Querying target databases using reference database records
US7788278B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 21, 2004 |
| Grant date | Aug 31, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 14, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F16/2452
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Input data queries directed at a plurality of target databases and originating from any of a plurality of sources are first converted to validated canonical forms, which are then used to query the target databases. Specifically, upon receiving an input data query, a relatively accurate reference database is selected based on the type of the input data. This reference is then queried for the input data with the intent of finding an exact matching record or a near-matching record that can be considered an exact match and thereby validating the input data. Otherwise, the requesting source is instructed to provide a new query. Once having a validated record, it is converted to a canonical form, which is then used to query the target databases intended to be searched. In a further embodiment, multiple reference databases are queried to determine a canonical form of the data or to determine multiple canonical forms of the data.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.