BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to systems and methods of data collection and obtaining respondents for data collection. More particularly, the invention relates to systems and methods of conducting surveys and collecting information. 
     2. Background of the Related Art 
     Surveys and other data collection techniques have been used extensively in the field of marketing research. Traditional forms of surveying or data collection are plagued with many problems, at least two of which result in severe inefficiencies. First, traditional surveys, such as telephone surveys or face-to-face surveys conducted in public places such as shopping malls produce a very small number of participants relative to the number of people solicited. Further, many of those who are contacted find such unsolicited contact offensive, which could result in negative publicity for the product or organization for which the survey is being conducted. 
     Second, the low response rate to a traditional survey is compounded by the fact that a large percentage of the people completing the survey may not be members of a desired target audience. 
     As a result, traditional surveying or data collecting techniques are expensive and time consuming relative to the amount of good quality relevant data collected. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An object of the invention is to solve at least the above problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described hereinafter. 
     Another object of the invention is to greatly reduce inefficiencies found in traditional methods of conducting surveys or data collection. Reducing these inefficiencies can greatly increase the quality of the data collected while reducing the cost of collection. 
     An embodiment of the invention that achieves these objective is a method of soliciting people interested in completing surveys on the internet. Such people would become members of a network of people who are interested in answering surveys. Members of the network are then encouraged to refer friends that are interested in becoming members of the network. Members are rewarded for each survey they complete, each survey completed by members they referred to the network, and each survey completed by members referred to the network by their referrals. This three-tier reward system provides significant incentive not only for members to complete surveys, but for members to refer friends to the network. 
     An example of a method of the invention is a method of collecting data by a data collector, the method including receiving first identification information of a first user and second identification information of a second user, the second user being referred to the data collector by the first user. The second identification information is then analyzed to determine whether second user data should be received. If the second user data is received, the first user is rewarded. 
     Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained as particularly pointed out in the appended claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a first portion of a flow chart showing an embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a continuation of the flow chart shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a detailed example of one of the decisions in the flow chart of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing another embodiment of the invention; and 
     FIGS. 5 and 6 are flow charts showing another embodiment of the invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The invention will be described by way of an embodiment that combines two complementary marketing strategies, viral marketing and multi-level marketing. The embodiment will be explained in the context of an internet-based surveying system. The internet simplifies and accelerates the viral marketing concept of starting with a nucleus of members and then radiating outward in ever-larger marketing spirals. Like a virus, these spirals then spread to even larger numbers of members. The ease with which messages and information can be forwarded to many individuals from just one member makes viral marketing extremely effective. 
     Multi-level marketing entices current members to recruit new members. Members are not only paid for surveys they complete, but also for surveys completed by those they recruit and by those recruited by their recruits. By offering multi-level incentives, the number of members is increased exponentially. 
     By combining viral marketing and multi-level marketing with incentives, this embodiment of the invention is an extremely effective and efficient surveying system that can result in a very detailed and extensive data base of members who are willing to complete surveys in exchange for rewards, for example, cash. 
     Research conducted by the inventors indicates that the most effective form of motivation to entice people to complete surveys is a cash payment. In one embodiment of the invention, a first member is paid three dollars for completing a survey. When a second member, referred to the system by the first member, completes a survey, the second member is paid three dollars and the first member is paid two dollars. When a third member, referred to the system by the second member, completes a survey, the third member is paid three dollars, the second member is paid two dollars and the first member is paid one dollar. When a fourth member, referred to the system by the third member, completes a survey, the fourth member is paid three dollars, the third member is paid two dollars, and the second member is paid one dollar. In this embodiment, the multi-level incentives stop after the third layer. However, in other embodiments of the invention, the multi-level incentives can continue to as many levels as the operator of the system deems appropriate. Similarly, a system with only two levels of incentives is also possible. 
     FIGS. 1 and 2 show a flow chart that will be used to explain one embodiment of the invention. In step S 100 , identification information of a first user is received by the system. The identification information of the first user can be relatively simple, general information or extremely thorough and detailed information, depending on how specific a target group is desired. Very detailed and extensive user identification information is more desirable because it allows the system operator to more specifically define target groups for particular surveys. However, some users prefer not to give detailed information and, therefore, requests for detailed user identification information can result in fewer participants in the system. The user identification information can be any information specific to that user, such as, for example, age, race, sex, income, occupation, type of home, type of vehicles driven, hobbies and interest, etc. The first user can be contacted in order to request the user identification information by any means. For example, the first user may be contacted by a random mailing, a mass e-mail, etc. 
