US20120150883A1 - Method and apparatus for organizing data by overlaying a searchable database with a directory tree structure - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for organizing data by overlaying a searchable database with a directory tree structure Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20120150883A1
US20120150883A1 US13/401,599 US201213401599A US2012150883A1 US 20120150883 A1 US20120150883 A1 US 20120150883A1 US 201213401599 A US201213401599 A US 201213401599A US 2012150883 A1 US2012150883 A1 US 2012150883A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
search
tree structure
directory tree
node
research
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US13/401,599
Inventor
Robert Olan Keith, Jr.
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Intellectual Ventures Assets 186 LLC
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US13/401,599 priority Critical patent/US20120150883A1/en
Assigned to GAMROE APPLICATIONS, LLC reassignment GAMROE APPLICATIONS, LLC ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: INTELLIVENCE, INC.
Publication of US20120150883A1 publication Critical patent/US20120150883A1/en
Assigned to GULA CONSULTING LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY reassignment GULA CONSULTING LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY MERGER (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: GAMROE APPLICATIONS, LLC
Assigned to INTELLECTUAL VENTURES ASSETS 186 LLC reassignment INTELLECTUAL VENTURES ASSETS 186 LLC ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: GULA CONSULTING LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
Assigned to INTELLECTUAL VENTURES ASSETS 191 LLC, INTELLECTUAL VENTURES ASSETS 186 LLC reassignment INTELLECTUAL VENTURES ASSETS 191 LLC SECURITY INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MIND FUSION, LLC
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F16/00Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor
    • G06F16/90Details of database functions independent of the retrieved data types
    • G06F16/95Retrieval from the web
    • G06F16/951Indexing; Web crawling techniques
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F16/00Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor
    • G06F16/20Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor of structured data, e.g. relational data
    • G06F16/22Indexing; Data structures therefor; Storage structures
    • G06F16/2228Indexing structures
    • G06F16/2246Trees, e.g. B+trees
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10STECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S707/00Data processing: database and file management or data structures
    • Y10S707/912Applications of a database
    • Y10S707/917Text
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10STECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S707/00Data processing: database and file management or data structures
    • Y10S707/912Applications of a database
    • Y10S707/918Location
    • Y10S707/919Geographic
    • Y10S707/92Navigation
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10STECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S707/00Data processing: database and file management or data structures
    • Y10S707/953Organization of data
    • Y10S707/955Object-oriented
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10STECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S707/00Data processing: database and file management or data structures
    • Y10S707/953Organization of data
    • Y10S707/956Hierarchical
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10STECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S707/00Data processing: database and file management or data structures
    • Y10S707/953Organization of data
    • Y10S707/959Network
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10STECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S707/00Data processing: database and file management or data structures
    • Y10S707/964Database arrangement
    • Y10S707/966Distributed
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10STECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S707/00Data processing: database and file management or data structures
    • Y10S707/964Database arrangement
    • Y10S707/966Distributed
    • Y10S707/971Federated
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10STECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S707/00Data processing: database and file management or data structures
    • Y10S707/99931Database or file accessing
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10STECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S707/00Data processing: database and file management or data structures
    • Y10S707/99931Database or file accessing
    • Y10S707/99933Query processing, i.e. searching
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10STECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S707/00Data processing: database and file management or data structures
    • Y10S707/99941Database schema or data structure
    • Y10S707/99942Manipulating data structure, e.g. compression, compaction, compilation

