Method and system for executing a guided parametric search

• US 6,275,821 B1
• Filed: 08/26/1999
• Issued: 08/14/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 10/14/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Kelora Systems LLC
• Original Assignee: SAQQARA Systems, Inc. (Rush Enterprises Incorporated)
• Inventors: Danish, Mohamed Sherif, Kimbrough, Kris Walter
• Primary Examiner(s): CHOULES, JACK M
• Application Number:
  US09/384,303
• Time in Patent Office: 719 Days
• Field of Search: 707/1, 707/2, 707/3, 707/4, 345/338
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/2425 Iterative querying; Query formulation based on the results of a preceding query
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/2428 Query predicate definition using graphical user interfaces, including menus and forms G06F16/2423 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/2457 with adaptation to user needs
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/248 Presentation of query results
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/34 Browsing; Visualisation therefor
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/9032 Query formulation
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/954 Navigation, e.g. using categorised browsing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99933 Query processing, i.e. searching
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99934 Query formulation, input preparation, or translation

Abstract

A process for identifying a single item from a family of items presents a user with a feature screen having a series of groupings. Each grouping represents a feature having a set of alternatives from which to select. Selected alternatives are used as a selection criteria in a search operation. Results of the search operation is a revised feature screen indicating alternatives that remain available to the user for further selection and searching. The feature screen and search process, therefore, presents the user with a guided nonhierarchical parametric search to identify matching items based upon user specified criteria and priorities. Also disclosed is an adaptation of the claimed method and system appropriate in an Internet environment.

Claims

1. A method for assisting a user in identifying a subfamily of items within a family of items, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a computer readable data file of stored information representing at least one family of items, said data file identifying at least one alternative for each item,

(b) reading said data file,

(c) displaying a feature screen indicating said alternatives represented in the family,

(d) accepting a first selection criteria of at least one alternative,

(e) determining a first subfamily of items wherein each said item in the first subfamily satisfies said first selection criteria,

(f) determining available alternatives represented in the first subfamily,

(g) revising said feature screen to indicate the available alternatives of the first subfamily,

(h) accepting a second selection criteria comprising the alternative or alternatives of the first selection criteria plus at least one alternative selected from the revised feature screen,

(i) determining a second subfamily of items of the family wherein each item in the second subfamily satisfies said second selection criteria,

(j) determining available alternatives represented in the second subfamily, and

(k) revising said feature screen to indicate the available alternatives of the second subfamily.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein each family has at least one feature associated therewith and further comprising the step of

displaying at least one grouping wherein each said grouping comprises one of said features visually related to respective alternatives.

3. The method according to claim 2 and further comprising the step of:

providing an interactive pointer and displaying information specific to one of said features upon a user initiated signal when said pointer is pointing to a feature caption on said feature screen.

4. The method according to claim 2 wherein at least one said groupings is hidden from view if all said respective alternatives are not available.

5. A method for assisting a user in identifying a subfamily of items within a family of items, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a computer readable data file of stored information representing at least one family of items, said data file identifying at least one alternative for each item,

(b) reading said data file,

(c) displaying a feature screen indicating said alternatives represented in the family,

(d) accepting a selection criteria of more than one of said alternatives,

(e) determining the subfamily of items wherein each said item in the subfamily satisfies said selection criteria,

(f) in the event the subfamily comprises zero items, deselecting the most recently selected alternative of that selection criteria,

(g) determining the subfamily of items wherein each said item in the subfamily satisfies said selection criteria as modified by the deselection of the most recently selected alternative,

(h) revising said feature screen to indicate the available alternatives of the subfamily.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein each family has at least one feature associated therewith and further comprising the step of

displaying at least one grouping wherein each said grouping comprises one of said features visually related to respective alternatives.

7. The method according to claim 6 and further comprising the step of:

providing an interactive pointer and displaying information specific to one of said features upon a user initiated signal when said pointer is pointing to a feature caption on said feature screen.

8. The method according to claim 6 wherein at least one said groupings is hidden from view if all said respective alternatives are not available.