`Ritzel
`
`USOO6904.407B2
`(10) Patent No.:
`US 6,904,407 B2
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Jun. 7, 2005
`
`(54) REPOSITORY FOR JOBSEEKERS
`REFERENCES ON THE INTERNET
`
`6,385,620 B1 * 5/2002 Kurzius et al. .......... 707/104.1
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`(75) Inventor: William D. Ritzel, 5325 Sandy Point
`La., Clifton, VA (US) 20124-0943
`(73) Assignee: William D. Ritzel, Las Vegas, NV (US)
`(*) Notice:
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 803 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/960,512
`(22) Filed:
`Sep. 24, 2001
`(65)
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2002/0049774 A1 Apr. 25, 2002
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/241,369, filed on Oct. 19,
`2000.
`(51) Int. Cl. ................................................ G06F 17/60
`(52)
`(58) Field of Search ........................................ 705/1, 34
`(56)
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`5,758.324 A 5/1998 Hartman et al.
`5,864,871 A 1/1999 Kitain et al.
`5,884.270 A 3/1999 Walker et al.
`5,978,768 A 11/1999 McGovern et al.
`6,026,374. A 2/2000 Chess
`6,029,149 A 2/2000 Dykstra et al.
`6,064.980 A 5/2000 Jacobi et al.
`
`JP
`
`2004302972 A * 10/2004 ........... GO6F/12/00
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Proquest article Recruit.com Announces Van Ella Alliance
`for Online Candidate Background Checks. BusinessWire
`Sep. 7, 2000.*
`* cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner John Weiss
`ASSistant Examiner Traci Smith
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Litman Law Offices Ltd.
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`An electronic repository for jobseekers’ references on the
`Internet. The jobseeker registers himself and his reference
`Sources on an Internet Site. The references are notified via
`e-mail, they Subsequently log in and enter their personal or
`professional reference or letter of reference for the job
`Seeker. The jobseeker gives perspective Recruiters/
`Employers information on accessing his references. The list
`of references is available at no charge, but the detail of the
`reference document can be purchased by the Recruiter/
`Employer. All required Security is implemented. The advan
`tages of this process include: (1) elimination of repeated
`contact of jobseekers references for positions that change
`frequently; (2) virtually instant checking of references,
`eliminating loss of potential employee through extended
`process; and (3) Significant reduction in cost and time of
`checking reference by recruiter/Employer.
`
`20 Claims, 31 Drawing Sheets
`
`EMPLOYEE
`REFERENCE
`SERVER
`
`3O
`Y--
`
`32
`
`1 4
`
`
`
`PROSPECTIVE
`EMPLOYEE
`
`16
`
`O
`
`12
`
`NAMED
`REFERENCE
`AUTHOR
`
`PROSPECTIVE
`EMPLOYEE/
`NOURER
`
`GUARDIAN EXHIBIT 1017
`Guardian Alliance Technologies, Inc. v. Miller
`
`1
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 7, 2005
`
`Sheet 1 of 31
`
`US 6,904,407 B2
`
`33,\OTd W3
`
`Z |
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`3.3)\OTCH WN3
`
`9 Z
`
`92 O)
`
`09:
`
`2
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 7, 2005
`
`Sheet 2 of 31
`
`US 6,904,407 B2
`
`
`
`REFERENCEDEPOT.COM
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`JOBSEEKER
`DEMOGRAPHC
`DATA
`
`
`
`
`
`LIST OF
`REF
`EFENS
`JOBSEEKER
`
`
`
`Fig. 1 B
`
`3
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 7, 2005
`
`Sheet 3 of 31
`
`US 6,904,407 B2
`
`2 REFERENCE
`
`32
`
`26
`
`REFERENCEDEPOT.COM
`
`28
`
`30
`
`
`
`DETALED
`REFERENCES FOR
`THE REGISTERED
`JOBSEEKER
`
`Fig. 1 C
`
`4
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 7, 2005
`
`Sheet 4 of 31
`
`US 6,904,407 B2
`
`
`
`EMPLOYER RECRUTER s
`S
`
`
`
`22
`
`
`
`
`
`S4
`
`MERCHANT
`ACCOUNT
`
`32
`
`26
`
`REFERENCEDEPOT.COM
`
`3
`O
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`LST OF
`REFERENCES
`FOR THIS
`JOBSEEKER
`
`Fig. 1 D
`
`5