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a method of organizing data within a searchable database. More particularly, the invention relates to a method of organizing data by overlaying a searchable database with a directory tree structure.
  • IT Information technology
  • Enterprises are intrinsically multi-functional in nature, yet applications and systems technologies tend to be single-function entities with closed architectures and proprietary internals. This core incongruence results in disparate, incompatible legacy systems of various kinds, incompatible hardware systems and devices, and heterogeneous platform systems mutually incomprehensible to each other. This phenomenon has been referred to as Enterprise Application Dysintegration, or EAD.
  • EAD Enterprise Application Dysintegration
  • IT is more and more becoming the integration of heterogenous components.
  • no automated means are available and the integration is effected manually by human agents at great cost, time, and inefficiency. Indeed, with the implementation of a new technology, exists the understanding that in addition to implementation issues associated solely with the new technology comes the downtime, cost, and disruption of re-architecting and re-building currently useful legacy functionality associated with integration.
  • CLIs Call Level Interfaces
  • ODBC Open DataBase Connectivity
  • JDBC Java DataBase Connectivity
  • search engines generally use keywords, categorization, segment limitations, Boolean logic, and hit counts. More complex search engines can also employ hierarchical categorization and multifaceted searching.
  • Keywords are the basis of most searches.
  • a simple keyword search such as that found in most word processors under the “Find” command, will locate the occurrence of a text string within a document or a record. Misspellings, synonyms, or different tenses of a given text string will not be located.
  • the searcher must be cautious to compute the text string to a word's root.
  • a search for the text string “graphical”, for instance, will not locate instances of the text string “graphics.”
  • the searcher must also not choose commonly occurring words, as such a search would result in a high number of search results. Keywords are commonly combined with categorization, segment limitations, Boolean logic operators, advanced keywording, date operators and numeric operators to create a more effective search.
  • Categorization is a technique used to focus the scope of a search.
  • a category is a subset of records. By conducting a search only within this subset of records, fewer irrelevant hits result.
  • Lexis-NexisTM and DialogTM two online searchable databases with proprietary search engines, are examples of categorized databases. Prior to conducting a keyword search within the Lexis-NexisTM or DialogTM database, the searcher must select from an extensive list of categories. Some categories are broader than others. If the searcher selects an overly broad category, his or her search will result in too many irrelevant hits and the searcher will waste time sorting through the undesired search result records looking for relevant hits. If the searcher selects an overly narrow category, his or her search results will not include some of the desired records. Selection of an appropriate category, therefore, is of vital importance.
  • Searches can be further focused with the use of segment limitations. Such a search is also commonly referred to as a parametric search. “Segments” are similar to categories in that they are domain specific. Category classifications are used to divide multiple records into subsets, or “fields”. Segment classifications are used to divide individual records into specific groupings of information. Using segments, or parameters, keyword searches can be targeted at certain fields of a record, such as a record's title or author. Search engines distributed by Lexis-NexisTM and DialogTM, two online searchable database providers, are well-adapted to such targeted searches, often using dozens of segments for each category of records. A news article record, for instance, is typically broken down into separate fields for byline, date, publisher, abstract, and body. To find a news article with the word “elephant” in the title (or headline) using the classical interface of the Lexis-NexisTM search engine, the following syntax would be needed: “HEADLINE(elephant)”.
  • Keyword searching may not be very helpful if the user is not familiar with the appropriate standard terminology related to the information they are looking for. Further, there may be many appropriate ways to describe the information sought by the user. A concept expressed by a standard industry term in one industry may be different from a standard industry term in a different industry. A keyword search would require searching all synonyms used in order to ensure a complete and accurate result.
  • a user of a searching/retrieval system When a user of a searching/retrieval system enters a keyword search query into a system, the query is parsed. Based on the parsed query, a listing of documents relevant to the query is provided to the user.
  • semantic networks when parsing a query.
  • the number of words used to search the database is then expanded by including the corresponding words or associated words identified by the semantic network in the search instructions. This expansion can be based on any one or a combination of using stems or roots of terms, using sound-a-like words, using wildcard words or any other appropriate semantic technique.
  • Boolean operators such as “AND”, “OR” and “MINUS”, are used to enhance the capabilities of a search engine.
  • the basic format of Boolean queries is well known in the art and generally takes on the form of “X OR Y”, where X and Y are two distinct keywords.
  • search requests are processed by a computer, syntax rules must be strictly followed when drafting a Boolean keyword search.
  • the logical operators “AND” and “OR” must be capitalized.
  • Some search engines allow additional syntax that indicates requisite proximity of keywords or hierarchy within a specific Boolean query. Hierarchy within a Boolean query is usually designated with the use of parenthesis.
  • the “(A OR B) AND ⁇ circle around (C) ⁇ OR D)” query finds a first set of records containing “A OR B” and a second set of records containing “C OR D”, then finds records included in both the first set and the second set.
  • a query that is too narrow will result in less than the desired number of records.
  • a query that is too broad will result in greater than the desired number of records
  • Hit count is perhaps the most effective form of feedback for constructing a better query. If a query is too narrow, the hit count will be very low, possibly even zero. If a query is too broad, the hit count will be very high.
  • Hit count information is used with selected viewing of search results to alert the searcher of mistakes, such as incorrect category or segment choice, or otherwise assist the searcher in drafting more effective queries.
  • Hit counts are generally displayed after a given query is executed. Hit counts are more useful when provided for each search term and each combination of search terms.
  • Boolean Representation One, illustrated below in Table I, demonstrates how individual hit counts can be used for the Boolean keyword search for “(cat OR dog) AND (doctor OR veterinarian)”.
  • Hierarchical categorization Instead of classifying records into separate categories, hierarchical categories classify records into both broad groupings and progressively narrower groupings.
  • An example of hierarchical categorization is found in biology, where organisms are organized, from broadest to narrowest, by kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species.
  • Hierarchical categorization is commonly used in conventional internet search engines, such as those found at the Yahoo!TM and AltavistaTM websites. To find information about a specific topic, a search engine user navigates from a list of broad categories through an increasingly more specific list of categories. Once the first category is selected, a search engine typically displays a lower level screen with another list of alternatives.
  • a keyword or Boolean search can be performed upon the records in that category. Search results are only obtained from records located within the category searched. Most search engines only allow searches in one category at a time. To search a second category, the searcher must navigate up the hierarchical category tree and then down to the second category.
  • Multifaceted classification attempts to address the limits of the hierarchical categorization method. Instead of assigning a record to a single category, multifaceted classification allows a record to belong to multiple categories. The multiple categories become part of a record's description, along with standard information for the record such as the title, the abstract (or keywords), the date, and author. Multifaceted classification improves the likelihood of locating relevant records.
  • the searcher can take several different paths to locate the same record. Using the analogy of books in a library, multifaceted classification is able to place a single book on more than one shelf
  • the multiple categories can be subjected to a Boolean query. Records relating to sports medicine could be found by searching for records included in both the sports category and the medicine category.
  • Boolean logic, segment limitations, hit counts, hierarchical categorization, and multifaceted classification help the searcher create more effective queries, but at the cost of increased complexity.
  • DialogTM for instance, publishes a “Bluebook” that contains detailed lists of segment codes for each of their many databases. Lexis-NexisTM goes so far as to provide free online access and training seminars for students to overcome their search engine's initial learning curve.
  • a method of organizing data within a searchable database includes steps of generating a directory tree structure, wherein the directory tree structure includes nodes comprising a designated category for each node and branches comprising links between the nodes, and generating one or more pointers, wherein each pointer corresponds to a specific node and the pointer links the specific node to an item of data within the searchable database, wherein each pointer is categorized by a navigation path through the directory tree structure and by one or more set parameters, wherein the parameters are specific to the node in which the pointer is included, further wherein all items of data linked to the specific node by the corresponding pointers of the specific node are related to the designated category of the specific node.
  • Each node within the directory tree structure can include a corresponding html address.
  • the item of data can be web-based multimedia including one or more of audio, video, images, and appropriately formatted text.
  • the method can include the steps of navigating the directory tree structure and selecting a corresponding pointer to access a particular item of data within the searchable database.
  • the steps of navigating the directory tree structure and selecting a corresponding pointer can be performed utilizing a selective one or more search methodologies including keyword search, hierarchical tree search, dichotomous key search, and parametric search.
  • Nodes within the directory tree structure can be added, edited, or deleted. Links and pointers within the directory tree structure can be added, redirected, or deleted.
  • the related items of data corresponding to the specific node can be displayed in an encyclopedia page, wherein the encyclopedia page includes a selective one or more text, graphics, objects, audio, video, links to one or more other encyclopedia pages within the directory tree structure, and links to one or more web sites external to the directory tree structure.
  • the searchable database can be distributed into more than one physical location.
  • the steps of generating a directory tree structure and generating one or more pointers can be performed by a server.
  • the method can include the step of establishing an internet connection with the server to generate the directory tree structure and the pointers.
  • the internet connection can be established with a computer system at a remote location from the server.
  • an organization system for organizing data within a searchable database includes an organization server configured to generate a directory tree structure, wherein the directory tree structure includes nodes comprising a designated category for each node and branches comprising links between the nodes, and to generate one or more pointers, wherein each pointer corresponds to a specific node and the pointer links the specific node to an item of data within the searchable database, wherein each pointer is categorized by a navigation path through the directory tree structure and by one or more set parameters, wherein the parameters are specific to the node in which the pointer is included, further wherein all items of data linked to the specific node by the corresponding pointers of the specific node are related to the designated category of the specific node.
  • Each node within the directory tree structure can include a corresponding html address.
  • the item of data can be web-based multimedia including one or more of audio, video, images, and appropriately formatted text.
  • the organization server can be utilized by a user to navigate the directory tree structure and to select a corresponding pointer for accessing a particular item of data within the searchable database.
  • the directory tree structure can be navigated and a corresponding pointer can be selected by utilizing a selective one or more search methodologies including keyword search, hierarchical tree search, dichotomous key search, and parametric search.
  • Nodes within the directory tree structure can be added, edited, or deleted. Links and pointers within the directory tree structure can be added, redirected, or deleted.
  • the related items of data corresponding to the specific node can be displayed in an encyclopedia page, wherein the encyclopedia page includes a selective one or more text, graphics, objects, audio, video, links to one or more other encyclopedia pages within the directory tree structure, and links to one or more web sites external to the directory tree structure.
  • the searchable database can be distributed into more than one physical location.
  • the system can include an interface circuit coupled to the organization server to establish a connection with a computer system.
  • the connection can be established with the computer system at a remote location from the interface circuit.
  • the connection can be established with the remote computer system and the interface circuit over the internet to generate the directory tree structure and the pointers.
  • a network of devices for organizing data within a searchable database includes one or more computer systems configured to communicate with other systems, and an organization server configured to couple to the one or more computer systems to generate a directory tree structure, wherein the directory tree structure includes nodes comprising a designated category for each node and branches comprising links between the nodes, and to generate one or more pointers, wherein each pointer corresponds to a specific node and the pointer links the specific node to an item of data within the searchable database, wherein each pointer is categorized by a navigation path through the directory tree structure and by one or more set parameters, wherein the parameters are specific to the node in which the pointer is included, further wherein all items of data linked to the specific node by the corresponding pointers of the specific node are related to the designated category of the specific node.
  • Each node within the directory tree structure can include a corresponding html address.
  • the item of data can be web-based multimedia including one or more of audio, video, images, and appropriately formatted text.
  • the organization server can be utilized by a user to navigate the directory tree structure and to select a corresponding pointer for accessing a particular item of data within the searchable database.
  • the directory tree structure can be navigated and a corresponding pointer can be selected by utilizing a selective one or more search methodologies including keyword search, hierarchical tree search, dichotomous key search, and parametric search.
  • Nodes within the directory tree structure can be added, edited, or deleted. Links and pointers within the directory tree structure can be added, redirected, or deleted.
  • the related items of data corresponding to the specific node can be displayed in an encyclopedia page, wherein the encyclopedia page includes a selective one or more text, graphics, objects, audio, video, links to one or more other encyclopedia pages within the directory tree structure, and links to one or more web sites external to the directory tree structure.
  • the searchable database can be distributed into more than one physical location.
  • the one or more computer systems and the organization server can be coupled together over the internet to allow users to generate the directory tree structure and the pointers.
  • a method of organizing data within a searchable database includes steps of generating a directory tree structure, wherein the directory tree structure includes nodes comprising a designated category and an html address for each node and branches comprising links between the nodes, and generating one or more pointers, wherein each pointer corresponds to a specific node and the pointer links the specific node to an item of web-based multimedia within the searchable database, wherein each pointer is categorized by a navigation path through the directory tree structure and by one or more set parameters, wherein the parameters are specific to the node in which the pointer is included, further wherein all items of web-based multimedia linked to the specific node by the corresponding pointers of the specific node are related to the designated category of the specific node.
  • the item of web-based multimedia can include one or more of audio, video, images, and appropriately formatted text.
  • a method of generating a directory tree structure for organizing data within a searchable database and for accessing the searchable database over the internet includes steps of generating one or more nodes wherein each node includes an html address and a designated category, generating links between the nodes wherein each node is linked to at least one other node, further wherein each link is a hypertext link between a first html address of a first node and a second html address of a second node, generating one or more pointers, wherein each pointer corresponds to a specific node and the pointer links the specific node to an item of web-based multimedia within the searchable database, wherein each pointer is categorized by a navigation path through the directory tree structure and by one or more set parameters, wherein the parameters are specific to the node in which the pointer is included, further wherein all items of web-based multimedia linked to the specific node by the corresponding pointers of the specific node are related to the designated category of the specific node
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a database management and researching system according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the internal components of exemplary computer systems used to access the controller of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart showing the process used when a user accesses the keyword search module of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart showing the process used when a user accesses the hierarchical tree module of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart showing the process used when a user accesses the parametric search module of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the process used when a user accesses the dichotomous key module of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of the research module of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary encyclopedia page provided by the encyclopedia module of the present invention.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of the maintenance module of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 a illustrates the database management and research system accessing the searchable database.
  • FIG. 10 b illustrates the accessing scheme of FIG. 10 a after modifications to the directory tree structure.
  • the database management and research system of the present invention provides a real time interactive process to manage, redefine, reorganize, access, store, and retrieve information without a need to perform data conversion.
  • the database management and research system preferably provides a customizable directory tree structure that functions with existing networks, security, and infrastructure.
  • the directory tree structure of the preferred embodiment of the present invention overlays and points to existing data thereby providing the necessary management and access processes relative to the existing data.
  • the directory tree structure preferably includes nodes which represent html addresses and branches which represent links from an html address of one node to an html address of another node. Since these processes do not require the need for data conversion, the present invention produces a cost savings by deferring the cost of a conversion and an improved efficiency by reducing the overall time to implement a new database management and research technology.
  • a research system of the present invention bundles and enhances four database searching technologies to better manage and organize information on the Internet or within an organization's own proprietary data storage system. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the source of such information can be stored locally, remotely, centrally or can be distributed across multiple storage systems.
  • the database searching technologies utilized within the present invention include keyword search, hierarchical tree, customizable parametric search, and dichotomous key. The utilization of the combination of these database searching technologies within the database management and research system of the present invention enables a user to retrieve very specific and categorized information.
  • Keyword searching is a standard utility used to scan a directory or the content of documents. Many Internet users believe that all Internet searches follow this technique.
  • a keyword, or keywords, search can be used to scan an entire directory of information sources or search complete documents for a specific string or strings of characters.
  • a hierarchical tree structure is basically a decision tree structure that can have multiple nodes, like junctions of limbs on a tree. This structure is similar to those used by Internet directories, such as Yahoo!TM or LookSmartTM. A limitation with these technologies is that they are not always designed to index discrete items of information. As a result, the search may not contain descriptive information about each item of interest.
  • Customizable parametric search technology allows users to precisely locate desired information by searching the parametric data that is contained within each node of the tree structure. Parameters will include information type and target use of the information. For example, if a user is seeking a house of desired parameters (location, size, price, age), this search technique is reliable. The options for search topics and parameters are endless.
  • a dichotomous key structure is a binary key structure or two-node tree. This structure is used as a decision tree mechanism to instruct users in deciphering information given in an answer or question dialog, often a yes or no answer. Examples of this include diagnosing a medical disease, diagnosing a mechanical problem, and working a system such as classifying a biological species by physical attributes.
  • the database management and research system of the present invention improves research accuracy and provides data management methodology that reduces costs and the time users spend finding the desired objective.
  • current technology is a singular approach technique. This singular approach technique is productive on occasion; however, all too frequently, the user uncovers no positive result or receives an excessive number of search results. In either case, had a different technology been employed a positive result may have been achieved.
  • the research system of the present invention enables the user to quickly and easily jump from one technology to another to maximize the benefits of using multiple approach techniques.
  • the database management and research system is a tool designed specifically to manage information. It is designed to organize and co-ordinate all information contained within a database.
  • database refers to a single collection or database, either previously existing or generated, as well as a collection of multiple databases, such as the Internet.
  • the research system is capable of managing quantities of data both large and small as compared to the Internet.
  • the research system organizes this information into a coherent and orderly data structure to allow simple retrieval of data within the database.
  • the preferred data structure is a directory tree structure, which will be described in detail below. This system also monitors changes to the internal structures and communicates updates and additions of this information structure to users in their chosen areas of interest.
  • cross-links are utilized such that related nodes are explicitly linked as a “related topics” data structure within the directory tree. This is markedly different from other systems in that each node of the tree can focus on more discrete topics of information, for example creating cross-links that are more discrete.
  • the preferred embodiment of the research system converts from one of the four basic search technologies to another, and then convert again to another, while in the same search investigation. This provides significant advantage over conventional single approach technologies through improved search effectiveness and increased efficiency in both time and effort.
  • a controller 10 includes an internet server 12 , a research module 100 , a keyword search module 300 , an hierarchical tree module 500 , a parametric search module 700 , and a dichotomous key module 900 .
  • the research module 100 is coupled to the internet server 12 , to the keyword search module 300 , to the hierarchical tree module 500 , to the parametric search module 700 , and to the dichotomous key module 900 to provide communications between the controller 10 and users accessing the researching system.
  • the term user includes one or more of an individual, groups of individuals, association, corporation, agency, or any other person or entity accessing the researching system to access, organize, retrieve, and manage information contained on the Internet and within a database.
  • the keyword search module 300 , the hierarchical tree module 500 , the parametric search module 700 , and the dichotomous key module 900 are each coupled to each other to enable the user to quickly and easily jump from one search methodology to another while performing a research task.
  • the controller 10 is coupled to the public switched telephone network 24 to allow communications between the internet server 12 and the users' computer systems 26 - 32 .
  • users Using the computer systems 26 - 32 , users have the ability to establish a connection with the research module 100 to perform a desired research task.
  • this connection is established between the users' computer systems 26 - 32 and the controller 10 over the internet through the public switched telephone network 24 .
  • this connection is established by any appropriate connection including a direct connection over the public switched telephone network 24 or over a dedicated intranet network.
  • FIG. 2 A block diagram of the internal components of the computer systems 26 - 32 used by users to access the controller 10 of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 2 . While the controller 10 can be accessed from any appropriately configured computer system or internet access device, an exemplary computer system 50 for accessing the controller 10 is illustrated in FIG. 2 .
  • the exemplary computer system 50 includes a CPU 72 , a main memory 56 , a video memory 60 , a mass storage device 54 and a modem 52 , all coupled together by a conventional bidirectional system bus 58 .
  • the modem 52 is preferably coupled to the public switched telephone network 24 for sending and receiving communications.
  • the mass storage device 54 may include both fixed and removable media using any one or more of magnetic, optical or magneto-optical storage technology or any other available mass storage technology.
  • the system bus 58 contains an address bus for addressing any portion of the memory 54 , 56 and 60 .
  • the system bus 58 also includes a data bus for transferring data between and among the CPU 72 , the main memory 56 , the video memory 60 , the mass storage device 54 and the modem 52 .
  • the computer system 50 is also coupled to a number of peripheral input and output devices including the keyboard 68 , the mouse 70 , and the associated display 66 .
  • the keyboard 68 is coupled to the CPU 72 for allowing a user to input data and control commands into the computer system 50 .
  • a conventional mouse 70 is coupled to the keyboard 68 or computer system 50 , directly, for manipulating graphic images on the display 66 as a cursor control device in a conventional manner.
  • the display 66 displays video and graphical images generated by the computer system 50 .
  • a port of the video memory 60 is coupled to a video multiplex and shifter circuit 62 , which in turn is coupled to a video amplifier 64 .
  • the video amplifier 64 drives the display 66 , when it is being used.
  • the video multiplex and shifter circuitry 62 and the video amplifier 64 convert pixel data stored in the video memory 60 to raster signals suitable for use by the display 66 .
  • One advantage of the database management and research system of the present invention over conventional search techniques lies in the ability of the research module 100 to run discrete searches, the ability to separate information that is typically not able to be separated. For example, a computer hardware manufacturer would like to provide potential customers a way to answer questions regarding their products. Previously they were able to provide for a way that they could show product areas to their customers, but their site did not provide the functionality to search on more specific items. Using technology provided by the database management and research system of the present invention, users can locate information on discrete product part numbers so customers can obtain complete product information more quickly, and make faster and more educated purchasing decisions.
  • the powerful discrete searching capability of the research system can be compared to a trip to a common grocery store.
  • the user knows that they are looking for Del MonteTM string beans. Their search takes them to the aisle of “canned fruits and vegetables”. They may be able to narrow their search, by using boolean logic, to the section of the aisle where there are canned vegetables.
  • boolean logic to the section of the aisle where there are canned vegetables.
  • the ability to locate discrete items within the research system of the present invention will allow the user to go to the aisle of the “canned fruit and vegetables” and then continue refining the search.
  • the engine will ask whether the user is interested in “fruits” or “vegetables”. After choosing vegetables, the user may choose “beans” from a list of related topics corn, beans, peas, etc. After choosing beans, the user may enter a keyword that they are searching for, e.g. “Del Monte”. They may continue this type of questioning until finding the exact, discrete item that they are searching for.
  • the system ultimately provides a method for the user to retrieve information regardless of how specific.
  • the user has multiple methods of locating data: either via an encyclopedia interface, a multi-node tree classification system, a decision tree dialog, via cross-links (related topics), a keyword search system, or using parametric search attributes.
  • the directory tree structure includes nodes and branches.
  • a node is considered a discrete category.
  • the nodes are collections of related data and branches are links between nodes.
  • data preferably refers to web-based multimedia that includes sound, video, graphics, and appropriately formatted text.
  • Appropriately formatted text can include, but is not limited to, word documents, excel documents, powerpoint documents, mechanical drawings, and any document or file rendered by a personal computer or a workstation.
  • data can also include discrete appropriately formatted and independently accessible data items, files, and applications with associated URLs and web interface stored in human resource databases, financial and accounting databases, manufacturing databases, order processing and fulfillment databases, customer service databases, sales and marketing databases, and other similar databases or data file formats.
  • the top of the directory tree structure includes nodes of the most general type of information, whereas the bottom of the directory tree structure includes nodes of the most specific type of information.
  • the nodes at a next lower level will include more specific information than the nodes of the previous higher level.
  • the nodes at the next higher level will include more general information than the nodes on the previous lower level.
  • Each node preferably includes an encyclopedia listing, definition, related topics, and keywords.
  • Nodes are also preferably cross-linked to related topics which enables users to navigate laterally within the directory tree structure. As users navigate the directory tree structure, the display screen indicates where the users are within the directory tree structure and suggests other related links. A more detailed description pertaining to construct and formation of the directory tree structure will be discussed below.
  • the research module 100 performs discrete research tasks using any combination of the four search technologies including keyword search, hierarchical tree search, parametric search, and dichotomous key search, as discussed above. Such combinations can include one, two, three, or all four search technologies to accomplish any one research task. The specific embodiments of these combinations will be discussed in greater detail below.
  • the data in the directory tree structure can be searched using the following keyword search options: search link descriptions, search keywords for nodes, and search contents of the link.
  • search link descriptions search the keyword search module 300 will search only the descriptions of the link objects.
  • search keywords for nodes search the keyword search module 300 searches the keywords located at each node of the directory. For example, searching for “car” will lead to the “automobiles” node in the directory.
  • search contents of the link search the keyword search module 300 will traverse the directory down to each link path, and upload each page, object, or entire site and store the contents into the search database. This database will be used for the content keyword search. The location within the directory will be stored with each link in the search database in able to narrow the search down to the specific branch of the directory.
  • Keyword searches selected at a location within the directory tree structure will only contain results from that node of the directory or below, the further down the directory tree, the narrower the search.
  • Keyword searches are available on multiple sets of data including tree categories that are specific to each tree node, topic descriptions maintained external to the web objects, and web page or object content search.
  • Using a keyword search within the directory tree structure keeps the user within the tree as opposed to a link outside the system.
  • Most conventional searches provide a list of links and when the user chooses a link they are taken to that website, typically a website external to the location at which the search was performed.
  • the user receives a list of matches but when an item is selected the user is taken to a node on the directory tree structure or to the encyclopedia.
  • the concept is to include as much data as possible within the system as opposed to pushing the user outside the system via links to other websites.
  • the research system does provide links to external web sites, the objective is to include enough data within the research system to enable the user to complete the research task without need of linking to external web sites. Maintaining data within the research system controls performance and how clean the data is. This concept applies to the entirety of the research system.
  • the keyword search technology utilizes a natural language processor that maps the search request to the query language of the research system.
  • a keyword search can be utilized at any point within the research task. To use the keyword search, first the user does a “find” operation. The user inputting the keyword(s) to be searched for into a text field accomplishes a find.
  • the keyword search module 300 performs a fuzzy keyword search on all topics within the directory. Each match will take the user to the node that matches the search criteria. Sometimes the result will be a list, i.e. you search on “tennis” and the resulting list might be “tennis”, “tennis shoes”, “tennis racquet”, etc.
  • FIG. 3 A flowchart illustrating the process used when a user accesses the keyword search module 300 is illustrated in FIG. 3 .
  • the process of FIG. 3 starts at the step 302 .
  • the system presents an input field to enter a search criteria.
  • the input field is preferably a text field, but the input field can be any means by which the system can retrieve a keyword(s) to be used to perform a keyword search.
  • the user enters the keyword(s) to be used as the search criteria
  • the keyword(s) are entered into the text field presented in the step 305 .
  • the research system performs the keyword search.
  • the keyword search is performed by matching the search criteria that was input at the step 310 to the data in the research system to generate a list of matches.
  • the research system lists the search results, the search results are the list of matches generated at the step 315 .
  • the encyclopedia module 130 formats the related data of the selected result into an encyclopedia-like page.
  • the selected result preferably corresponds to a particular node within the directory tree structure.
  • the encyclopedia page will be discussed in greater detail below. If it is determined at the step 325 that the user does not want to view a result or after the system has accessed the encyclopedia module 130 , it is determined at the step 330 if the user wants to perform another keyword search. If it is determined at the step 330 that the user does want to perform another keyword search, then the process jumps back to the step 305 . If it is determined at the step 330 that the user does not want to perform another keyword search, then the keyword search process ends at the step 335 .
  • each node within the directory tree structure is organized into a hierarchical tree structure, also commonly referred to as a directory.
  • Directories are useful in situations of selecting from an alphabetized list. Simply list A through Z and the user chooses a specific letter. A directory corresponding to the specific letter chosen by the user is presented. The user is once again allowed to choose a selection, and so on. Conventional directories are typically short on descriptions and simply list available links.
  • a directory preferably has a title and short description with a collection of links. Combined with the encyclopedia, to be discussed below, a more robust list including detail with text and graphics is provided.
  • FIG. 4 A flowchart illustrating the process used when a user accesses the hierarchical tree module 500 is illustrated in FIG. 4 .
  • the process of FIG. 4 starts at the step 502 .
  • the system displays a directory of categories.
  • the specific directory to be displayed is dependent upon the current node within the directory tree structure at which the user currently resides. If the user is at the highest node in the directory, the main directory of categories is displayed. If the user is at a lower node in the directory, the corresponding directory of categories for that node is displayed.
  • the user indicates the desire to view a category by selecting one of the categories listed in the step 506 . If it is determined in the step 510 that the user wants to view a category, the process jumps to the encyclopedia model 130 ( FIG. 7 ) at the step 511 .
  • the encyclopedia module 130 formats the related data of the selected category into an encyclopedia-like page.
  • the system retrieves a subdirectory of categories.
  • the subdirectory of categories is the directory of categories associated with the node of the category selected at the step 510 .
  • the system displays the subdirectory of categories.
  • step 518 it is determined if the user wants to view a specific category of the subdirectory of categories currently displayed from the step 514 . If it is determined at the step 518 that the user wants to view a category, then the process jumps back to the step 511 to jump to the encyclopedia module 130 . If it is determined at the step 518 that the user does not want to view a category or if it is determined at the step 510 that the user does not want to view a category, then the hierarchical tree process ends at the step 522 .
  • each node includes a list of parameters that are specific to that node.
  • This list is customizable. For example, on a real estate website, search on price, location, # bedrooms and you will be provided a list of entries that match all search criteria When new information is added to the research system it is necessary to specify, or set, the value of each parameter specific to each entry.
  • the types of parameters include, but are not limited to, true-false, selected list, range of values, and alphabetic list.
  • Each area in the directory tree structure provides different technology. As a user moves down the tree, the technology provides more specific information. For example, if a user is at a high node in the tree, such as “music”, and the user uses one of the four aforementioned search technologies to move down the tree, first to a mid-level node “classical music” and finally to a bottom node “Bach”. At the “Bach” node, the user can run a parametric search for specific items related to “Bach”.
  • FIG. 5 A flowchart illustrating the process used when a user accesses the parametric search module 700 is illustrated in FIG. 5 .
