Internet based qualitative research method and system
First Claim
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1. In a programmed computer, a method for dynamically selecting a set of candidates over a distributed computer network for inclusion in a market research group, comprising, the steps of:
- (a) acquiring market research data on potential candidates, the potential candidates connecting to the programmed computer across the distributed computer network;
(b) evaluating the acquired market research data against a template;
(c) selecting a set of candidates in response to the evaluating step, the set of candidates being fewer than the set of potential candidates and being selected to fit the template in accordance with a predefined preference;
(d) permitting additional market research data from additional potential candidates to be acquired across the distributed computer network; and
(e) repeating steps (b) through (d), so that the permitting step continually acquires market research data, the evaluating step continually evaluates the market research data, and the selecting step dynamically selects the set of candidates so as to optimally fit the predefined preference at a given time.
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Abstract
One embodiment of the present invention provides an improved qualitative market research method and system such that candidates for the market research study are dynamically chosen and selected over a distributed computer network such that at any given time the set of market research candidates optimally fits a predefined preference specified by the client sponsoring the qualitative market research study which are verifiable by the real-time audio and video input from the candidates.
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Citations
31 Claims
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1. In a programmed computer, a method for dynamically selecting a set of candidates over a distributed computer network for inclusion in a market research group, comprising, the steps of:
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(a) acquiring market research data on potential candidates, the potential candidates connecting to the programmed computer across the distributed computer network;
(b) evaluating the acquired market research data against a template;
(c) selecting a set of candidates in response to the evaluating step, the set of candidates being fewer than the set of potential candidates and being selected to fit the template in accordance with a predefined preference;
(d) permitting additional market research data from additional potential candidates to be acquired across the distributed computer network; and
(e) repeating steps (b) through (d), so that the permitting step continually acquires market research data, the evaluating step continually evaluates the market research data, and the selecting step dynamically selects the set of candidates so as to optimally fit the predefined preference at a given time. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20)
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12. A method for conducting a market research study from a host machine over a distributed computer network, comprising, the steps of:
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inviting a set of candidates to a market research study conducted during a predetermined time interval and conducted over a distributed computer network, wherein the candidates access the host using a respective user machine interface having an audio/video captive mechanism connected thereto;
initiating audio/video communication between the host and the user machines with at least a set of participants comprising a first portion of a set of candidates, during the predetermined time interval in substantially real time;
exhibiting a stimulus to the participants; and
accumulating participant responses to the stimulus over the distributed network at the host.
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19. A system for dynamically choosing a market research group in accordance with a prescribed research directive of a market research study over a distributed computer network, the market research group having a set of candidates, comprising:
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a potential candidate database filled with acquired market research data of the potential candidates;
a template populated with a predefined preference of potential candidates in accordance with the prescribed research directive of the market research study; and
a processor evaluating the acquired market research data in accordance with the predefined preference and optimally selecting candidates in response to the evaluation.
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21. A system for conducting a market research study over a distributed computer network, comprising:
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a moderator device having distributed computer network access, an audio/video recording mechanism, and an input mechanism wherein moderators submit stimulus to users across the distributed computer network;
a user device having distributed computer network access, an audio/video recording mechanism, and an input mechanism wherein users submit market research responses in response to the moderator'"'"'s submitted stimulus; and
a host machine communicating over the distributed computer network and having a database accumulating user responses to the moderator'"'"'s submitted stimulus, a processor evaluating user responses, and an engine outputting market research results. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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27. In a programmed computer, a method for dynamically modifying a template used to select a set of candidates over a distributed computer network for inclusion in a market research group, comprising, the steps of:
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(a) acquiring template data concerning potential candidates;
(b) modifying the template using the acquired template data;
(c) evaluating the potential candidates against the modified template;
(d) selecting a set of candidates in response to the evaluating step, the set of candidates being fewer than the set of potential candidates and being selected to fit the modified template; and
(e) repeating steps (a)-(d) such that the selecting step dynamically selects the set of candidates that optimally fits the template at a given time.
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Specification