Information directory system

• US 7,047,233 B1
• Filed: 10/25/2000
• Issued: 05/16/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 07/06/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Today's Pages Limited
• Original Assignee: Today's Pages Limited
• Inventors: Smyth, Barry, Kennedy, Michael, Humphreys, Richard Macartan
• Primary Examiner(s): Corrielus, Jean M.
• Application Number:
  US09/695,219
• Time in Patent Office: 2,029 Days
• Field of Search: 707/3, 707/10, 707/5, 707/6, 707/201, 707/205, 707/2, 705/1, 705/14, 705/37, 705/40
• US Class Current: 707/752
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/951 Indexing; Web crawling techniques
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/9538 Presentation of query results
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/10 Office automation; Time management
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/922 Communications
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/959 Network
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99931 Database or file accessing
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99936 Pattern matching access

Abstract

A method of providing information in a directory system comprising a directory for company information, goods and services; a communications network; a directory computer operated by a directory provider; a plurality of search computers operated by enquirers which search computers are connected within the network; and a plurality of active content providers operating active content provider computers, at least some of which are connected to the directory computer. The company information, goods and services are classified by unique identifiers. Lists of goods and services and company information are provided as provider content from both active and passive content providers. These are stored in a provider database with unique identifiers. The directory computer on request downloads to the search computer one or more queries to allow the search computer specify the search correctly and then the directory computer downloads the search result. The active content provider computers update the search from time to time. The purpose is to provide a comprehensive listing of useful information to an enquirer in an easily searched form while simultaneously allowing the active content providers to tailor the information supplied.

Claims

1. A method of providing information in a directory system comprising a directory for company information, goods and services;

a communications network;

a directory computer operated by a directory provider;

a plurality of search computers operated by enquirers which search computers are connected within the network; and

a plurality of active content providers operating active content provider computers, at least some of which are connected to the directory computer;

in which the initial steps are performed of;

classifying company information, goods and services for which the information will be provided under unique identifiers;

obtaining a list of company information, goods and services as provider content which the active content providers wish to include in the directory;

obtaining a list of company information, goods and services provided by unconnected passive providers which the directory provider wishes to include as provider content in the directory;

allocating the unique identifiers to the provider content;

preparing a provider database of the provider content for active content providers and passive providers;

and in which the steps are subsequently performed of;

the search computer opens a communications link with the directory computer;

the directory computer downloads a search page containing a query heading;

the search computer enters onto the search page an initial search request;

the directory computer carries out a search through the provider database; and

the directory computer downloads the provider content relevant to the search request as a search result;

and in which, when the initial search request includes more than one unique identifier, the steps are carried out of;

sorting the provider content into groups having the same unique identifier;

searching the groups to ascertain the content providers appearing in more than one group;

taking the content provider or providers listed in the most groups;

sorting those groups as a first classification list of content providers;

repeating the process until there is a final classification list of content providers listed in only one group; and

downloading the provider content for each of these lists to the enquirer computer;

and in which, as required from time to time;

the active content provider computers update the content of the provider database.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, in which:

the directory computer downloads a list of the unique identifiers relevant to the search request;

the search computer chooses a unique identifier to initiate the downloading of providers content; and

the directory computer downloads the provider content stored with that unique identifier in the provider database.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1, in which the provider content in the provider database for the content providers includes detailed information on the company information, goods and services provided.

4. A method as claimed in claim 1, in which the unique identifiers are based on the company information and the types of goods and services.

5. A method as claimed in claim 1, in which the unique identifiers are by category of user based on the enquirers requirements for information.

6. A method as claimed in claim 1, in which, on the search computer opening communication with the directory computer, the search computer specifies the enquirers requirements by category of user.

7. A method as claimed in claim 1, in which, on the search computer opening communication with the directory computer, the search computer specifies the enquirers requirements by category of user and then only the provider content relevant to that category of user supplied by the active content providers is downloaded.

8. A method as claimed in claim 1, in which, on opening communications with the directory system, the directory computer downloads a search recording panel, as each search page is entered, the search recording panel is updated to record the search criteria.

9. A method as claimed in claim 1, in which, on opening communications with the directory system, the directory computer downloads a search recording panel, as each search page is entered, the search recording panel is updated to record the search criteria and is displayed on portion of the screen of the search computer each time the search page is displayed.