  • the process of FIG. 5 starts at the step 702 .
  • the system displays a list of parameters. The specific parameters to be displayed are dependent upon the node at which the user is located when the user accesses the parametric search module 700 .
  • the user inputs the desired search parameters. It is preferred that the search parameters are entered into a text field or selected from a drop-down menu, although it should be apparent to someone skilled in the art that other conventional means of data input can be used.
  • the research system performs a search based on the input search parameter from the step 710 .
  • the research system displays a list of the matching results from the search performed in the step 714 .
  • the user indicates the desire to view a matching result by selecting one of the matching results listed in the step 718 . If it is determined at the step 722 that the user wants to view a result, then the process jumps to the encyclopedia model 130 ( FIG. 7 ) at the step 724 .
  • the encyclopedia module 130 formats the related data of the selected result into an encyclopedia-like page.
  • step 726 if the user wants to perform another parametric search. If it is determined at the step 726 that the user does want to perform another parametric search, then the process jumps back to the step 706 . If it is determined at the step 726 that the user does not want to perform another parametric search, then the parametric search process ends at the step 730 .
  • the directory tree structure can be organized into a dichotomous key (binary key) structure.
  • a dichotomous key binary key
  • Such a structure is advantageous because of its flexibility for growth and ease of use. Flexibility for growth is accomplished because node splits are made easily and can be done “on-line” while the system is running and also during other updates. Users are also less likely to notice a binary split verses a larger split.
  • Dichotomous tree structures are not without their limitations, and as such, these limitations need to be accounted for.
  • One problem of a dichotomous key structure is that navigating this structure is more cumbersome when users are looking for simple topics on smaller directories such as shopping, entertainment, etc.
  • the present invention addresses the problems associated with the dichotomous key structure by building a dichotomous decision tree within the directories of the directory tree structure.
  • a dichotomous decision tree within the directories of the directory tree structure.
  • Such a structure enables users to break out of the dichotomous key at the corresponding level within the directory tree structure.
  • This corresponding level is typically a specific node.
  • This specific node doing keyword searches, hierarchical tree searches, or parametric searches of various types is restricted to that portion of the directory.
  • the tree structure can point to the same object via multiple paths which is valuable for objects that have more than one category or use.
  • each node contains keywords for navigational help.
  • each lower node splits the knowledge base in half. If a user does break out of the tree to perform a keyword search, the search is performed only on the remaining information below the node.
  • the dichotomous key structure uses a binary search and is good for use when the user is not familiar with what the lower end nodes are. For example, if the top node is medical diseases and bottom nodes are specific medical diseases, a user makes binary decisions based on symptoms to reach a diagnosis.
  • the dichotomous key structure is also used in help desk environments to help end users solve problems, and in scientific classification.
  • the dichotomous key structure is not so good when nodes are obvious, i.e. top node is shoes and bottom nodes are tennis shoes, dress shoes, boots, etc.
  • Dichotomous key is also not so good in A-Z decisions. It would be tedious to make multiple decisions like choosing between A-M and N-Z and so on to reach the desired letter.
  • dichotomous key search applications are: at the node for “fiction”, the dichotomous key selections are “fiction books” and “fiction other than books”, or at the node for “Mercedes-Benz” and the dichotomous key selections are “Mercedes-Benz Dealers” and “Mercedes-Benz Models”.
  • FIG. 6 A flowchart illustrating the process used when a user accesses the dichotomous key module 900 is illustrated in FIG. 6 .
  • the process of FIG. 6 starts at the step 902 .
  • the system displays two binary options, one of which is to be selected by the user. The specific binary options to be displayed are dependent upon the node at which the user is located within the dichotomous key structure.
  • the encyclopedia module 130 formats the related data of the selected binary option into an encyclopedia-like page. If it is determined at the step 910 that the user does not want to view either of the binary options or after the system has accessed the encyclopedia module 130 , it is determined at the step 914 if the user wants to select one of the two binary options displayed in the step 906 . By selecting one of the binary options, the user is indicating that they want to move down one level in the dichotomous key structure. The user indicates a desire to select one of the binary options by double-clicking on one of the binary options in the conventional manner.
  • the system retrieves the next associated binary option pair, where the next binary pair resides at one level down the dichotomous key structure from the binary option pair currently displayed in the step 906 . After the step 918 , the process jumps back to the step 906 . If it is determined at the step 914 that the user does not want to select one of the two binary options, then the dichotomous key process ends at the step 922 .
  • the research module 100 includes a search module 110 , a searchable database 120 , a maintenance module 180 , the encyclopedia module 130 , a save search module 140 , a notification module 150 , a query language module 160 , and an external systems module 170 .
  • the search module 110 is coupled to the query language module 160 to format the search request in a query language that the research system can interpret.
  • the search module 110 is coupled to the encyclopedia module 130 to format the collection of data corresponding to a specific node into an encyclopedia-like format.
  • the search module 110 is coupled to the searchable database 120 to access the available searchable data.
  • the searchable database 120 can be local, remote, central or distributed across multiple storage systems.
  • the searchable database 120 can also include data accessible by the Internet or an intranet network.
  • the maintenance module 180 is coupled to the searchable database 120 to manage and organize new and existing information within the searchable database 120 .
  • the external systems module 170 is coupled to the query language module 160 to provide external system access to the search module 110 .
  • the save search module 140 is coupled to the search module 110 to save a navigation path and set parameters used in the search module 110 to perform a specific research task.
  • the notification module 150 is coupled to the save search module 140 to notify users that desired information has been added to the searchable database 120 .
  • the search module 110 performs the research task, the research task being accomplished by utilizing the search methodology specified by the user.
  • the search methodologies include keyword search, hierarchical tree, parametric search, and dichotomous key.
  • the search module applies the specified search methodologies to system accessible data to provide the desired search results.
  • the accessible data resides in the searchable database 120 .
  • the searchable database 120 includes data accessed by the search module 110 . Data within the searchable database 120 also includes links to data external to the research system.
  • the searchable database 120 is a distributed database which resides internal to the research system of the present invention. It should be clear to those skilled in the art that the searchable database 120 can be a centralized database. It should also be clear to those skilled in the art that the searchable database 120 can reside external to the research system of the present invention.
  • the encyclopedia module 130 includes an encyclopedia. Each node in the directory tree structure is linked to an encyclopedia page. An encyclopedia page provides a description of product or data relevant to the corresponding node that is managed by an author, business, or organization. The information within the system, or data residing within the searchable database 120 , is presented to users as an alphabetical list of topics from which to choose. Listings can be expanded to reveal graphics and information. Listings can also be linked to create relationships with listings on other encyclopedia pages. Links are submissions by users within the topic. This access method can either lead a user to the information required, or be a quick-start method to get to a specific area of information. Each node within the hierarchical structure and each link listed at each node of the tree has the ability to store extended textual or html data. This allows information within the research system to be useable without users having to leave the system.
  • the encyclopedia page 810 corresponds to a Mercedes-Benz/Models/Roadsters node within the directory tree structure of the present invention. Although the encyclopedia page 810 corresponds to the Mercedes-Benz/Models/Roadsters node, it should be clear that information within the directory tree structure can be re-organized in such a manner that the encyclopedia page 810 corresponds to a different node.
  • the encyclopedia page 810 includes a graphics section 820 , a text section 830 , a cross-links section 850 , and an external links section 860 .
  • the graphics section 820 includes gif, jpeg, mpeg or other appropriately formatted images and videos.
  • the text section 830 includes descriptive text, listings, definitions, etc.
  • the cross-links section 850 includes links to other related nodes within the directory tree structure. When a cross-link to another node is selected, the encyclopedia page corresponding to the linked node is displayed. In this manner, a user can jump from encyclopedia page to encyclopedia page to encyclopedia page and so on.
  • the external links section 806 includes links to related topics and subject-matter that resides external to the directory tree structure. Preferably, these external links are URL's corresponding to external websites. It should be clear that other relevant information can be included within the encyclopedia page 810 .
  • each section 820 , 830 , 840 , and 850 is illustrated as a single distinct section, it should be clear that each section 820 , 830 , 840 , and 850 can include multiple similar sections, where each section can be displayed anywhere within the encyclopedia page 810 . It should also be clear that the encyclopedia page 810 can be opened as a stand-alone window or as a section of a larger window. In either case, the window can be larger than the display screen whereby the user can view the entire encyclopedia page by scrolling in the conventional manner.
  • the save search module 140 enables users to receive the most current and updated information on any topics of their choice. This is accomplished by saving the navigation path through the directory tree structure and the set parameters of a search so that the exact same search can be done at any time. In this way users can also choose to have new information sent to them regarding their chosen topic. Once the parameters have been saved, the same search can be performed again and again, either at the time the search is saved or at a later date with parameters to be set such as the period between searches and the notification method.
  • the available notification methods include pushing the search results to the desired user through email or other notification as discussed below.
  • the user also has the capability of saving research criteria inside a personal profile similar to a “favorite”. This allows the user to repeat the search on a regular basis. Some examples of this repeated search include a purchasing agent who wants to know the latest prices posted within his/her areas of purchasing responsibilities and a scientist routinely researching his areas of expertise for new developments.
  • the notification module 150 automatically distributes newly entered information within a particular node or category of the directory tree structure to a user over the computer network.
  • the user has the ability to define nodes, categories and parameters of information in which they are interested.
  • the system automatically forwards a notice of this newly entered information to the user. This notice is forwarded by one or more methods of notification including over a bulletin board, through an e-mail message, as a news item directed to the user when the user next accesses the directory, and on a desktop interface through which the user is accessing the directory.
  • the search request, or procedure can be saved as described above in relation to the save search module 140 .
  • This saved search essentially defines a particular node within the research system structure. Once the search procedure has been saved, the user can request to be updated automatically with new information from the particular node of which the saved search defines.
  • specific articles of information reside.
  • parameters are used to define each individual article of information. As each new article of information is added to a particular node, the parameters associated with that particular node are set to values that define the new article of information to be added. The parameters are set by the user entering the new information into the system.
  • the new information will need to be approved by a node owner before the new information is actually added to the system.
  • This approval method will be discussed in greater detail below. It is the setting of the parameters that enables new information to be “pushed” to other users who have previously saved a search in order to be automatically updated when desired new information is entered into the system.
  • the push functionality is performed in response to a saved search established by a specific user.
  • the research system will notify the user of the added information. After a notification has been pushed to the appropriate user, this user accepts the push and establishes a method of receipt.
  • the method of receipt includes, but is not limited to, email, news groups, bulletin boards, or desktop. It should be clear that other alternative methods to push information to users are also available.
  • the notification module 150 is utilized to push all announcements regarding the particular model that are added to the database 120 .
  • the notification module 150 also can be used to push data to research sites or to stockbrokers looking to stay abreast of a particular industry or technology.
  • the query language module 160 uses a specific query language to navigate through the directory and decision tree to access a specific node or a discrete data item within the directory.
  • Each node within the decision tree has a corresponding query that can be used to quickly arrive at the node without manually navigating through the branches of the decision tree.
  • the query can be further extended to access a discrete data item corresponding to the specific node.
  • a user has the ability to save a query for a particular node or discrete data item to later access information at the node without manually navigating through the branches of the decision tree to arrive at the node.
  • the structure of the query language of the present invention is preferably similar to that of a specific query language (SQL), but it is specific to the combined technologies of accessing the directory tree structure and setting parameters for a search. Therefore, the application of the query language is different than conventional search methodologies due to the unique directory tree structure of the database management and research system of the present invention.
  • SQL specific query language
  • nodes are specific. This is not typical of nodes in conventional directories.
  • an “entertainment” node may be listed in multiple branches of conventional directories, but within the research system of the present invention the node is specific to a single branch. This specificity allows a query to be performed that will find exactly what is being searched for. If the node were listed in multiple branches, the same query would result in multiple search results, which is not desired.
  • the user has the option to input a query language string to define the research task desired of the research system.
  • Inputting the query string yields equivalent results as does manually going through the directories, the trees, and the parametric searches, as discussed above.
  • Direct user input of the desired query string essentially shortcuts the search process.
  • the query string can be saved as a save search. Whether a save search is a result of manually navigating the directory tree structure or directly inputting a desired query string, the research system saves the search in the query language format.
  • the research system has the ability to interface with external applications through the external systems module 170 . Interfacing is accomplished utilizing the SQL-like query language as discussed above in relationship to the query language module 160 , an application program interface (API), and a directory to directory protocol.
  • the query language is a third generation language to do simple queries to the research system. An example query looks like:
  • the API within the external systems module 170 allows other applications, either external systems or web sites, to use the research system as a central infrastructure knowledge base.
  • the API system creates an interface between the application and the research system that allows a seamless connection to be made without users of the application noticing.
  • the application can call upon resources contained inside the research system on the same server or across an IP connection on similar networks or across the Internet.
  • the external systems use the API to periodically or randomly query the research system for information, the queries are formatted in the query language as described in the query language module 160 .
  • the application can make a request to the research system for specific data from one or more nodes within the directory tree structure, the research system retrieves the requested data, the application pulls the retrieved data from the research system, the application reformats the retrieved data for the system on which the application resides, and the system utilizes the retrieved data as if the system itself retrieved and formatted the data.
  • the database management and research system of the present invention is designed so a separate portal can be set up within the research system that allows external search engines to search the research system directory tree structure and expose information to the search engine customers.
  • an external system is a job search site and the research system includes a multitude of job listings organized within a job directory tree structure.
  • a user on the job search site submits a request to find all the jobs within California, related to information technology (IT) with TCP/IP and SNA skills.
  • the job search site system formats a query using the API of the research system and forwards the request to the research system, the research system retrieves the matching jobs, and the data is sent back to the job search site system where it is formatted according to the job search site parameters. This entire process is accomplished transparently to the job search site user.
  • the research system provides the back end functionality and the data is fed back to the job search site program running the API. It is transparent to the research system that the query originated from an external system.
  • the directory to directory protocol allows referrals from one research system to be processed from another research system. This allows the research system to scale to larger proportions across multiple organizations and data centers. One organization can maintain data specific to its own expertise or ownership inside it's own hosted research system.
  • the maintenance module 180 manages the process of inputting and deleting data into the searchable database 120 .
  • the maintenance module 180 also manages relationships between data residing within the searchable database 120 .
  • a block diagram of the maintenance module 180 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 9 .
  • the maintenance module 180 includes a master nodal record module 182 , a node links table module 184 , an hierarchical security module 186 , and a data maintenance module 188 .
  • the hierarchical security module 186 is coupled to the master nodal records module 182 and the data maintenance module 188 to maintain the integrity of the data associated with each node.
  • the node links table module 184 is coupled to the master nodal records module 182 to manage the linking relationships between the nodes in the research system.
  • the master nodal record module 182 maintains a record of the data and links related to each individual node. As discussed above, each node has an associated encyclopedia page as described in relation to the encyclopedia module 130 . Links at the node are attached to records in the searchable database 120 or to the encyclopedia. If the link is to a discrete data item, then the link is attached to the record in the searchable database. If the link is to another node, then the link is attached to the encyclopedia and the associated encyclopedia page.
  • Each node in the directory tree structure includes data specific to that location of the tree.
  • the data available preferably includes node-name and node-description.
  • the node-description is a detailed description of the tree node that explains to the user what the category is.
  • Each node also includes related topics and search parameters. These topics define a search, they are not just links.
  • the node links table module 184 maintains a node links table of links between all nodes within the directory tree structure.
  • the links between nodes are referred to as cross-links.
  • At each level of the directory there is the possibility of one to many links (objects) available.
  • a table linked in a “one to many” relationship is the “links table”. This table is where the object data is located that the user is interested in locating.
  • the table includes the fields link-node-name, link-description, and link-path.
  • An example of the node links table usage is herein described to navigate down the directory tree structure to “plants”.
  • the node links table may include lists to academic web sites on botany. Clicking on one of these entries will navigate the user to the external web sites to further research botany.
  • the user could continue down the directory tree structure.
  • Cross-links to related topics are also available. Objects are linked to multiple categories inside the directory tree structure, so users can also navigate laterally around the directory tree structure.
  • the “pepper plant” is correctly classified as a plant, a spice, a fruit, an edible plant, etc. This object is entered into the system into one nodal master record, as described above in relation to the master nodal record module 182 , then entered into the directory at multiple locations within the tree.
  • a user When navigating down through the edible plants, a user will find the key for the “pepper plant.” A user will also find the key for the “pepper plant” when navigating down the spice section of the directory tree structure.
  • a cross-reference table record is added to the node links table.
  • the user has the option of listing all other nodes (or categories) in which the object is also contained.
  • this function When this function is accessed, typically by clicking on a related button on the display, for the example of “pepper plant”, the other categories are listed (plants, edible plants, spices, etc.). This gives the user the ability to navigate laterally within the directory structure. The user can find the “pepper plant” node, click on the “Also Related Categories” button, then select any of the other categories where the “pepper plant” is located and move to that location in the directory by selecting that category.
  • a search result will preferably be listed only once so that a user does not have to wade through multiple search results which all lead back to the same data.
  • Additional data is stored about each link in the node links table.
  • the additional data includes such data as family rating, link rating, type, entertainment, and link hits.
  • the family rating is a rating similar to movie ratings, i.e. “G” is okay for the family, “R” maybe a little rough or removable, and “X” is pornography and inappropriate for certain family members.
  • the link rating is maintained by user surveys and maintains a rating or popularity value for the link.
  • the type is a link entry corresponding to categories such as Commercial, Private, or Educational. Entertainment can include games, activities, art, etc.
  • Link hits represent a value maintained by the system and records the number of times users entered this site from the directory tree. The links hit value is used for recording how active and useful a link is.
  • the node keyword table is maintained by the node links table module 184 and includes keywords associated with a particular node in the directory tree structure. The use of this table is to help the system navigate the user directly to the node location. This gives the user the capability of navigating directly to this location in the tree with a simple keyword navigation, or with a directory front-end structure or interface.
  • the user can enter “car” and navigate directly to the “automobiles” section in the directory tree structure.
  • the user can then navigate the directory tree structure to the specific object that they are looking for, or enter another more specific keyword.
  • a benefit of the database management and research system of the present invention is when the more specific keyword is entered while the user is at the “automobile” node, the resulting search results will reflect matches found in the “automobile” node and the lower directory structure tied to the “automobile” node.
  • the hierarchical security module 186 allows users to maintain their own data, or their own particular nodes of the tree. An expert within a particular field can “own” this node of the tree. This allows for the system to be maintained by any number of editors and contributors with expertise or interest in their particular node(s).
  • the system is structurally designed to be able to split the tree into administrative and logical partitions. If necessary, these partitions can span multiple computer nodes and multiple data centers over geographical regions.
  • Ownership of portions of the directory tree structure can be delegated to external authors or organizations. Organizations with ownership of portions of the directory tree structure can further delegate portions of their ownership to different authors inside their organization.
  • a user wants to add a new item the user must first be logged into the system. Certain users can be listed as “OK” and if these users add a new item, the item will automatically be entered into the system without need for additional approval. Of course, the user must still provide the details regarding the new item's classification, corresponding parameters, etc. However, the item itself does not need to be approved. If a user is not approved or is “unknown”, then the new item will be put in a queue for review by the owner of the particular node to which the user wants to add the item. The owner of the node will then determine whether or not to add the new item to the system. Typically, if the database is the Internet or an Internet accessible database, then each new item has an associated uniform resource locator (URL).
  • URL uniform resource locator
  • the URL is considered new data and in essence acts as a directory. Certain items will not have a URL, such as an announcement. For example, an announcement might be used by a user who wants to enter an item regarding a new book they wrote; however, if the user does not have a web site associated with the new book, the user fills out the information associated with the new item, which includes some descriptive text and search parameters. Only this information associated with the new item is then stored at the appropriate node.
  • Each node of the directory tree structure preferably includes a link to a user table.
  • the user table includes a list of users authorized for update access to the node.
  • the users with update access to the node have update access to the nodes below the specific node as well.
  • the user with full authorization can also delegate update authority to users at or below the directory tree structure where they have ownership rights.
  • the hierarchical security module 186 enables node owners to control the addition and deletion of data into the searchable database 120 . However, the nodes and associated content also need to be maintained, which is a function of the data maintenance module 188 .
  • the data in the directory is manually entered and maintained. For content on commercial web sites, users submit data into a holding queue to be reviewed before being released and added to the research system.
  • the data maintenance module 188 performs up-front edits to insure data completeness and integrity.
  • One method by which new data is added is for the user to navigate the directory tree structure to the correct location.
  • the user selects an “add link” option.
  • a set of forms is presented to the user who will then fill in the data fields.
  • the user will also set the parameters corresponding to the location within the directory tree structure to which the new data item is to be added. These parameters are of the type described above in relation to the parametric search.
  • the data is added or moved to the update queue, where the data is reviewed and released (or discarded). The user can navigate the directory tree structure again to add the same link to other locations within the directory.
  • the data in the searchable database 120 is organized into a directory tree structure by the research system.
  • a node which includes related information. The higher the node is within the directory tree structure the more general the information, and the lower the node is within the directory tree structure the more specific the information.
  • the four search methodologies are keyword search, hierarchical tree search, dichotomous key search, and parametric search.
  • the user can utilize any of the four search methodologies to further refine the search and move further down the directory tree structure.
  • the user may also navigate back up the directory tree structure to a higher node, and once again have the option to use any one of the four search methodologies to refine the search from the current node and move further down the directory tree structure.
  • the related information at each node is presented in the form of an encyclopedia page.
  • Each node is linked to an encyclopedia page, where the encyclopedia page displays the related information associated with that particular node.
  • Such related information can include a title, short description, text, graphics, and links to related topics.
  • the links are typically to other nodes within the research system. However, the links may be to web sites external to the research system. In this manner, a user can navigate the directory tree structure, utilizing any one of the four search methodologies in any combination to reach the desired result.
  • a user After accessing the database management and research system, a user inputs the character string “transportation” utilizing the keyword search option.
  • the keyword search module then yields a list of search results including the node “transportation”.
  • the user performs a hierarchical tree search on “transportation” which results in a list including “airplane”, “automobile”, “boat”, “train”, etc.
  • the user can then further investigate “automobile” by performing a dichotomous key search.
  • the dichotomous key search on “automobile” yields the two choices “foreign” and “domestic”.
  • the user chooses “foreign” and the next dichotomous key search yields the two choices “specific car manufacturer” and “not a specific manufacturer”.
  • the user then performs a hierarchical search on “specific car manufacturer” that results in a list of foreign car manufactures which includes BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, etc.
  • the user performs a dichotomous key search on “Mercedes-Benz” that yields the two choices “Mercedes-Benz Dealers” and “Mercedes-Benz Models”.
  • the user chooses “Mercedes-Benz Dealers” and the next dichotomous key search yields the two choices “North American Dealerships” and “European Dealerships”.
  • the user chooses “North American Dealerships” and the next dichotomous key search yields the two choices “west” and “east”.
  • the user then performs a parametric search on “west” by inputting the relevant parameters to “object type”, “language”, and “family rating”.
  • the parameters are selected from provided drop down menus. Additional means for selecting parameters include listing items to be checked or not checked. Such parameters to be checked include “technical document”, “commercial”, “recalls”, exclusive”, “OEM”, and “full service”.
  • the parametric search yields a discrete list of dealerships that match the selected parameters.
  • an encyclopedia page is displayed by the encyclopedia module. The displayed encyclopedia page corresponds to the selected dealership.
  • the research system provides search techniques and methodologies that enable users to navigate down a directory tree structure for the purpose of performing a research task and finding discrete information.
  • the directory tree structure is organized such that the upper levels include relatively more general information and the lower levels include relatively more specific information.
  • the research system also provides functionality that enables the user to move back up the directory tree structure, preferably moving back up the directory one level at a time. In this way, the user is able to navigate up and down the directory tree structure to perform the desired research task.
  • the database management and research system of the present invention utilizes a directory tree structure to manage and access data within a searchable database.
  • the directory tree structure is preferably customizable and is constructed using easy to use templates. An appropriately authorized user populates the templates to generate the nodes and the branches between the nodes.
  • the nodes represent html addresses and the branches represent links from an html address of one node to an html address of another node.
  • the html based format facilitates user access of the system over the Internet or corporate intranet.
  • the nodes include related data where data preferably refers to web-based multimedia including sound, images, video, and appropriately formatted text.
  • Appropriately formatted text can include, but is not limited to, word documents, excel documents, powerpoint documents, mechanical drawings, and any document or file rendered by a personal computer or a workstation.
  • data can also include discrete appropriately formatted and independently accessible data items, files, and applications with associated URLs and web interface stored in human resource databases, financial and accounting databases, manufacturing databases, order processing and fulfillment databases, customer service databases, sales and marketing databases, and other similar databases or data file formats.
  • the related data is not physically formatted within the directory tree structure. Instead, each data item is accessible through appropriately formatted addresses including Uniform Resource Identifiers (URIs) and Uniform Resource Locators (URLs).
  • URIs Uniform Resource Identifiers
  • URLs Uniform Resource Locators
  • Each node includes associated pointers, where each pointer acts as a link, or points, from a specific node to a URL corresponding to a discrete data item within the searchable database.
  • the directory tree structure accesses the discrete data item by utilizing the pointer that links the specific node to the URL corresponding to the discrete data item.
  • Defining the pointers is part of the directory tree structure construction process performed by the user.
  • the directory tree structure essentially overlays the searchable database and groups related data items via the pointers.
  • Each discrete node is a collection of pointers to the related data items. This overlay methodology for accessing data is what enables the database management and research system of the present invention to bypass the data conversion process when utilizing the database management and research system with an appropriately formatted existing database.
  • Editing of a node includes adding a new pointer to a node or redirecting an existing pointer from accessing one data item to accessing a different data item.
  • FIG. 10 a illustrates an example of how the database management and research system of the present invention is utilized with an existing database.
  • the computer system 26 and the server controller 10 correspond to the like elements of FIG. 1 .
  • the computer system 26 is coupled to the server controller 10 preferably via the public switched telephone network.
  • the searchable database 120 corresponds to the searchable database 120 in FIG. 7 .
  • the searchable database 120 includes database 122 , database 124 , and database 126 .
  • the searchable database 120 in FIG. 10 a includes three databases, it should be clear that the searchable database 120 can include any number of databases.
  • Server controller 10 is coupled to database 122 via a link 123 .
  • the link 123 represents a link between the controller 10 and the database 122 .
  • the link 123 represents a pointer corresponding to a specific node within the directory tree structure of the present invention, where the pointer directs the specific node to a discrete data item residing within the database 122 .
  • the link 123 can include any number of pointers where each pointer directs a specific node within the directory tree structure to a discrete data item within the database 122 .
  • server controller 10 is coupled to the database 124 and the database 126 via a link 125 and a link 127 , respectively.
  • the links 125 and 127 can include any number of pointers, where a pointer represented by the link 125 directs a specific node to a discrete data item residing within the database 124 and a pointer represented by the link 127 directs a specific node to a discrete data item residing within the database 126 .
  • a database 128 is coupled to the server controller 10 via a link 131 .
  • the database 128 is external to the searchable database 120 .
  • the directory tree structure does not directly overlay the database 128 and therefore no pointers exist to direct a specific node to a discrete data item residing within the database 128 .
  • the database 128 is illustrated as a single database, it should be clear that the database 128 serves to represent any data not included within the searchable database 120 .
  • the database management and research system of the present invention provides links to data residing external to the searchable database 120 .
  • a link is illustrated by the link 131 and also by a link 129 .
  • the link 129 couples the database 124 to the database 128 .
  • a discrete data item within the database 128 is accessed by the server controller 10 via the link 131 .
  • a specific node within the directory tree structure does not include a pointer which directs the particular node to a discrete data item residing within the database 128 ; instead, the specific node is linked via conventional means, as for example a hypertext link that takes a user outside the system of the present invention by linking to a web server containing the discrete data item.
  • the specific node includes a pointer corresponding to the link 125 that directs the specific node to a discrete data item residing within the database 124 .
  • the discrete data item residing within the database 124 includes a conventional link 129 directed to the discrete data item residing within the database 128 , the link 129 takes the user outside the system of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 b illustrates the database management and research system of FIG. 10 a after modifications to the directory tree structure have been made.
  • FIG. 10 a illustrates the link 131 representative of a hypertext link between a specific node within the directory tree structure and a discrete data item residing within the database 128 , the database 128 residing external to the system of the present invention.
  • the database 128 is coupled to the server controller 10 via a link 133 .
  • a pointer is added to the specific node that now directs the specific node to the discrete data item residing within the database 128 , thereby eliminating the need to link the specific node to the discrete data item via the conventional link 131 .
  • the user is no longer taken outside the system of the present invention to view the discrete data item.
  • all or a portion of the discrete data item can be displayed within an encyclopedia page corresponding to the specific node. If the user chooses to view the complete original discrete data item, the user will then be taken out of the system via the link 133 to the database 128 .
  • the added pointer is part of the directory tree structure and as such the directory tree structure now overlays the discrete data item represented by the database 128 . Since data within the database 128 is now accessible by the overlaid directory tree structure, the database 128 is included within searchable database 120 , as illustrated in FIG. 10 b.
  • the research system described above has been discussed in terms of a single directory tree structure; however, it should be apparent that the research system of the present invention can be scaled to include multiple directory tree structures maintained at remote network locations. Such scalability allows other organizations to maintain portions of the directory tree structure distinctly but allows the directory tree structure network to function as one logical system or searchable database. By segmenting sections of the directory tree structure into different data centers, the research system essentially becomes a knowledge system where a user can find specific and related information. For example, a user can use the research system to diagnose a medical condition and find relevant information related to that medical condition. The user can also find related sites like clinics and medicines available to treat the medical condition.

