Self-evolving database and method of using same

• US 6,195,652 B1
• Filed: 10/28/1999
• Issued: 02/27/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 08/03/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: BSG Tech LLC (IP Edge LLC)
• Original Assignee: Big Fat Fish, Inc.
• Inventors: Fish, Robert D.
• Primary Examiner(s): AMSBURY, WAYNE P
• Application Number:
  US09/431,031
• Time in Patent Office: 488 Days
• Field of Search: 707/2, 707/102
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/901 Indexing; Data structures therefor; Storage structures for retrieval from the web G06F16/951
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/907 Retrieval characterised by using metadata, e.g. metadata not derived from the content or metadata generated manually
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/9537 Spatial or temporal dependent retrieval, e.g. spatiotemporal queries
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99932 Access augmentation or optimizing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99943 Generating database or data structure, e.g. via user interface

Abstract

Self-evolving indexing systems and methods store and retrieve information on multiple types of items. Indices evolve at least in part by providing subsequent users with summary comparison usage information based upon the choices of previous users, and in part by permitting subsequent users to can add new add classifications, parameters, and values instead of being limited by those previously used by others. Summary comparison usage information is preferably communicated to users in the form of listings in which the choices are presented in order of descending usage. Contemplated systems and methods can be used to describe every conceivable type of product and service, as well as such diverse types of information as news items, historical facts, book reviews, questionnaires, opinion surveys, case law, and the topics discussed in various chat rooms. Preferred database structures include those having multiple tables for item classifications, parameters, values, and parameter-value pairs. It is especially contemplated that parameters and values can be cross-utilized across with respect to many different types of items.

Claims

1. A method of storing marketplace information for multiple types of items in a database having a structure, comprising:

providing a user with a parameter list relating to at least a portion of the multiple types of items;

providing a first data entry interface that allows the user to add an additional parameter to the parameter list without modifying the structure of the database; and

providing a second data entry interface that allows the user to use the additional parameter to record additional data relating to the item.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

providing the user with an item list;

providing a third data entry interface that allows the user to select the item from the item list.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

displaying parameter usage information to the user for use in selecting the subset of parameters.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

displaying value usage information to the user for assist in selecting a value to be used in conjunction with a particular parameter of the subset of parameters.

5. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

providing the user with a hierarchical access to the item list.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

providing the user with an item list;

providing a data entry interface that allows the user to select the item from the item list; and

displaying parameter usage information to the user for use in selecting the subset of parameters.

7. The method of claim 6 further comprising:

providing the user with a hierarchical access to the item list.

8. The method of claim 6 further comprising:

displaying value usage information to the user for assist in selecting a value to be used in conjunction with a particular parameter of the subset of parameters.

9. A self-evolving database system having a predefined structure, comprising:

a data structure that stores goods and services as combinations of item classifications, parameters, and values, wherein at least some of the classifications, parameters, or values used to describe different items vary over time, where end users can add additional parameters without modifying the predefined structure of the database; and

at least one data interface that guides the end users in their choices of the combinations by displaying summary comparison usage information derived from the choices of previous users.

10. The self-evolving database system of claim 9 further comprising a data interface that allows the end users themselves to add at least one of new classifications, new parameters, and new values, which can then be list selected by subsequent users in describing their own items.

11. The self-evolving database system of claim 9 further comprising a data interface that allows the end users themselves to add some combination of new classifications, new parameters, and new values, which can then be list selected by subsequent users in describing their own items.

12. The self-evolving database system of claim 9 further comprising a data interface that allows the end users themselves to add new classifications, new parameters, and new values, which can then be list selected by subsequent users in describing their own items.