10. A method as claimed in claim 1, in which, on opening communications with the directory system, the directory computer downloads a search recording panel which is displayed on portion of the screen of the search computer and as each search page is entered, the search recording panel is updated to record the search criteria.

11. A method as claimed in claim 1, in which, on opening communications with the directory system, the directory computer downloads a search recording panel, as each search page is entered, the search recording panel is updated to record the search criteria and on completion of a search, the search recording panel is stored.

12. A method as claimed in claim 1, in which, on opening communications with the directory system, the directory computer downloads a search recording panel, as each search page is entered, the search recording panel is updated to record the search criteria said search recording panel is displayed on portion of the screen of the search computer each time the search page is displayed and on completion of a search the search recording panel is stored.

13. A method as claimed in claim 1, in which on completion of a search, the enquirer edits the provider content downloaded.

14. A method as claimed in claim 1, in which the provider content downloaded is stored.

15. A method as claimed in claim 1, in which the directory computer stores the search computer ID in a separate search recording database;

and on the content of the provider database being updated, the steps are performed of;

the directory computer searches the search recording database; and

the previous enquiries requesting content that has now been updated are retrieved and the new content is downloaded to the relevant search computers.

16. A method as claimed in claim 1, in which the directory computer stores the search computer ID in a separate search recording database;

and on the content of the provider database being updated, the steps are performed of;

the directory computer searches the search recording database; and

the previous enquiries requesting content that has now been updated are retrieved, the directory sends a message to the relevant search computer querying whether an update is required and if requested the new content is downloaded to the relevant search computers.

17. A method as claimed in claim 1, in which the directory computer stores the search computer ID in a separate search recording database;

and on the content of the provider database being updated and unless the search computer has previously indicated it does not require new content as it arises, the steps are performed of;

the directory computer searches the search recording database; and

the previous enquiries requesting content that has now been updated are retrieved and the new content is downloaded to the relevant search computers.

18. A method as claimed in claim 1, in which the directory computer stores the search computer ID in a separate recording database;

and on an active content provider updating its own content, the steps are performed of;

the active content provider computer requests that previous enquirers be updated with the new content;

the directory computer searches the search recording database; and

the previous enquiries requesting content that has now been updated are retrieved and the new content is downloaded to the relevant search computers.

19. A method as claimed in claim 1 in which the directory computer stores the search computer ID in a separate recording database;

and on an active content provider updating its own content, the steps are performed of;

the active content provider computer requests that previous enquirers be updated with the new content;

the directory computer searches the search recording database; and

the previous enquiries requesting content that has now been updated are retrieved the directory computer sends a message to the relevant search computer querying whether an update is required and if requested the new content is downloaded to the relevant search computers.

20. A method as claimed in claim 1 in which the directory computer stores the search computer ID in a separate recording database;

and on an active content provider updating its own content and unless the search computer has previously indicated it does not require new content as it arises, the steps are performed of;

the active content provider computer requests that previous enquirers be updated with the new content;

the directory computer searches the search recording database; and

the previous enquiries requesting content that has now been updated are retrieved and the new content is downloaded to the relevant search computers.

21. A method as claimed in claim 1, in which, the search computer sends a request to the directory computer for an update of provider content and in which the directory computer downloads changes in content since the previous downloading of provider content to the search computer.

22. A method of providing information in a directory system comprising a directory for company information, goods and services;

a communications network;

a directory computer operated by a directory provider;

a plurality of search computers operated by enquirers which search computers are connected within the network; and

a plurality of active content providers operating active content provider computers, at least some of which are connected to the directory computer;

in which the initial steps are performed of;

classifying company information, goods and services for which the information will be provided under unique identifiers;

obtaining a list of company information, goods and services as provider content which the active content providers wish to include in the directory;

obtaining a list of company information, goods and services provided by unconnected passive providers which the directory provider wishes to include as provider content in the directory;

allocating the unique identifiers to the provider content;

preparing a provider database of the provider content for active content providers and passive providers;

and in which the steps are subsequently performed of;

the search computer opens a communications link with the directory computer;

the directory computer downloads a search page containing a query heading;

the search computer enters onto the search page an initial search request;