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 7, 2005
`
`Sheet 5 of 31
`
`US 6,904,407 B2
`
`4O
`
`r
`
`
`
`EMPLOYEE
`REGISTERS
`WITH
`SERVER
`
`REFERENCE
`PROVIDER
`SENDS
`REFERENCE
`TO
`SERVER
`
`PROSPECTIVE
`EMPLOYER
`GETS
`REFERENCE
`FROM
`SERVER
`
`Fig. 2
`
`6
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 7, 2005
`
`Sheet 6 of 31
`
`US 6,904,407 B2
`
`54
`
`JOBSEEKER
`
`
`
`
`
`TO
`FIG.3B
`
`JOBSEEKER
`RECRUTER
`REFERENCE
`
`TO
`FIG.3C
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`RECRUITER
`
`6O
`
`RECRUTER
`LOG IN
`
`62
`
`64
`
`
`
`66
`
`RECRUITER
`EXISTS
`p
`
`
`
`68
`
`RECRUITER
`REGISTRATION
`
`74
`
`7 6
`
`SELECT JOBSEEKER
`BY ACCOUNT if
`
`78
`
`82
`
`"-gs YES
`
`7 Fig. 3A
`
`84
`
`PURCHASE
`EXISTS
`
`88
`
`YES 90
`
`
`
`ADD SELECTED
`REFERENCES TO
`CHECK-OUT
`LIST
`
`92
`
`94
`
`YES
`
`96
`
`- 102
`
`NO
`Y
`100
`PURCHASE
`REFERENCES
`-
`104 W - 106
`END
`
`7
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 7, 2005
`
`Sheet 7 of 31
`
`US 6,904,407 B2
`
`JOBSEEKERS
`56
`
`FROM
`FG.3A
`
`JOBSEEKERS
`LOG IN
`
`2
`
`11 O
`14
`
`
`
`JOBSEEKERN YES
`EXISTS
`NO
`
`116
`
`118
`
`22
`
`JOBSEEKERS
`REGISTRATION
`
`12O
`
`124
`
`s YES
`
`134
`
`NO
`
`REFERENCE
`REGISTRATION
`
`- 132
`
`136
`
`1so
`
`
`
`REFERENCE LIST
`MANTENANCE
`(VIEW REFERENCE
`SET AVAILABLITY
`SEND E-MAIL)
`
`138
`
`Fig. 3B
`
`p- END
`
`8
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 7, 2005
`
`Sheet 8 of 31
`
`US 6,904,407 B2
`
`FROM
`FG.3A
`531) REFERENCE
`
`REFERENCE
`LOG IN
`
`156
`
`
`
`LOG IN
`RECOGNIZED
`2
`
`CREATE REFERENCE
`NFORMATION VA
`OUESTIONS OR
`LETTER OF REFERENCE
`
`1 S6
`
`END
`
`168
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`16O
`
`164
`
`Fig. 3C
`
`9
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 7, 2005
`Jun. 7, 2005
`
`Sheet 9 of 31
`Sheet 9 of 31
`
`US 6,904,407 B2
`US 6,904,407 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`'WidSI20LOSTagLupytioasaguazyarHuryaoy),
`
`
`
`»BOP94}MOA186WIMSSON3RNBATY404yng
`
`
`
`MGIAMSLNI24)10dJabAewBWNSA4N0,,
`
`
`
`
`
`INGA10}OFFeOY}8}G14)‘Bury16BununyqofsvenodJatpauay
`
`
`
`
`
`““SNUUOD0}MOfaqSaBew!punolayyJO8UOYO;
`
`snme10}04
`
`902
`£0¢
`
`
`
`SOIUIIIYINOA[|e10]]B/OdSSIIIYfHUL
`
`
`
`
`
`daiojdxsyPTTCryo-
`
`
`
`
`
`
`{WOdjodepsouslejalAMM,
`
`
`
`wodege
`:rae
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`10
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`INoA10)eQUe28j8)|eUNSSe,/04dJOjeuosied
`
`
`
`
`
`@DING0]SUCSeNbJemsuePUPWIG]0}LOU]HSBPLEWEY)JIEULS11,0S8dUE/0JAI$2Buisnoq|NODAaidoedBy)33!PUGsayJeISIDey:Buey2esQor
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`sUBYOjUBLUAgWaBGUBLDCUMS7BYj0PUR
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`aigBunpinoiduosued84)purnodUjoqJosjfeoauUOYdUOyUedsBUTetnBUNeLAWa‘se0UEJ9}aPayelspoy)125pueLIGO?:sieyTu92eypuessieAopdury
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`|eOCPeoeatch}
`
`wuUIEYeo||auog[|
`
`
`VE“bv
`
`
`
`
`
`sopbojouysagrow102“\___Anjosway
`
`
`
`SulpusdwalEd
`
`SglopialySOV|UW]|
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Aqpadoyenegoujdaqiay000Z®IAAdo5
`
`;e0U8J8}01
`
`
`
`
`
`oteo‘a2QUatUBAUODOY)BAO]PUeLuSBUOISSajoadaya1e}sasdde[jmSU@AO|dWypusroyNJoey‘sealsoUasAjay‘SseHsesqor
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`SJUE}NSUOSLIMWyeUe}E8)B'BOUDSse00IdGY)YBnosy;O680}BABYA[UIONOA‘JoysoddeJoN@OSGOFOU)SqolAURWMOLYJEIEWON:suantsgougsajay
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`10
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 7, 2005
`
`Sheet 10 of 31
`
`US 6,904,407 B2
`
`bereVe
`
`i
`
`oraeenAaa
`
`s
`
`I.60Z
`
`
`
` i:6AqpadI~snaYONqpadojanagSOISUT
`bs—IcluIH¥POON;PIOMSSBr|uopiobq|“apsesn
`
`
`
`jodagasualajay0}GWIODIaA,peTalsipaieseaid‘SaIsat)NOASI!SIUfsoz“jWon
`
`
`sajGojourysoppastwo‘jodaqesuaisyayOOOzauBbuddoy
`
`
`
`Sf)VRWUO,)suonsan?)dowwo)“aedMUWF]
`
`
`
`PUpuLs,__OdaONAAAe
`
`SAIUIIAFAYANA[TH1G)AAOPSOMIYLHIY,
`
`UplaspaLueagLuppnad2uUUIALU
`IEDideeNEUBIRENTTeASEEROR
`
`auoripuosuigce.O96Seeee.