Abstract

Method and apparatus for organizing data by overlaying a searchable database with a directory tree structure. The method includes generating the directory tree structure that includes nodes comprising a designated category for each node and branches comprising links between the nodes, and generating one or more pointers. Each pointer corresponds to a specific node and the pointer links the specific node to an item of data within the searchable database. All pointers associated with the specific node link related items of data corresponding to the designated category. Each node within the directory tree structure can include a corresponding html address. Items of data can be web-based multimedia including audio, video, images, and appropriately formatted text, displayed in an encyclopedia-like format. Nodes, branches, and pointers within the directory tree structure can continually be added, edited, or deleted.

Description

    CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/492,407, filed on Jul. 24, 2006, which is a continuation application of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/801,076, filed Mar. 6, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,085,766, issued on Aug. 1, 2006, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of the co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/188,328, filed on Mar. 9, 2000 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/200,963, filed on May 1, 2000, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
  • The following U.S. patent applications, Ser. No. 09/801,072, filed on Mar. 6, 2001, and Ser. No. 09/801,138, filed on Mar. 6, 2001, and Ser. No. 09/800,592, filed on Mar. 6, 2001, and Ser. No. 09/800,607, filed on Mar. 6, 2001, and Ser. No. 09/801,140, filed on Mar. 6, 2001, and Ser. No. 09/800,566, filed on Mar. 6, 2001, and Ser. No. 09/801,076, filed on Mar. 6, 2001, are also incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
  • TECHNICAL FIELD
  • This invention relates to a method of organizing data within a searchable database. More particularly, the invention relates to a method of organizing data by overlaying a searchable database with a directory tree structure.
  • BACKGROUND
  • Information technology (IT) continues to rapidly evolve and with this evolution comes advanced complexity. As new technologies are introduced into enterprise networks, the need to interoperate the new technologies with existing legacy technologies becomes of greater concern and necessity. Enterprises are intrinsically multi-functional in nature, yet applications and systems technologies tend to be single-function entities with closed architectures and proprietary internals. This core incongruence results in disparate, incompatible legacy systems of various kinds, incompatible hardware systems and devices, and heterogeneous platform systems mutually incomprehensible to each other. This phenomenon has been referred to as Enterprise Application Dysintegration, or EAD. As a result, the function of IT is more and more becoming the integration of heterogenous components. Currently, no automated means are available and the integration is effected manually by human agents at great cost, time, and inefficiency. Indeed, with the implementation of a new technology, exists the understanding that in addition to implementation issues associated solely with the new technology comes the downtime, cost, and disruption of re-architecting and re-building currently useful legacy functionality associated with integration.
  • With new applications and systems also comes associated new data and information that needs to be stored and managed. Also comes the need to integrate legacy data for use by the new technologies. Disparate systems inter-operate effectively through well defined interfaces. To facilitate this inter-operability, heterogeneous syntactic formats need to be translated into well known intermediary formats understood by all systems in the exchange. This is often referred to as syntactic transformation, of which XML is being proposed as the universal intermediary for data exchange. Beyond syntax also lies the meaning of terms, a problem commonly referred to as semantic reconciliation. To address semantic reconciliation, a formal agreement is typically made between communicating systems about the meaning of terms in a particular domain of knowledge and application.
  • There are many robust technologies for data-level integration, including database-specific Call Level Interfaces (CLIs), Open DataBase Connectivity (ODBC), and Java DataBase Connectivity (JDBC). However, these interface technologies require sophisticated user knowledge and are quite tedious to implement and update.
  • Although there are database-to-database integration technologies currently available, there is no standard methodology for reusing legacy information with newly introduced technologies. A primary objective is to integrate systems and data without disturbing them. Minimizing any type of data conversion plays to this concept of being non-invasive.
  • In addition to the problem of integrating new technologies with legacy information is the problem of how to manage and access the explosive growth in the amount of data. Increased memory and remote electronic data storage capacity offers access to large amounts of data in a very convenient form and physical size. Data may be available on diskette, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, and on line to a centrally located computer and memory storage medium. On line access to such stored data is primarily provided by business data networks and the world wide web, hereinafter referred to as the Internet. By 1993, the Internet had approximately 130 sites that could be hyper-linked together with keywords. The Internet has grown quickly since then. Sites on the Internet have increased from approximately 1.6 million at the end of 1997 to 9.6 million at the end of 1999. Today, multiple technologies are available to access and manage data presented on the Internet. The challenge remains to extract information from the data simply and efficiently and to have confidence in the result that all relevant items have been uncovered. To focus in on relevant database records, search engines generally use keywords, categorization, segment limitations, Boolean logic, and hit counts. More complex search engines can also employ hierarchical categorization and multifaceted searching.
  • Keywords are the basis of most searches. A simple keyword search, such as that found in most word processors under the “Find” command, will locate the occurrence of a text string within a document or a record. Misspellings, synonyms, or different tenses of a given text string will not be located. The searcher must be cautious to trucate the text string to a word's root. A search for the text string “graphical”, for instance, will not locate instances of the text string “graphics.” The searcher must also not choose commonly occurring words, as such a search would result in a high number of search results. Keywords are commonly combined with categorization, segment limitations, Boolean logic operators, advanced keywording, date operators and numeric operators to create a more effective search.
  • Categorization is a technique used to focus the scope of a search. A category is a subset of records. By conducting a search only within this subset of records, fewer irrelevant hits result. Lexis-Nexis™ and Dialog™, two online searchable databases with proprietary search engines, are examples of categorized databases. Prior to conducting a keyword search within the Lexis-Nexis™ or Dialog™ database, the searcher must select from an extensive list of categories. Some categories are broader than others. If the searcher selects an overly broad category, his or her search will result in too many irrelevant hits and the searcher will waste time sorting through the undesired search result records looking for relevant hits. If the searcher selects an overly narrow category, his or her search results will not include some of the desired records. Selection of an appropriate category, therefore, is of vital importance.
  • Searches can be further focused with the use of segment limitations. Such a search is also commonly referred to as a parametric search. “Segments” are similar to categories in that they are domain specific. Category classifications are used to divide multiple records into subsets, or “fields”. Segment classifications are used to divide individual records into specific groupings of information. Using segments, or parameters, keyword searches can be targeted at certain fields of a record, such as a record's title or author. Search engines distributed by Lexis-Nexis™ and Dialog™, two online searchable database providers, are well-adapted to such targeted searches, often using dozens of segments for each category of records. A news article record, for instance, is typically broken down into separate fields for byline, date, publisher, abstract, and body. To find a news article with the word “elephant” in the title (or headline) using the classical interface of the Lexis-Nexis™ search engine, the following syntax would be needed: “HEADLINE(elephant)”.
  • Using keyword searching may not be very helpful if the user is not familiar with the appropriate standard terminology related to the information they are looking for. Further, there may be many appropriate ways to describe the information sought by the user. A concept expressed by a standard industry term in one industry may be different from a standard industry term in a different industry. A keyword search would require searching all synonyms used in order to ensure a complete and accurate result.
  • When a user of a searching/retrieval system enters a keyword search query into a system, the query is parsed. Based on the parsed query, a listing of documents relevant to the query is provided to the user. In the prior art, it is also known to use semantic networks when parsing a query. The number of words used to search the database is then expanded by including the corresponding words or associated words identified by the semantic network in the search instructions. This expansion can be based on any one or a combination of using stems or roots of terms, using sound-a-like words, using wildcard words or any other appropriate semantic technique.
  • Boolean operators, such as “AND”, “OR” and “MINUS”, are used to enhance the capabilities of a search engine. The basic format of Boolean queries is well known in the art and generally takes on the form of “X OR Y”, where X and Y are two distinct keywords. Because search requests are processed by a computer, syntax rules must be strictly followed when drafting a Boolean keyword search. In many search engines the logical operators “AND” and “OR” must be capitalized. Some search engines allow additional syntax that indicates requisite proximity of keywords or hierarchy within a specific Boolean query. Hierarchy within a Boolean query is usually designated with the use of parenthesis. The “(A OR B) AND {circle around (C)} OR D)” query, for instance, finds a first set of records containing “A OR B” and a second set of records containing “C OR D”, then finds records included in both the first set and the second set.
  • Using the Boolean operator “AND” in a search expression such as “X AND Y,” will yield records which include both X and Y in the record. Using the Boolean operator “OR” in a search expression such as “X OR Y,” will yield records which include either X or Y in the record. Using the Boolean operator “MINUS” in a search expression such as “MINUS X” will yield records which do not include the term X in the record.
  • A query that is too narrow will result in less than the desired number of records. Correspondingly, a query that is too broad will result in greater than the desired number of records Immediate user feedback on a specific query helps the searcher construct a better subsequent query. Hit count is perhaps the most effective form of feedback for constructing a better query. If a query is too narrow, the hit count will be very low, possibly even zero. If a query is too broad, the hit count will be very high. Hit count information is used with selected viewing of search results to alert the searcher of mistakes, such as incorrect category or segment choice, or otherwise assist the searcher in drafting more effective queries. Hit counts are generally displayed after a given query is executed. Hit counts are more useful when provided for each search term and each combination of search terms. Boolean Representation One, illustrated below in Table I, demonstrates how individual hit counts can be used for the Boolean keyword search for “(cat OR dog) AND (doctor OR veterinarian)”.
  • TABLE I
    Boolean Representation One
    Figure US20120150883A1-20120614-C00001
    • In the above example, the hit counts are as follows: in the database the term “cat” is included in 280 records; in the database the term “dog” is included in 494 records; in the database the term “veterinarian” is included in 34 records; in the database the term “doctor” is included in 194 records; in the database the term “cat” or “dog” is included in 774 records; in the database the term “veterinarian” or “doctor” is included in 228 records; and in the database the Boolean query for the Boolean expression “(cat OR dog) AND (doctor OR veterinarian)” results in the location of 4 records. If the Boolean expression is altered by the replacement of “dog” with “cow”, the hit count change ripples through the Boolean expression's representation as shown in Boolean Representation Two, illustrated below in Table II.
  • TABLE II
    Boolean Representation Two
    Figure US20120150883A1-20120614-C00002
    • Feedback from individual hit counts gives the searcher access to information normally hidden. Viewing individual hit counts, a searcher is better able to identify search terms that are too specific, too broad, or misspelled.
  • An additional search tool is hierarchical categorization. Instead of classifying records into separate categories, hierarchical categories classify records into both broad groupings and progressively narrower groupings. An example of hierarchical categorization is found in biology, where organisms are organized, from broadest to narrowest, by kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species. Hierarchical categorization is commonly used in conventional internet search engines, such as those found at the Yahoo!™ and Altavista™ websites. To find information about a specific topic, a search engine user navigates from a list of broad categories through an increasingly more specific list of categories. Once the first category is selected, a search engine typically displays a lower level screen with another list of alternatives. Such navigation continues down through the various menus of alternatives having decreasing priority levels. At any point of the category navigation, a keyword or Boolean search can be performed upon the records in that category. Search results are only obtained from records located within the category searched. Most search engines only allow searches in one category at a time. To search a second category, the searcher must navigate up the hierarchical category tree and then down to the second category.
  • Multifaceted classification attempts to address the limits of the hierarchical categorization method. Instead of assigning a record to a single category, multifaceted classification allows a record to belong to multiple categories. The multiple categories become part of a record's description, along with standard information for the record such as the title, the abstract (or keywords), the date, and author. Multifaceted classification improves the likelihood of locating relevant records. First, the searcher can take several different paths to locate the same record. Using the analogy of books in a library, multifaceted classification is able to place a single book on more than one shelf Second, the multiple categories can be subjected to a Boolean query. Records relating to sports medicine could be found by searching for records included in both the sports category and the medicine category.
  • Boolean logic, segment limitations, hit counts, hierarchical categorization, and multifaceted classification help the searcher create more effective queries, but at the cost of increased complexity. Often instruction manuals or a software program's help menu must be consulted to draft a query. Dialog™, for instance, publishes a “Bluebook” that contains detailed lists of segment codes for each of their many databases. Lexis-Nexis™ goes so far as to provide free online access and training seminars for students to overcome their search engine's initial learning curve.
  • New generations of technology and methodologies continue to be developed to improve search accuracy and efficiency. Where one generation fails to meet all demands, another generation arises looking to fill the gaps. Each generation has been partially effective, however no generation to date has been entirely effective. In most cases, current technology is a singular approach technique to access and organize information, which at certain times is productive and efficient in accomplishing the intended task. However, all too frequently, the user uncovers no positive search result or receives hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of end search results. In some instances one technology will yield no positive result while another will possibly solve the research task. What is needed is an approach which allows users to employ a simplified means to access, organize, and manage information contained on the Internet and within business data systems. This approach should combine the best search methodologies on the market to provide the most complete solution possible.
  • What is also needed is a methodology that takes existing, legacy information and allows users to redefine and reorganize the information without requiring a data conversion thus improving the flow of data.
  • SUMMARY
  • The invention is a method of and apparatus for organizing data by overlaying a searchable database with a directory tree structure. According to an aspect of the present invention, a method of organizing data within a searchable database includes steps of generating a directory tree structure, wherein the directory tree structure includes nodes comprising a designated category for each node and branches comprising links between the nodes, and generating one or more pointers, wherein each pointer corresponds to a specific node and the pointer links the specific node to an item of data within the searchable database, wherein each pointer is categorized by a navigation path through the directory tree structure and by one or more set parameters, wherein the parameters are specific to the node in which the pointer is included, further wherein all items of data linked to the specific node by the corresponding pointers of the specific node are related to the designated category of the specific node. Each node within the directory tree structure can include a corresponding html address. The item of data can be web-based multimedia including one or more of audio, video, images, and appropriately formatted text. The method can include the steps of navigating the directory tree structure and selecting a corresponding pointer to access a particular item of data within the searchable database. The steps of navigating the directory tree structure and selecting a corresponding pointer can be performed utilizing a selective one or more search methodologies including keyword search, hierarchical tree search, dichotomous key search, and parametric search. Nodes within the directory tree structure can be added, edited, or deleted. Links and pointers within the directory tree structure can be added, redirected, or deleted. The related items of data corresponding to the specific node can be displayed in an encyclopedia page, wherein the encyclopedia page includes a selective one or more text, graphics, objects, audio, video, links to one or more other encyclopedia pages within the directory tree structure, and links to one or more web sites external to the directory tree structure. The searchable database can be distributed into more than one physical location. The steps of generating a directory tree structure and generating one or more pointers can be performed by a server. The method can include the step of establishing an internet connection with the server to generate the directory tree structure and the pointers. The internet connection can be established with a computer system at a remote location from the server.
  • According to another aspect of the present invention, an organization system for organizing data within a searchable database includes an organization server configured to generate a directory tree structure, wherein the directory tree structure includes nodes comprising a designated category for each node and branches comprising links between the nodes, and to generate one or more pointers, wherein each pointer corresponds to a specific node and the pointer links the specific node to an item of data within the searchable database, wherein each pointer is categorized by a navigation path through the directory tree structure and by one or more set parameters, wherein the parameters are specific to the node in which the pointer is included, further wherein all items of data linked to the specific node by the corresponding pointers of the specific node are related to the designated category of the specific node. Each node within the directory tree structure can include a corresponding html address. The item of data can be web-based multimedia including one or more of audio, video, images, and appropriately formatted text. The organization server can be utilized by a user to navigate the directory tree structure and to select a corresponding pointer for accessing a particular item of data within the searchable database. The directory tree structure can be navigated and a corresponding pointer can be selected by utilizing a selective one or more search methodologies including keyword search, hierarchical tree search, dichotomous key search, and parametric search. Nodes within the directory tree structure can be added, edited, or deleted. Links and pointers within the directory tree structure can be added, redirected, or deleted. The related items of data corresponding to the specific node can be displayed in an encyclopedia page, wherein the encyclopedia page includes a selective one or more text, graphics, objects, audio, video, links to one or more other encyclopedia pages within the directory tree structure, and links to one or more web sites external to the directory tree structure. The searchable database can be distributed into more than one physical location. The system can include an interface circuit coupled to the organization server to establish a connection with a computer system. The connection can be established with the computer system at a remote location from the interface circuit. The connection can be established with the remote computer system and the interface circuit over the internet to generate the directory tree structure and the pointers.
  • According to a further aspect of the present invention, a network of devices for organizing data within a searchable database includes one or more computer systems configured to communicate with other systems, and an organization server configured to couple to the one or more computer systems to generate a directory tree structure, wherein the directory tree structure includes nodes comprising a designated category for each node and branches comprising links between the nodes, and to generate one or more pointers, wherein each pointer corresponds to a specific node and the pointer links the specific node to an item of data within the searchable database, wherein each pointer is categorized by a navigation path through the directory tree structure and by one or more set parameters, wherein the parameters are specific to the node in which the pointer is included, further wherein all items of data linked to the specific node by the corresponding pointers of the specific node are related to the designated category of the specific node. Each node within the directory tree structure can include a corresponding html address. The item of data can be web-based multimedia including one or more of audio, video, images, and appropriately formatted text. The organization server can be utilized by a user to navigate the directory tree structure and to select a corresponding pointer for accessing a particular item of data within the searchable database. The directory tree structure can be navigated and a corresponding pointer can be selected by utilizing a selective one or more search methodologies including keyword search, hierarchical tree search, dichotomous key search, and parametric search. Nodes within the directory tree structure can be added, edited, or deleted. Links and pointers within the directory tree structure can be added, redirected, or deleted. The related items of data corresponding to the specific node can be displayed in an encyclopedia page, wherein the encyclopedia page includes a selective one or more text, graphics, objects, audio, video, links to one or more other encyclopedia pages within the directory tree structure, and links to one or more web sites external to the directory tree structure. The searchable database can be distributed into more than one physical location. The one or more computer systems and the organization server can be coupled together over the internet to allow users to generate the directory tree structure and the pointers.
  • According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of organizing data within a searchable database includes steps of generating a directory tree structure, wherein the directory tree structure includes nodes comprising a designated category and an html address for each node and branches comprising links between the nodes, and generating one or more pointers, wherein each pointer corresponds to a specific node and the pointer links the specific node to an item of web-based multimedia within the searchable database, wherein each pointer is categorized by a navigation path through the directory tree structure and by one or more set parameters, wherein the parameters are specific to the node in which the pointer is included, further wherein all items of web-based multimedia linked to the specific node by the corresponding pointers of the specific node are related to the designated category of the specific node. The item of web-based multimedia can include one or more of audio, video, images, and appropriately formatted text.
  • According to a still further aspect of the present invention, a method of generating a directory tree structure for organizing data within a searchable database and for accessing the searchable database over the internet includes steps of generating one or more nodes wherein each node includes an html address and a designated category, generating links between the nodes wherein each node is linked to at least one other node, further wherein each link is a hypertext link between a first html address of a first node and a second html address of a second node, generating one or more pointers, wherein each pointer corresponds to a specific node and the pointer links the specific node to an item of web-based multimedia within the searchable database, wherein each pointer is categorized by a navigation path through the directory tree structure and by one or more set parameters, wherein the parameters are specific to the node in which the pointer is included, further wherein all items of web-based multimedia linked to the specific node by the corresponding pointers of the specific node are related to the designated category of the specific node, and establishing a connection over the internet to the directory tree structure for accessing the searchable database. The item of web-based multimedia can include one or more of audio, video, images, and appropriately formatted text.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a database management and researching system according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the internal components of exemplary computer systems used to access the controller of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart showing the process used when a user accesses the keyword search module of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart showing the process used when a user accesses the hierarchical tree module of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart showing the process used when a user accesses the parametric search module of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the process used when a user accesses the dichotomous key module of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of the research module of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary encyclopedia page provided by the encyclopedia module of the present invention.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of the maintenance module of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 a illustrates the database management and research system accessing the searchable database.
  • FIG. 10 b illustrates the accessing scheme of FIG. 10 a after modifications to the directory tree structure.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
  • The database management and research system of the present invention provides a real time interactive process to manage, redefine, reorganize, access, store, and retrieve information without a need to perform data conversion. The database management and research system preferably provides a customizable directory tree structure that functions with existing networks, security, and infrastructure. The directory tree structure of the preferred embodiment of the present invention overlays and points to existing data thereby providing the necessary management and access processes relative to the existing data. The directory tree structure preferably includes nodes which represent html addresses and branches which represent links from an html address of one node to an html address of another node. Since these processes do not require the need for data conversion, the present invention produces a cost savings by deferring the cost of a conversion and an improved efficiency by reducing the overall time to implement a new database management and research technology.
  • A research system of the present invention bundles and enhances four database searching technologies to better manage and organize information on the Internet or within an organization's own proprietary data storage system. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the source of such information can be stored locally, remotely, centrally or can be distributed across multiple storage systems. The database searching technologies utilized within the present invention include keyword search, hierarchical tree, customizable parametric search, and dichotomous key. The utilization of the combination of these database searching technologies within the database management and research system of the present invention enables a user to retrieve very specific and categorized information.
  • Keyword searching is a standard utility used to scan a directory or the content of documents. Many Internet users believe that all Internet searches follow this technique. A keyword, or keywords, search can be used to scan an entire directory of information sources or search complete documents for a specific string or strings of characters.
  • A hierarchical tree structure is basically a decision tree structure that can have multiple nodes, like junctions of limbs on a tree. This structure is similar to those used by Internet directories, such as Yahoo!™ or LookSmart™. A limitation with these technologies is that they are not always designed to index discrete items of information. As a result, the search may not contain descriptive information about each item of interest.
  • Customizable parametric search technology allows users to precisely locate desired information by searching the parametric data that is contained within each node of the tree structure. Parameters will include information type and target use of the information. For example, if a user is seeking a house of desired parameters (location, size, price, age), this search technique is reliable. The options for search topics and parameters are endless.
  • A dichotomous key structure is a binary key structure or two-node tree. This structure is used as a decision tree mechanism to instruct users in deciphering information given in an answer or question dialog, often a yes or no answer. Examples of this include diagnosing a medical disease, diagnosing a mechanical problem, and working a system such as classifying a biological species by physical attributes.
  • The database management and research system of the present invention improves research accuracy and provides data management methodology that reduces costs and the time users spend finding the desired objective. As previously discussed, in most cases, current technology is a singular approach technique. This singular approach technique is productive on occasion; however, all too frequently, the user uncovers no positive result or receives an excessive number of search results. In either case, had a different technology been employed a positive result may have been achieved. The research system of the present invention enables the user to quickly and easily jump from one technology to another to maximize the benefits of using multiple approach techniques.
  • The database management and research system is a tool designed specifically to manage information. It is designed to organize and co-ordinate all information contained within a database. As used herein, the term database refers to a single collection or database, either previously existing or generated, as well as a collection of multiple databases, such as the Internet. It will also be obvious to someone skilled in the art that the research system is capable of managing quantities of data both large and small as compared to the Internet. The research system organizes this information into a coherent and orderly data structure to allow simple retrieval of data within the database. The preferred data structure is a directory tree structure, which will be described in detail below. This system also monitors changes to the internal structures and communicates updates and additions of this information structure to users in their chosen areas of interest. Within the research system, cross-links are utilized such that related nodes are explicitly linked as a “related topics” data structure within the directory tree. This is markedly different from other systems in that each node of the tree can focus on more discrete topics of information, for example creating cross-links that are more discrete. In addition, the preferred embodiment of the research system converts from one of the four basic search technologies to another, and then convert again to another, while in the same search investigation. This provides significant advantage over conventional single approach technologies through improved search effectiveness and increased efficiency in both time and effort.
  • A block diagram of a researching system according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. A controller 10 includes an internet server 12, a research module 100, a keyword search module 300, an hierarchical tree module 500, a parametric search module 700, and a dichotomous key module 900. The research module 100 is coupled to the internet server 12, to the keyword search module 300, to the hierarchical tree module 500, to the parametric search module 700, and to the dichotomous key module 900 to provide communications between the controller 10 and users accessing the researching system. As used herein, the term user includes one or more of an individual, groups of individuals, association, corporation, agency, or any other person or entity accessing the researching system to access, organize, retrieve, and manage information contained on the Internet and within a database.
  • The keyword search module 300, the hierarchical tree module 500, the parametric search module 700, and the dichotomous key module 900 are each coupled to each other to enable the user to quickly and easily jump from one search methodology to another while performing a research task.
  • The controller 10 is coupled to the public switched telephone network 24 to allow communications between the internet server 12 and the users' computer systems 26-32. Using the computer systems 26-32, users have the ability to establish a connection with the research module 100 to perform a desired research task. Preferably, this connection is established between the users' computer systems 26-32 and the controller 10 over the internet through the public switched telephone network 24. Alternatively, this connection is established by any appropriate connection including a direct connection over the public switched telephone network 24 or over a dedicated intranet network.
  • A block diagram of the internal components of the computer systems 26-32 used by users to access the controller 10 of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 2. While the controller 10 can be accessed from any appropriately configured computer system or internet access device, an exemplary computer system 50 for accessing the controller 10 is illustrated in FIG. 2. The exemplary computer system 50 includes a CPU 72, a main memory 56, a video memory 60, a mass storage device 54 and a modem 52, all coupled together by a conventional bidirectional system bus 58. The modem 52 is preferably coupled to the public switched telephone network 24 for sending and receiving communications. The mass storage device 54 may include both fixed and removable media using any one or more of magnetic, optical or magneto-optical storage technology or any other available mass storage technology. The system bus 58 contains an address bus for addressing any portion of the memory 54, 56 and 60. The system bus 58 also includes a data bus for transferring data between and among the CPU 72, the main memory 56, the video memory 60, the mass storage device 54 and the modem 52.
  • The computer system 50 is also coupled to a number of peripheral input and output devices including the keyboard 68, the mouse 70, and the associated display 66. The keyboard 68 is coupled to the CPU 72 for allowing a user to input data and control commands into the computer system 50. A conventional mouse 70 is coupled to the keyboard 68 or computer system 50, directly, for manipulating graphic images on the display 66 as a cursor control device in a conventional manner. The display 66 displays video and graphical images generated by the computer system 50.
  • A port of the video memory 60 is coupled to a video multiplex and shifter circuit 62, which in turn is coupled to a video amplifier 64. The video amplifier 64 drives the display 66, when it is being used. The video multiplex and shifter circuitry 62 and the video amplifier 64 convert pixel data stored in the video memory 60 to raster signals suitable for use by the display 66.
  • One advantage of the database management and research system of the present invention over conventional search techniques lies in the ability of the research module 100 to run discrete searches, the ability to separate information that is typically not able to be separated. For example, a computer hardware manufacturer would like to provide potential customers a way to answer questions regarding their products. Previously they were able to provide for a way that they could show product areas to their customers, but their site did not provide the functionality to search on more specific items. Using technology provided by the database management and research system of the present invention, users can locate information on discrete product part numbers so customers can obtain complete product information more quickly, and make faster and more educated purchasing decisions.
  • The powerful discrete searching capability of the research system can be compared to a trip to a common grocery store. In a typical searching methodology you may have the ability to search by aisle. The user knows that they are looking for Del Monte™ string beans. Their search takes them to the aisle of “canned fruits and vegetables”. They may be able to narrow their search, by using boolean logic, to the section of the aisle where there are canned vegetables. Using conventional means, it is now up to the user to search through the various types of vegetables to find specifically what they are looking for. However, the ability to locate discrete items within the research system of the present invention will allow the user to go to the aisle of the “canned fruit and vegetables” and then continue refining the search. By utilizing dichotomous keys the engine will ask whether the user is interested in “fruits” or “vegetables”. After choosing vegetables, the user may choose “beans” from a list of related topics corn, beans, peas, etc. After choosing beans, the user may enter a keyword that they are searching for, e.g. “Del Monte”. They may continue this type of questioning until finding the exact, discrete item that they are searching for.
  • The system ultimately provides a method for the user to retrieve information regardless of how specific. The user has multiple methods of locating data: either via an encyclopedia interface, a multi-node tree classification system, a decision tree dialog, via cross-links (related topics), a keyword search system, or using parametric search attributes.
  • As previously discussed, the information within the research system is organized into a directory tree structure. The directory tree structure includes nodes and branches. A node is considered a discrete category. The nodes are collections of related data and branches are links between nodes. As used herein, the term data preferably refers to web-based multimedia that includes sound, video, graphics, and appropriately formatted text. Appropriately formatted text can include, but is not limited to, word documents, excel documents, powerpoint documents, mechanical drawings, and any document or file rendered by a personal computer or a workstation. It should be clear to one skilled in the art that data can also include discrete appropriately formatted and independently accessible data items, files, and applications with associated URLs and web interface stored in human resource databases, financial and accounting databases, manufacturing databases, order processing and fulfillment databases, customer service databases, sales and marketing databases, and other similar databases or data file formats. The top of the directory tree structure includes nodes of the most general type of information, whereas the bottom of the directory tree structure includes nodes of the most specific type of information. As a user moves down the directory tree structure, the nodes at a next lower level will include more specific information than the nodes of the previous higher level. The converse is also true, as a user moves up the directory tree structure, the nodes at the next higher level will include more general information than the nodes on the previous lower level. As new information is added to the research system, the new information is assigned to a node. Each node preferably includes an encyclopedia listing, definition, related topics, and keywords. Nodes are also preferably cross-linked to related topics which enables users to navigate laterally within the directory tree structure. As users navigate the directory tree structure, the display screen indicates where the users are within the directory tree structure and suggests other related links. A more detailed description pertaining to construct and formation of the directory tree structure will be discussed below.
  • The research module 100 performs discrete research tasks using any combination of the four search technologies including keyword search, hierarchical tree search, parametric search, and dichotomous key search, as discussed above. Such combinations can include one, two, three, or all four search technologies to accomplish any one research task. The specific embodiments of these combinations will be discussed in greater detail below.
  • Keyword Search Module
  • Referring to the keyword search module 300 in FIG. 1, the data in the directory tree structure can be searched using the following keyword search options: search link descriptions, search keywords for nodes, and search contents of the link. In the search link descriptions search, the keyword search module 300 will search only the descriptions of the link objects. In the search keywords for nodes search, the keyword search module 300 searches the keywords located at each node of the directory. For example, searching for “car” will lead to the “automobiles” node in the directory. In the search contents of the link search, the keyword search module 300 will traverse the directory down to each link path, and upload each page, object, or entire site and store the contents into the search database. This database will be used for the content keyword search. The location within the directory will be stored with each link in the search database in able to narrow the search down to the specific branch of the directory.
  • Keyword searches selected at a location within the directory tree structure will only contain results from that node of the directory or below, the further down the directory tree, the narrower the search.
  • Applying the keyword search to the directory tree structure provides many advantages over conventional search methodologies. Keyword searches are available on multiple sets of data including tree categories that are specific to each tree node, topic descriptions maintained external to the web objects, and web page or object content search. Using a keyword search within the directory tree structure keeps the user within the tree as opposed to a link outside the system. Most conventional searches provide a list of links and when the user chooses a link they are taken to that website, typically a website external to the location at which the search was performed. With the research system of the present invention, the user receives a list of matches but when an item is selected the user is taken to a node on the directory tree structure or to the encyclopedia.
  • The concept is to include as much data as possible within the system as opposed to pushing the user outside the system via links to other websites. Although the research system does provide links to external web sites, the objective is to include enough data within the research system to enable the user to complete the research task without need of linking to external web sites. Maintaining data within the research system controls performance and how clean the data is. This concept applies to the entirety of the research system.
  • The keyword search technology utilizes a natural language processor that maps the search request to the query language of the research system. A keyword search can be utilized at any point within the research task. To use the keyword search, first the user does a “find” operation. The user inputting the keyword(s) to be searched for into a text field accomplishes a find. The keyword search module 300 performs a fuzzy keyword search on all topics within the directory. Each match will take the user to the node that matches the search criteria. Sometimes the result will be a list, i.e. you search on “tennis” and the resulting list might be “tennis”, “tennis shoes”, “tennis racquet”, etc.
  • A flowchart illustrating the process used when a user accesses the keyword search module 300 is illustrated in FIG. 3. The process of FIG. 3 starts at the step 302. At the step 305, the system presents an input field to enter a search criteria. The input field is preferably a text field, but the input field can be any means by which the system can retrieve a keyword(s) to be used to perform a keyword search. At the step 310, the user enters the keyword(s) to be used as the search criteria The keyword(s) are entered into the text field presented in the step 305. At the step 315, the research system performs the keyword search. The keyword search is performed by matching the search criteria that was input at the step 310 to the data in the research system to generate a list of matches. At the step 320, the research system lists the search results, the search results are the list of matches generated at the step 315. At the step 325, it is determined if the user would like to view a result of the search. The user indicates the desire to view a result by selecting one of the results listed in the step 320. Preferably, the result is selected by using a computer mouse to “double-click” on the desired result in the conventional manner. If it is determined at the step 325 that the user does want to view a result, the process jumps to an encyclopedia module 130 (FIG. 7) at the step 327. The encyclopedia module 130 formats the related data of the selected result into an encyclopedia-like page. The selected result preferably corresponds to a particular node within the directory tree structure. The encyclopedia page will be discussed in greater detail below. If it is determined at the step 325 that the user does not want to view a result or after the system has accessed the encyclopedia module 130, it is determined at the step 330 if the user wants to perform another keyword search. If it is determined at the step 330 that the user does want to perform another keyword search, then the process jumps back to the step 305. If it is determined at the step 330 that the user does not want to perform another keyword search, then the keyword search process ends at the step 335.
  • Hierarchical Tree Module
  • Referring to the hierarchical tree module 500 in FIG. 1, each node within the directory tree structure is organized into a hierarchical tree structure, also commonly referred to as a directory. Directories are useful in situations of selecting from an alphabetized list. Simply list A through Z and the user chooses a specific letter. A directory corresponding to the specific letter chosen by the user is presented. The user is once again allowed to choose a selection, and so on. Conventional directories are typically short on descriptions and simply list available links.
  • Within the research system of the present invention, a directory preferably has a title and short description with a collection of links. Combined with the encyclopedia, to be discussed below, a more robust list including detail with text and graphics is provided.
  • A flowchart illustrating the process used when a user accesses the hierarchical tree module 500 is illustrated in FIG. 4. The process of FIG. 4 starts at the step 502. At the step 506, the system displays a directory of categories. The specific directory to be displayed is dependent upon the current node within the directory tree structure at which the user currently resides. If the user is at the highest node in the directory, the main directory of categories is displayed. If the user is at a lower node in the directory, the corresponding directory of categories for that node is displayed. At the step 510, it is determined if the user wants to view a specific category. The user can select a category from the directory of categories currently displayed from the step 506. The user indicates the desire to view a category by selecting one of the categories listed in the step 506. If it is determined in the step 510 that the user wants to view a category, the process jumps to the encyclopedia model 130 (FIG. 7) at the step 511. The encyclopedia module 130 formats the related data of the selected category into an encyclopedia-like page. After the process jumps to the encyclopedia module 130, at the step 512 the system retrieves a subdirectory of categories. The subdirectory of categories is the directory of categories associated with the node of the category selected at the step 510. At the step 514 the system displays the subdirectory of categories. At the step 518, it is determined if the user wants to view a specific category of the subdirectory of categories currently displayed from the step 514. If it is determined at the step 518 that the user wants to view a category, then the process jumps back to the step 511 to jump to the encyclopedia module 130. If it is determined at the step 518 that the user does not want to view a category or if it is determined at the step 510 that the user does not want to view a category, then the hierarchical tree process ends at the step 522.
  • Parametric Search Module