the directory computer downloads a list of the unique identifiers relevant to the search request;

the search computer chooses a unique identifier to initiate the downloading of providers content;

the directory computer carries out a search through the provider database;

the directory computer downloads the provider content as a search result;

and in which, when the initial search request includes more than one unique identifier, the steps are carried out of;

sorting the provider content into groups having the same unique identifier;

searching the groups to ascertain the content providers appearing in more than one group;

taking the content provider or providers listed in the most groups;

sorting those groups as a first classification list of content providers;

repeating the process until there is a final classification list of content providers listed in only one group; and

downloading the provider content for each of these lists to the enquirer computer;

and in which, as required from time to time;

the active content provider computers update the content of the provider database.

23. A method as claimed in claim 22, in which the provider content in the provider database for the content providers includes detailed information on the company information and goods and services provided.

24. A method as claimed in claim 22, in which the unique identifiers are based on types of goods and services.

25. A method as claimed in claim 22, in which the unique identifiers are by category of user based on the enquirers requirements for information.

26. A method as claimed in claim 22, in which, on the search computer opening communication with the directory computer, the search computer specifies the enquirers requirements by category of user.

27. A method as claimed in claim 22, in which, on the search computer opening communication with the directory computer, the search computer specifies the enquirers requirements by category of user and then only the provider content relevant to that category of user supplied by the active content providers is downloaded.

28. A method as claimed in claim 22, in which, on opening communications with the directory system, the directory computer downloads a search recording panel, as each search page is entered, the search recording panel is updated to record the search criteria.

29. A method as claimed in claim 22, in which, on opening communications with the directory system, the directory computer downloads a search recording panel, as each search page is entered, the search recording panel is updated to record the search criteria and is displayed on portion of the screen of the search computer each time the search page is displayed.

30. A method as claimed in claim 22, in which, on opening communications with the directory system, the directory computer downloads a search recording panel which is displayed on portion of the screen of the search computer and as each search page is entered, the search recording panel is updated to record the search criteria.

31. A method as claimed in claim 22, in which, on opening communications with the directory system, the directory computer downloads a search recording panel, as each search page is entered, the search recording panel is updated to record the search criteria and on completion of a search, the search recording panel is stored.

32. A method as claimed in claim 22, in which, on opening communications with the directory system, the directory computer downloads a search recording panel, as each search page is entered, the search recording panel is updated to record the search criteria said search recording panel is displayed on portion of the screen of the search computer each time the search page is displayed and on completion of a search the search recording panel is stored.

33. A method as claimed in claim 22, in which on completion of a search, the enquirer edits the provider content downloaded.

34. A method as claimed in claim 22, in which the provider content downloaded is stored.

35. A method as claimed in claim 22, in which the directory computer stores the search computer ID in a separate search recording database;

and on the content of the provider database being updated, the steps are performed of;

the directory computer searches the search recording database; and

the previous enquiries requesting content that has now been updated are retrieved and the new content is downloaded to the relevant search computers.

36. A method as claimed in claim 22, in which the directory computer stores the search computer ID in a separate search recording database;

and on the content of the provider database being updated, the steps are performed of;

the directory computer searches the search recording database; and

the previous enquiries requesting content that has now been updated are retrieved, the directory sends a message to the relevant search computer querying whether an update is required and if requested the new content is downloaded to the relevant search computers.

37. A method as claimed in claim 22, in which the directory computer stores the search computer ID in a separate search recording database;

and on the content of the provider database being updated and unless the search computer has previously indicated it does not require new content as it arises, the steps are performed of;

the directory computer searches the search recording database; and

the previous enquiries requesting content that has now been updated are retrieved and the new content is downloaded to the relevant search computers.

38. A method as claimed in claim 22 in which the directory computer stores the search computer ID in a separate recording database;

and on an active content provider updating its own content, the steps are performed of;

the active content provider computer requests that previous enquirers be updated with the new content;

the directory computer searches the search recording database; and

the previous enquiries requesting content that has now been updated are retrieved and the new content is downloaded to the relevant search computers.

