Information storage, retrieval and delivery system and method operable with a computer network

• US 6,732,087 B1
• Filed: 10/01/1999
• Issued: 05/04/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 10/01/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Trialsmith Inc.
• Original Assignee: Trialsmith Inc.
• Inventors: Hughes, Kent, Benton, Tony
• Primary Examiner(s): KINDRED, ALFORD W
• Application Number:
  US09/411,149
• Time in Patent Office: 1,677 Days
• Field of Search: 707/1-10, 707/100-104, 707/201-203, 707/205
• US Class Current: 707/754
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/93 Document management systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/95 Retrieval from the web
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/959 Network
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99933 Query processing, i.e. searching
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99935 Query augmenting and refining, e.g. inexact access

Abstract

A system and method for collecting, indexing, searching, accessing and downloading of data over local and global computer networks. The data is reposed in a central database, where it is indexed and interrelated documents by attributes characteristic of the data type. The data is typically objects such as documents, queries, attribute lists and the like. The data is indexed and managed using a relational database management system (RDBMS). The central database and the RDBMS reside in a server that can be coupled to the global network through a network/user interface, queries received by a user based on known network protocols are converted to a format such as SQL understood by the RDBMS. Objects can be returned as an image file for viewing by the user, and can be purchased for downloading to the user'"'"'s computer through some security mechanism, such as membership in a group having access to the database. Content to the database may be provided by individuals or proprietors of other databases, either run the network or through direct input to the server. Content to the database can also be self-generated by the RDBMS.

Claims

1. A computerized method for data management, the computerized method comprising the steps of:

receiving a first query from a first user;

receiving a first user identity indicator;

storing the first query and the first user identity indicator in a first database;

receiving a second query from a second user, the second query including at least a portion of the first query;

searching the first database according to the second query;

responsive to searching the first database, returning the first query and the first user identity indicator;

receiving a document from a third user;

receiving a third user identity indicator;

storing the document in association with the third user identity indicator;

presenting the first query to a second database, the second database including the document;

providing the document to the first user responsive to the first query corresponding to the document;

responsive to providing the document, adjusting an indicator value associated with the third user, wherein the indicator value indicates that the document received from the third user has been provided to the first user; and

calculating a royalty based upon the indicator value associated with the third user.

2. The computerized method of claim 1, wherein the first user and the second user are different.

3. The computerized method of claim 1, wherein the first database and the second database are different.

4. A system for data management, the system comprising:

a processor;

a storage device connected to the processor;

instructions contained on the storage device, the instructions configured to be readable from the storage device by the processor and thereby cause the processor to operate as to;

accept a first query from a first user;

accept a first user identity indicator;

store the first query and the first user identity indicator in a first database;

accept a second query from a second user, the second query including at least a portion of the first query;

initiate searching of the first database according to the second query;

responsive to searching the first database, return the first query and the first user identity indicator;

accept a document from a third user;

accept a third user identity indicator;

initiate storage of the document in association with the third user identity indicator;

present the first query to a second database, the second database including the document; and

provide the document to the first user responsive to the first query corresponding to the document;

responsive to providing the document, adjust an indicator value associated with the third user, wherein the indicator value indicates that the document received from the third user has been provided to the first user; and

calculate a royalty based upon the indicator value associated with the third user.

5. The computerized method of claim 4, wherein the first user and second user are different.

6. A system for facilitating litigation research, comprising:

a storage unit; and

a server connected to said storage unit, said server configured to;

receive one or more litigation research related documents from one or more contributors;

store said litigation research related documents in said storage unit, each document indexed according to an attribute thereof;

search said stored litigation research related documents in response to a user query and return a result of said search;

receive one or more verdict summaries from one or more contributors;

store said verdict summaries in said storage unit, each summary indexed according to an attribute thereof;

search said stored verdict summaries in response to a user query and return a result of said search;

receive one or more litigation related leads;

store said litigation related leads in said storage unit;

search said stored litigation related leads in response to a user query and return a result of said search; and

search said storage unit for one or more lawyer referrals and return a result of said search.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein said server is accessible to authorized users via a computer network connected to said server.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein said server is further configured to process payment for any litigation research related documents obtained by a user from said server.

9. The system of claim 6, wherein said server is further configured to store said user queries for litigation research related documents in said storage unit, search said stored user queries in response to a user request, and return a result of said search.

10. The system of claim 6, wherein said server is further configured to present searches previously performed by a user and litigation research related documents previously obtained by said user.