`
`Fees
`
`
`BodTH
`PEMeTATAi
`
`11
`
`11
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 7, 2005
`
`Sheet 11 of 31
`
`US 6,904,407 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`D-J
`L-u ?u H prowissed
`
`12
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 7, 2005
`
`Sheet 12 of 31
`
`US 6,904,407 B2
`
`
`
`;-) ---------------------------------~--~–~~~~
`
`"10+10|30MHHHHH
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`13
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 7, 2005
`Jun. 7, 2005
`
`Sheet 13 of 31
`Sheet 13 of 31
`
`US 6,904,407 B2
`US 6,904,407 B2
`
`
`
`
` UoUUO,)aeaway):ontOeGuneswiowA\BruyUOD:,egmipASS|teWe39LGq
`LtJ@poleiso.qdiz_sdDADA/AILIS
`
`JOYJOJBNOT»ijeuosiegadileou818)/0y
`:.Jovougeuro}
`
`'[¢wi09)sseuppya{sseuppy“jueduiog
`
`vo_SSC*déAL
`:O21958
`8LZsi
`
`
`
`
`lodaqasuesajayIEaINESa2ues9jag]&19)S15a10}HONeLIOPUTJIQUODBuumcyjoyalyapadaseryq
`
`
`
`royboyouyoprow:wgjodaqesuassjeyDood1yGuddos
`
`spyewan)smonsangy
`LOGONAHAT
`SHINAIALAYANNA[TYIO)AAOSOILHSHRaLesprg?doug¢tarpary,
`
`“ET
`
`serfiopouyoayOWAnparkysang
`
`Jeweniss
`
`
`
`owenISe}
`
`[AID
`
`JAnuno>
`
`
`
`]8UOUdNOAA
`
`
`
`oereras
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`IRUOISSOJOg¥LLSiz
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`rePerePivenTeerTe
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`14
`
`14
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 7, 2005
`
`Sheet 14 of 31
`
`US 6,904,407 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`-----“10d1030NHHHHHH !
`
`
`
`ZZZ
`
`15
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 7, 2005
`Jun.7, 2005
`
`Sheet 15 of 31
`Sheet 15 of 31
`
`US 6,904,407 B2
`US 6,904,407 B2
`
`mo ey ‘1f'iLiI'‘i:i
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`1UOMNOSJeyyURAL,USAOPS14)‘aSUNAdJO“‘UONeWUOyUIadUaIAajAasINOAJayapueeSSIU0}U|GO)AeNOX‘noXk0}seoQuOYdJoJaquinuay]aonpel
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`puessaooudSunyay)dnpaads0}Japiouy“ayisqamWoajodaqaoualajay94)UO¥9e/gUEPJO)JOAIDBOUEIOJOXESEPo!D}siIBa)ugaqaAeynod
`jodapsdueisjol@yoqeoualajal>wos SOIMBATJOY
`
`
`
`
`
`“BupjoeydsouasazalJOYOysGY)30eLUOSB}EIAGIEIIIMYINQ‘s}]e299uOUdAuesAlgoas
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`<Ul0dJOUSPOOUSIOJAIDSIMyUeI>-O]
`
`
`
`yoeigouerJoysouaIgaysjoofqns
`
`‘SUAMULOH
`
`
`
`
`
`INGAfe10]1UjFOYSSIIIY1+OU
`
`<WOF
`
`
`
`
`
`adOISRDJOJ9UNTYdqupynassaUMajOFTuryoay_y,
`
`may
`
`#############
`
`
`
`
`
`16
`
`
`
`OOP0-£0:89:2}Lo00zSnyp1‘Pannquag
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`OqJOULESSOUBIaJAlEUOUOIEUUOJU!aU}‘PayWAnsaug"1UNS0}PaysEaqHIMNOA‘voeUJOJUYGoUGIEya!aptAoidpueUIBO)NOAa9UQ
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`suoNsanbay}MaiAa!aseald‘apiacidnOyeyyLOEWE]soUaIaaJay)Bu|AWpowWioJ}euOAUEJuoAaldOo}aJnyeayAyNDaseSISy,‘pabueYo
`
`
`
`BOUGITjIIOY)JUUGNsNOAioyaqAjyBnosouy
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`spymua)SOV]uké"
`
`Jr“big
`PRNTei:
`
`
`
`
`
`WestjodagqsousIajayay]
`
`
`
`‘nokyUBUL
`
`
`
`
`
`“YORISUBL10)a9uasaja1ay}ajajdLU0D03SUONSaNbou}JomsuepUeSUOHONSUIOU}MO}/O-4(+
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`WooJodeqeoualajeyASN0}ENUIUOD{11Mpu‘Aol[UdNOAyey)edoySAA
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`UsaINgSUO]soUeJEJEYEY)UOUONetWOU!Bulmolo}oy)J9}UQ("¢
`
`‘a6egSWOHBY)UO,ud}]ngSaoueIaJay,,OyUOHOD(Zudo
`
`
`
`}OdeqaouaisjayyMANy/-dyy0]OS(‘1
`
`
`
`[OpNOAJEUAA
`
`
`
`xdayyezn!puomsse
`
`
`
`6S09P-dpayaasqor
`
`16
`
`
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 7, 2005
`Jun. 7, 2005
`
`Sheet 16 of 31
`Sheet 16 of 31
`
`US 6,904,407 B2
`US 6,904,407 B2
`
`º , + · · * * * ***y***** • ** *
`
`
`
`jWODJOdsQIUSIBJaYUMSIBAIDBDUdIOJOY
`
`
`
`
`
`Aqpedojpang,oudaqiayn00zZ@Budde