     After the identification information of the first user is received, it is then determined, in step S 200  whether the first user should be surveyed. FIG. 3 shows one example of the process of determining whether the first user should be surveyed. In step S 210  the identification information of the first user is compared to target criteria for a particular survey. In step S 220 , it is determined whether the first user is in the target group. The decision of step S 220  can be based on a predetermined portion of the identification information of the first user matching the target criteria or the decision can be based on an absolute match of all identification information of the first user to the target criteria. For example, if the first user falls into a target income range, it could be determined that the first user should be surveyed. If it is determined that the first user should not participate in the current survey, processing proceeds to step S 500  (discussed below). If, however, it is determined in step S 200  that the first user should complete the current survey, processing proceeds to step S 300  where the first user survey response data is collected from the first user. 
     Step S 400  the first user is rewarded a predetermined amount for completing the survey. Processing then continues on to step S 500  where the system request referrals from the first user. As discussed above, the first user is motivated to refer other potential users because he is rewarded for each survey completed by anyone he refers to the system. Further, he is also rewarded for surveys completed by users referred to the system by those users he referred to the system. 
     In step S 600 , if the first user does not refer any potential users to the system, processing ends in step S 700 . As an alternative to processing ending in step S 700 , the first user could be asked to participate in another survey for which he meets the target criteria. If the first user does refer a second user to the system in step S 600 , processing proceeds to step S 800  where the system contacts the second user and requests identification information of the second user. Such contact with the second user can be by phone, mail, or, preferably, e-mail. The contact information can be obtained from the referring first user. As a preferable alternative to step S 800 , the first user can contact the respective second user himself and the second user can initiate contact with the system if he so desires. Which alternative is best suited for the environment at any particular time can be determined at that particular time. Currently, it is preferable to have the first user initiate contact with the second user and permit the second user to contact the system. 
     In step S 900 , if the second user refuses to provide identification information, processing ends at step S 1000 . If, however, the second user does provide his identification information, processing proceeds to step S 1100  where it is determined whether the second user should participate in any current survey or surveys. 
     If it is determined that the second user does not match the target criteria for any current survey, processing proceed to step S 1400  (FIG. 2) where the system requests referrals from the second user. Step S 1400  is similar to step S 500  except that it is the second user from which referrals are requested. If, however, it is determined in step S 100  that the second user should be surveyed, processing proceeds to step S 1200  where the second user survey response data is collected. 
     In step S 1300 , the second user is rewarded a first amount for completing a survey and the first user is rewarded a second amount (usually less than the first amount) because a user he referred to the system (the second user) completed a survey. 
     In step S 1400  (discussed above) the system then requests referrals from the second user. 
     Steps S 1500  and S 1600  are similar to steps S 600  and S 700 , respectively, except that step S 1500  concerns referrals by the second user. 
     Steps S 1700 -S 2100  are similar to steps S 800 -S 1200  except that they concern a third user that is referred to the system by the second user. 
     In step S 2200 , the third user is rewarded the first amount for completing a survey, the second user is rewarded the second amount because his referral (the third user) completed a survey, and the first user is rewarded a third amount (usually less than the second amount) because a survey was completed by a user (the third user) that was referred to the system by one of his referrals (the second user). Step S 2200  shows an example of the multi-layer incentives of the invention. Although this example involves a three tier incentive, any number of tiers can be used. 
     Step S 2300  is similar to step S 1400  except that it concerns the third user. 
     Steps S 2400 -S 3200  are similar to steps S 1500 -S 2300 , except that they concern a fourth user. 
     As can be seen in S 3100 , since this embodiment has a three tier incentive, a survey completed by the fourth user results in rewards to the fourth user, the third user, and the second user, but not the first user. If the system of this embodiment had a four tier incentive as opposed to a three tier incentive, the first user would also be rewarded in step S 3100 . 
     After step S 3200 , processing continues by repeatedly requesting referral from users that provide identification information. 
     The embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3 deals with surveys conducted by a user immediately after that user provides identification information to the system. However, it is preferable that users completed subsequent surveys as well. FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a system that rewards users that complete subsequent surveys and rewards users whose referrals complete subsequent surveys. 
     In step S 4000 , the second users identification information is compared to subsequent target criteria. In step S 4100 , it is determined whether the second user is in the subsequent target group. If the second user is not in the subsequent target group, processing ends at step S 4200 . If, however, it is determined that the second user is in the subsequent target group, processing proceeds to step S 4300 , where the system contacts the second user and requests that the second user provide response data to a subsequent survey. 
     In step S 4400 , if the second user does not agree to provide response data to the subsequent survey, processing ends in step S 4500 . If, however, the second user agrees to provide response data to the subsequent survey, processing proceeds to step S 4600  where the subsequent survey response data is collected from the second user. 
     In step S 4700 , the second user is rewarded the first amount for completing the subsequent survey. In step S 4800 , the first user is rewarded the second amount because his referral (the second user) completed a survey. Processing ends in step S 4900 . 
