Method and system for retrieving search results from multiple disparate databases
First Claim
1. A system for retrieving search results from a plurality of databases, comprising:
- an interface configured to receive search information; and
a plurality of translators configured to retrieve search results from said plurality of databases respectively based on said search information;
wherein each of said plurality of translators formulates a search request using said search information and syntax and protocol information specific to its corresponding database; and
wherein said plurality of translators use said respective search requests to retrieve said search results from their corresponding databases in a concurrent manner.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention generally relates to a method and system for retrieving search results. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and system for retrieving search results concurrently from multiple disparate databases, whether such databases be available through the Web, or other proprietary internal networks. In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a user interface, a control engine, and a number of translators which are used to communicate with a number of corresponding databases. During exemplary operation, a user uses the user interface to enter search term(s) and other pertinent information relating to his/her search and specify which ones of the databases are to be searched. The search term(s) and other pertinent information are then relayed to the control engine which, in turn, forwards them to the appropriate translators which correspond to the specified databases to be searched. These translators then concurrently formulate and issue their respective search requests to the corresponding databases. Concurrent searches are then carried out in the specified databases. Search results from each of the specified databases are then returned and consolidated for display by the user interface.
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Citations
41 Claims
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1. A system for retrieving search results from a plurality of databases, comprising:
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an interface configured to receive search information; and
a plurality of translators configured to retrieve search results from said plurality of databases respectively based on said search information;
wherein each of said plurality of translators formulates a search request using said search information and syntax and protocol information specific to its corresponding database; and
wherein said plurality of translators use said respective search requests to retrieve said search results from their corresponding databases in a concurrent manner. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A system for retrieving search results from a plurality of databases, comprising:
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a user interface configured to receive search information entered by a user;
a plurality of translators, wherein each translator is configured to communicate with a corresponding database so as to allow a search to be performed in said corresponding database; and
a control engine configured to forward said search information to said plurality of translators, wherein each translator uses said search information and protocol information specific to its corresponding database to formulate a search request to effectuate said search;
wherein said plurality of translators use said respective search requests to effectuate said respective searches and retrieve said search results from said plurality of databases in a concurrent manner. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A method for retrieving search results from a plurality of databases, comprising:
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receiving search information from a user or a user agent;
formulating a plurality of search requests using said search information and database syntax and protocol information, wherein each search request is recognizable by a corresponding database;
executing said plurality of search requests in their corresponding databases in a concurrent manner;
returning search results from said plurality of databases after execution of said plurality of search requests; and
consolidating said search results for display to the user or the user agent. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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32. A method for retrieving search results from a plurality of databases, comprising:
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receiving search information from a user;
generating a plurality of search requests using said search information and database syntax and protocol information, wherein each search request is tailored to be understood by a corresponding database;
retrieving search results from said plurality of databases in a concurrent manner pursuant to said plurality of search requests; and
consolidating said search results. - View Dependent Claims (33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40)
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41. A computer-readable medium having program code configured to retrieve search results from a plurality of databases, said program code comprising:
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a program code segment configured to receive search information from a user;
a program code segment configured to formulate a plurality of search requests using said search information and database syntax and protocol information, wherein each search request is recognizable by a corresponding database;
a program code segment configured to perform one or more authorization procedures respectively in said plurality of databases in a concurrent manner;
a program code segment configured to execute said plurality of search requests in their corresponding databases in a concurrent manner;
a program code segment configured to return search results from said plurality of databases after execution of said plurality of search requests; and
a program code segment configured to consolidate said search results for display to the user.
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Specification