`
`
`
`S()HRN)SOVAWOH]=im
`
`
`
`ToeralitteyMeagreLanye]
`
`sapbojouy?FeeBSNIOSwe,2VOR
`
`
`pantieswe
`
`
`
`inofBuliajuapueHuraysibas40)noAyueyL
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`8162HuNOIY)WidsJodaqesualajoyUOSjqerenySeouasajoy
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`seuinsasINOAJoWOOJY}JeSIy}
`
`
`
`
`
`yndnoAjeu)ysaBinsaq“SaouaiajalANOAssoo5e07JaquuinuJUuNODesty}
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ueasn0}suayINs9aypuesiakojdwyjeyuajodnodysZMouopNOAopyey,
`
`
`
`SIITTI9JSqNOK[110]WUjegSSOIIYJ#AY]
`
`
`
`
`
`witsJOLysP]3gLupinossaouagyastury5,
`
`rieFR=eBeeeeET
`
`LOdIQI9NIGIITY
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`17
`
`17
`
`
`
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 7, 2005
`Jun. 7, 2005
`
`Sheet 17 Of 31
`Sheet 17 of 31
`
`US 6,904,407 B2
`US 6,904,407 B2
`
`yn
`
`LedOUaIS}OYAION_—HoeSHONWSNSPEZLPig
`
`
`£2zajajdwiogB2u8l9}9ySN61166VOiPS
`
`
`PPY_~"\ribYORIAuerJO}JSI7]ADUaIDJOYEld
`
`
`
`
`wooyodepsouaJayqr@Myoe|quyol|-zzz-GGgOMA|eNuaAypAlg|yperguyoraiqeyeay
`
` WOd"JOdEepEoussajalOaop}|-GG6-GGGDUOBNUBAY20gyuess
`
`
`
`OjuJeUOSIagINO,JBAIDBIUDIAJaY
`aIqelIBAY©4281S£21Pe
`aseaid‘SsaoueJaja!paljddnssaeypalsySJAAIDSBOUDIZJAYJINOAJo[2JON
`
`
`
`
`
`
` aue4]=Iii‘uoyng,aouasajayANON,ou}GupjoyoAquleBesiaaigaouauajayAnou
`
`
`
`
`
`§()1otiuo,)SOV.)
`
`
`
`
`SIINTIIJOYANOAKIf10]JUlegSSII9TyfHBY]
`_vbdaONINITY
`
`
`eiAOISNDJOJISAYOQYUp]AOSsIOUIIAIIITuryaou.>,
`
`auoddssaippy—|reenpr}owen|Ayiqejeay
`
`
`
`
`
`
`‘sajaBuyS07opmgwig|UPPPIH0zz
`WA‘AID1e1SOIpNySwhUEPPIH©
`
`PESChecRCeeToT
`
`8888
`
`1815
`
`anujuoypueydacny
`
`Tehfe
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`18
`
`18
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 7, 2005
`
`Sheet 18 of 31
`
`US 6,904,407 B2
`
`
`
`10.HIH3IH
`
`
`
`19
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 7, 2005
`Jun. 7, 2005
`
`Sheet 19 of 31
`Sheet 19 of 31
`
`US 6,904,407 B2
`US 6,904,407 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`BISSi]WO1)OHESSOLU[EWPeyeLUOINeueBAJO“USeWAC|dLuS
`
`‘plomsse
`
`q|u607
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`sQwee?suonsan?)wounuODaBr]awoHww0i
`
`segbeygyWABIRLHYE
`
`
`
`SaBOjQuNs0yDOSE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`BurmaesuosiedayyAqnod0]UaAI6Plomsse_jpueq|ude]oulesq
`
`
`
`jWoDjodaqaaquaiasayoFALODI|aYy
`
`
`
`u1bo-yaseafd
`
`
`
`
`
`SOIUG1IJOYANOA[1810)0dSSI99YLHGUL
`
`
`
`EeBienes
`
`Fury),__OdAONAN
`PUSS10JOSH]IGjUpyNodsaouazgyas
`
`
`
`
`
`
`20
`
`
`
`wojodsqasuagaygagewouAdoo
`
`BS/)IOSUNS]
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`wowAqpadojarag”soBopuype|
`
`
`
`20
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 7, 2005
`
`Sheet 20 0f 31
`
`US 6,904,407 B2
`
`§ffffff;#########
`
`* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`21
`
`
`
`Jun. 7, 2005
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` w=“SO|CLUEXEUIIMJIEEPaSAl¢}al7auaaqised&uaeqsuoA]qogUlmdilysuonealinoAse}~.Pesit=re(Si@0A2:a}duIexXg)
`24su0AqGoguMOUyNCAaaeyHuo]MOL
`
`US 6,904,407 B2
`
`
`
`
`
` om°=aSo230UAY10AUAA5JIUSLUUOJIAUSSSOUISNG6UlJOSSEUB8qPINOMSLIOA]GogJey}saatiaqNOAOg
`
`Sheet 21 of 31
`en
`
`=92¢
`
`
`
`
`
`sf}darter)suoysan?)uowwo>aigauloy]
`
`wo
`
`wots
`
`metehele
`
`
`
`
`
`Harpysrypemenepay
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` ?moSONGO{OUYIFYOM:wojlodaqasuagyeyoogg@wovdsdey
`
`
`
`SUEUR
`Ares
`
`5sue]
`
`U.S. Patent
`=eoY=XSAyA
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`22
`
`22
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 7, 2005
`Jun. 7, 2005
`
`Sheet 22 of 31
`Sheet 22 of 31
`
`US 6,904,407 B2
`US 6,904,407 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`“efygee-beaucecaeteneceereeeeeneees.
