login identification and password (S34). On the other hand, if the user is not
registered, the user may register at this stage (S36). At step 38 (S38), a system check is performed to determine if registration is successful. If registration is unsuccessful, including situations in which users refuse to
register, access is denied (S40), and the user is prohibited from proceeding any further.
If the registration process is successful, the user is prompted for login information (S34).
Upon successful completion of the registration and login procedures, in one
embodiment of the present invention, a user has an option to select, among other
options, whether to use the system as a job provider, such as an employer, or as a job seeker (S42).
As shown in FIG. 2B, if the job seeker selection is made, a user is greeted with
the Job Seeker Main Page (S44). Alternatively and optionally, the Job Seeker Main
Page may include icons or links to register for a variety of other available services.
These services are also available for users already registered.
Alternatively and optionally, a job seeker may be prompted to a Job Seeker
Register Page (S46), which requires job seekers to enter pertinent information, such as name, address, telephone number(s), email address(es), salary and relocation
expectations, and work status. The information may optionally include credit
card billing information. The Job Seeker Register Page then chooses a login
identification for each job seeker, and allows a job seeker to choose his/her own
password. Once appropriate login ID and password information are entered, job seekers
can access site services.
From the Job Seeker Main Page and/or Job Seeker Register Page, the user is prompted to proceed the Resume Management Page (S48), which allows job seekers to
access links to different pages in order to manage their resume(s). Links may include
Add, Delete, Edit and the like.
For example, an Add link may allow a job seeker to upload audio/video resume
via a resume template. This link also provide another link to uploading instructions for
first-time users.
The Delete link provides job seekers with a button or icon to delete their resume from the database. Job seekers may also be made to affirm their wish to delete their
resume, before actual deletion occurs.
The Edit resume link allows job seekers to upload edited portions of the
audio/video resume, or to replace an existing resume with another one.
Additionally, the Resume Management Page may further include access links to
different pages, such as a resume upload instruction page, a view resume page, or a
search job page. More specifically, for example, the resume upload instruction page
provides job seeker users with instructions on how to record and upload resume to the
system's database. The view resume page, for instance, allows users to view a resume. The search jobs page allows job seekers to enter search criteria and view a list of
links/icons to job postings from the database.
Referring to Figure 2C, if the employer selection is made, a user is greeted with
the Employer Main Page (S50), which may include appropriately similar features of the
Job Seeker Main Page. Alternatively and optionally, the Employer Main Page may
include icons or links to register for a variety of other available services. These services
are also available for users already registered.
Alternatively and optionally, an employer may be prompted to an Employer
Register Page (S52), which requires employer to enter pertinent information, such as
corporation or organization name, address, telephone number(s), contact person(s),
email address(es), and credit card/billing information. The Employer Register Page then
chooses a login identification for each employer, and allows an employer to choose its
own password. Once appropriate login ID and password information are entered,
employer can access site services.
From the Employer Main Page and/or Employer Register Page, the user is
prompted to proceed to the Resume Management Page (S54), which allows employers
to access links to different pages in order to manage their corporate resume(s). Links
may include Add, Delete, Edit and the like.
For example, an Add link may allow an employer to upload audio/video
corporate resume via a resume template. This link also provide another link to
uploading instructions for first-time users.
The Delete link provides employers with a button or icon to delete their resume
from the database. Employers may also be made to affirm their wish to delete their
resume, before actual deletion occurs.
The Edit resume link allows employers to upload edited portions of the audio/video corporate or organizational resume, or to replace an existing resume with
another one.
Additionally, the Resume Management Page may further include access links to
different pages, such as a resume upload instruction page, a view resume page, a resume
search page, or a search results page.
More specifically, for example, the resume upload instruction page provides
employer users with instructions on how to record and upload organizational resumes
to the system's database. The view resume page, for instance, allows users to view a
resume. The resume search page allows employers to enter search criteria based upon
desired skills and background, for example, and view a list of links/icons to candidate
resumes from the database. The search results page provides links to all candidate
resumes matching an employer's search criteria in the database.
Using the feature of an Individual Resume Page, for instance, resumes are displayed with an audio and/or video component on this page. Employers can view
and/or listen to all or part of a resume, which is generally based on a template.
Employers can also use links to a candidate's page or an Email Candidate Page, to
instantly send an email to the desired candidate.
Alternatively and optionally, an employer user may be prompted to proceed to a Job Management Page, where the user can choose to Add, Delete and Edit any of their
particular job openings/descriptions by clicking relevant buttons.
There are many alternative features encompassed by the data management
system of the present invention. Those features include, and are not limited to, an
authentication and/or verification system, a payment module/system, text, audio and
video searching capabilities, voice recognition capabilities, system integrity checking
protocols for text, audio and visual components.
Moreover, the data management system of the present invention is not limited to job providers and job seekers. The present invention has application to any activity predicated on matching user supply information with demand information.
Furthermore, the data management system of the present invention can be accommodated on any network (i.e. an inter-network, an intra-network or a global network).