  • Referring to the parametric search module 700 in FIG. 1, each node includes a list of parameters that are specific to that node. This list is customizable. For example, on a real estate website, search on price, location, # bedrooms and you will be provided a list of entries that match all search criteria When new information is added to the research system it is necessary to specify, or set, the value of each parameter specific to each entry. The types of parameters include, but are not limited to, true-false, selected list, range of values, and alphabetic list.
  • Only certain users are granted permission to add new information to the research system. The details as to how new information is added to the research system will be discussed below. In an example of adding new information, one parameter might be “type” and the choice of type might be “white paper”, “article”, “book”, etc. The user will then provide which type the new item is. All parameters will be provided by the user in this manner. Accordingly, at a particular node within the directory, a user can utilize a parametric search to further define and obtain only the desired information from the information available at the node.
  • Each area in the directory tree structure provides different technology. As a user moves down the tree, the technology provides more specific information. For example, if a user is at a high node in the tree, such as “music”, and the user uses one of the four aforementioned search technologies to move down the tree, first to a mid-level node “classical music” and finally to a bottom node “Bach”. At the “Bach” node, the user can run a parametric search for specific items related to “Bach”.
  • A flowchart illustrating the process used when a user accesses the parametric search module 700 is illustrated in FIG. 5. The process of FIG. 5 starts at the step 702. At the step 706 the system displays a list of parameters. The specific parameters to be displayed are dependent upon the node at which the user is located when the user accesses the parametric search module 700. At the step 710, the user inputs the desired search parameters. It is preferred that the search parameters are entered into a text field or selected from a drop-down menu, although it should be apparent to someone skilled in the art that other conventional means of data input can be used. In the step 714, the research system performs a search based on the input search parameter from the step 710. At the step 718, the research system displays a list of the matching results from the search performed in the step 714. At the step 722, it is determined if the user wants to view a result from the list of matching results displayed in the step 718. The user indicates the desire to view a matching result by selecting one of the matching results listed in the step 718. If it is determined at the step 722 that the user wants to view a result, then the process jumps to the encyclopedia model 130 (FIG. 7) at the step 724. The encyclopedia module 130 formats the related data of the selected result into an encyclopedia-like page. If it is determined at the step 722 that the user does not want to view a result or after the system has accessed the encyclopedia module 130, it is determined at the step 726 if the user wants to perform another parametric search. If it is determined at the step 726 that the user does want to perform another parametric search, then the process jumps back to the step 706. If it is determined at the step 726 that the user does not want to perform another parametric search, then the parametric search process ends at the step 730.
  • Dichotomous Key Module
  • Referring to the dichotomous key module 900 in FIG. 1, the directory tree structure can be organized into a dichotomous key (binary key) structure. Such a structure is advantageous because of its flexibility for growth and ease of use. Flexibility for growth is accomplished because node splits are made easily and can be done “on-line” while the system is running and also during other updates. Users are also less likely to notice a binary split verses a larger split.
  • In conventional directory structures, where there are multiple entries per node, users can easily become lost. As directories grow and become more complicated, decisions become more difficult and choosing between two paths associated with a dichotomous key structure verses many paths associated with directory structures is simpler. Therefore, the dichotomous tree structure improves ease of use for the user.
  • Dichotomous tree structures are not without their limitations, and as such, these limitations need to be accounted for. One problem of a dichotomous key structure is that navigating this structure is more cumbersome when users are looking for simple topics on smaller directories such as shopping, entertainment, etc.
  • Another problem with dichotomous key structures is that some objects are either ambiguous or not obvious as to which category or node path they belong. An example is the pepper. If the choice is between fruit and vegetable, to which does the pepper belong? The answer is fruit, but many may not know this.
  • The present invention addresses the problems associated with the dichotomous key structure by building a dichotomous decision tree within the directories of the directory tree structure. Such a structure enables users to break out of the dichotomous key at the corresponding level within the directory tree structure. This corresponding level is typically a specific node. At this specific node, doing keyword searches, hierarchical tree searches, or parametric searches of various types is restricted to that portion of the directory. The tree structure can point to the same object via multiple paths which is valuable for objects that have more than one category or use. Also, each node contains keywords for navigational help. These solutions, and others, will be discussed in greater detail below.
  • As is the case with the directory tree structure as a whole, within the dichotomous decision tree the higher the level the more general the information. When navigating down a dichotomous key structure, each lower node splits the knowledge base in half. If a user does break out of the tree to perform a keyword search, the search is performed only on the remaining information below the node.
  • The dichotomous key structure uses a binary search and is good for use when the user is not familiar with what the lower end nodes are. For example, if the top node is medical diseases and bottom nodes are specific medical diseases, a user makes binary decisions based on symptoms to reach a diagnosis. The dichotomous key structure is also used in help desk environments to help end users solve problems, and in scientific classification. The dichotomous key structure is not so good when nodes are obvious, i.e. top node is shoes and bottom nodes are tennis shoes, dress shoes, boots, etc. Dichotomous key is also not so good in A-Z decisions. It would be tedious to make multiple decisions like choosing between A-M and N-Z and so on to reach the desired letter.
  • An example of categories from general to specific within a dichotomous key structure follows:
    • Everything→Organic→Vegetable→Plant→Tree→Evergreen→Tuber-Leaf→Juniper
  • Other examples of useful dichotomous key search applications are: at the node for “fiction”, the dichotomous key selections are “fiction books” and “fiction other than books”, or at the node for “Mercedes-Benz” and the dichotomous key selections are “Mercedes-Benz Dealers” and “Mercedes-Benz Models”.
  • A flowchart illustrating the process used when a user accesses the dichotomous key module 900 is illustrated in FIG. 6. The process of FIG. 6 starts at the step 902. At the step 906 the system displays two binary options, one of which is to be selected by the user. The specific binary options to be displayed are dependent upon the node at which the user is located within the dichotomous key structure. At the step 910, it is determined if the user wants to view either of the binary options displayed in the step 906. If it is determined at the step 910 that the user does want to view one of the binary options, then the process jumps to the encyclopedia module 130 (FIG. 7) at the step 912. The encyclopedia module 130 formats the related data of the selected binary option into an encyclopedia-like page. If it is determined at the step 910 that the user does not want to view either of the binary options or after the system has accessed the encyclopedia module 130, it is determined at the step 914 if the user wants to select one of the two binary options displayed in the step 906. By selecting one of the binary options, the user is indicating that they want to move down one level in the dichotomous key structure. The user indicates a desire to select one of the binary options by double-clicking on one of the binary options in the conventional manner. If it determined at the step 914 that the user wants to select a binary option, then at the step 918 the system retrieves the next associated binary option pair, where the next binary pair resides at one level down the dichotomous key structure from the binary option pair currently displayed in the step 906. After the step 918, the process jumps back to the step 906. If it is determined at the step 914 that the user does not want to select one of the two binary options, then the dichotomous key process ends at the step 922.
  • Research Module
  • A block diagram of the research module 100 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 7. The research module 100 includes a search module 110, a searchable database 120, a maintenance module 180, the encyclopedia module 130, a save search module 140, a notification module 150, a query language module 160, and an external systems module 170. The search module 110 is coupled to the query language module 160 to format the search request in a query language that the research system can interpret. The search module 110 is coupled to the encyclopedia module 130 to format the collection of data corresponding to a specific node into an encyclopedia-like format. The search module 110 is coupled to the searchable database 120 to access the available searchable data. As described above, the searchable database 120 can be local, remote, central or distributed across multiple storage systems. The searchable database 120 can also include data accessible by the Internet or an intranet network. The maintenance module 180 is coupled to the searchable database 120 to manage and organize new and existing information within the searchable database 120. The external systems module 170 is coupled to the query language module 160 to provide external system access to the search module 110. The save search module 140 is coupled to the search module 110 to save a navigation path and set parameters used in the search module 110 to perform a specific research task. The notification module 150 is coupled to the save search module 140 to notify users that desired information has been added to the searchable database 120.
  • The search module 110 performs the research task, the research task being accomplished by utilizing the search methodology specified by the user. As discussed above, the search methodologies include keyword search, hierarchical tree, parametric search, and dichotomous key. The search module applies the specified search methodologies to system accessible data to provide the desired search results. Preferably, the accessible data resides in the searchable database 120.
  • The searchable database 120 includes data accessed by the search module 110. Data within the searchable database 120 also includes links to data external to the research system. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the searchable database 120 is a distributed database which resides internal to the research system of the present invention. It should be clear to those skilled in the art that the searchable database 120 can be a centralized database. It should also be clear to those skilled in the art that the searchable database 120 can reside external to the research system of the present invention.
  • The encyclopedia module 130 includes an encyclopedia. Each node in the directory tree structure is linked to an encyclopedia page. An encyclopedia page provides a description of product or data relevant to the corresponding node that is managed by an author, business, or organization. The information within the system, or data residing within the searchable database 120, is presented to users as an alphabetical list of topics from which to choose. Listings can be expanded to reveal graphics and information. Listings can also be linked to create relationships with listings on other encyclopedia pages. Links are submissions by users within the topic. This access method can either lead a user to the information required, or be a quick-start method to get to a specific area of information. Each node within the hierarchical structure and each link listed at each node of the tree has the ability to store extended textual or html data. This allows information within the research system to be useable without users having to leave the system.
  • An exemplary encyclopedia page 810 provided by the encyclopedia module 130 is illustrated in FIG. 8. The encyclopedia page 810 corresponds to a Mercedes-Benz/Models/Roadsters node within the directory tree structure of the present invention. Although the encyclopedia page 810 corresponds to the Mercedes-Benz/Models/Roadsters node, it should be clear that information within the directory tree structure can be re-organized in such a manner that the encyclopedia page 810 corresponds to a different node. The encyclopedia page 810 includes a graphics section 820, a text section 830, a cross-links section 850, and an external links section 860. The graphics section 820 includes gif, jpeg, mpeg or other appropriately formatted images and videos. The text section 830 includes descriptive text, listings, definitions, etc. The cross-links section 850 includes links to other related nodes within the directory tree structure. When a cross-link to another node is selected, the encyclopedia page corresponding to the linked node is displayed. In this manner, a user can jump from encyclopedia page to encyclopedia page to encyclopedia page and so on. The external links section 806 includes links to related topics and subject-matter that resides external to the directory tree structure. Preferably, these external links are URL's corresponding to external websites. It should be clear that other relevant information can be included within the encyclopedia page 810. Although each section 820, 830, 840, and 850 is illustrated as a single distinct section, it should be clear that each section 820, 830, 840, and 850 can include multiple similar sections, where each section can be displayed anywhere within the encyclopedia page 810. It should also be clear that the encyclopedia page 810 can be opened as a stand-alone window or as a section of a larger window. In either case, the window can be larger than the display screen whereby the user can view the entire encyclopedia page by scrolling in the conventional manner.
  • The save search module 140 enables users to receive the most current and updated information on any topics of their choice. This is accomplished by saving the navigation path through the directory tree structure and the set parameters of a search so that the exact same search can be done at any time. In this way users can also choose to have new information sent to them regarding their chosen topic. Once the parameters have been saved, the same search can be performed again and again, either at the time the search is saved or at a later date with parameters to be set such as the period between searches and the notification method. The available notification methods include pushing the search results to the desired user through email or other notification as discussed below.
  • The user also has the capability of saving research criteria inside a personal profile similar to a “favorite”. This allows the user to repeat the search on a regular basis. Some examples of this repeated search include a purchasing agent who wants to know the latest prices posted within his/her areas of purchasing responsibilities and a scientist routinely researching his areas of expertise for new developments.
  • The notification module 150 automatically distributes newly entered information within a particular node or category of the directory tree structure to a user over the computer network. The user has the ability to define nodes, categories and parameters of information in which they are interested. When new information meeting the defined criteria is entered into the decision tree or database structure, the system automatically forwards a notice of this newly entered information to the user. This notice is forwarded by one or more methods of notification including over a bulletin board, through an e-mail message, as a news item directed to the user when the user next accesses the directory, and on a desktop interface through which the user is accessing the directory.
  • As a user is performing a research task, the search request, or procedure, can be saved as described above in relation to the save search module 140. This saved search essentially defines a particular node within the research system structure. Once the search procedure has been saved, the user can request to be updated automatically with new information from the particular node of which the saved search defines. At each node, specific articles of information reside. As part of the node, parameters are used to define each individual article of information. As each new article of information is added to a particular node, the parameters associated with that particular node are set to values that define the new article of information to be added. The parameters are set by the user entering the new information into the system. The new information, along with its corresponding parameters, will need to be approved by a node owner before the new information is actually added to the system. This approval method will be discussed in greater detail below. It is the setting of the parameters that enables new information to be “pushed” to other users who have previously saved a search in order to be automatically updated when desired new information is entered into the system. In other words, the push functionality is performed in response to a saved search established by a specific user. When new or updated information is added to the node and this information matches the saved query selected by the user, the research system will notify the user of the added information. After a notification has been pushed to the appropriate user, this user accepts the push and establishes a method of receipt. The method of receipt includes, but is not limited to, email, news groups, bulletin boards, or desktop. It should be clear that other alternative methods to push information to users are also available.
  • In conventional systems, push technology is not used within directories or search engines. The research system of the present invention makes it possible to apply push technology to directories and search engines due to the way that the search has been defined (by its navigation path and by its parameters) and the structure of the tree.
  • When a new item is entered into the system, the description of this item is propagated up the nodes of the tree so that no matter what level of saved search the user has run, the user will know of any relevant new items entered into the system.
  • For example, certain Mercedes dealerships would like to receive all factory announcements related to a particular model. Therefore, the notification module 150 is utilized to push all announcements regarding the particular model that are added to the database 120. The notification module 150 also can be used to push data to research sites or to stockbrokers looking to stay abreast of a particular industry or technology.
  • The query language module 160 uses a specific query language to navigate through the directory and decision tree to access a specific node or a discrete data item within the directory. Each node within the decision tree has a corresponding query that can be used to quickly arrive at the node without manually navigating through the branches of the decision tree. The query can be further extended to access a discrete data item corresponding to the specific node. A user has the ability to save a query for a particular node or discrete data item to later access information at the node without manually navigating through the branches of the decision tree to arrive at the node.
  • The structure of the query language of the present invention is preferably similar to that of a specific query language (SQL), but it is specific to the combined technologies of accessing the directory tree structure and setting parameters for a search. Therefore, the application of the query language is different than conventional search methodologies due to the unique directory tree structure of the database management and research system of the present invention.
  • In the present invention, all nodes are specific. This is not typical of nodes in conventional directories. As an example, an “entertainment” node may be listed in multiple branches of conventional directories, but within the research system of the present invention the node is specific to a single branch. This specificity allows a query to be performed that will find exactly what is being searched for. If the node were listed in multiple branches, the same query would result in multiple search results, which is not desired.
  • As an alternative to manually navigating the directory tree structure using the aforementioned search methodologies, the user has the option to input a query language string to define the research task desired of the research system. Inputting the query string yields equivalent results as does manually going through the directories, the trees, and the parametric searches, as discussed above. Direct user input of the desired query string essentially shortcuts the search process. As is the case with the research tasks described above, the query string can be saved as a save search. Whether a save search is a result of manually navigating the directory tree structure or directly inputting a desired query string, the research system saves the search in the query language format.
  • The research system has the ability to interface with external applications through the external systems module 170. Interfacing is accomplished utilizing the SQL-like query language as discussed above in relationship to the query language module 160, an application program interface (API), and a directory to directory protocol. The query language is a third generation language to do simple queries to the research system. An example query looks like:
  • IQUERY <instance node>/<instance name> LIST * FROM <node key>
    WHERE commercial = Y
    AND LINK DESC CONTAINS “Chevrolet”;
    • The options for this query language contain READ functions and UPDATE functions.
  • The API within the external systems module 170 allows other applications, either external systems or web sites, to use the research system as a central infrastructure knowledge base. The API system creates an interface between the application and the research system that allows a seamless connection to be made without users of the application noticing. The application can call upon resources contained inside the research system on the same server or across an IP connection on similar networks or across the Internet. The external systems use the API to periodically or randomly query the research system for information, the queries are formatted in the query language as described in the query language module 160. The application can make a request to the research system for specific data from one or more nodes within the directory tree structure, the research system retrieves the requested data, the application pulls the retrieved data from the research system, the application reformats the retrieved data for the system on which the application resides, and the system utilizes the retrieved data as if the system itself retrieved and formatted the data.
  • The database management and research system of the present invention is designed so a separate portal can be set up within the research system that allows external search engines to search the research system directory tree structure and expose information to the search engine customers. As an example, an external system is a job search site and the research system includes a multitude of job listings organized within a job directory tree structure. A user on the job search site submits a request to find all the jobs within California, related to information technology (IT) with TCP/IP and SNA skills. The job search site system formats a query using the API of the research system and forwards the request to the research system, the research system retrieves the matching jobs, and the data is sent back to the job search site system where it is formatted according to the job search site parameters. This entire process is accomplished transparently to the job search site user. In this example, the research system provides the back end functionality and the data is fed back to the job search site program running the API. It is transparent to the research system that the query originated from an external system.
  • The directory to directory protocol allows referrals from one research system to be processed from another research system. This allows the research system to scale to larger proportions across multiple organizations and data centers. One organization can maintain data specific to its own expertise or ownership inside it's own hosted research system.
  • The maintenance module 180 manages the process of inputting and deleting data into the searchable database 120. The maintenance module 180 also manages relationships between data residing within the searchable database 120. A block diagram of the maintenance module 180 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 9. The maintenance module 180 includes a master nodal record module 182, a node links table module 184, an hierarchical security module 186, and a data maintenance module 188. The hierarchical security module 186 is coupled to the master nodal records module 182 and the data maintenance module 188 to maintain the integrity of the data associated with each node. The node links table module 184 is coupled to the master nodal records module 182 to manage the linking relationships between the nodes in the research system.
  • The master nodal record module 182 maintains a record of the data and links related to each individual node. As discussed above, each node has an associated encyclopedia page as described in relation to the encyclopedia module 130. Links at the node are attached to records in the searchable database 120 or to the encyclopedia. If the link is to a discrete data item, then the link is attached to the record in the searchable database. If the link is to another node, then the link is attached to the encyclopedia and the associated encyclopedia page.
  • Each node in the directory tree structure includes data specific to that location of the tree. The data available preferably includes node-name and node-description. The node-description is a detailed description of the tree node that explains to the user what the category is. Each node also includes related topics and search parameters. These topics define a search, they are not just links.
  • The node links table module 184 maintains a node links table of links between all nodes within the directory tree structure. The links between nodes are referred to as cross-links. At each level of the directory there is the possibility of one to many links (objects) available. A table linked in a “one to many” relationship is the “links table”. This table is where the object data is located that the user is interested in locating. The table includes the fields link-node-name, link-description, and link-path. An example of the node links table usage is herein described to navigate down the directory tree structure to “plants”. The node links table may include lists to academic web sites on botany. Clicking on one of these entries will navigate the user to the external web sites to further research botany. To continue the example, the user could continue down the directory tree structure. The lower down the structure the user travels, the more specific and less general the categories become, and the more specific the links would be. If the user continued down the directory tree structure past “plants” to “juniper trees”, the links would be web or database objects such as web sites, photos, movie files, etc., only pertaining to juniper trees.
  • Cross-links to related topics are also available. Objects are linked to multiple categories inside the directory tree structure, so users can also navigate laterally around the directory tree structure.
  • Many objects inside the directory tree structure belong correctly into more than one category. An example of this is the “pepper plant”. The “pepper plant” is correctly classified as a plant, a spice, a fruit, an edible plant, etc. This object is entered into the system into one nodal master record, as described above in relation to the master nodal record module 182, then entered into the directory at multiple locations within the tree. When navigating down through the edible plants, a user will find the key for the “pepper plant.” A user will also find the key for the “pepper plant” when navigating down the spice section of the directory tree structure.
  • When a nodal master record is located in more than one location in the directory tree structure, a cross-reference table record is added to the node links table. When the object is located, the user has the option of listing all other nodes (or categories) in which the object is also contained.
  • This is an “Also Related Categories” function of the system. When this function is accessed, typically by clicking on a related button on the display, for the example of “pepper plant”, the other categories are listed (plants, edible plants, spices, etc.). This gives the user the ability to navigate laterally within the directory structure. The user can find the “pepper plant” node, click on the “Also Related Categories” button, then select any of the other categories where the “pepper plant” is located and move to that location in the directory by selecting that category.
  • Using cross-links there are multiple paths to the same data. Many conventional search engines will list each path as a separate search result, which leads to cumbersome and repetitive results list. However, using the database management and research system of the present invention, a search result will preferably be listed only once so that a user does not have to wade through multiple search results which all lead back to the same data.
  • Additional data is stored about each link in the node links table. The additional data includes such data as family rating, link rating, type, entertainment, and link hits. The family rating is a rating similar to movie ratings, i.e. “G” is okay for the family, “R” maybe a little rough or risque, and “X” is pornography and inappropriate for certain family members. The link rating is maintained by user surveys and maintains a rating or popularity value for the link. The type is a link entry corresponding to categories such as Commercial, Private, or Educational. Entertainment can include games, activities, art, etc. Link hits represent a value maintained by the system and records the number of times users entered this site from the directory tree. The links hit value is used for recording how active and useful a link is.
  • An additional table linked in a “one to many” relationship is the node keyword table. The node keyword table is maintained by the node links table module 184 and includes keywords associated with a particular node in the directory tree structure. The use of this table is to help the system navigate the user directly to the node location. This gives the user the capability of navigating directly to this location in the tree with a simple keyword navigation, or with a directory front-end structure or interface.
  • As an example, the user can enter “car” and navigate directly to the “automobiles” section in the directory tree structure. The user can then navigate the directory tree structure to the specific object that they are looking for, or enter another more specific keyword. A benefit of the database management and research system of the present invention is when the more specific keyword is entered while the user is at the “automobile” node, the resulting search results will reflect matches found in the “automobile” node and the lower directory structure tied to the “automobile” node.
  • The hierarchical security module 186 allows users to maintain their own data, or their own particular nodes of the tree. An expert within a particular field can “own” this node of the tree. This allows for the system to be maintained by any number of editors and contributors with expertise or interest in their particular node(s). The system is structurally designed to be able to split the tree into administrative and logical partitions. If necessary, these partitions can span multiple computer nodes and multiple data centers over geographical regions.
  • Ownership of portions of the directory tree structure can be delegated to external authors or organizations. Organizations with ownership of portions of the directory tree structure can further delegate portions of their ownership to different authors inside their organization.
  • If a user wants to add a new item, the user must first be logged into the system. Certain users can be listed as “OK” and if these users add a new item, the item will automatically be entered into the system without need for additional approval. Of course, the user must still provide the details regarding the new item's classification, corresponding parameters, etc. However, the item itself does not need to be approved. If a user is not approved or is “unknown”, then the new item will be put in a queue for review by the owner of the particular node to which the user wants to add the item. The owner of the node will then determine whether or not to add the new item to the system. Typically, if the database is the Internet or an Internet accessible database, then each new item has an associated uniform resource locator (URL). The URL is considered new data and in essence acts as a directory. Certain items will not have a URL, such as an announcement. For example, an announcement might be used by a user who wants to enter an item regarding a new book they wrote; however, if the user does not have a web site associated with the new book, the user fills out the information associated with the new item, which includes some descriptive text and search parameters. Only this information associated with the new item is then stored at the appropriate node.
  • Each node of the directory tree structure preferably includes a link to a user table. The user table includes a list of users authorized for update access to the node. The users with update access to the node have update access to the nodes below the specific node as well. The user with full authorization can also delegate update authority to users at or below the directory tree structure where they have ownership rights.
  • There are many examples where such update or ownership authorization is beneficial. For example, companies that produce products listed at the particular level of the directory and below. Educational organizations might take ownership of specific technologies, such as botany for plants, where the organization could research all botany-related objects and maintain these links on a volunteer basis. Individual experts in a field or volunteers might maintain areas of the directory tree structure. In corporate Intranets, specific departments maintain their own objects on the directory tree structure.
  • The hierarchical security module 186 enables node owners to control the addition and deletion of data into the searchable database 120. However, the nodes and associated content also need to be maintained, which is a function of the data maintenance module 188.
  • Volunteers and special interest groups act to maintain the nodes and associated content. Maintenance preferably includes the need to rate content, match parameters, scan new items to eliminate spam, hate mail, etc., and scrub links to maintain the reliability of links. In corporate Intranets, individual authors or departments can maintain this structure and object links. If the reliability of a link is below a threshold value the link can be eliminated. Such a reliability check is an example of business policies that can be set.
  • The data in the directory is manually entered and maintained. For content on commercial web sites, users submit data into a holding queue to be reviewed before being released and added to the research system. The data maintenance module 188 performs up-front edits to insure data completeness and integrity.
  • One method by which new data is added is for the user to navigate the directory tree structure to the correct location. At the correct location, the user selects an “add link” option. A set of forms is presented to the user who will then fill in the data fields. For each new data item to be added, the user will also set the parameters corresponding to the location within the directory tree structure to which the new data item is to be added. These parameters are of the type described above in relation to the parametric search. After the up-front edits, the data is added or moved to the update queue, where the data is reviewed and released (or discarded). The user can navigate the directory tree structure again to add the same link to other locations within the directory. This is done by selecting the “add again to another category” option, then navigating to the new location and selecting “add link” option as before. The system will “remember” the link record and add the link to the current node record as well. It should be clear to those skilled in the art that other methods of data entry are also available to be used to submit new information into the research system.
  • Once a user has accessed the research system, the user has the ability to perform a research task and find desired information that resides in the searchable database 120. The data in the searchable database 120 is organized into a directory tree structure by the research system. At each branch in the tree is a node which includes related information. The higher the node is within the directory tree structure the more general the information, and the lower the node is within the directory tree structure the more specific the information. At each node within the tree, the user is presented with the option of using any one or combinations of the four search methodologies utilized by the research system. The four search methodologies are keyword search, hierarchical tree search, dichotomous key search, and parametric search. Regardless as to which search methodology or search methodologies are used to reach a particular node, the user can utilize any of the four search methodologies to further refine the search and move further down the directory tree structure. The user may also navigate back up the directory tree structure to a higher node, and once again have the option to use any one of the four search methodologies to refine the search from the current node and move further down the directory tree structure. The related information at each node is presented in the form of an encyclopedia page. Each node is linked to an encyclopedia page, where the encyclopedia page displays the related information associated with that particular node. Such related information can include a title, short description, text, graphics, and links to related topics. The links are typically to other nodes within the research system. However, the links may be to web sites external to the research system. In this manner, a user can navigate the directory tree structure, utilizing any one of the four search methodologies in any combination to reach the desired result.
  • The following is an example of how all four search methodologies can be utilized to successfully complete a research task. After accessing the database management and research system, a user inputs the character string “transportation” utilizing the keyword search option. The keyword search module then yields a list of search results including the node “transportation”. The user performs a hierarchical tree search on “transportation” which results in a list including “airplane”, “automobile”, “boat”, “train”, etc. The user can then further investigate “automobile” by performing a dichotomous key search. The dichotomous key search on “automobile” yields the two choices “foreign” and “domestic”. The user chooses “foreign” and the next dichotomous key search yields the two choices “specific car manufacturer” and “not a specific manufacturer”. The user then performs a hierarchical search on “specific car manufacturer” that results in a list of foreign car manufactures which includes BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, etc. The user performs a dichotomous key search on “Mercedes-Benz” that yields the two choices “Mercedes-Benz Dealers” and “Mercedes-Benz Models”. The user chooses “Mercedes-Benz Dealers” and the next dichotomous key search yields the two choices “North American Dealerships” and “European Dealerships”. The user chooses “North American Dealerships” and the next dichotomous key search yields the two choices “west” and “east”. The user then performs a parametric search on “west” by inputting the relevant parameters to “object type”, “language”, and “family rating”. The parameters are selected from provided drop down menus. Additional means for selecting parameters include listing items to be checked or not checked. Such parameters to be checked include “technical document”, “commercial”, “recalls”, exclusive”, “OEM”, and “full service”. Upon selecting the desired parameters, the parametric search yields a discrete list of dealerships that match the selected parameters. By selecting a particular dealership from the list of dealerships, an encyclopedia page is displayed by the encyclopedia module. The displayed encyclopedia page corresponds to the selected dealership.
  • As discussed above, the research system provides search techniques and methodologies that enable users to navigate down a directory tree structure for the purpose of performing a research task and finding discrete information. The directory tree structure is organized such that the upper levels include relatively more general information and the lower levels include relatively more specific information. The research system also provides functionality that enables the user to move back up the directory tree structure, preferably moving back up the directory one level at a time. In this way, the user is able to navigate up and down the directory tree structure to perform the desired research task.
  • As discussed above, the database management and research system of the present invention utilizes a directory tree structure to manage and access data within a searchable database. The directory tree structure is preferably customizable and is constructed using easy to use templates. An appropriately authorized user populates the templates to generate the nodes and the branches between the nodes. In the preferred embodiment, the nodes represent html addresses and the branches represent links from an html address of one node to an html address of another node. The html based format facilitates user access of the system over the Internet or corporate intranet. As described above, the nodes include related data where data preferably refers to web-based multimedia including sound, images, video, and appropriately formatted text. Appropriately formatted text can include, but is not limited to, word documents, excel documents, powerpoint documents, mechanical drawings, and any document or file rendered by a personal computer or a workstation. It should be clear to one skilled in the art that data can also include discrete appropriately formatted and independently accessible data items, files, and applications with associated URLs and web interface stored in human resource databases, financial and accounting databases, manufacturing databases, order processing and fulfillment databases, customer service databases, sales and marketing databases, and other similar databases or data file formats. The related data is not physically formatted within the directory tree structure. Instead, each data item is accessible through appropriately formatted addresses including Uniform Resource Identifiers (URIs) and Uniform Resource Locators (URLs). Each node includes associated pointers, where each pointer acts as a link, or points, from a specific node to a URL corresponding to a discrete data item within the searchable database. In this manner, the directory tree structure accesses the discrete data item by utilizing the pointer that links the specific node to the URL corresponding to the discrete data item. Defining the pointers is part of the directory tree structure construction process performed by the user. Through such a construct, the directory tree structure essentially overlays the searchable database and groups related data items via the pointers. Each discrete node is a collection of pointers to the related data items. This overlay methodology for accessing data is what enables the database management and research system of the present invention to bypass the data conversion process when utilizing the database management and research system with an appropriately formatted existing database.
  • When constructing the directory tree structure, the user is able to create as many nodes and branches as necessary. Once constructed, the nodes and branches can be edited or deleted by the corresponding node owners. Editing of a node includes adding a new pointer to a node or redirecting an existing pointer from accessing one data item to accessing a different data item.
  • FIG. 10 a illustrates an example of how the database management and research system of the present invention is utilized with an existing database. The computer system 26 and the server controller 10 correspond to the like elements of FIG. 1. As in FIG. 1, the computer system 26 is coupled to the server controller 10 preferably via the public switched telephone network. The searchable database 120 corresponds to the searchable database 120 in FIG. 7. In FIG. 10 a, the searchable database 120 includes database 122, database 124, and database 126. Although the searchable database 120 in FIG. 10 a includes three databases, it should be clear that the searchable database 120 can include any number of databases. Server controller 10 is coupled to database 122 via a link 123. In general, the link 123 represents a link between the controller 10 and the database 122. In particular, the link 123 represents a pointer corresponding to a specific node within the directory tree structure of the present invention, where the pointer directs the specific node to a discrete data item residing within the database 122. As such, the link 123 can include any number of pointers where each pointer directs a specific node within the directory tree structure to a discrete data item within the database 122. Similarly, server controller 10 is coupled to the database 124 and the database 126 via a link 125 and a link 127, respectively. As with the link 123, the links 125 and 127 can include any number of pointers, where a pointer represented by the link 125 directs a specific node to a discrete data item residing within the database 124 and a pointer represented by the link 127 directs a specific node to a discrete data item residing within the database 126. A database 128 is coupled to the server controller 10 via a link 131. The database 128 is external to the searchable database 120. As such, the directory tree structure does not directly overlay the database 128 and therefore no pointers exist to direct a specific node to a discrete data item residing within the database 128. Although the database 128 is illustrated as a single database, it should be clear that the database 128 serves to represent any data not included within the searchable database 120.
  • As described above, the database management and research system of the present invention provides links to data residing external to the searchable database 120. Such a link is illustrated by the link 131 and also by a link 129. The link 129 couples the database 124 to the database 128. A discrete data item within the database 128 is accessed by the server controller 10 via the link 131. A specific node within the directory tree structure does not include a pointer which directs the particular node to a discrete data item residing within the database 128; instead, the specific node is linked via conventional means, as for example a hypertext link that takes a user outside the system of the present invention by linking to a web server containing the discrete data item. Alternatively, the specific node includes a pointer corresponding to the link 125 that directs the specific node to a discrete data item residing within the database 124. In turn, the discrete data item residing within the database 124 includes a conventional link 129 directed to the discrete data item residing within the database 128, the link 129 takes the user outside the system of the present invention.
  • Nodes and branches can be added, edited, or deleted within the directory tree structure of the present invention. Such modifications are made to the directory tree structure using the templates of the database management and research system. FIG. 10 b illustrates the database management and research system of FIG. 10 a after modifications to the directory tree structure have been made. FIG. 10 a illustrates the link 131 representative of a hypertext link between a specific node within the directory tree structure and a discrete data item residing within the database 128, the database 128 residing external to the system of the present invention. In FIG. 10 b, the database 128 is coupled to the server controller 10 via a link 133. By using the templates to edit the specific node, a pointer is added to the specific node that now directs the specific node to the discrete data item residing within the database 128, thereby eliminating the need to link the specific node to the discrete data item via the conventional link 131. By replacing the conventional link 131 with the pointer represented by the link 133, the user is no longer taken outside the system of the present invention to view the discrete data item. By staying within the system of the present invention, all or a portion of the discrete data item can be displayed within an encyclopedia page corresponding to the specific node. If the user chooses to view the complete original discrete data item, the user will then be taken out of the system via the link 133 to the database 128. The added pointer is part of the directory tree structure and as such the directory tree structure now overlays the discrete data item represented by the database 128. Since data within the database 128 is now accessible by the overlaid directory tree structure, the database 128 is included within searchable database 120, as illustrated in FIG. 10 b.
  • The research system described above has been discussed in terms of a single directory tree structure; however, it should be apparent that the research system of the present invention can be scaled to include multiple directory tree structures maintained at remote network locations. Such scalability allows other organizations to maintain portions of the directory tree structure distinctly but allows the directory tree structure network to function as one logical system or searchable database. By segmenting sections of the directory tree structure into different data centers, the research system essentially becomes a knowledge system where a user can find specific and related information. For example, a user can use the research system to diagnose a medical condition and find relevant information related to that medical condition. The user can also find related sites like clinics and medicines available to treat the medical condition.
  • The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of principles of construction and operation of the invention. Such reference herein to specific embodiments and details thereof is not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made in the embodiment chosen for illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Specifically, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that while the preferred embodiment of the present invention is accessible over the internet through the public switched telephone network, the present invention could also be accessible on any other appropriate communication structures both wired and wireless, including cable, intranets, direct connections and the like.