`
`
`
`reaa,freeeseereeaeene7OsahotdusweseayatugAzaAag‘ey
`
`jwasoueyAsyAlwoyAOL
`
`suonsandwou28gaunvy]“«>®Sf]SAWO,)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`semeromacel,vwkapoloieneaBTIDSOB]
`
`
`
`sapbopouysoyPOR:wottodagsouaaeyOooeesyGuddog
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`*JO}BQUAJAJaIJOJeqE]NCAad)JoBySedESeBalq}
`
`
`
`
`
`Apbe)012NOKUeUMJe]e|49eqaWO?
`
`
`
`
`
`J0ALUN]INOAa8]OS“WAU]}WANSNoAsayeSIEMSUASAU]IIPS0}a/Ge6qJOUIINOA
`
`
`
`
`
`
`-,~"“etiuasson,Sen9sig
`
`SAINGIAJIYINO[TYAO}AOSOMaY[4BL
`
`~10 ht|10}}}}}}}}}
`LpaasvaAinttaeaousaajonteHapa,
`
`
`aes Reccete
`
`
`
`23
`
`
`
`
`
`‘suonsanbHurmot/osaj]JaMsueaseeld
`
`
`
`SJOMSUBINOAAIAPaysiyesaeNOAuayMWANSSsBld
`
`
`
`
`
`23
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 7, 2005
`
`Sheet 23 of 31
`
`US 6,904,407 B2
`US 6,904,407 B2
`
`
`
`ispyARUN,stonsan?)UOLUWOSaRawry]
`teog,eect
`AAMISOHAY14IU7posteLunogLuppavsa2uaryoeetRupus,SOMIATIBYANOA[TW10)
`
` cejnoAyueUL
`
`
`
`NdLZ:SS:}UOaseqeyepsnoulpapsJooasuseqSeyUO!EUUOJU!BOUaIAJOsINOA
`
`salfiojouysayyarAqpadojaaaqB87SUT
`
`
`
`
`sobojauyprayPOR:woyjodaqasuaiajayONZEyBuddog
`
`_pOdAUTONTEATTE
`
`
`
`
`Epa
`
`ateiisray]‘iiiiBlere
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`24
`
`wi
`
`(Va®
`
`‘0002/80/01
`
`&####################
`
`lkege,UAFLO
`
`YannaCaTBouog:
`teenMOGISS
`
`24
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 7, 2005
`
`Sheet 24 of 31
`
`US 6,904,407 B2
`
`
`
`- - - - - - - m
`
`
`
`8ZZ
`
`? uuooº?odadaoualajax) og euroopa M.
`
`?
`
`25
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 7, 2005
`
`Sheet 25 of 31
`
`US 6,904,407 B2
`US 6,904,407 B2
`
`****
`
`StnRrsung
`
`
`
`sitoUtmyargmeenacanaanO
`
`
`
`vsn|Anunoo
`
`OUR
`
`,atueUes/)
`
`jail
`
`Aub,PIOMSSEd
`
`
`
`1eJakoichugparnusayeseJoys15a.ofuoqeuLojUBuvaojojou}opwroidaseald
`
`
`
`
`sagnasojayJNO}}Iy20)Kroytsomtay$44At
`
`
` PEOYOR!wewedeqeaepyCOTSNbIAdED
`aaity2.001Ww©Zec’”AERBER“Lez
`
`sewnSosy)GUND»,
`TIN
`
`
`AueaqLappioaagapeTuparg,
`nnnlxv4
`
`yodaqa2uas8joy
`
`cez1-985£04]QUOCHIOAA
`
`uneHUIDIOMSSBef
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`|
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`26
`
`26
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 7, 2005
`
`Sheet 26 of 31
`
`US 6,904,407 B2
`US 6,904,407 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`}SI|@‘MojagJdwosday}UlJequunujuNODoeS,Jayaasggoray}BulajuaAg
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`‘MBIABLINOAJO}peAe|dsipaq|[IMS@dUaJAJaIJBU/SIYJO
`
`AXA
`
`yNOyDayD/MeIA
`
`"yeDINOAUlSW2}]|BABYNOA
`
`
`
`S{]LovleySOVawO]y=]}oH
`
`
`
`7ab“Diy 2REgsBABSeesee&
`
`Jerout,asnjiOsueL
`
`
`SafPopouysra)IFBuipuad]U9}84
`
`
`
`AqpadojaneqouldeqyeyO00Z@1yBUAdOD
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`JOqUINNJUNODZY18yaeSgorJe;Ug
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`€€Z——>AOIFEUIOJU]INOAAjIPOWMAIAFUNGI
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`jU89I9SYOIEVSSIUaIBJayYOY}O}BUIOD/AAA
`
`
`
`SIIMTDISYANCA[TE10]1E|OdSEIIIYLHéQUE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`BURT2)TeCeere
`
` PTET
`Furyooy5,i“10da1ONIUIAY
`
`
`
`apSSR4012188)2gL.UIpnOsssauosap
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`27
`
`27
`
`
`
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 7, 2005
`Jun.7, 2005
`
`Sheet 27 of 31
`Sheet 27 of 31
`
`US 6,904,407 B2
`US 6,904,407 B2
`
` aseyoind!bv4)aqeilenyjON
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`(H)WSNSFEZEVA‘ANIDeS1(M)Efce-222-ss¢anuenyJESEzLSYUMUB9€Z,
`
`(xv)yvsn
`
`‘eg(W)eece-zz7-S¢9enuaAyPAG|yori
`
`
`
`
`
`(H)6LLBGVO‘sajaBuyso7pris
`
`
`
`
`
`uyor[euoudssaippyowenaseyoind
`
`oipn
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`CCCC-LLL-GGG:@Wl0}yoR[gauer
`
`
`
`woojodapaouaiajaOyoeqauel(SPEZL)VSNVA‘AIDses
`
`xedanuanyJE}SEZb
`
`
`DUOAAyslu00peD
`
`OfUOPEULOJU
`
`
`
`
`
`UONIa/agadUSloJayJaAO|MWUZ/LazINIDaY
`
`
`
`SI9UIITJIANOK[Te10]Wg$S9I9YLHJYT
`
`BY}0}aLUODIaAA
`BQUaIaaYy JUs8I9g
`
`
`
`
`
`aiSUSRD40SOUSHGLUPHIODSQUDLYALTuryaou.),,
`
`LOdIQIINIIIIY
`
`
`
`
`
`28
`
`
`
`aa
`
`1810]
`
`PCPhmBEPCle)Perey
`
`
`
`
`dspdnyoosiopinuoe./w0"
`]yodepsougiayasMays.