     As can be seen from FIG. 4, in a preferred embodiment, users are rewarded for each survey they complete as well as each survey completed by their referrals. As a result, a user can continue to collect rewards even though he personally participates in no surveys. Although the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 addresses only subsequent surveys completed by the second user and the associated rewards to the first and second users, it is also applicable to subsequent surveys conducted by the third user. Such subsequent surveys completed by the third user would result in rewards to the first, second and third users. 
     FIGS. 5 and 6 show a preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 5 shows an example of a procedure for building a data base of system users. In step S 5000 , identification information of the first user is received by the system. In step S 5100 , the system requests that the first user contact potential new users and invite them to join the system. Preferably, this request is in the form of instructions e-mailed to the first user along with an attachment to the e-mail that can be forwarded to potential new users. One example of the attachment is a form requesting the identification information of the potential user and explaining the rules and procedures associated with the use of the system. If the potential user decides to become a user of the system, the potential user fills in the identification information and indicates that the rules and procedures have been read and understood. The potential user then forwards the completed form by e-mail to the system. In this way, new users are not solicited by the system but, instead, are solicited by current users of the system which are, usually, known to the potential user. This procedure avoids the disreputable practice of “spamming”. 
     In step S 5200 , the system receives the identification information of the new user (hereinafter the “second user”) referred to the system by the first user. A verification process is preferably performed after receipt of the identification information to verify that the new user is not already a user of the system. 
     Steps S 5300  and S 5400  are similar to steps S 5100  and S 5200 , except that they involve the second user contacting potential users. 
     This process continues indefinitely as new users, as well as current users, continue to contact further potential users. 
     FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a preferred embodiment of the invention with which surveys are conducted. In this example, the consideration of only four users for survey completion is shown. It is understood that an actual survey would consider many users, preferably all users in the data base. The process shown in FIG. 6 will be explained with relation to steps S 6100 -S 6170 . However, it is noted that steps S 6200 -S 6270 , S 6300 -S 6370 , and S 6400 -S 6470  are similar. 
     Processing is started in step S 6000 . In step S 6100 , the identification information of the first user is compared to target criteria of the current survey. In step S 6110 , it is determined whether the first user should be surveyed. This determination is based on whether the identification information of the first user sufficiently matches the target criteria. If it is determined in step S 6110  that the first user should not be surveyed, processing proceeds to step S 6170  and ends with regard to the first user. If, however, it is determined that the first user should be surveyed, processing proceeds from step S 6110  to step S 6120 . In step S 6120 , the first user is contacted and survey response data is requested. In step S 6130 , it is determined whether the first user provides the requested survey response data. If the first user does not provide survey response data, processing proceeds to step S 6170  and ends for the first user. If, however, the first user provides the requested survey response data, processing proceeds from step S 6130  to step S 6140 . In step S 6140 , the first user survey response data is collected. In step S 6150 , a verification process is preformed to verify that the first user survey response data is usable data. The verification process can, for example, include cross checking the first user identification information to help prevent a single user from completing the same survey multiple times. If the first user&#39;s response to the survey does not pass the verification process of step S 6150 , processing proceeds to step S 6170  and ends for the first user. If, however, the first user&#39;s response passes the verification process of step S 6150 , processing proceeds to step S 6160  where the first user is rewarded the first amount for completing the survey. Processing then proceeds to S 6170  and ends for the first user. 
     Steps S 6200 -S 6270  are similar to steps S 6100 -S 6170  except that they relate to a second user referred to the system by the first user. Also, in step S 6260 , in addition to the second user being rewarded, the first user is rewarded the second amount because the second user was referred to the system by the first user. 
     Steps S 6300 -S 6370  are similar to steps S 6100 -S 6170 , except that they relate to a third user referred to the system by the second user. Also, in step S 6360 , the third user is rewarded the first amount, the second user is rewarded the second amount and the first user is rewarded the third amount. 
     Steps S 6400 -S 6470  are similar to steps S 6100 -S 6170 , except that they relate to a fourth user referred to the system by the third user. Also, in step S 6460 , the fourth user is rewarded the first amount, the third user is rewarded the second amount and the second user is rewarded the third amount. The first user does not receive a reward for the fourth user completing a survey because, in this example, the multi-layer incentive is a three-layer incentive. 
     While a system proceeding in accordance with the above examples is preferably implemented over the internet, it is understood that such a system could also be implemented using telephone surveys or mailed surveys. An advantage of systems of the invention is that once identification information is collected for a particular user, that user is only contacted for a particular survey if that user fits the target criteria for that survey. This greatly improves the quality of the survey results. In addition, because the user has provided his or her identification information, it is known that the user is a willing participant in surveys. This further reduces the overall costs of obtaining quality survey information because resources are not wasted on unwilling participants. 
     The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. The present teaching can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses. The description of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures.
A system and method for collecting data includes receiving first identification information of a first user, receiving second identification information of a second user that is referred to the data collector by the first user, analyzing the second identification information, determining whether to receive second user data based on the analysis of the second identification information and rewarding the first user if the second user data is received.