Claims (20)

1. A method of providing access to data within a research system to an application external to the research system, the method comprising:
formatting a searchable database within the research system into a directory tree structure, wherein the directory tree structure includes nodes and branches comprising links between the nodes, wherein each node comprises at least one data item categorized by a navigation path through the directory tree structure and by one or more parameters, each of the one or more parameters having a value associated with the at least one data item, wherein the one or more parameters are specific to the node in which the at least one data item is included; and
providing an applications programming interface (API) associated with the research system to an external system, the external system being external to the research system, wherein the API is usable to configure an application in the external system to access one or more nodes within the directory tree structure and obtain data from the one or more nodes using a research module, wherein the research module includes a plurality of search implementations, and wherein each of the plurality of search implementations is usable at any location within the searchable database.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the API comprises instructions for accessing one or more nodes within the directory tree structure using a query string that defines a navigation path through the directory tree structure.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one data item comprises one or more of text, a graphic, an object, a link to another node in the directory tree structure, and a link to a web site external to the searchable database.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the searchable database is distributed into more than one physical location.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of search implementations comprises one or more of a keyword search, a hierarchical search, a dichotomous key search, and a parametric search.
6. A system for providing access to data within a research system to an application external to the research system, the system comprising:
means for formatting a searchable database within the research system into a directory tree structure, wherein the directory tree structure includes nodes and branches comprising links between the nodes, wherein each node comprises at least one data item categorized by a navigation path through the directory tree structure and by one or more parameters, each of the one or more parameters having a value associated with the at least one data item, wherein the one or more parameters are specific to the node in which the at least one data item is included; and
means for providing an applications programming interface (API) associated with the research system to an external system, the external system being external to the research system, wherein the API is usable to configure an application in the external system to access one or more nodes within the directory tree structure and obtain data from the one or more nodes using a research module, wherein the research module includes a plurality of search implementations, and wherein each of the plurality of search implementations is usable at any location within the searchable database.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the API comprises instructions for accessing one or more nodes within the directory tree structure using a query string that defines a navigation path through the directory tree structure.
8. The system of claim 6, wherein the at least one data item comprises one or more of text, a graphic, an object, a link to another node in the directory tree structure, and a link to a web site external to the searchable database.
9. The system of claim 6, wherein the searchable database is distributed into more than one physical location.
10. The system of claim 6, wherein the plurality of search implementations comprises one or more of a keyword search, a hierarchical search, a dichotomous key search, and a parametric search.
11. A system for providing access to data within a research system to an application external to the research system, the system comprising:
a research server configured to format a searchable database within the research system into a directory tree structure, wherein the directory tree structure includes nodes and branches comprising links between the nodes, wherein each node comprises at least one data item categorized by a navigation path through the directory tree structure and by one or more parameters, each of the one or more parameters having a value associated with the at least one data item, wherein the one or more parameters are specific to the node in which the at least one data item is included; and
a communication mechanism configured to provide an applications programming interface (API) associated with the research system to an external system, the external system being external to the research system, wherein the API is usable to configure an application in the external system to access one or more nodes within the directory tree structure and obtain data from the one or more nodes using a research module, wherein the research module includes a plurality of search implementations, and wherein each of the plurality of search implementations is usable at any location within the searchable database.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the API comprises instructions for accessing one or more nodes within the directory tree structure using a query string that defines a navigation path through the directory tree structure.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein the at least one data item comprises one or more of text, a graphic, an object, a link to another node in the directory tree structure, and a link to a web site external to the searchable database.
14. The system of claim 11, wherein the searchable database is distributed into more than one physical location.
15. The system of claim 11, wherein the plurality of search implementations comprises one or more of a keyword search, a hierarchical search, a dichotomous key search, and a parametric search.
16. A computer readable medium having instructions embodied thereon for providing access to data within a research system to an application external to the research system, the instructions comprising:
instructions to format a searchable database within the research system into a directory tree structure, wherein the directory tree structure includes nodes and branches comprising links between the nodes, wherein each node comprises at least one data item categorized by a navigation path through the directory tree structure and by one or more parameters, each of the one or more parameters having a value associated with the at least one data item, wherein the one or more parameters are specific to the node in which the at least one data item is included; and
instructions to provide an applications programming interface (API) associated with the research system to an external system, the external system being external to the research system, wherein the API is usable to configure an application in the external system to access one or more nodes within the directory tree structure and obtain data from the one or more nodes using a research module, wherein the research module includes a plurality of search implementations, and wherein each of the plurality of search implementations is usable at any location within the searchable database.
17. The computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein the API comprises instructions for accessing one or more nodes within the directory tree structure using a query string that defines a navigation path through the directory tree structure.
18. The computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein the at least one data item comprises one or more of text, a graphic, an object, a link to another node in the directory tree structure, and a link to a web site external to the searchable database.
19. The computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein the searchable database is distributed into more than one physical location.
20. The computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein the plurality of search implementations comprises one or more of a keyword search, a hierarchical search, a dichotomous key search, and a parametric search.
US13/401,599 2000-03-09 2012-02-21 Method and apparatus for organizing data by overlaying a searchable database with a directory tree structure Abandoned US20120150883A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/401,599 US20120150883A1 (en) 2000-03-09 2012-02-21 Method and apparatus for organizing data by overlaying a searchable database with a directory tree structure

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US18832800P 2000-03-09 2000-03-09
US20096300P 2000-05-01 2000-05-01
US09/801,076 US7085766B2 (en) 2000-03-09 2001-03-06 Method and apparatus for organizing data by overlaying a searchable database with a directory tree structure
US11/492,407 US8150885B2 (en) 2000-03-09 2006-07-24 Method and apparatus for organizing data by overlaying a searchable database with a directory tree structure
US13/401,599 US20120150883A1 (en) 2000-03-09 2012-02-21 Method and apparatus for organizing data by overlaying a searchable database with a directory tree structure

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/492,407 Continuation US8150885B2 (en) 2000-03-09 2006-07-24 Method and apparatus for organizing data by overlaying a searchable database with a directory tree structure

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20120150883A1 true US20120150883A1 (en) 2012-06-14

Family

ID=26883966

Family Applications (15)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/801,076 Expired - Lifetime US7085766B2 (en) 2000-03-09 2001-03-06 Method and apparatus for organizing data by overlaying a searchable database with a directory tree structure
US09/800,607 Expired - Lifetime US7305399B2 (en) 2000-03-09 2001-03-06 Method and apparatus for applying a parametric search methodology to a directory tree database format
US09/801,140 Expired - Lifetime US7213024B2 (en) 2000-03-09 2001-03-06 Method and apparatus for accessing information within an electronic system
US09/799,032 Expired - Lifetime US7054875B2 (en) 2000-03-09 2001-03-06 Method and apparatus for notifying a user of new data entered into an electronic system
US09/800,566 Expired - Lifetime US7260579B2 (en) 2000-03-09 2001-03-06 Method and apparatus for accessing data within an electronic system by an external system
US09/801,138 Expired - Lifetime US7305401B2 (en) 2000-03-09 2001-03-06 Method and apparatus for performing a research task by interchangeably utilizing a multitude of search methodologies
US09/800,592 Expired - Lifetime US7257588B2 (en) 2000-03-09 2001-03-06 Method and apparatus for formatting information within a directory tree structure into an encylopedia-like entry
US09/801,072 Expired - Lifetime US7305400B2 (en) 2000-03-09 2001-03-06 Method and apparatus for performing a research task by interchangeably utilizing a multitude of search methodologies
US11/444,029 Expired - Lifetime US7469254B2 (en) 2000-03-09 2006-05-30 Method and apparatus for notifying a user of new data entered into an electronic system
US11/492,407 Expired - Lifetime US8150885B2 (en) 2000-03-09 2006-07-24 Method and apparatus for organizing data by overlaying a searchable database with a directory tree structure
US11/888,751 Expired - Lifetime US7672963B2 (en) 2000-03-09 2007-08-01 Method and apparatus for accessing data within an electronic system by an external system
US11/891,887 Expired - Fee Related US7756850B2 (en) 2000-03-09 2007-08-13 Method and apparatus for formatting information within a directory tree structure into an encyclopedia-like entry
US11/899,211 Expired - Fee Related US7747654B2 (en) 2000-03-09 2007-09-04 Method and apparatus for applying a parametric search methodology to a directory tree database format
US12/785,459 Expired - Lifetime US8296296B2 (en) 2000-03-09 2010-05-23 Method and apparatus for formatting information within a directory tree structure into an encyclopedia-like entry
US13/401,599 Abandoned US20120150883A1 (en) 2000-03-09 2012-02-21 Method and apparatus for organizing data by overlaying a searchable database with a directory tree structure

Family Applications Before (14)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/801,076 Expired - Lifetime US7085766B2 (en) 2000-03-09 2001-03-06 Method and apparatus for organizing data by overlaying a searchable database with a directory tree structure
US09/800,607 Expired - Lifetime US7305399B2 (en) 2000-03-09 2001-03-06 Method and apparatus for applying a parametric search methodology to a directory tree database format
US09/801,140 Expired - Lifetime US7213024B2 (en) 2000-03-09 2001-03-06 Method and apparatus for accessing information within an electronic system
US09/799,032 Expired - Lifetime US7054875B2 (en) 2000-03-09 2001-03-06 Method and apparatus for notifying a user of new data entered into an electronic system
US09/800,566 Expired - Lifetime US7260579B2 (en) 2000-03-09 2001-03-06 Method and apparatus for accessing data within an electronic system by an external system
US09/801,138 Expired - Lifetime US7305401B2 (en) 2000-03-09 2001-03-06 Method and apparatus for performing a research task by interchangeably utilizing a multitude of search methodologies
US09/800,592 Expired - Lifetime US7257588B2 (en) 2000-03-09 2001-03-06 Method and apparatus for formatting information within a directory tree structure into an encylopedia-like entry
US09/801,072 Expired - Lifetime US7305400B2 (en) 2000-03-09 2001-03-06 Method and apparatus for performing a research task by interchangeably utilizing a multitude of search methodologies
US11/444,029 Expired - Lifetime US7469254B2 (en) 2000-03-09 2006-05-30 Method and apparatus for notifying a user of new data entered into an electronic system
US11/492,407 Expired - Lifetime US8150885B2 (en) 2000-03-09 2006-07-24 Method and apparatus for organizing data by overlaying a searchable database with a directory tree structure
US11/888,751 Expired - Lifetime US7672963B2 (en) 2000-03-09 2007-08-01 Method and apparatus for accessing data within an electronic system by an external system
US11/891,887 Expired - Fee Related US7756850B2 (en) 2000-03-09 2007-08-13 Method and apparatus for formatting information within a directory tree structure into an encyclopedia-like entry
US11/899,211 Expired - Fee Related US7747654B2 (en) 2000-03-09 2007-09-04 Method and apparatus for applying a parametric search methodology to a directory tree database format
US12/785,459 Expired - Lifetime US8296296B2 (en) 2000-03-09 2010-05-23 Method and apparatus for formatting information within a directory tree structure into an encyclopedia-like entry

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (15) US7085766B2 (en)
AU (3) AU2001243443A1 (en)
WO (3) WO2001067207A2 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120296635A1 (en) * 2011-05-19 2012-11-22 Microsoft Corporation User-modifiable word lattice display for editing documents and search queries
WO2017053321A3 (en) * 2015-09-21 2017-05-18 TigerIT Americas, LLC Fault-tolerant methods, systems and architectures for data storage, retrieval and distribution