`
`ao
`
`ay
`
`z
`
`AODA4
`
`£E¢
`
` eeJaKOjdtig/iajnisay0}Yoeg
`
`
`
`SsoUaIaJaYpayaay
`
`
`
`28
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 7, 2005
`
`Sheet 28 of 31
`
`US 6,904,407 B2
`
`
`
`P- - - - ---rm-r- m- as re-re-remers - - - - - - - - -
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`T104||
`
`
`
`9999-G99-201 '80UOH
`
`&##
`
`192
`
`§??ffffffffffffff;###
`
`29
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 7, 2005
`
`Sheet 29 of 31
`
`US 6,904,407 B2
`
`
`
`- --- rs r, r - -...-en-
`- , A
`- - - a was ----
`
`- - - -m-, rar war
`a. --
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`30
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 7, 2005
`Jun. 7, 2005
`
`Sheet 30 of 31
`Sheet 30 of 31
`
`US 6,904,407 B2
`US 6,904,407 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`‘saatpoWasyoa.034aqe‘eanepuanc)penancereretenerennnezen(asneeuanereennetecuasenesvessesdeuterevenensvesueeensvereeerere‘ajqupuadapLidastqog‘(232
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` a:Espauanss,swol]qodre:eyA\
`
`ot
`
`fiOoIE:
`
`eR
`----:
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`PeSDAEDUEDUeERUDETeneerate.TIALpoolKianStgog:AauonybeeenMEEEOEHORDIDROOOSEEEOESASBOREwaynesPeasasenesonranes
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`‘TENPIAIpUTsipyosyrqeyYOMampaquasead
`
`
`
`
`
`cionune.(6661auuryenony£661Yrepy:epdurexyy)
`
`O002npy8nasg?ggg]
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`vaesesuo]qogJovonsendsnoro.doywtFumesmodprnowonyfleyap1opdiuexaproddnsauoyea]yeaprosy
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`gsuodyqogwrowynodaakyGolMoy:420aantsod&usvaqsod]gogpeadnysuoneyesmodsexy_(steak/:ajdurexy)
`
`
`
`
`
`{100Opt.t0Ayan
`
`
`
`
`
`{MaTUOILAUAssaUISNY&U11assEweoqpynaamsucdTGogIBNeraTagNA0g
`
`
`
`.ssajdurexayyPeyapaseayy
`
`
`
`‘CNOAPIMyraaysual]qogpipwayAY,
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`:GjowAyprseAyay(Aamrony&sesua]qogamynodpany
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`4‘f.(uogtsodsnp0220dsastymvosroday93070}stseqOUaAeYNOLPIHUe]YBAeOT)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`.ENontsodperpye1aseypuasuoLTqosypipAYAy
`
`,ZLUL-SSS-£027Aurey£71
`
`
`
` vsnrLILOSVA‘xeprer
`
`
`
`'{AationyeBsesuat-]gagayernapramAtoy“uazseut&=¢peidatt=|1pm‘¢0}|JoaBuereUG
`
`
`
`ChTl-Ces-LOLWaaquapisorg
`
`3OTome
`
`
`
`
`
`TLET-SS¢-$02MOHsastidiaquy20q,
`
`
`
`
`
`isubt]qogysO}daurasayjagyPeworssajory
`
`
`
`areweraaanmaarriamhTeme
`OCRvnson
`
`ee
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`31
`
`31
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 7, 2005
`
`Sheet 31 of 31
`
`US 6,904,407 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`sae,aeraeae
`
`###############
`
`32
`
`
`
`1
`REPOSITORY FOR JOBSEEKERS
`REFERENCES ON THE INTERNET
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATION
`This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
`Patent Application Ser. No. 60/241,369, filed Oct. 19, 2000.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`The present invention relates to a method for employing
`an Internet web site to conduct business and, more
`particularly, to the employment of a Website to register the
`references of jobseekers for access to letters of recommen
`dation by prospective employers.
`2. Description of the Related Art
`One aspect of the job Seeking process which can be a
`Source of delay in the hiring process is the reference list. For
`the jobseeker (also job Seeker), updating the reference list is
`a constant chore and may require reprinting of the resume on
`expensive paper in Significant numbers, leading to time
`consumption and added cost in the job Seeking activity.
`Likewise, the reference provider may likely be contacted
`many times, becoming a Source of annoyance to the refer
`ence provider. The process of contacting of the reference
`provider by the prospective employer can also be a signifi
`cant Source of delay.
`There are presently in existence a number of Internet
`Websites which provide access by a prospective employer to
`obtain relevant resumes from jobseekers. Examples include
`America's Talent Bank at http://WWW.atb.org., Careersite
`.com at http://WWW.careersite.com/, and HeadHunter.net at
`http://WWW.headhunter.net/ Also, many prospective
`employerS maintain Internet WebSites for receiving resumes
`from jobseekers.
