Method and apparatus for simultaneously accessing a plurality of dispersed databases

• US 6,766,315 B1
• Filed: 11/01/2000
• Issued: 07/20/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/01/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Hanger Solutions, LLC (IP Investments Group LLC)
• Original Assignee: Lynn W. Barr, Peter J.R. Bonney, Timothy G. Bratsos
• Inventors: Bratsos, Timothy G., Bonney, Peter J. R., Barr, Lynn W.
• Primary Examiner(s): ROBINSON, GRETA LEE
• Assistant Examiner(s): Black, Linh
• Application Number:
  US09/704,234
• Time in Patent Office: 1,357 Days
• Field of Search: 707/1-10, 707/100-104
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/9535 Search customisation based on user profiles and personalisation
• 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 707/99937 Sorting

Abstract

A method and apparatus for intelligent Internet searching, the apparatus residing as a software application on a user'"'"'s computer (the client). A single subject database of sources of directly and indirectly accessible content is stored on the client and accessed by the application. The database also necessary information for searching each source. Preferably, the database is updated at a regular interval. Multiple simultaneous hidden database searches may be performed by the application by linking the client to the appropriate database access pages on the network and forwarding the user'"'"'s desired search information. Preferably, search results are updated and compared to highlight new information.

Claims

1. A method for automated searching of a wide area network, comprising the steps of:

a) maintaining a database of sources of indirectly and directly available information related to a desired subject, wherein the database comprises a plurality of entries, each entry locating a source for indirectly and directly accessible information and each said entry further comprising any necessary search protocol for the source;

b) issuing a query according to any necessary search protocol to desired sources;

c) retrieving the results of the query; and

d) displaying the results.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

e) issuing the query to the desired sources after a given time interval;

f) retrieving the results of the query issued in step e);

g) comparing the results of the query issued in step e) to the results of the query in step c); and

h) displaying any changes determined in step g).

3. An apparatus for automated searching of a wide area network comprising a computer connected to the wide area network and a software application resident on the computer that comprises:

a) a database of sources of indirectly and directly available information related to a desired subject, wherein the database comprises a plurality of entries, each entry listing a source for indirectly accessible information and directly accessible information and each said entry further comprising any necessary search protocol;

b) instructions for issuing a query according to any necessary search protocol to desired sources;

c) retrieving the results of the query; and

d) displaying the results.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the software application further comprises instructions for comparing the saved results of a first query against the results of a second query.

5. A computer-readable medium containing instructions for controlling a computer to automate searching of a wide area network, by:

a) maintaining a database of sources of indirectly and directly available information related to a desired subject, wherein the database comprises a plurality of entries, each entry locating a source for indirectly and directly accessible information and each said entry further comprising any necessary search protocol for the source;

b) issuing a query according to any necessary search protocol to desired sources;

c) retrieving the results of the query; and

d) displaying the results.

6. The computer-readable medium of claim 5, further comprising:

e) issuing the query to the desired sources after a given time interval;

f) retrieving the results of the query issued in step e);

g) comparing the results of the query issued in step e) to the results of the query in step c); and

h) displaying any changes determined in step g).