Method for locating application records in an interactive-services database
US6195661A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 26, 1993 |
| Grant date | Feb 27, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 26, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S707/99943
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method for locating application records in an interactive-service database is described. The method features steps for creating multiple search tables which represent subsets of the database to be interrogated; for example the applications of an interactive service. In accord with the method, steps are provided for arranging the tables with keyword, record locators, indexed to record identifiers. Additionally, the method includes steps for providing each table with a unique coding and steps for generating table codes at the user reception system in response to a query for a database record entered with a variety of search strategies; as for example, character string searching approximating the record sought, alphabetized record searching, subject matter category searching and personalized record searching, among others. Further, the method includes steps for comparing the table code generated with available table codes for the database to select a table suited for the query. Thereafter, the appropriate table is presented at the reception system so the table keywords can be reviewed and a desired record selected and presented.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.