`U.S. Pat. No. 5,758,324, issued May 26, 1998, to Hartman
`et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,884,270, issued Mar. 16, 1999, to
`Walker et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,978,768, issued on Mar.
`16, 1999, to McGovernet al. describe computerized systems
`for resume Storage and retrieval, useful in an Internet
`System.
`Internet on-line referral systems have been the subject of
`existing patents. U.S. Pat. No. 5,864,871, issued on Jan. 26,
`1999, to Kitain et al. describes an information delivery
`System wherein one or more second parties (brokerage
`firms) place information about a first party (a corporation) in
`a database for viewing by third parties (users). The deposi
`tors control who has access to the information, and where
`the deposit and access of information occur on Separate
`computers in a distributed system. U.S. Pat. No. 6,064,980,
`issued May 16, 2000, to Jacobi et al., describes a comput
`erized Internet System for recommendations of literary
`works. U.S. Pat. No. 6,026,374, issued Feb. 15, 2000 to
`Chess, D. describes a computerized System for generating
`trusted descriptions of products wherein one or more Second
`parties place information about a first party's product in a
`node of a network for view by a third party and wherein the
`database controls the information released to the general
`public. U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,149, issued on Feb. 22, 2000, to
`Dykstra et al. describes an analysis of Service providers
`wherein one or more Second parties (credit bureaus) place
`information about a first party (a loan applicant) in a
`computer for inspection by a third party (a lender), and
`wherein the information is operated on to present an evalu
`ation.
`
`1O
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`US 6,904,407 B2
`
`2
`The present invention is a System and methodology
`embodied in an Internet Website and associated hardware
`and Software. The problem to overcome, as discussed above,
`is that of a perSon, Such as a consultant, who, by nature of
`his frequently changing positions has his references checked
`repeatedly. The number of times his references are called
`becomes Somewhat annoying to the reference givers. The
`consultant also has the burden of giving references for a
`number of his associates, leading one to the realization that
`the same questions are asked and answered each time a
`reference is checked. Contacting the references always
`Seems to be a problem, i.e. endleSS telephone tag.
`The jobseekers cannot be hired without the references, so
`both the employer and prospective employee are held up
`until the process is completed. The consultant reasons that if
`the references are readily available in a formatted, machine
`readable form that recruiters, employers and jobseekers
`would all benefit. One of the most inefficient, time consum
`ing and costly parts of the hiring proceSS would be obviated.
`The inventive Website operates on the basis that there are
`three categories of potential users, recruiters/employers,
`jobseekers, and Reference Sources. The jobseeker is
`assigned a user identification (ID) and password which
`allows him access to his demographic information and list of
`Reference Sources. The website assigns a unique user ID
`and password for each Reference Source Next, the Refer
`ence Sources enter the assigned User ID and password, and
`are asked to answer a Series of questions about the jobseeker.
`This is basically the same as responding to a phone call, but
`at the Reference Sources convenience.
`The jobseeker then gives the recruiter/employer an
`account number, and that perSon can enter the Site to retrieve
`the references. The Recruiter/Employer can always ran
`domly verify one or more of the references via telephone, or
`purchase the complete reference text right off the Website.
`The reference documents Selected are formatted and
`e-mailed immediately to the Recruiter/Employer.
`Advantages of the Website are that the reference giver has
`time to consider his answer and think of examples and
`Situations that typify the jobseeker's actions and capabilities.
`Since the recruiter or prospective employer doesn’t need to
`take notes during a telephone conversation and type them
`up, the inventive Website is a faster, easier, more accurate,
`and leSS expensive way to ensure reliable references. Ref
`erences are available almost instantly, twenty-four hours a
`day, So there is no delay in the hiring process.
`The cost of using the inventive website is not passed to the
`jobseeker or to the Reference Source, but to the prospective
`Recruiter/Employer. A list of references available is avail
`able on the Website cost free. If an employer wants the detail
`of the reference, they pay a very nominal fee, certainly leSS
`than their time and phone bill, for obtaining basically the
`SC SWCS.
`The Inventive Website will be useful to the Recruiter/
`Employer as an alternative to them Setting up their own
`Website, because of they need a reference only once. The
`jobseeker, however, may want multiple employers to view
`the references. Use of the inventive Website eliminates
`multiple telephone calls to his references, along with the
`other advantages presented above.
`None of the above inventions and patents, taken either
`Singularly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant
`invention as claimed. Thus a repository for jobseekers
`references on the Internet Solving the aforementioned prob
`lems is desired.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`An electronic repository for jobseekers’ references is
`desired. The jobSeeker registers himself and his reference
`
`33
`
`
`
`3
`Sources on an Internet Site. The references are notified via
`e-mail. they Subsequently log in (Login) and enter their
`personal or professional reference or letter of reference for
`the jobseeker. The jobseeker gives perspective RecruiterS/
`Employers information on accessing his references. The list
`of references is available at no charge, but the detailed
`document of the references can be purchased by the
`Recruiter/Employer. All required Security, known in the art,
`is implemented. The advantages of this process include, (1)
`elimination of repeated contact of jobseekers’ references for
`positions that change frequently; (2) virtually instant check
`ing of references, eliminating loSS of potential employee
`through extended process; and (3) Significant reduction in
`cost and time of checking reference by recruiter/employee.
`Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to
`provide an Internet Site for registration of jobseekers’ ref
`CCCS.
`It is another object of the invention to provide an Internet
`Site as above where jobseekers may update their references.
