Method and apparatus for gathering and evaluating information
First Claim
1. A method for gathering information from a plurality of users associated with a group over a communications network comprising the steps of:
- (a) storing a plurality of categories of users from whom information is desired in a first database;
(b) storing a plurality of topics in a second database;
(c) assigning each of the plurality of users to at least one category, the at least one category being selected from the plurality of categories stored in the first database;
(d) presenting a plurality of topics to each of the plurality of users via the communications network, the topics presented to each user being applicable to the at least one category to which the user has been assigned;
(e) receiving a selection of at least one desired topic from each of the users via the communications network;
(f) presenting at least one query to each of the users via the communications network, the at least one query presented to each user being relevant to a corresponding desired topic selected by the user;
(g) receiving a response to the at least one query from each of the users via the communications network;
(h) storing the response from each of the plurality of users in an electronic storage medium; and
(i) allowing a leader to review responses stored in the electronic storage medium, whereby the leader can obtain information relating to opinions and perceptions of the user.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A continuous information gathering and evaluating system uses five highly coupled databases and software for gathering user input (respondent software), for evaluating input (evaluator software), and for administering the system (administrative software). The first database includes the categories of users for an organization. The second database stores information about each user. The third database includes all topics and issues of interest and queries for each combination of topic, issue, and respondent category. Responses to query statements are preferably collected using a 7 point Likert scale. The fourth database is the repository for the responses from users and appropriate statistics based on the responses. The fifth database includes authorization data and rules that determine how the process and system are implemented for a particular organization.
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Citations
30 Claims
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1. A method for gathering information from a plurality of users associated with a group over a communications network comprising the steps of:
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(a) storing a plurality of categories of users from whom information is desired in a first database; (b) storing a plurality of topics in a second database; (c) assigning each of the plurality of users to at least one category, the at least one category being selected from the plurality of categories stored in the first database; (d) presenting a plurality of topics to each of the plurality of users via the communications network, the topics presented to each user being applicable to the at least one category to which the user has been assigned; (e) receiving a selection of at least one desired topic from each of the users via the communications network; (f) presenting at least one query to each of the users via the communications network, the at least one query presented to each user being relevant to a corresponding desired topic selected by the user; (g) receiving a response to the at least one query from each of the users via the communications network; (h) storing the response from each of the plurality of users in an electronic storage medium; and (i) allowing a leader to review responses stored in the electronic storage medium, whereby the leader can obtain information relating to opinions and perceptions of the user. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A system for gathering information from a plurality of users associated with a group over a communications network comprising:
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a first database comprising a plurality of categories of users from whom information is desired; a second database comprising a plurality of topics; and a server m communication with the first database, the second database and a communications network, the server configured to perform the steps of; (a) assigning each of the plurality of users to at least one category, the at least one category being selected from the plurality of categories stored in the first database; (b) presenting a plurality of topics to each of the plurality of users via the communications network, the topics presented to each user being applicable to the at least one category to which the user has been assigned; (c) receiving a selection of at least one desired topic from each of the users via the communications network; (d) presenting at least one query to each of the users via the communications network, the at least one query presented to each user being relevant to a corresponding desired topic selected by the user; (e) receiving a response to the at least one query from each of the users via the communications network; (f) storing the response from each of the plurality of users in an electronic storage medium based on the at least one category to which the user has been assigned; and (g) allowing a leader to review responses stored in the electronic storage medium, whereby the leader can obtain information relating to opinions and perceptions of the user. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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Specification