Computerized search technique, such as an internet-based gemstone search technique
First Claim
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1. A method of searching through a database of multiple unique or rare items for purchase by way of a user computer connected to a public computer network, wherein the multiple items are all within a predetermined category, the method comprising:
- causing to be displayed to a user a menu of multiple attributes, wherein the database stores data elements associated with each of the multiple unique or rare items in the predetermined category, and wherein each data element includes associated data values for each of the multiple attributes that describe corresponding attributes of one of the unique or rare items;
receiving a first user input selecting or deselecting at least one of the multiple attributes, wherein selecting one attribute causes a corresponding row or column of the data values associated with that attribute to be displayed, while deselecting the one attribute causes the corresponding row or column of the data values associated with that attribute to not be displayed;
causing to be displayed a user adjustable range associated with searching the database for data elements associated with some of the multiple items in the predetermined category;
receiving a second user input associated with the displayed user adjustable range; and
causing a display based on a search of the database to be made for some of the multiple items based on the second received user input, wherein the display includes certain rows and columns of the data values.
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Abstract
Methods and systems for searching through databases of items are described. In some cases, the system presents a display of searched items. The system may present a customizable interface of displayed search results, where a range of values displayed may be customizable. Further, the displayed attributes of searched items may be customizable. Other search and display functions are also disclosed.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of searching through a database of multiple unique or rare items for purchase by way of a user computer connected to a public computer network, wherein the multiple items are all within a predetermined category, the method comprising:
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causing to be displayed to a user a menu of multiple attributes, wherein the database stores data elements associated with each of the multiple unique or rare items in the predetermined category, and wherein each data element includes associated data values for each of the multiple attributes that describe corresponding attributes of one of the unique or rare items; receiving a first user input selecting or deselecting at least one of the multiple attributes, wherein selecting one attribute causes a corresponding row or column of the data values associated with that attribute to be displayed, while deselecting the one attribute causes the corresponding row or column of the data values associated with that attribute to not be displayed; causing to be displayed a user adjustable range associated with searching the database for data elements associated with some of the multiple items in the predetermined category; receiving a second user input associated with the displayed user adjustable range; and causing a display based on a search of the database to be made for some of the multiple items based on the second received user input, wherein the display includes certain rows and columns of the data values. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A computer-readable medium storing instructions, which when implemented by a computer, perform a method of customizing a user interface that presents views of results of a search through a database of gemstones, wherein the database is connected to a user computer by way of a public computer network, the method comprising:
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causing to be displayed to a user via the user computer a first view of the results of the search, wherein the first view presents to the user gemstones satisfying criteria associated with the search; receiving a user input to generate a modified range of values of a characteristic associated with the results of the search, wherein the user input is provided to one of two user interface controls, wherein one of the user interface controls permits both input of alphanumeric data for at least one value in the range of values and displays an endpoint of the range of values, and wherein the other user interface control permits movement of a displayed control element, via a computer input device, to adjust at least one value in the range of values; and causing to be displayed to the user via the user computer a second view of the results of the search based on the user input, wherein the second view presents to the user gemstones within the modified range inputted by the user. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A computer-readable medium storing a display description and instructions for permitting a computer display device to display a user interface that presents results of a user-initiated search through a database of gemstones, wherein the database is connected to a user computer by way of a network, the user interface comprising:
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a results component that presents to the user gemstones returned by the search; an attributes component that presents to the user one or more attribute control interfaces, wherein each attribute control interface is associated with a gemstone attribute, and wherein each particular attribute control interface is configured to receive user input to change the user-initiated search through the database of gemstones based on a user-selected value for the one gemstone attribute to which the particular attribute control interface is associated; and a user-selectable button that presents an attributes selection component when selected by the user, wherein the attributes selection component displays a list of gemstone attributes for selection by the user, wherein further the user interface presents one or more attribute control interfaces selected by the user and does not present the attribute control interfaces not selected by the user. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A computer system for displaying results of a user-initiated search through a database of gemstones, wherein the database is connected to the computer by way of a public computer network, the system comprising:
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a display device; a user input device; a memory; and a processor coupled among the display device, user input device, memory, and the public computer network, wherein the processor executes instructions defining; a search component for permitting user-initiated search of the database, wherein each gemstone is associated with multiple attributes, and wherein the user-initiated search includes user-selection of at least one of the multiple attributes; a results component that presents to the user a list of gemstones provided by the user-initiated search, wherein the list of gemstones includes at least two attributes associated with each gemstone in the list, wherein the results component includes at least a remove attribute interface control that permits user-removal of one of the attributes displayed in the list of gemstones; and a display component that provides, in response to a signal from the user input device, a display of additional information associated with at least one gemstone, wherein the additional information includes the one removed attribute when that one attribute is not displayed in the list of gemstones. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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18. A method to display results of searching through a database of multiple unique or rare items for purchase by way of a user computer connected to a public computer network, wherein the multiple items are all within a predetermined category, the method comprising:
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permitting user-initiated search of the database, wherein each unique or rare item is associated with multiple attributes, and wherein the user-initiated search includes user-selection of at least one of the multiple attributes; presenting to the user a list of unique or rare items provided by the user-initiated search, wherein the list of unique or rare items includes at least two attributes associated with each unique or rare item in the list, wherein the presenting includes at least an add attribute interface control that permits user-addition of one of the attributes displayed in the list of unique or rare items; and providing, in response to user input, a display of additional information associated with at least one unique or rare item, wherein the additional information does not includes the one added attribute when that one added attribute is displayed in the list of unique or rare items. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification