Method for locating application records in an interactive-services database
First Claim
1. A method of searching for and retrieving records included in a database provided in a computer network, the network having a plurality of reception systems at which respective users can request and retrieve respective records, the method comprising the steps of:
- a. providing record locators indexed to record identifiers for the respective, database records;
b. arranging multiple locators and respective indexed identifiers in a plurality of groups, the groups respectively establishing predetermined subset searches of the database records;
c. assigning code designations to the respective locator groups;
d. generating a locator group code designation in response to a request for a record so that a group of record locators may be provided at the reception system and so that a locator may be selected which enables identification and retrieval of the record.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method for locating application records in an interactive-service database is described. The method features steps for creating multiple search tables which represent subsets of the database to be interrogated; for example the applications of an interactive service. In accord with the method, steps are provided for arranging the tables with keyword, record locators, indexed to record identifiers. Additionally, the method includes steps for providing each table with a unique coding and steps for generating table codes at the user reception system in response to a query for a database record entered with a variety of search strategies; as for example, character string searching approximating the record sought, alphabetized record searching, subject matter category searching and personalized record searching, among others. Further, the method includes steps for comparing the table code generated with available table codes for the database to select a table suited for the query. Thereafter, the appropriate table is presented at the reception system so the table keywords can be reviewed and a desired record selected and presented.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method of searching for and retrieving records included in a database provided in a computer network, the network having a plurality of reception systems at which respective users can request and retrieve respective records, the method comprising the steps of:
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a. providing record locators indexed to record identifiers for the respective, database records;
b. arranging multiple locators and respective indexed identifiers in a plurality of groups, the groups respectively establishing predetermined subset searches of the database records;
c. assigning code designations to the respective locator groups;
d. generating a locator group code designation in response to a request for a record so that a group of record locators may be provided at the reception system and so that a locator may be selected which enables identification and retrieval of the record. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of searching for and retrieving applications included as records in an interactive service database stored in a computer network, the network having a plurality of reception systems at which respective users can request and retrieve applications, and the applications being made up of objects collectively containing presentation data and program instructions, the method comprising the steps of:
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a. preparing a plurality of tables, each table including keywords respectively referenced to application identifiers so that each establishes a predetermined subset search of the applications stored in the service database;
b. providing each table with a unique code designation;
c. generating a table code designation in response to a query entered at the reception system for an application;
d. comparing the table code designation generated with the available table code designation to select a table suited to the query; and
e. providing the table at the reception system at which the query was entered so that the requested application may be identified from the table and so that the application may be retrieved at the reception system where the query was entered. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification