System and method for providing access to databases via directories and other hierarchical structures and interfaces
First Claim
1. A computer-implemented method of searching hierarchical paths, the method comprising:
- capturing relationships and objects from at least one data source;
mapping the relationships and objects captured into a set of hierarchical paths;
creating a virtual directory based on the hierarchical paths; and
querying the virtual directory.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A hierarchical/relational translation system is provided for enabling information from unrelated heterogeneous relational computing systems to be accessed, navigated, searched, browsed, and shared over a hierarchical computing system. In one embodiment, the hierarchical/relational translation system includes a virtual directory server for capturing information in the nature of relational database schema and metadata. The captured schema and metadata are then translated into virtual directories that are universally compatible with standard communication protocols used with hierarchical computing systems. A virtual directory of information organizes an index of data records and a standard addressing schema is provided to enable customizable access to relevant views of relational computing systems. Several embodiments for presenting the virtual directory information tree are included. In one embodiment, the virtual directory is displayed using browser format. In another embodiment, the virtual directory is presented in electronic mail format. Still, in another embodiment the virtual directory is presented over a wireless medium and through portable devices.
321 Citations
30 Claims
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1. A computer-implemented method of searching hierarchical paths, the method comprising:
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capturing relationships and objects from at least one data source;
mapping the relationships and objects captured into a set of hierarchical paths;
creating a virtual directory based on the hierarchical paths; and
querying the virtual directory. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A virtual directory server for searching hierarchical paths, comprising:
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a first module for capturing relationships and objects from at least one data source, the first module coupled to the at least one data source;
a second module for mapping the relationships and objects captured into a set of hierarchical paths, the second module coupled to the first module;
a third module for creating a virtual directory based on the hierarchical paths, the third module coupled to the second module and coupled to a memory for storing the virtual directory; and
a fourth module for querying the virtual directory, the fourth module coupled to the memory to access the virtual directory. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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30. A computer program product for searching hierarchical paths, the computer program product stored on a computer readable medium, and adapted to perform the operations of:
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capturing relationships and objects from at least one data source;
mapping the relationships and objects captured into a set of hierarchical paths;
creating a virtual directory based on the hierarchical paths; and
querying the virtual directory.
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Specification