Families Citing this family (326)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7168084B1 (en) 1992-12-09 2007-01-23 Sedna Patent Services, Llc Method and apparatus for targeting virtual objects
US9286294B2 (en) 1992-12-09 2016-03-15 Comcast Ip Holdings I, Llc Video and digital multimedia aggregator content suggestion engine
EP1049030A1 (en) * 1999-04-28 2000-11-02 SER Systeme AG Produkte und Anwendungen der Datenverarbeitung Classification method and apparatus
US6965752B2 (en) * 1999-08-27 2005-11-15 Ecollege.Com On-line educational system having an electronic notebook feature
GB2355554A (en) * 1999-10-21 2001-04-25 Int Computers Ltd Searching for items in an electronic catalogue
EP1128278B1 (en) * 2000-02-23 2003-09-17 SER Solutions, Inc Method and apparatus for processing electronic documents
US9355352B1 (en) 2000-02-24 2016-05-31 Richard Paiz Personal search results
US7908263B1 (en) * 2008-06-25 2011-03-15 Richard S Paiz Search engine optimizer
US8977621B1 (en) 2000-02-24 2015-03-10 Richard Paiz Search engine optimizer
AU2001243443A1 (en) 2000-03-09 2001-09-17 The Web Access, Inc. Method and apparatus for performing a research task by interchangeably utilizinga multitude of search methodologies
US20010044705A1 (en) * 2000-03-10 2001-11-22 Isogon Corp. Method of normalizing software usage data from mainframe computers
US20040006747A1 (en) * 2000-03-13 2004-01-08 Tyler Joseph C. Electronic publishing system and method
US6633903B1 (en) * 2000-03-23 2003-10-14 Monkeymedia, Inc. Method and article of manufacture for seamless integrated searching
US9177828B2 (en) 2011-02-10 2015-11-03 Micron Technology, Inc. External gettering method and device
EP1182577A1 (en) * 2000-08-18 2002-02-27 SER Systeme AG Produkte und Anwendungen der Datenverarbeitung Associative memory
EP1320841A1 (en) * 2000-09-28 2003-06-25 Scientific Learning Corp. Method and apparatus for automated training of language learning skills
US7440906B1 (en) 2001-09-04 2008-10-21 Accenture Global Services Gmbh Identification, categorization, and integration of unplanned maintenance, repair and overhaul work on mechanical equipment
US7457762B2 (en) * 2001-09-04 2008-11-25 Accenture Global Services Gmbh Optimization of management of maintenance, repair and overhaul of equipment in a specified time window
US7124059B2 (en) * 2000-10-17 2006-10-17 Accenture Global Services Gmbh Managing maintenance for an item of equipment
US6980959B1 (en) * 2000-10-17 2005-12-27 Accenture Llp Configuring mechanical equipment
US7457763B1 (en) 2001-09-04 2008-11-25 Accenture Global Services Gmbh Predictive maintenance system
US8655698B2 (en) * 2000-10-17 2014-02-18 Accenture Global Services Limited Performance-based logistics for aerospace and defense programs
US7461008B2 (en) * 2001-09-04 2008-12-02 Accenture Global Services Gmbh Planning and scheduling modification of a configuration
US7191252B2 (en) 2000-11-13 2007-03-13 Digital Doors, Inc. Data security system and method adjunct to e-mail, browser or telecom program
US20020119435A1 (en) * 2001-02-02 2002-08-29 Himmel Kevin A. Compilation of electronic content relating to use of an on-line educational system
US6871043B2 (en) * 2001-02-02 2005-03-22 Ecollege.Com Variable types of sensory interaction for an on-line educational system
GB2372598A (en) * 2001-02-26 2002-08-28 Coppereye Ltd Organising data in a database
US6591273B2 (en) * 2001-03-02 2003-07-08 Ge Financial Holdings, Inc. Method and system for secure electronic distribution, archiving and retrieval
US7158971B1 (en) 2001-03-07 2007-01-02 Thomas Layne Bascom Method for searching document objects on a network
US7386792B1 (en) 2001-03-07 2008-06-10 Thomas Layne Bascom System and method for collecting, storing, managing and providing categorized information related to a document object
US20020138315A1 (en) * 2001-03-20 2002-09-26 Mineo Nozaki Technical support system
US6988095B1 (en) * 2001-05-07 2006-01-17 Hearst Business Communications, Inc. Systems and methods for performing parametric searches
US6892193B2 (en) * 2001-05-10 2005-05-10 International Business Machines Corporation Method and apparatus for inducing classifiers for multimedia based on unified representation of features reflecting disparate modalities
EP1260914A1 (en) * 2001-05-23 2002-11-27 Mediabricks Ab A method for optimizing utilization of client capacity
US7089226B1 (en) * 2001-06-28 2006-08-08 Microsoft Corporation System, representation, and method providing multilevel information retrieval with clarification dialog
US20030023594A1 (en) * 2001-07-25 2003-01-30 Ramamurthi Ram K. System and method for organizing, preserving, sharing and updating voluminous personal memoirs and for dynamic accounting of assets
US7793326B2 (en) * 2001-08-03 2010-09-07 Comcast Ip Holdings I, Llc Video and digital multimedia aggregator
US20030028890A1 (en) * 2001-08-03 2003-02-06 Swart William D. Video and digital multimedia acquisition and delivery system and method
US7908628B2 (en) 2001-08-03 2011-03-15 Comcast Ip Holdings I, Llc Video and digital multimedia aggregator content coding and formatting
US8249885B2 (en) * 2001-08-08 2012-08-21 Gary Charles Berkowitz Knowledge-based e-catalog procurement system and method
US20050022114A1 (en) * 2001-08-13 2005-01-27 Xerox Corporation Meta-document management system with personality identifiers
US7133862B2 (en) * 2001-08-13 2006-11-07 Xerox Corporation System with user directed enrichment and import/export control
US7117432B1 (en) * 2001-08-13 2006-10-03 Xerox Corporation Meta-document management system with transit triggered enrichment
US7284191B2 (en) 2001-08-13 2007-10-16 Xerox Corporation Meta-document management system with document identifiers
ES2375403T3 (en) 2001-08-27 2012-02-29 BDGB Enterprise Software Sàrl A METHOD FOR THE AUTOMATIC INDEXATION OF DOCUMENTS.
US8266066B1 (en) 2001-09-04 2012-09-11 Accenture Global Services Limited Maintenance, repair and overhaul management
US20080148193A1 (en) * 2001-09-13 2008-06-19 John Moetteli System and method of efficient web browsing
JP2003122818A (en) * 2001-10-12 2003-04-25 Ricoh Co Ltd Information sharing system
WO2003034173A2 (en) 2001-10-17 2003-04-24 Jorge Diniz Queiroga Loureiro Data management
US20030088641A1 (en) * 2001-11-02 2003-05-08 Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha Technical support system
US20030088453A1 (en) * 2001-11-02 2003-05-08 Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha System, method and computer program product for rank assignment
US20030088451A1 (en) * 2001-11-02 2003-05-08 Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha Technical support system
US20030088454A1 (en) * 2001-11-02 2003-05-08 Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha System, method and computer program product for complaint report issue
US7024411B2 (en) 2001-11-02 2006-04-04 Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha Method, system and computer program product for providing backup data for use in studying claims
US20030088330A1 (en) * 2001-11-02 2003-05-08 Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha Method, system and computer program product for coping with the changes in hardware
DE10157487C1 (en) * 2001-11-23 2003-06-18 Sgl Carbon Ag Fiber-reinforced composite body for protective armor, its manufacture and uses
WO2003073333A1 (en) 2002-02-25 2003-09-04 John Robert Cain Information system and method for disseminating technology information
DE10209928A1 (en) * 2002-03-07 2003-09-18 Philips Intellectual Property Method for operating a voice dialog system
US7096228B2 (en) * 2002-03-27 2006-08-22 Microsoft Corporation Method and system for managing data records on a computer network
GB0209648D0 (en) * 2002-04-26 2002-06-05 Oracle Int Corp Project management system
US8200622B2 (en) 2002-05-31 2012-06-12 Informatica Corporation System and method for integrating, managing and coordinating customer activities
US7624052B1 (en) * 2002-07-31 2009-11-24 The Pnc Financial Services Group, Inc. Methods and systems for processing and managing corporate action information including voluntary and mandatory corporate action data
EP1534068A4 (en) * 2002-08-08 2006-08-23 Univ Georgia Res Found Compositions and methods for neural differentiation of embryonic stem cells
US8335779B2 (en) * 2002-08-16 2012-12-18 Gamroe Applications, Llc Method and apparatus for gathering, categorizing and parameterizing data
US7152059B2 (en) * 2002-08-30 2006-12-19 Emergency24, Inc. System and method for predicting additional search results of a computerized database search user based on an initial search query
US7076497B2 (en) * 2002-10-11 2006-07-11 Emergency24, Inc. Method for providing and exchanging search terms between internet site promoters
US20030088553A1 (en) * 2002-11-23 2003-05-08 Emergency 24, Inc. Method for providing relevant search results based on an initial online search query
US7266559B2 (en) * 2002-12-05 2007-09-04 Microsoft Corporation Method and apparatus for adapting a search classifier based on user queries
US8543564B2 (en) 2002-12-23 2013-09-24 West Publishing Company Information retrieval systems with database-selection aids
US20040192340A1 (en) * 2002-12-23 2004-09-30 422, Inc. Method and system for database content security in directory assistance & information services systems
US20040194017A1 (en) * 2003-01-06 2004-09-30 Jasmin Cosic Interactive video interface
US7698316B2 (en) * 2003-01-10 2010-04-13 Cohesive Knowledge Solutions, Inc. Universal knowledge information and data storage system
EP1437662A1 (en) * 2003-01-10 2004-07-14 Deutsche Thomson-Brandt Gmbh Method and device for accessing a database
US7774191B2 (en) * 2003-04-09 2010-08-10 Gary Charles Berkowitz Virtual supercomputer
FR2854259B1 (en) * 2003-04-28 2005-10-21 France Telecom SYSTEM FOR AIDING THE GENERATION OF REQUESTS AND CORRESPONDING METHOD
US7403939B1 (en) 2003-05-30 2008-07-22 Aol Llc Resolving queries based on automatic determination of requestor geographic location
US7165238B2 (en) * 2003-06-06 2007-01-16 Intentional Software Corporation Method and system for organizing and manipulating nodes by category in a program tree
US7472112B2 (en) * 2003-06-23 2008-12-30 Microsoft Corporation Distributed query engine pipeline method and system
JP4502114B2 (en) * 2003-06-24 2010-07-14 セイコーインスツル株式会社 Database search device
US20050023085A1 (en) * 2003-07-30 2005-02-03 Munton Timothy John Lifesaver apparatus
US7664727B2 (en) * 2003-11-28 2010-02-16 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Method of constructing preferred views of hierarchical data
JP2005182280A (en) * 2003-12-17 2005-07-07 Ibm Japan Ltd Information retrieval system, retrieval result processing system, information retrieval method, and program
US7747621B2 (en) * 2003-12-19 2010-06-29 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Generating a relation diagram of data files
US7421664B2 (en) * 2003-12-29 2008-09-02 International Business Machines Corporation System and method for providing a category separator in a list of documents
US8171426B2 (en) 2003-12-29 2012-05-01 International Business Machines Corporation Method for secondary selection highlighting
US7908566B2 (en) * 2003-12-29 2011-03-15 International Business Machines Corporation System and method for scrolling among categories in a list of documents
US8151214B2 (en) * 2003-12-29 2012-04-03 International Business Machines Corporation System and method for color coding list items
US20050171934A1 (en) * 2004-01-30 2005-08-04 Paul Yuknewicz System and method for generating a parameterized query
US20050191603A1 (en) * 2004-02-26 2005-09-01 Scientific Learning Corporation Method and apparatus for automated training of language learning skills
US8812613B2 (en) 2004-06-03 2014-08-19 Maxsp Corporation Virtual application manager
US9357031B2 (en) 2004-06-03 2016-05-31 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Applications as a service
US7908339B2 (en) 2004-06-03 2011-03-15 Maxsp Corporation Transaction based virtual file system optimized for high-latency network connections
US7562069B1 (en) * 2004-07-01 2009-07-14 Aol Llc Query disambiguation
US7664834B2 (en) * 2004-07-09 2010-02-16 Maxsp Corporation Distributed operating system management
CN100538695C (en) * 2004-07-22 2009-09-09 国际商业机器公司 The method and system of structure, the personalized classification tree of maintenance
US7765205B2 (en) * 2004-08-23 2010-07-27 Lexisnexis Landmark case identification system and method
US10959090B1 (en) 2004-08-25 2021-03-23 Richard Paiz Personal search results
US11468128B1 (en) 2006-10-20 2022-10-11 Richard Paiz Search engine optimizer
JP2006120056A (en) * 2004-10-25 2006-05-11 Hewlett-Packard Development Co Lp Database system and method thereof
US7349896B2 (en) * 2004-12-29 2008-03-25 Aol Llc Query routing
CN100391212C (en) * 2005-01-26 2008-05-28 清华大学 Method for realizing interactive multimedia data transmission on internet
US8799206B2 (en) * 2005-02-07 2014-08-05 Mimosa Systems, Inc. Dynamic bulk-to-brick transformation of data
US8918366B2 (en) 2005-02-07 2014-12-23 Mimosa Systems, Inc. Synthetic full copies of data and dynamic bulk-to-brick transformation
US9286346B2 (en) * 2005-02-18 2016-03-15 International Business Machines Corporation Replication-only triggers
US7376675B2 (en) * 2005-02-18 2008-05-20 International Business Machines Corporation Simulating multi-user activity while maintaining original linear request order for asynchronous transactional events
US8214353B2 (en) * 2005-02-18 2012-07-03 International Business Machines Corporation Support for schema evolution in a multi-node peer-to-peer replication environment
US8037056B2 (en) 2005-02-18 2011-10-11 International Business Machines Corporation Online repair of a replicated table
US8589323B2 (en) 2005-03-04 2013-11-19 Maxsp Corporation Computer hardware and software diagnostic and report system incorporating an expert system and agents
US8234238B2 (en) * 2005-03-04 2012-07-31 Maxsp Corporation Computer hardware and software diagnostic and report system
US7624086B2 (en) * 2005-03-04 2009-11-24 Maxsp Corporation Pre-install compliance system
US7512584B2 (en) 2005-03-04 2009-03-31 Maxsp Corporation Computer hardware and software diagnostic and report system
US8676923B2 (en) * 2005-03-08 2014-03-18 International Business Machines Corporation Use of discovery scanning and method of IP only communication to identify owners and administrators of network attached devices
KR100636227B1 (en) * 2005-03-10 2006-10-19 삼성전자주식회사 Method for generating directory structure to search contents
US8019749B2 (en) * 2005-03-17 2011-09-13 Roy Leban System, method, and user interface for organizing and searching information
US20070234232A1 (en) * 2006-03-29 2007-10-04 Gheorghe Adrian Citu Dynamic image display
US8423541B1 (en) * 2005-03-31 2013-04-16 Google Inc. Using saved search results for quality feedback
DE102005015506A1 (en) * 2005-04-05 2006-10-12 Man Roland Druckmaschinen Ag Press simulator
US7792817B2 (en) * 2005-04-19 2010-09-07 International Business Machines Corporation System and method for managing complex relationships over distributed heterogeneous data sources
US8521752B2 (en) * 2005-06-03 2013-08-27 Osr Open Systems Resources, Inc. Systems and methods for arbitrary data transformations
JP4696721B2 (en) * 2005-06-27 2011-06-08 富士ゼロックス株式会社 Document management server, document management system
US7496588B2 (en) * 2005-06-27 2009-02-24 Siperian, Inc. Method and apparatus for data integration and management
US9129038B2 (en) 2005-07-05 2015-09-08 Andrew Begel Discovering and exploiting relationships in software repositories
US7743360B2 (en) * 2005-07-05 2010-06-22 Microsoft Corporation Graph browser and implicit query for software development
CA2545237A1 (en) * 2005-07-29 2007-01-29 Cognos Incorporated Method and system for managing exemplar terms database for business-oriented metadata content
CA2545232A1 (en) * 2005-07-29 2007-01-29 Cognos Incorporated Method and system for creating a taxonomy from business-oriented metadata content
US7548929B2 (en) * 2005-07-29 2009-06-16 Yahoo! Inc. System and method for determining semantically related terms
US7479666B2 (en) 2005-08-24 2009-01-20 Chunghwa Picture Tubes, Ltd. Driving circuit of a liquid crystal display panel
US7849093B2 (en) * 2005-10-14 2010-12-07 Microsoft Corporation Searches over a collection of items through classification and display of media galleries
US20070124385A1 (en) * 2005-11-18 2007-05-31 Denny Michael S Preference-based content distribution service
US20070118517A1 (en) * 2005-11-21 2007-05-24 Lee Ben G Information management method using key-coded words
US7523121B2 (en) * 2006-01-03 2009-04-21 Siperian, Inc. Relationship data management
US8150803B2 (en) 2006-01-03 2012-04-03 Informatica Corporation Relationship data management
US20070214179A1 (en) * 2006-03-10 2007-09-13 Khanh Hoang Searching, filtering, creating, displaying, and managing entity relationships across multiple data hierarchies through a user interface
US20070161214A1 (en) * 2006-01-06 2007-07-12 International Business Machines Corporation High k gate stack on III-V compound semiconductors
US20070198472A1 (en) * 2006-02-17 2007-08-23 Ford Motor Company Multimedia system for a vehicle
US7574592B2 (en) * 2006-02-21 2009-08-11 Microsoft Corporation Approval process for booting devices in pre-boot execution environment (PXE)
WO2007106148A2 (en) * 2006-02-24 2007-09-20 Vogel Robert B Internet guide link matching system
US8510453B2 (en) * 2007-03-21 2013-08-13 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Framework for correlating content on a local network with information on an external network
US8863221B2 (en) * 2006-03-07 2014-10-14 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Method and system for integrating content and services among multiple networks
US8115869B2 (en) 2007-02-28 2012-02-14 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Method and system for extracting relevant information from content metadata
US8200688B2 (en) * 2006-03-07 2012-06-12 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Method and system for facilitating information searching on electronic devices
US8843467B2 (en) * 2007-05-15 2014-09-23 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Method and system for providing relevant information to a user of a device in a local network
US8209724B2 (en) * 2007-04-25 2012-06-26 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Method and system for providing access to information of potential interest to a user
US20070255740A1 (en) * 2006-04-26 2007-11-01 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Persistent announcement channel for personal internet communicator
US9792348B2 (en) * 2006-04-28 2017-10-17 Bmc Software, Inc. Overlay dataset
DE102007008904A1 (en) * 2006-05-08 2007-11-15 Abb Technology Ag System and method for the automated and structured transfer of technical documents and the management of the acquired documents in a database
TW200744357A (en) * 2006-05-22 2007-12-01 Chien-Chiang Peng Fast opening system for application function
US8811396B2 (en) 2006-05-24 2014-08-19 Maxsp Corporation System for and method of securing a network utilizing credentials
JP4958476B2 (en) * 2006-05-24 2012-06-20 株式会社日立製作所 Search device
US8898319B2 (en) 2006-05-24 2014-11-25 Maxsp Corporation Applications and services as a bundle
JP4876734B2 (en) * 2006-06-22 2012-02-15 富士ゼロックス株式会社 Document use management system and method, document management server and program thereof
US20080027971A1 (en) * 2006-07-28 2008-01-31 Craig Statchuk Method and system for populating an index corpus to a search engine
US20080046429A1 (en) * 2006-08-16 2008-02-21 Yahoo! Inc. System and method for hierarchical segmentation of websites by topic
US7512748B1 (en) 2006-08-17 2009-03-31 Osr Open Systems Resources, Inc. Managing lock rankings
US8539228B1 (en) 2006-08-24 2013-09-17 Osr Open Systems Resources, Inc. Managing access to a resource
US20080059469A1 (en) * 2006-08-31 2008-03-06 International Business Machines Corporation Replication Token Based Synchronization
US8788321B2 (en) * 2006-09-05 2014-07-22 Thomas Publishing Company Marketing method and system using domain knowledge
US7840514B2 (en) 2006-09-22 2010-11-23 Maxsp Corporation Secure virtual private network utilizing a diagnostics policy and diagnostics engine to establish a secure network connection
US9317506B2 (en) * 2006-09-22 2016-04-19 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Accelerated data transfer using common prior data segments
US8045786B2 (en) * 2006-10-24 2011-10-25 Kla-Tencor Technologies Corp. Waferless recipe optimization
US7970188B2 (en) * 2006-11-22 2011-06-28 General Electric Company Systems and methods for automatic routing and prioritization of exams based on image classification
US7496568B2 (en) * 2006-11-30 2009-02-24 International Business Machines Corporation Efficient multifaceted search in information retrieval systems
US8935269B2 (en) * 2006-12-04 2015-01-13 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Method and apparatus for contextual search and query refinement on consumer electronics devices
JP5003131B2 (en) * 2006-12-04 2012-08-15 富士ゼロックス株式会社 Document providing system and information providing program
US8423565B2 (en) * 2006-12-21 2013-04-16 Digital Doors, Inc. Information life cycle search engine and method
US8423821B1 (en) 2006-12-21 2013-04-16 Maxsp Corporation Virtual recovery server
US7844686B1 (en) 2006-12-21 2010-11-30 Maxsp Corporation Warm standby appliance
JP4305510B2 (en) * 2006-12-28 2009-07-29 富士ゼロックス株式会社 Information processing system, information processing apparatus, and program
US8468244B2 (en) 2007-01-05 2013-06-18 Digital Doors, Inc. Digital information infrastructure and method for security designated data and with granular data stores
US8290311B1 (en) 2007-01-11 2012-10-16 Proofpoint, Inc. Apparatus and method for detecting images within spam
US8290203B1 (en) * 2007-01-11 2012-10-16 Proofpoint, Inc. Apparatus and method for detecting images within spam
JP5082460B2 (en) * 2007-01-19 2012-11-28 富士ゼロックス株式会社 Information processing apparatus, program, and information processing system
CN101231645B (en) * 2007-01-23 2012-03-28 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 System and method for dynamics exhibiting tree type contents
JP5023715B2 (en) * 2007-01-25 2012-09-12 富士ゼロックス株式会社 Information processing system, information processing apparatus, and program
US20090055393A1 (en) * 2007-01-29 2009-02-26 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Method and system for facilitating information searching on electronic devices based on metadata information
US20080183681A1 (en) * 2007-01-29 2008-07-31 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Method and system for facilitating information searching on electronic devices
JP4437500B2 (en) * 2007-03-20 2010-03-24 インターナショナル・ビジネス・マシーンズ・コーポレーション Technology that manages data in association with tag information
US20080235262A1 (en) * 2007-03-21 2008-09-25 Holm Aaron H Digital file management system with file mapping for high resolution and other images
US20080243799A1 (en) * 2007-03-30 2008-10-02 Innography, Inc. System and method of generating a set of search results
JP2008257317A (en) * 2007-04-02 2008-10-23 Fuji Xerox Co Ltd Information processing apparatus, information processing system and program
US8024433B2 (en) 2007-04-24 2011-09-20 Osr Open Systems Resources, Inc. Managing application resources
US9286385B2 (en) 2007-04-25 2016-03-15 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Method and system for providing access to information of potential interest to a user
US9047337B2 (en) 2007-04-27 2015-06-02 International Business Machines Corporation Database connectivity and database model integration within integrated development environment tool
US9489418B2 (en) * 2007-04-27 2016-11-08 International Business Machines Corporation Processing database queries embedded in application source code from within integrated development environment tool
US8566793B2 (en) * 2007-04-27 2013-10-22 International Business Machines Corporation Detecting and displaying errors in database statements within integrated development environment tool
US8392880B2 (en) * 2007-04-27 2013-03-05 International Business Machines Corporation Rapid application development for database-aware applications
US8738658B2 (en) * 2007-06-04 2014-05-27 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Method for using paths in a directory for locating objects
US8375351B2 (en) * 2007-06-23 2013-02-12 International Business Machines Corporation Extensible rapid application development for disparate data sources
US7930228B1 (en) 2007-06-29 2011-04-19 Hawkins Charles S Promoting compliance by financial institutions with due diligence requirements
US7783620B1 (en) * 2007-06-29 2010-08-24 Emc Corporation Relevancy scoring using query structure and data structure for federated search
US7783630B1 (en) * 2007-06-29 2010-08-24 Emc Corporation Tuning of relevancy ranking for federated search
WO2009011921A1 (en) * 2007-07-18 2009-01-22 Stone Kevin R Personal escape device and methods for using same
US8271477B2 (en) * 2007-07-20 2012-09-18 Informatica Corporation Methods and systems for accessing data
US9298417B1 (en) * 2007-07-25 2016-03-29 Emc Corporation Systems and methods for facilitating management of data
JP2009042856A (en) * 2007-08-07 2009-02-26 Fuji Xerox Co Ltd Document management device, document management system, and program
US7949693B1 (en) 2007-08-23 2011-05-24 Osr Open Systems Resources, Inc. Log-structured host data storage
US8312389B2 (en) * 2007-08-31 2012-11-13 Fair Isaac Corporation Visualization of decision logic
US8266090B2 (en) 2007-08-31 2012-09-11 Fair Isaac Corporation Color-coded visual comparison of decision logic
US8200609B2 (en) * 2007-08-31 2012-06-12 Fair Isaac Corporation Construction of decision logic with graphs
GB2452760A (en) * 2007-09-14 2009-03-18 Data Connection Ltd Storing and searching data in a database tree structure for use in data packet routing applications.
JP5119840B2 (en) * 2007-10-02 2013-01-16 富士ゼロックス株式会社 Information processing apparatus, information processing system, and program
US8307239B1 (en) 2007-10-26 2012-11-06 Maxsp Corporation Disaster recovery appliance
US8645515B2 (en) 2007-10-26 2014-02-04 Maxsp Corporation Environment manager
US8175418B1 (en) 2007-10-26 2012-05-08 Maxsp Corporation Method of and system for enhanced data storage
US8176068B2 (en) 2007-10-31 2012-05-08 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Method and system for suggesting search queries on electronic devices
US20090150387A1 (en) * 2007-11-08 2009-06-11 Marchewitz Jodi L Guided research tool
US9400814B2 (en) * 2007-11-13 2016-07-26 Oracle International Corporation Hierarchy nodes derived based on parent/child foreign key and/or range values on parent node
US7974893B2 (en) 2008-01-04 2011-07-05 Deborah Peace Systems and methods for providing ACH transaction notification and facilitating ACH transaction disputes
US9563657B2 (en) * 2008-01-08 2017-02-07 International Business Machines Corporation Generating data queries using a graphical selection tree
US8145632B2 (en) 2008-02-22 2012-03-27 Tigerlogic Corporation Systems and methods of identifying chunks within multiple documents
US8924421B2 (en) * 2008-02-22 2014-12-30 Tigerlogic Corporation Systems and methods of refining chunks identified within multiple documents
US8239387B2 (en) * 2008-02-22 2012-08-07 Yahoo! Inc. Structural clustering and template identification for electronic documents
US9129036B2 (en) * 2008-02-22 2015-09-08 Tigerlogic Corporation Systems and methods of identifying chunks within inter-related documents
US8924374B2 (en) * 2008-02-22 2014-12-30 Tigerlogic Corporation Systems and methods of semantically annotating documents of different structures
US8327419B1 (en) * 2008-05-22 2012-12-04 Informatica Corporation System and method for efficiently securing enterprise data resources
US7890516B2 (en) * 2008-05-30 2011-02-15 Microsoft Corporation Recommending queries when searching against keywords
US20090313334A1 (en) * 2008-06-12 2009-12-17 International Business Machines Corporation Instant messenger conversation topic tabs
US11048765B1 (en) 2008-06-25 2021-06-29 Richard Paiz Search engine optimizer
US10915523B1 (en) 2010-05-12 2021-02-09 Richard Paiz Codex search patterns
US10922363B1 (en) 2010-04-21 2021-02-16 Richard Paiz Codex search patterns
US8024442B1 (en) * 2008-07-08 2011-09-20 Network Appliance, Inc. Centralized storage management for multiple heterogeneous host-side servers
US8280836B2 (en) * 2008-09-08 2012-10-02 Fair Isaac Corporation Converting unordered graphs to oblivious read once ordered graph representation
US8730241B2 (en) * 2008-09-08 2014-05-20 Fair Isaac Corporation Techniques for drawing curved edges in graphs
US8271483B2 (en) * 2008-09-10 2012-09-18 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated Method and apparatus for detecting sensitive content in a document
US8938465B2 (en) * 2008-09-10 2015-01-20 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Method and system for utilizing packaged content sources to identify and provide information based on contextual information
US7987152B1 (en) * 2008-10-03 2011-07-26 Gadir Omar M A Federation of clusters for enterprise data management
US20100125809A1 (en) * 2008-11-17 2010-05-20 Fujitsu Limited Facilitating Display Of An Interactive And Dynamic Cloud With Advertising And Domain Features
US8312437B2 (en) * 2008-12-30 2012-11-13 Microsoft Corporation Structured search in source code
US8799315B2 (en) 2009-01-30 2014-08-05 International Business Machines Corporation Selective construction of data search result per search request specifying path information
US20120185951A1 (en) * 2009-03-11 2012-07-19 Codonics, Inc. Method and apparatus for medical information encryption
TWI509433B (en) * 2009-05-13 2015-11-21 Esobi Inc Filter the collection of files
JP5469244B2 (en) * 2009-06-30 2014-04-16 ヒューレット−パッカード デベロップメント カンパニー エル.ピー. Selective content extraction
US20110051174A1 (en) * 2009-08-25 2011-03-03 Tomoki Hattori Method of querying image output devices on a network
US9213756B2 (en) * 2009-11-02 2015-12-15 Harry Urbschat System and method of using dynamic variance networks
US8321357B2 (en) * 2009-09-30 2012-11-27 Lapir Gennady Method and system for extraction
US9158833B2 (en) * 2009-11-02 2015-10-13 Harry Urbschat System and method for obtaining document information
US9152883B2 (en) * 2009-11-02 2015-10-06 Harry Urbschat System and method for increasing the accuracy of optical character recognition (OCR)
US20110119262A1 (en) * 2009-11-13 2011-05-19 Dexter Jeffrey M Method and System for Grouping Chunks Extracted from A Document, Highlighting the Location of A Document Chunk Within A Document, and Ranking Hyperlinks Within A Document
US8788449B2 (en) * 2009-12-31 2014-07-22 International Business Machines Corporation Interface for creating and editing boolean logic
US10936687B1 (en) 2010-04-21 2021-03-02 Richard Paiz Codex search patterns virtual maestro
US11379473B1 (en) 2010-04-21 2022-07-05 Richard Paiz Site rank codex search patterns
US11423018B1 (en) 2010-04-21 2022-08-23 Richard Paiz Multivariate analysis replica intelligent ambience evolving system
US20110276601A1 (en) * 2010-05-04 2011-11-10 Salesforce.Com, Inc. Knowledge base computer management network
US9183267B2 (en) * 2010-05-24 2015-11-10 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Linked databases
US8930394B2 (en) 2010-08-17 2015-01-06 Fujitsu Limited Querying sensor data stored as binary decision diagrams
US8645108B2 (en) 2010-08-17 2014-02-04 Fujitsu Limited Annotating binary decision diagrams representing sensor data
US9002781B2 (en) 2010-08-17 2015-04-07 Fujitsu Limited Annotating environmental data represented by characteristic functions
US8874607B2 (en) 2010-08-17 2014-10-28 Fujitsu Limited Representing sensor data as binary decision diagrams
US9138143B2 (en) * 2010-08-17 2015-09-22 Fujitsu Limited Annotating medical data represented by characteristic functions
US8572146B2 (en) 2010-08-17 2013-10-29 Fujitsu Limited Comparing data samples represented by characteristic functions
US8583718B2 (en) 2010-08-17 2013-11-12 Fujitsu Limited Comparing boolean functions representing sensor data
CN101957857B (en) * 2010-09-30 2013-03-20 华为终端有限公司 Automatic information push method and server
US9519714B2 (en) * 2010-12-22 2016-12-13 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Presenting list previews among search results
WO2012106596A1 (en) * 2011-02-04 2012-08-09 The Dun And Bradstreet Corporation Universal language kit for search engines
CN102184206A (en) * 2011-04-28 2011-09-14 深圳市五巨科技有限公司 Method, device and system for accelerating searching speed of mobile terminal network
US8745572B2 (en) 2011-06-22 2014-06-03 Microsoft Corporation Software development automated analytics
US8909592B2 (en) 2011-09-23 2014-12-09 Fujitsu Limited Combining medical binary decision diagrams to determine data correlations
US8719214B2 (en) 2011-09-23 2014-05-06 Fujitsu Limited Combining medical binary decision diagrams for analysis optimization
US8838523B2 (en) 2011-09-23 2014-09-16 Fujitsu Limited Compression threshold analysis of binary decision diagrams
US8620854B2 (en) 2011-09-23 2013-12-31 Fujitsu Limited Annotating medical binary decision diagrams with health state information
US8812943B2 (en) 2011-09-23 2014-08-19 Fujitsu Limited Detecting data corruption in medical binary decision diagrams using hashing techniques
US9075908B2 (en) 2011-09-23 2015-07-07 Fujitsu Limited Partitioning medical binary decision diagrams for size optimization
US8781995B2 (en) 2011-09-23 2014-07-15 Fujitsu Limited Range queries in binary decision diagrams
US9176819B2 (en) 2011-09-23 2015-11-03 Fujitsu Limited Detecting sensor malfunctions using compression analysis of binary decision diagrams
US9177247B2 (en) 2011-09-23 2015-11-03 Fujitsu Limited Partitioning medical binary decision diagrams for analysis optimization
US9335885B1 (en) * 2011-10-01 2016-05-10 BioFortis, Inc. Generating user interface for viewing data records
CN103049444B (en) 2011-10-12 2016-09-28 阿里巴巴集团控股有限公司 A kind of storage method and system of data information classification structure
US8903874B2 (en) 2011-11-03 2014-12-02 Osr Open Systems Resources, Inc. File system directory attribute correction
US8583678B2 (en) * 2011-11-21 2013-11-12 Sap Portals Israel Ltd Graphical exploration of a database
US9456053B2 (en) 2011-12-14 2016-09-27 Level 3 Communications, Llc Content delivery network
US20130166675A1 (en) * 2011-12-21 2013-06-27 Sap Ag Computer System and Computer Method for Coarse-Grained Data Access
CN102819572B (en) * 2012-07-20 2015-09-09 迈普通信技术股份有限公司 The display packing of catalogue data and system in document file management system
US20140089328A1 (en) * 2012-09-27 2014-03-27 International Business Machines Corporation Association of data to a biological sequence
US9870554B1 (en) 2012-10-23 2018-01-16 Google Inc. Managing documents based on a user's calendar
US10140198B1 (en) 2012-10-30 2018-11-27 Google Llc Networked desktop environment
KR101401948B1 (en) * 2012-11-19 2014-05-30 한국인터넷진흥원 A method for dynamically checking mass web sites
US20140337472A1 (en) 2012-12-13 2014-11-13 Level 3 Communications, Llc Beacon Services in a Content Delivery Framework
US9654353B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2017-05-16 Level 3 Communications, Llc Framework supporting content delivery with rendezvous services network
US10791050B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2020-09-29 Level 3 Communications, Llc Geographic location determination in a content delivery framework
US9634918B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2017-04-25 Level 3 Communications, Llc Invalidation sequencing in a content delivery framework
US10652087B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2020-05-12 Level 3 Communications, Llc Content delivery framework having fill services
US10701149B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2020-06-30 Level 3 Communications, Llc Content delivery framework having origin services
US10701148B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2020-06-30 Level 3 Communications, Llc Content delivery framework having storage services
US9881100B2 (en) * 2013-01-14 2018-01-30 International Business Machines Corporation Scoping searches within websites
US11741090B1 (en) 2013-02-26 2023-08-29 Richard Paiz Site rank codex search patterns
US11809506B1 (en) 2013-02-26 2023-11-07 Richard Paiz Multivariant analyzing replicating intelligent ambience evolving system
US9952860B2 (en) 2013-03-13 2018-04-24 Veriscape, Inc. Dynamic memory management for a virtual supercomputer
DE102013209168A1 (en) * 2013-05-17 2014-11-20 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Method for operating a navigation system, navigation system and motor vehicle
CN103279566A (en) * 2013-06-18 2013-09-04 国家电网公司 Method for processing power grid planning mass data
US9400839B2 (en) 2013-07-03 2016-07-26 International Business Machines Corporation Enhanced keyword find operation in a web page
US9892131B2 (en) * 2013-08-26 2018-02-13 Xiaomi Inc. Method, electronic device, and storage medium for creating virtual directory
US9842113B1 (en) 2013-08-27 2017-12-12 Google Inc. Context-based file selection
US9973462B1 (en) 2013-10-21 2018-05-15 Google Llc Methods for generating message notifications
US9830329B2 (en) 2014-01-15 2017-11-28 W. Anthony Mason Methods and systems for data storage
US10505820B2 (en) * 2014-02-24 2019-12-10 Red Hat Israel, Ltd. User interface with an expandable navigation tree
US11531495B2 (en) * 2014-04-21 2022-12-20 David Lane Smith Distributed storage system for long term data storage
CN105468649B (en) 2014-09-11 2020-04-17 阿里巴巴集团控股有限公司 Method and device for judging matching of objects to be displayed
US10528597B2 (en) 2014-09-28 2020-01-07 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Graph-driven authoring in productivity tools
US10210146B2 (en) 2014-09-28 2019-02-19 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Productivity tools for content authoring
US10402061B2 (en) 2014-09-28 2019-09-03 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Productivity tools for content authoring
CN105528398B (en) * 2015-10-22 2019-02-26 金寨希姆网络科技有限公司 Switch the method and device of website links in a kind of browser
JP6858983B2 (en) * 2015-11-25 2021-04-14 チーミフィア,インコーポレイテッド Methods for augmentation, exploration and maintenance of the project hierarchy
US9811281B2 (en) * 2016-04-07 2017-11-07 International Business Machines Corporation Multi-tenant memory service for memory pool architectures
US20180067986A1 (en) * 2016-09-04 2018-03-08 Eclinicalworks, Llc Database model with improved storage and search string generation techniques
WO2018067109A1 (en) * 2016-10-03 2018-04-12 Bryant Iii Thomas Exclusive search engine directories, systems, and methods of use
AU2017265144B2 (en) 2016-12-02 2022-04-14 Encompass Corporation Pty Ltd Information retrieval
CN108255862B (en) * 2016-12-29 2019-09-17 北京国双科技有限公司 A kind of search method and device of judgement document
US10978187B2 (en) 2017-08-10 2021-04-13 Nuance Communications, Inc. Automated clinical documentation system and method
US11316865B2 (en) 2017-08-10 2022-04-26 Nuance Communications, Inc. Ambient cooperative intelligence system and method
US11775540B2 (en) * 2018-03-01 2023-10-03 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Mining patterns in a high-dimensional sparse feature space
EP3762921A4 (en) 2018-03-05 2022-05-04 Nuance Communications, Inc. Automated clinical documentation system and method
EP3762806A4 (en) 2018-03-05 2022-05-04 Nuance Communications, Inc. System and method for review of automated clinical documentation
US11250383B2 (en) 2018-03-05 2022-02-15 Nuance Communications, Inc. Automated clinical documentation system and method
WO2019183621A1 (en) * 2018-03-23 2019-09-26 Tingying Zeng Teaching method system for connecting and applying research needs with a teaching method
US11023419B2 (en) 2018-08-13 2021-06-01 Sap Se Folder key management
CN109462635B (en) * 2018-09-25 2021-11-19 平安科技(深圳)有限公司 Information pushing method, computer readable storage medium and server
US11568011B2 (en) 2018-11-01 2023-01-31 Rewardstyle, Inc. System and method for improved searching across multiple databases
US11227679B2 (en) 2019-06-14 2022-01-18 Nuance Communications, Inc. Ambient clinical intelligence system and method
US11216480B2 (en) * 2019-06-14 2022-01-04 Nuance Communications, Inc. System and method for querying data points from graph data structures
US11043207B2 (en) 2019-06-14 2021-06-22 Nuance Communications, Inc. System and method for array data simulation and customized acoustic modeling for ambient ASR
US11531807B2 (en) 2019-06-28 2022-12-20 Nuance Communications, Inc. System and method for customized text macros
US11670408B2 (en) 2019-09-30 2023-06-06 Nuance Communications, Inc. System and method for review of automated clinical documentation
US11360952B2 (en) 2020-08-03 2022-06-14 Bank Of America Corporation System and method for managing data migration based on analysis of relevant data
US11222103B1 (en) 2020-10-29 2022-01-11 Nuance Communications, Inc. Ambient cooperative intelligence system and method
CN113032401B (en) * 2021-03-31 2023-09-08 合安科技技术有限公司 Big data processing method and device based on special-shaped structure tree and related equipment
CN113591450B (en) * 2021-06-21 2023-12-05 东风柳州汽车有限公司 Automatic filling method, device and storage medium for automobile bulletin reporting parameters

Citations (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0425414A2 (en) * 1989-10-23 1991-05-02 International Business Machines Corporation Method and apparatus for processing a complex hierarchy of data objects
US5630125A (en) * 1994-05-23 1997-05-13 Zellweger; Paul Method and apparatus for information management using an open hierarchical data structure
US6236997B1 (en) * 1997-06-23 2001-05-22 Oracle Corporation Apparatus and method for accessing foreign databases in a heterogeneous database system
US6301581B1 (en) * 1994-08-01 2001-10-09 Texas Instruments Incorporated Method and system for managing access to a plurality of data objects
US6453312B1 (en) * 1998-10-14 2002-09-17 Unisys Corporation System and method for developing a selectably-expandable concept-based search
US6489968B1 (en) * 1999-11-18 2002-12-03 Amazon.Com, Inc. System and method for exposing popular categories of browse tree
US6542515B1 (en) * 1999-05-19 2003-04-01 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Profile service
US6567800B1 (en) * 1998-10-01 2003-05-20 At&T Corp. System and method for searching information stored on a network
US6701314B1 (en) * 2000-01-21 2004-03-02 Science Applications International Corporation System and method for cataloguing digital information for searching and retrieval
US6735598B1 (en) * 1999-10-29 2004-05-11 Oracle International Corporation Method and apparatus for integrating data from external sources into a database system
US7007034B1 (en) * 2000-01-21 2006-02-28 International Business Machines Corporation File structure for storing content objects in a data repository
US7043488B1 (en) * 2000-01-21 2006-05-09 International Business Machines Corporation Method and system for storing hierarchical content objects in a data repository