`It is a further object of the invention to provide an Internet
`Site as above where listed references are e-mailed a request
`for a professional or personal reference letter and are encour
`aged to enter Such letter into the Internet Site for Storage in
`a data repository.
`Still another object of the invention is to provide an
`Internet site as above which provides a list of references for
`a particular jobseeker to an inquiring employer or recruiter
`upon their request.
`Yet another object of the invention is to provide an
`Internet Site which makes individual reference letters avail
`able to an inquiring employer or recruiter upon payment of
`a fee.
`It is an object of the invention to provide improved
`elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes
`described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effec
`tive in accomplishing its intended purposes.
`These and other objects of the present invention will
`become readily apparent upon further review of the follow
`ing Specification and drawings.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIG. 1A is a diagrammatical representation of a repository
`for jobseekers’ references on the Internet according to the
`present invention.
`FIG. 1B is a diagrammatical representation according to
`FIG. 1A illustrating the jobseeker's physical interaction with
`the Website according to the present invention.
`FIG. 1C is a diagrammatical representation according to
`FIG. 1A illustrating the Reference Source's interaction with
`the Website according to the present invention.
`FIG. 1D is a diagrammatical representation according to
`FIG. 1A illustrating the Recruiter/Employer's interaction
`with the Website according to the present invention.
`FIG. 2 is a flow chart of steps taken in the implementation
`of the method of FIG. 1.
`FIG. 3A is a flowchart further illustrating the prospective
`Recruiter/Employer interface process of the invention of
`FIG. 2.
`FIG. 3B is a flowchart further illustrating the prospective
`employee or jobseeker reference registration interface pro
`cess of the invention of FIG. 2.
`FIG. 3C is a flowchart illustrating the Reference Provider
`interface process of the invention of FIG. 2.
`FIG. 4A is a Website screen illustrating the Home Page
`according to the present invention.
`
`1O
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`US 6,904,407 B2
`
`4
`FIG. 4B is a Website screen illustrating the Jobseeker
`Login procedure according to the present invention.
`FIG. 4C is a Website screen illustrating the Jobseeker
`Registration procedure according to the present invention.
`FIG. 4D is a Website screen illustrating the Jobseeker
`main menu according to the present invention.
`FIG. 4E is a Website screen illustrating the Jobseeker's
`References registration procedure according to the present
`invention.
`FIG. 4F is a Website screen illustrating the Jobseeker
`main menu according to the present invention with at least
`one register Reference Source displayed.
`FIG. 4G is a Website Screen illustrating an e-mail message
`Sent to the Reference Source according to the present
`invention.
`FIG. 4H is a Website screen which comprises the Job
`Seeker Thank-You Screen according to the present invention.
`FIG. 4I is a Website Screen available from the Jobseeker
`main menu of FIG. 4F providing additional functionality
`available to the JobSeeker according to the present inven
`tion.
`FIG. 4J is a Website Screen available from the Jobseeker
`main menu of FIG. 4F for the Jobseeker to update his/her
`demographic information according to the present invention.
`FIG. 4K is a Website screen illustrating the Reference
`Source Login procedure according to the present invention.
`FIG. 4L is a Website screen illustrating the Reference
`Source Info Questions (for professional option) asked
`according to the present invention.
`FIG. 4M is a Website screen illustrating the Reference
`Source Info Questions (for personal option) asked according
`to the present invention.
`FIG. 4N is a Website screen illustrating the Reference
`Source Info Questions (for letter of reference option) asked
`according to the present invention.
`FIG. 4O is a Website screen illustrating the Reference
`Source Thank-You screen of the present invention.
`FIG. 4P is a Website screen illustrating the I Recruiter/
`Employer Login procedure according to the present inven
`tion.
`FIG. 4Q is a Website screen illustrating the Recruiter/
`Employer Registration procedure of the present invention.
`FIG. 4R is a Website screen illustrating the Recruiter/
`Employer main menu according to the present invention.
`FIG. 4S is a Website screen illustrating the Recruiter/
`Employer Reference Source Lookup procedure according to
`the present invention.
`FIG. 4T is a Website screen illustrating the Recruiter/
`Employer Reference Source Lookup procedure with a box
`check marked according to the present invention.
`FIG. 4U is a Website screen illustrating the Recruiter/
`Employer Thank-You Screen according to the present inven
`tion.
`FIG. 4V is a Website screen illustrating a printout of a
`Reference detail or document as purchased according to the
`present invention.
`FIG. 4W is a Website screen illustrating the Recruiter/
`Employer demographic information update procedure
`according to the present invention.
`Similar reference characters denote corresponding fea
`tures consistently throughout the attached drawings.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
`The present invention is an electronic repository for
`jobseekers’ references. The jobseeker registers himself and
`
`34
`
`
`
`US 6,904,407 B2
`
`15
`
`25
`
`S
`his reference Sources on an Internet Site. The references are
`notified via e-mail, they Subsequently log in and enter their
`personal or professional reference or letter of reference for
`the jobseeker. The jobSeeker gives prospective RecruiterS/
`Employers information on accessing his references. The list
`of references is available at no charge, but the detailed
`documents corresponding to the references can be purchased
`by the Recruiter/Employer. All required Security is imple
`mented. The advantages of this process include: (1) elimi
`nation of repeated contact of jobseekers’ references for
`positions that change frequently; (2) virtually instant check
`ing of references, eliminating loSS of potential employee
`through extended process; and (3) Significant reduction in
`cost and time of checking reference by recruiter/employee.
`Business System Description
`Referring to FIGS. 1A through 1D, there is illu