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

• US 6,839,704 B2
• Filed: 03/25/2003
• Issued: 01/04/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 10/01/1998
• 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:
  US10/396,761
• Publication Number:
  US 20030195876A1
• Time in Patent Office: 651 Days
• Field of Search: 707 1- 5, 707 9- 10, 707/102
• US Class Current: 1/1
• 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 data over local and global computer networks. Data is reposed in a central database, indexed and interrelated by attributes characteristic of the data type. The data includes 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 are converted to a format understood by the RDBMS. Objects can be returned as an image file for viewing, and can be purchased for downloading. Content to the database may be provided by individuals or proprietors of other databases, either on the network or through direct input to the server. Content to the database can also be self-generated by the RDBMS.

Claims

1. A method of providing secure access to data objects, said method comprising the steps of:

providing data objects to a central database, wherein the data objects are owned by one or more distinct entities, said step of providing data objects further comprising the step of;

indexing data objects in accordance with attributes, wherein the attributes include (A) type of data objects, (B) originator of the data objects, (C) owner of the data objects, and (D) one or more of;

plaintiff lawyer ID, defense lawyer ID, defense lawyer'"'"'s name, plaintiff lawyer'"'"'s name, and state code; and

providing information concerning one or more of the data objects to a user in response to a query made by the user, said step of providing information further comprising the steps of;

receiving the query over a computer network;

using the query to identify attributes for data objects sought by the user;

identifying the information based on the identification; and

transmitting the document back to the user over the computer network if the user is permitted access to the information.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of indexing further comprises the steps of:

associating an object type with each type of data object;

storing a copy of the object in an object repository; and

extracting a plurality of attributes from the object for purposes of managing the object.

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

receiving a first query from a first user for querying data objects, the data objects indexed in accordance with attributes, wherein the attributes include (A) type of data objects, (B) originator of the data objects, (C) owner of the data objects, and (D) one or more of;

plaintiff lawyer id, defense lawyer id, defense lawyer'"'"'s name, plaintiff lawyer'"'"'s name, and state code;

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; and

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

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

5. 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 for querying data objects, the data objects indexed in accordance with attributes, wherein the attributes include (A) type of data objects, (B) originator of the data objects, (C) owner of the data objects, and (D) one or more of;

plaintiff lawyer id, defense lawyer id, defense lawyer s name, plaintiff lawyer'"'"'s name, and state code;

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; and

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

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the first user and the second user are different.