Method and apparatus for internet-based human network brokering

Abstract

Matches between search queries and potential targets of such search queries are automatically brokered by (i) comparing search criteria specified in the search queries with profile criteria describing the potential targets, and (ii) reporting instances of acceptable correspondence between the search criteria and the profile criteria, provided that access controls associated with the profile criteria of the targets permit such reporting in light of access levels assigned to the search inquiries. Initiators, using client applications at various remote locations, may formulate the search queries and the brokering may be performed at one or more server locations communicatively coupled (e.g., via the Internet) thereto. The profile criteria may include portions of rich descriptive profiles of the potential targets.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A computer-implemented method, comprising allowing a first user to present a set of information to a second user, wherein said set of information is subject to access control criteria defined by the first user, and said access control criteria include information pertaining to the relationship between any two or more persons in a network of associated persons connecting said first user and said second user. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said first user is a job applicant and said second user is a potential employer. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said first user and said second user have a mutual contact and both said first user and said second user evaluate said mutual contact with the highest level of trust. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said set of information comprises knowledge resources found within a personal profile. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said set of information pertains to a profile that was built using a profile builder, wherein said profile builder comprises one or more software agents that guide said first user through a series of questions to build a profile based on said first user's answers to said series of questions. 
     
     
         6 . A computer-implemented method, comprising allowing a first user to present a set of information to a second user, wherein said set of information: (i) is subject to access control criteria defined by the first user, and (ii) comprises knowledge resources recorded in the first user's profile. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein said access control criteria include information pertaining to the relationship between any two or more persons in a network of associated persons connecting said first user and said second user. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6  wherein said set of information comprises information specifically requested by said second user from one or more persons in a network of associated persons connecting said first user and said second user. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein said set of information is accompanied by an introduction from one or more persons in a network of associated persons connecting said first user and said second user, the introduction comprising said one or more persons' opinion regarding said first user. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein said set of information includes a mechanism by which said second user can send a query to first user asking for further details on particular parts of said set of information which said second user has indicated. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein said knowledge resources include information pertaining to contacts said first person and said second person hold in common within a specified level of trust. 
     
     
         12 . A computer-implemented method, comprising allowing a first user to present a set of information to a second user, wherein said set of information: (i) is subject to access control criteria defined by the first user, (ii) comprises knowledge resources recorded in the first user's profile, and (iii) comprises a hyperlink to knowledge resources stored in media distinct from those in which the first user's profile is stored. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said hyperlink is active only if said second user has a connection strength specified by said first user. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said hyperlink leads to knowledge resources contained within a website maintained by said first user. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said first user and said second user are connected by one or more persons in a network of associated persons. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said second person implements a mechanism to query said first user for further details on specified parts of said set of information. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said set of information includes a summary of profiles of one or more persons with whom said first person and said second person are both associated in a network of associated persons.