Family Cites Families (167)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US16793A (en) * 1857-03-10 Steel springs
US23085A (en) * 1859-03-01 chandler
US32672A (en) * 1861-07-02 Manjsr
US65812A (en) * 1867-06-18 wheeler hubbell
US4793A (en) * 1846-10-03 Boot-crimp
US91686A (en) * 1869-06-22 Improvement in organs and melodeons
US622641A (en) * 1899-04-04 ten winkel
US25304A (en) * 1859-08-30 marlow and michael ralph
US16794A (en) * 1857-03-10 Perry g
US3715730A (en) * 1970-06-01 1973-02-06 Texas Instruments Inc Multi-criteria search procedure for trainable processors
US3716840A (en) * 1970-06-01 1973-02-13 Texas Instruments Inc Multimodal search
US3678461A (en) * 1970-06-01 1972-07-18 Texas Instruments Inc Expanded search for tree allocated processors
JPS60245083A (en) * 1984-05-18 1985-12-04 Brother Ind Ltd Electronic dictionary
FR2625345A1 (en) * 1987-12-24 1989-06-30 Thomson Cgr THREE-DIMENSIONAL VIEWING METHOD OF NUMERICALLY ENCODED OBJECTS IN TREE FORM AND DEVICE FOR IMPLEMENTING THE SAME
US4905163A (en) 1988-10-03 1990-02-27 Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Company Intelligent optical navigator dynamic information presentation and navigation system
US5089952A (en) * 1988-10-07 1992-02-18 International Business Machines Corporation Method for allowing weak searchers to access pointer-connected data structures without locking
CA2014799A1 (en) 1989-05-08 1990-11-08 John W. Whisler System and method for reading and writing disks formatted for an operating system foreign to the host computer
US5218696A (en) * 1989-07-24 1993-06-08 International Business Machines Corporation Method for dynamically expanding and rapidly accessing file directories
US5222234A (en) 1989-12-28 1993-06-22 International Business Machines Corp. Combining search criteria to form a single search and saving search results for additional searches in a document interchange system
US5121493A (en) 1990-01-19 1992-06-09 Amalgamated Software Of North America, Inc. Data sorting method
US5257365A (en) * 1990-03-16 1993-10-26 Powers Frederick A Database system with multi-dimensional summary search tree nodes for reducing the necessity to access records
US5761655A (en) * 1990-06-06 1998-06-02 Alphatronix, Inc. Image file storage and retrieval system
AU656153B2 (en) * 1990-10-05 1995-01-27 Microsoft Corporation System and method for information retrieval
JP2824482B2 (en) * 1991-02-20 1998-11-11 富士通株式会社 Variable order decision method of binary decision diagram
EP0562251A2 (en) * 1992-03-24 1993-09-29 Universities Research Association, Inc. Parallel data transfer network controlled by a dynamically reconfigurable serial network
WO1994012944A1 (en) * 1992-11-23 1994-06-09 Paragon Concepts, Inc. Computer filing system with user selected categories to provide file access
JPH0756933A (en) 1993-06-24 1995-03-03 Xerox Corp Method for retrieval of document
AU679553B2 (en) 1993-07-07 1997-07-03 European Computer-Industry Research Centre Gmbh Database structures
FR2707775B1 (en) * 1993-07-12 1996-04-12 Duret Chrsitian Method and device for analyzing information contained in data structures.
FR2710166A1 (en) * 1993-09-13 1995-03-24 Trt Telecom Radio Electr Decision device for coded modulations and modem comprising such a device.
US6339767B1 (en) * 1997-06-02 2002-01-15 Aurigin Systems, Inc. Using hyperbolic trees to visualize data generated by patent-centric and group-oriented data processing
AU6702594A (en) * 1993-12-17 1995-07-03 Taligent, Inc. Object-oriented distributed communications directory service
US5664172A (en) 1994-07-19 1997-09-02 Oracle Corporation Range-based query optimizer
DE69530595T2 (en) * 1994-09-01 2004-03-18 Computer Associates Think, Inc. SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE X.500 DATABASE STANDARD
US5715444A (en) * 1994-10-14 1998-02-03 Danish; Mohamed Sherif Method and system for executing a guided parametric search
US5838965A (en) * 1994-11-10 1998-11-17 Cadis, Inc. Object oriented database management system
US5613110A (en) * 1995-01-05 1997-03-18 International Business Machines Corporation Indexing method and apparatus facilitating a binary search of digital data
US5566328A (en) * 1995-01-23 1996-10-15 Tandem Computers Incorporated Reconstructing directory pathnames from file handles in a computer system
WO1996036003A1 (en) * 1995-05-10 1996-11-14 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Method for transforming and storing data for search and display and a searching system utilized therewith
US6901433B2 (en) * 1995-06-07 2005-05-31 Microsoft Corporation System for providing users with a filtered view of interactive network directory obtains from remote properties cache that provided by an on-line service
US6067552A (en) 1995-08-21 2000-05-23 Cnet, Inc. User interface system and method for browsing a hypertext database
US5974409A (en) * 1995-08-23 1999-10-26 Microsoft Corporation System and method for locating information in an on-line network
WO1997019415A2 (en) * 1995-11-07 1997-05-29 Cadis, Inc. Search engine for remote object oriented database management system
US5787274A (en) * 1995-11-29 1998-07-28 International Business Machines Corporation Data mining method and system for generating a decision tree classifier for data records based on a minimum description length (MDL) and presorting of records
US5778367A (en) * 1995-12-14 1998-07-07 Network Engineering Software, Inc. Automated on-line information service and directory, particularly for the world wide web
JPH09198295A (en) * 1996-01-16 1997-07-31 Nec Corp Hypermedia system
TW357271B (en) * 1996-02-26 1999-05-01 Seiko Epson Corp Light regulator, display and the electronic machine
JP3160201B2 (en) * 1996-03-25 2001-04-25 インターナショナル・ビジネス・マシーンズ・コーポレ−ション Information retrieval method and information retrieval device
US5781906A (en) * 1996-06-06 1998-07-14 International Business Machines Corporation System and method for construction of a data structure for indexing multidimensional objects
US6412017B1 (en) 1996-07-01 2002-06-25 Microsoft Corporation Urgent replication facility
US6138123A (en) * 1996-07-25 2000-10-24 Rathbun; Kyle R. Method for creating and using parallel data structures
US6175835B1 (en) * 1996-07-26 2001-01-16 Ori Software Development, Ltd. Layered index with a basic unbalanced partitioned index that allows a balanced structure of blocks
US6208993B1 (en) * 1996-07-26 2001-03-27 Ori Software Development Ltd. Method for organizing directories
US5802508A (en) * 1996-08-21 1998-09-01 International Business Machines Corporation Reasoning with rules in a multiple inheritance semantic network with exceptions
US5790121A (en) * 1996-09-06 1998-08-04 Sklar; Peter Clustering user interface
US6253188B1 (en) * 1996-09-20 2001-06-26 Thomson Newspapers, Inc. Automated interactive classified ad system for the internet
US5873080A (en) 1996-09-20 1999-02-16 International Business Machines Corporation Using multiple search engines to search multimedia data
US6049809A (en) * 1996-10-30 2000-04-11 Microsoft Corporation Replication optimization system and method
US5987446A (en) 1996-11-12 1999-11-16 U.S. West, Inc. Searching large collections of text using multiple search engines concurrently
US6078914A (en) 1996-12-09 2000-06-20 Open Text Corporation Natural language meta-search system and method
AUPQ104099A0 (en) * 1999-06-18 1999-07-08 Resmed Limited Forehead support for facial mask
EP1486891A3 (en) * 1997-02-12 2005-03-09 Kokusai Denshin Denwa Co., Ltd Document retrieval apparatus
US6216168B1 (en) 1997-03-17 2001-04-10 Cabletron Systems, Inc. Perspective-based shared scope address resolution method and apparatus
US5924090A (en) * 1997-05-01 1999-07-13 Northern Light Technology Llc Method and apparatus for searching a database of records
NL1006157C2 (en) * 1997-05-29 1998-12-01 Houdijk B V Maschf Removal and insertion device for high-positioned flat products.
US6098066A (en) * 1997-06-13 2000-08-01 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Method and apparatus for searching for documents stored within a document directory hierarchy
US6055540A (en) * 1997-06-13 2000-04-25 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Method and apparatus for creating a category hierarchy for classification of documents
IL121181A0 (en) * 1997-06-27 1997-11-20 Agentics Ltd A method and system for unifying multiple information resources into hierarchial integrated information resource accessible by means of user interface
JP3345628B2 (en) 1997-07-11 2002-11-18 アネックスシステムズ株式会社 Data storage and retrieval methods
US5877766A (en) 1997-08-15 1999-03-02 International Business Machines Corporation Multi-node user interface component and method thereof for use in accessing a plurality of linked records
US6018708A (en) * 1997-08-26 2000-01-25 Nortel Networks Corporation Method and apparatus for performing speech recognition utilizing a supplementary lexicon of frequently used orthographies
US6038668A (en) * 1997-09-08 2000-03-14 Science Applications International Corporation System, method, and medium for retrieving, organizing, and utilizing networked data
US6067541A (en) * 1997-09-17 2000-05-23 Microsoft Corporation Monitoring document changes in a file system of documents with the document change information stored in a persistent log
GB2330220B (en) 1997-10-07 2002-04-10 Ibm Access control for groups of related data items
US5991756A (en) 1997-11-03 1999-11-23 Yahoo, Inc. Information retrieval from hierarchical compound documents
US6014639A (en) * 1997-11-05 2000-01-11 International Business Machines Corporation Electronic catalog system for exploring a multitude of hierarchies, using attribute relevance and forwarding-checking
US6009422A (en) 1997-11-26 1999-12-28 International Business Machines Corporation System and method for query translation/semantic translation using generalized query language
US6035423A (en) * 1997-12-31 2000-03-07 Network Associates, Inc. Method and system for providing automated updating and upgrading of antivirus applications using a computer network
US6549519B1 (en) 1998-01-23 2003-04-15 Alcatel Internetworking (Pe), Inc. Network switching device with pipelined search engines
JP3648051B2 (en) * 1998-02-02 2005-05-18 富士通株式会社 Related information retrieval apparatus and program recording medium
US6073135A (en) * 1998-03-10 2000-06-06 Alta Vista Company Connectivity server for locating linkage information between Web pages
DE19810843B4 (en) 1998-03-12 2004-11-25 Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) Method and access device for determining the storage address of a data value in a storage device
US6133938A (en) 1998-03-14 2000-10-17 Sony Corporation Of Japan Descriptor mechanism for assuring indivisible execution of AV/C operations
US6421675B1 (en) * 1998-03-16 2002-07-16 S. L. I. Systems, Inc. Search engine
US6085188A (en) * 1998-03-30 2000-07-04 International Business Machines Corporation Method of hierarchical LDAP searching with relational tables
US6112203A (en) * 1998-04-09 2000-08-29 Altavista Company Method for ranking documents in a hyperlinked environment using connectivity and selective content analysis
US6032145A (en) * 1998-04-10 2000-02-29 Requisite Technology, Inc. Method and system for database manipulation
US6430527B1 (en) 1998-05-06 2002-08-06 Avici Systems Prefix search circuitry and method
US6070164A (en) * 1998-05-09 2000-05-30 Information Systems Corporation Database method and apparatus using hierarchical bit vector index structure
US6094652A (en) * 1998-06-10 2000-07-25 Oracle Corporation Hierarchical query feedback in an information retrieval system
US6421661B1 (en) * 1998-06-15 2002-07-16 International Business Machines Corporation Hierarchical query syntax for inquiring and selecting among database objects
US6256623B1 (en) * 1998-06-22 2001-07-03 Microsoft Corporation Network search access construct for accessing web-based search services
US6185569B1 (en) 1998-06-29 2001-02-06 Microsoft Corporation Linked data structure integrity verification system which verifies actual node information with expected node information stored in a table
US6424966B1 (en) * 1998-06-30 2002-07-23 Microsoft Corporation Synchronizing crawler with notification source
WO2000008539A1 (en) * 1998-08-03 2000-02-17 Fish Robert D Self-evolving database and method of using same
US6263332B1 (en) 1998-08-14 2001-07-17 Vignette Corporation System and method for query processing of structured documents
US6735585B1 (en) * 1998-08-17 2004-05-11 Altavista Company Method for search engine generating supplemented search not included in conventional search result identifying entity data related to portion of located web page
US6263362B1 (en) * 1998-09-01 2001-07-17 Bigfix, Inc. Inspector for computed relevance messaging
US6078866A (en) * 1998-09-14 2000-06-20 Searchup, Inc. Internet site searching and listing service based on monetary ranking of site listings
US6523961B2 (en) * 2000-08-30 2003-02-25 Reflectivity, Inc. Projection system and mirror elements for improved contrast ratio in spatial light modulators
US6772139B1 (en) * 1998-10-05 2004-08-03 Smith, Iii Julius O. Method and apparatus for facilitating use of hypertext links on the world wide web
GB9821787D0 (en) * 1998-10-06 1998-12-02 Data Limited Apparatus for classifying or processing data
US6513032B1 (en) 1998-10-29 2003-01-28 Alta Vista Company Search and navigation system and method using category intersection pre-computation
US6341280B1 (en) * 1998-10-30 2002-01-22 Netscape Communications Corporation Inline tree filters
US6748374B1 (en) * 1998-12-07 2004-06-08 Oracle International Corporation Method for generating a relational database query statement using one or more templates corresponding to search conditions in an expression tree
US6349307B1 (en) * 1998-12-28 2002-02-19 U.S. Philips Corporation Cooperative topical servers with automatic prefiltering and routing
US6480835B1 (en) * 1998-12-31 2002-11-12 Intel Corporation Method and system for searching on integrated metadata
US6418433B1 (en) * 1999-01-28 2002-07-09 International Business Machines Corporation System and method for focussed web crawling
US6360227B1 (en) * 1999-01-29 2002-03-19 International Business Machines Corporation System and method for generating taxonomies with applications to content-based recommendations
US6292796B1 (en) * 1999-02-23 2001-09-18 Clinical Focus, Inc. Method and apparatus for improving access to literature
EP1037143A1 (en) * 1999-03-15 2000-09-20 BSI Business Sytems Integration AG User configurable tree structure
US6826597B1 (en) 1999-03-17 2004-11-30 Oracle International Corporation Providing clients with services that retrieve data from data sources that do not necessarily support the format required by the clients
US6393427B1 (en) * 1999-03-22 2002-05-21 Nec Usa, Inc. Personalized navigation trees
US6631496B1 (en) 1999-03-22 2003-10-07 Nec Corporation System for personalizing, organizing and managing web information
US6665681B1 (en) * 1999-04-09 2003-12-16 Entrieva, Inc. System and method for generating a taxonomy from a plurality of documents
US6836768B1 (en) 1999-04-27 2004-12-28 Surfnotes Method and apparatus for improved information representation
US6675161B1 (en) * 1999-05-04 2004-01-06 Inktomi Corporation Managing changes to a directory of electronic documents
US6094548A (en) * 1999-05-25 2000-07-25 Hewlett-Packard Company Method for dynamically synchronizing configuration information between a printer and an attached accessory
US6542593B1 (en) 1999-06-02 2003-04-01 Accenture Llp Rules database server in a hybrid communication system architecture
US6381607B1 (en) * 1999-06-19 2002-04-30 Kent Ridge Digital Labs System of organizing catalog data for searching and retrieval
US7395282B1 (en) 1999-07-15 2008-07-01 Commvault Systems, Inc. Hierarchical backup and retrieval system
JP3492247B2 (en) * 1999-07-16 2004-02-03 富士通株式会社 XML data search system
US6324534B1 (en) * 1999-09-10 2001-11-27 Requisite Technology, Inc. Sequential subset catalog search engine
US6622170B1 (en) 1999-09-10 2003-09-16 International Business Machines Corporation System and method for DEN/LDAP client database access with a backoff capability
US6941317B1 (en) 1999-09-14 2005-09-06 Eragen Biosciences, Inc. Graphical user interface for display and analysis of biological sequence data
US6516337B1 (en) * 1999-10-14 2003-02-04 Arcessa, Inc. Sending to a central indexing site meta data or signatures from objects on a computer network
US6625609B1 (en) * 1999-11-03 2003-09-23 Amazon.Com, Inc. Method and system for navigating within a body of data using one of a number of alternative browse graphs
US6691108B2 (en) 1999-12-14 2004-02-10 Nec Corporation Focused search engine and method
US6832206B1 (en) 2000-02-01 2004-12-14 Marc Chelnik Automobile parking verification system (APVS)
US6868525B1 (en) * 2000-02-01 2005-03-15 Alberti Anemometer Llc Computer graphic display visualization system and method
US6584471B1 (en) 2000-02-14 2003-06-24 Leon Maclin System and method for the adaptive, hierarchical receipt, ranking, organization and display of information based upon democratic criteria and resultant dynamic profiling
JP2001244292A (en) * 2000-03-01 2001-09-07 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Equipment and method of wire bonding for semiconductor device
US20060173873A1 (en) * 2000-03-03 2006-08-03 Michel Prompt System and method for providing access to databases via directories and other hierarchical structures and interfaces
AU2001243443A1 (en) 2000-03-09 2001-09-17 The Web Access, Inc. Method and apparatus for performing a research task by interchangeably utilizinga multitude of search methodologies
US20010044837A1 (en) 2000-03-30 2001-11-22 Iqbal Talib Methods and systems for searching an information directory
US6760721B1 (en) 2000-04-14 2004-07-06 Realnetworks, Inc. System and method of managing metadata data
US7702995B2 (en) 2000-04-24 2010-04-20 TVWorks, LLC. Method and system for transforming content for execution on multiple platforms
US6704729B1 (en) * 2000-05-19 2004-03-09 Microsoft Corporation Retrieval of relevant information categories
US20020014793A1 (en) * 2000-05-30 2002-02-07 Santha Isabelle M. Infant seat insert
US6523021B1 (en) * 2000-07-31 2003-02-18 Microsoft Corporation Business directory search engine
US7086050B2 (en) 2000-08-04 2006-08-01 Mcafee, Inc. Updating computer files
US7080073B1 (en) * 2000-08-18 2006-07-18 Firstrain, Inc. Method and apparatus for focused crawling
AUPR015700A0 (en) * 2000-09-15 2000-10-12 Filecat Pty Ltd Distributed file-sharing network
US6675178B1 (en) 2000-11-09 2004-01-06 Accenture Llp Method and system for enhancing a commercial transaction conducted via a communications network
US20020073204A1 (en) 2000-12-07 2002-06-13 Rabindranath Dutta Method and system for exchange of node characteristics for DATA sharing in peer-to-peer DATA networks
US6631367B2 (en) * 2000-12-28 2003-10-07 Intel Corporation Method and apparatus to search for information
US7085736B2 (en) * 2001-02-27 2006-08-01 Alexa Internet Rules-based identification of items represented on web pages
US7555561B2 (en) 2001-03-19 2009-06-30 The Aerospace Corporation Cooperative adaptive web caching routing and forwarding web content data broadcasting method
US7085753B2 (en) 2001-03-22 2006-08-01 E-Nvent Usa Inc. Method and system for mapping and searching the Internet and displaying the results in a visual form
US20030074400A1 (en) 2001-03-30 2003-04-17 David Brooks Web user profiling system and method
US20020194161A1 (en) * 2001-04-12 2002-12-19 Mcnamee J. Paul Directed web crawler with machine learning
US6983271B2 (en) 2001-06-13 2006-01-03 Microsoft Corporation Answer wizard drop-down control
US20020194661P1 (en) * 2001-06-19 2002-12-19 Terra Nova Nurseries, Inc. Verbascum plant named 'Dijon'
US7440994B2 (en) * 2001-07-06 2008-10-21 Intel Corporation Method and apparatus for peer-to-peer services to shift network traffic to allow for an efficient transfer of information between devices via prioritized list
US7130861B2 (en) 2001-08-16 2006-10-31 Sentius International Corporation Automated creation and delivery of database content
US20030050834A1 (en) * 2001-09-07 2003-03-13 Sergio Caplan System and method for dynamic customizable interactive portal active during select computer time
US7003514B2 (en) 2001-09-13 2006-02-21 International Business Machines Corporation Method and apparatus for restricting a fan-out search in a peer-to-peer network based on accessibility of nodes
US7493363B2 (en) * 2001-09-19 2009-02-17 Microsoft Corporation Peer-to-peer group management and method for maintaining peer-to-peer graphs
US6532097B1 (en) * 2001-10-11 2003-03-11 Applied Materials, Inc. Image registration apparatus having an adjustable reflective diffraction grating and method
US20030088571A1 (en) * 2001-11-08 2003-05-08 Erik Ekkel System and method for a peer-to peer data file service
US7373362B2 (en) 2001-11-19 2008-05-13 Extended Systems, Inc. Coordinated synchronization
JP3969089B2 (en) 2001-12-25 2007-08-29 株式会社日立製作所 Hierarchical server system
US20030126199A1 (en) 2002-01-02 2003-07-03 Kadri Seemab Aslam Peer-to-peer namespace directory and discovery
US6523188B1 (en) * 2002-01-14 2003-02-25 Kiefer Pool Equipment Co. Top for starting platform for swimming pool
US7243267B2 (en) * 2002-03-01 2007-07-10 Avaya Technology Llc Automatic failure detection and recovery of applications
US7689678B2 (en) 2002-04-26 2010-03-30 Extreme Networks Method and apparatus for restoring the configuration of a network device
US7249319B1 (en) 2003-12-22 2007-07-24 Microsoft Corporation Smartly formatted print in toolbar

Patent Citations (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0425414A2 (en) * 1989-10-23 1991-05-02 International Business Machines Corporation Method and apparatus for processing a complex hierarchy of data objects
US5630125A (en) * 1994-05-23 1997-05-13 Zellweger; Paul Method and apparatus for information management using an open hierarchical data structure
US6301581B1 (en) * 1994-08-01 2001-10-09 Texas Instruments Incorporated Method and system for managing access to a plurality of data objects
US6236997B1 (en) * 1997-06-23 2001-05-22 Oracle Corporation Apparatus and method for accessing foreign databases in a heterogeneous database system
US6567800B1 (en) * 1998-10-01 2003-05-20 At&T Corp. System and method for searching information stored on a network
US6453312B1 (en) * 1998-10-14 2002-09-17 Unisys Corporation System and method for developing a selectably-expandable concept-based search
US6542515B1 (en) * 1999-05-19 2003-04-01 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Profile service
US6735598B1 (en) * 1999-10-29 2004-05-11 Oracle International Corporation Method and apparatus for integrating data from external sources into a database system
US6489968B1 (en) * 1999-11-18 2002-12-03 Amazon.Com, Inc. System and method for exposing popular categories of browse tree
US6701314B1 (en) * 2000-01-21 2004-03-02 Science Applications International Corporation System and method for cataloguing digital information for searching and retrieval
US7007034B1 (en) * 2000-01-21 2006-02-28 International Business Machines Corporation File structure for storing content objects in a data repository
US7043488B1 (en) * 2000-01-21 2006-05-09 International Business Machines Corporation Method and system for storing hierarchical content objects in a data repository

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120296635A1 (en) * 2011-05-19 2012-11-22 Microsoft Corporation User-modifiable word lattice display for editing documents and search queries
US8972240B2 (en) * 2011-05-19 2015-03-03 Microsoft Corporation User-modifiable word lattice display for editing documents and search queries
WO2017053321A3 (en) * 2015-09-21 2017-05-18 TigerIT Americas, LLC Fault-tolerant methods, systems and architectures for data storage, retrieval and distribution
US10007585B2 (en) 2015-09-21 2018-06-26 TigerIT Americas, LLC Fault-tolerant methods, systems and architectures for data storage, retrieval and distribution
US10417103B2 (en) 2015-09-21 2019-09-17 TigerIT Americas, LLC Fault-tolerant methods, systems and architectures for data storage, retrieval and distribution

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US8150885B2 (en) 2012-04-03
US7756850B2 (en) 2010-07-13
WO2001067209A3 (en) 2002-01-17
US20020016793A1 (en) 2002-02-07
US20060218121A1 (en) 2006-09-28
US20080071751A1 (en) 2008-03-20
US20100241662A1 (en) 2010-09-23
US20020004793A1 (en) 2002-01-10
US7672963B2 (en) 2010-03-02
AU2001243443A1 (en) 2001-09-17
US20020023085A1 (en) 2002-02-21
US20010025304A1 (en) 2001-09-27
US20020065812A1 (en) 2002-05-30
US8296296B2 (en) 2012-10-23
US20060265364A1 (en) 2006-11-23
US7305400B2 (en) 2007-12-04
WO2001067209A2 (en) 2001-09-13
US7054875B2 (en) 2006-05-30
US7213024B2 (en) 2007-05-01
US7469254B2 (en) 2008-12-23
WO2001067351A1 (en) 2001-09-13
US20020032672A1 (en) 2002-03-14
US7305399B2 (en) 2007-12-04
US7305401B2 (en) 2007-12-04
US20020091686A1 (en) 2002-07-11
US7085766B2 (en) 2006-08-01
WO2001067207A3 (en) 2002-03-21
US7260579B2 (en) 2007-08-21
AU2001243459A1 (en) 2001-09-17
WO2001067207A2 (en) 2001-09-13
US7747654B2 (en) 2010-06-29
AU2001240061A1 (en) 2001-09-17
US20070271290A1 (en) 2007-11-22
US20020016794A1 (en) 2002-02-07
US7257588B2 (en) 2007-08-14
US20070282823A1 (en) 2007-12-06

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US8150885B2 (en) Method and apparatus for organizing data by overlaying a searchable database with a directory tree structure
US11693864B2 (en) Methods of and systems for searching by incorporating user-entered information
Sugiura et al. Query routing for web search engines: Architecture and experiments
US7418452B2 (en) System and method for locating, categorizing, storing, and retrieving information
US20010049674A1 (en) Methods and systems for enabling efficient employment recruiting
US6311194B1 (en) System and method for creating a semantic web and its applications in browsing, searching, profiling, personalization and advertising
CN101164067B (en) Methods of and systems for searching by incorporating user-entered information
WO2001027712A2 (en) A method and system for automatically structuring content from universal marked-up documents
Cohen et al. Learning to understand the web
EP1320824A1 (en) Method and system for performing electronic commerce
Schenck-Hamlin et al. Employing Metadata to Identify Published Resources in Precision Agriculture on the Internet: a Proposal

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: GAMROE APPLICATIONS, LLC, DELAWARE

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:INTELLIVENCE, INC.;REEL/FRAME:027857/0465

Effective date: 20101217

AS Assignment

Owner name: GULA CONSULTING LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, DELAWAR

Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:GAMROE APPLICATIONS, LLC;REEL/FRAME:036916/0652

Effective date: 20150828

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION

AS Assignment

Owner name: INTELLECTUAL VENTURES ASSETS 186 LLC, DELAWARE

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GULA CONSULTING LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY;REEL/FRAME:062756/0052

Effective date: 20221222

AS Assignment

Owner name: INTELLECTUAL VENTURES ASSETS 186 LLC, DELAWARE

Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MIND FUSION, LLC;REEL/FRAME:063295/0001

Effective date: 20230214

Owner name: INTELLECTUAL VENTURES ASSETS 191 LLC, DELAWARE

Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MIND FUSION, LLC;REEL/FRAME:063295/0001

Effective date: 20230214