Data storage and retrieval system with improved data base structure
First Claim
1. A method of operating a computer system having memory for storing and retrieving information concerning a subject, said method comprising steps of:
- (a) in the computer system memory, storing subject data concerning a plurality of subjects wherein said data includes descriptor phrases regarding various matters with which said subjects are concerned and wherein said data includes identifying information for identifying the subjects associated with said descriptor phrases;
(b) assigning selected designation numbers to said descriptor phrases and storing said selected designation numbers in the computer system memory in association with the corresponding descriptor phrases and with the identifying information wherein said designation numbers correspond to a respective plurality of topics;
(c) in the computer system memory, storing a plurality of topic headings with each heading being designated to include a specified range of designation numbers;
(d) in the computer system, for each designation number assigned to a descriptor phrase, determining which of said topic heading ranges includes said designation number and storing that designation number and corresponding descriptor phrase in association with the associated topic heading;
(e) searching the computer system memory for one of a descriptor phrase descriptive of a selected matter of interest, a range of designation numbers, and a designation number, and if a descriptor phrase is identified, determining the designation number thereof; and
(f) using one of said range and designation number determined in step (e) to retrieve from the computer system memory the corresponding identifying information concerning the associated subject.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A data storage and retrieval system separates information regarding the expertise of individuals into four files which can be independently and separately accessed. The records in the various files include fields for indicating the beginning and end of a range of topics within a hierarchical classification system, the level of the topic within the classification system and a field for facilitating alphabetic sorting of topics independently of hierarchical level, and a novel code format for the beginning and end of range indicators permits a small computer to effectively manipulate data in a hierarchical classification system.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method of operating a computer system having memory for storing and retrieving information concerning a subject, said method comprising steps of:
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(a) in the computer system memory, storing subject data concerning a plurality of subjects wherein said data includes descriptor phrases regarding various matters with which said subjects are concerned and wherein said data includes identifying information for identifying the subjects associated with said descriptor phrases; (b) assigning selected designation numbers to said descriptor phrases and storing said selected designation numbers in the computer system memory in association with the corresponding descriptor phrases and with the identifying information wherein said designation numbers correspond to a respective plurality of topics; (c) in the computer system memory, storing a plurality of topic headings with each heading being designated to include a specified range of designation numbers; (d) in the computer system, for each designation number assigned to a descriptor phrase, determining which of said topic heading ranges includes said designation number and storing that designation number and corresponding descriptor phrase in association with the associated topic heading; (e) searching the computer system memory for one of a descriptor phrase descriptive of a selected matter of interest, a range of designation numbers, and a designation number, and if a descriptor phrase is identified, determining the designation number thereof; and (f) using one of said range and designation number determined in step (e) to retrieve from the computer system memory the corresponding identifying information concerning the associated subject. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of operating a computer system having memory for identifying individuals having particular interests concerning various matters, said method comprising steps of:
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(a) in the computer system memory, storing, in a subject database, subject data concerning a plurality of individuals wherein said data includes descriptor phrases regarding various matters of interest to the individuals and wherein said data includes identifying information for identifying the individuals associated with said descriptor phrases; (b) assigning selected typology numbers to said descriptor phrases and storing said selected typology numbers in the computer system memory in association with the corresponding descriptor phrases and with the identifying information wherein said typology numbers correspond to a respective plurality of topics; (c) in the computer system memory, storing in a composite catalog database separate from said subject database, a plurality of topic headings with each heading being designated to include a specified range of typology numbers; (d) in the computer system, for each typology number assigned to a descriptor phrase, determining which of said topic heading ranges includes said typology number and storing that typology number and corresponding descriptor phrase in association with the associated topic heading; (e) searching said catalog database for one of a descriptor phrase descriptive of a selected matter of interest and a typology number, and if a descriptor phrase is searched, determining the typology number thereof; and (f) using said typology number determined in step (e) for searching and retrieving from said subject database the corresponding identifying information concerning the associated individual.
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Specification