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System and method for developing a selectably-expandable concept-based search

  • US 6,453,312 B1
  • Filed: 10/14/1998
  • Issued: 09/17/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/14/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An interactive search development system for use by a user in developing a query string, comprising:

  • storage means for storing individually-addressable elements, each of said elements storing string signals indicative of a character string which may or may not signify relationships, each of said elements storing relationship indicators indicative of one or more relationships, each of said relationships existing between said each of said elements and a different respective one of said elements, wherein each of said elements exists as a node within a hierarchical tree structure having multiple hierarchical levels, and each of said relationships exists as a branch of said hierarchical tree structure;

    search string means coupled to said storage means, said search string means for locating in said storage means a selected one of said elements, for starting at said selected one of said elements and traversing relationships in said hierarchical tree structure until a predetermined number of hierarchical levels in said hierarchical tree structure, as determined by the user, have been traversed; and

    user interface means coupled to said search string means for providing a list of ones of said elements located during said traversing of relationships, and for allowing the user to select or de-select each located element for use in developing the query string and wherein a said developed query string may include relationship words as sub strings and wherein said relationship words may also be de-selected from said query string by said user.

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