39. A method as claimed in claim 22 in which the directory computer stores the search computer ID in a separate recording database;

and on an active content provider updating its own content, the steps are performed of;

the active content provider computer requests that previous enquirers be updated with the new content;

the directory computer searches the search recording database; and

the previous enquiries requesting content that has now been updated are retrieved the directory computer sends a message to the relevant search computer querying whether an update is required and if requested the new content is downloaded to the relevant search computers.

40. A method as claimed in claim 22, in which the directory computer stores the search computer ID in a separate recording database;

and on an active content provider updating its own content and unless the search computer has previously indicated it does not require new content as it arises, the steps are performed of;

the active content provider computer requests that previous enquirers be updated with the new content;

the directory computer searches the search recording database; and

the previous enquiries requesting content that has now been updated are retrieved and the new content is downloaded to the relevant search computers.

41. A method as claimed in claim 22, in which, the search computer sends a request to the directory computer for an update of provider content and in which the directory computer downloads changes in content since the previous downloading of provider content to the search computer.

42. A computerised method for the supply of information from a directory comprising:

(A) initialising a provider database comprising;

classifying company information, goods and services for which information will be provided under unique identifiers;

entering into a provider database a list of company information, goods and services as provider content which active providers wish to include in the directory;

entering into the provider database a list of company information, goods and services provided by passive content providers;

allocating unique identifiers to the provider contents;

(B) receiving an information request from a search computer operated by an enquirer comprising;

identifying the search computer;

recording the ID of the search computer;

maintaining a searcher profile database;

(C) transmitting the information requested comprising;

sending a search page to the search computer said search page containing a query heading;

receiving a response from the search computer detailing the precise information requested;

downloading the information;

and in which, when the initial search request includes more than one unique identifier, the steps are carried out of;

sorting the provider content into groups having the same unique identifier;

searching the groups to ascertain the content providers appearing in more than one group;

taking the content provider or providers listed in the most groups;

sorting those groups as a first classification list of content providers;

repeating the process until there is a final classification list of content providers listed in only one group; and

downloading the provider content for each of these lists to the enquirer computer;

(D) updating the provider content comprising;

opening a communicators link with the active content provider computer;

allowing the active content provider computer access to the information specific to active providers company information, goods and services in the provider database;

accepting a revised list of company information, goods and services from the active provider computer;

reclassifying the company information, goods and services now provided; and

entering the revised list of company information, goods and services in the provider database.

43. A method as claimed in claim 42, in which:

the directory computer downloads a list of the unique identifiers relevant to the search request;

the search computer chooses a unique identifier to initiate the downloading of providers content; and

the directory computer downloads the provider content stored with that unique identifier in the provider database.

44. A method as claimed in claim 42, in which the provider content in the provider database for the content providers includes detailed information on the company information, goods and services provided.

45. A method as claimed in claim 42, in which the unique identifiers are based on types of company information, goods and services.

46. A method as claimed in claim 42, in which the unique identifiers are by category of user based on the enquirers requirements for information on the company information, goods and services.

47. A method as claimed in claim 42, in which, on the search computer opening communication with the directory computer, the search computer specifies the enquirers requirements by category of user.

48. A method as claimed in claim 42, in which on completion of a search, the enquirer edits the provider content downloaded.

49. A method as claimed in claim 42, in which the provider content downloaded is stored.

50. A method as claimed in claim 42, in which the directory computer stores the search computer ID in a separate search recording database;

and on the content of the provider database being updated, the steps are performed of;

the directory computer searches the search recording database;

the previous enquiries requesting content that has now been updated are retrieved and the new content is downloaded to the relevant search computers.

51. A method as claimed in claim 42, in which the directory computer stores the search computer ID in a separate recording database;

and on an active content provider updating its own content, the steps are performed of;

the active content provider computer requests that previous enquirers be updated with the new content;

the directory computer searches the search recording database;

the previous enquiries requesting content that has now been updated are retrieved and the new content is downloaded to the relevant search computers.

52. A directory system for providing information on company information, goods and services provided by active and passive content providers comprising:

means for storing information on company information, goods and services provided by passive content providers;

means for receiving and storing information provided by active content providers;

means for classifying the information on company information, goods and services stored;

means for receiving a request from an enquirer for information on company information, goods and services;

means for classifying the request with the same classification as that under which the information is stored;

means for carrying out a search through the information stored by matching the classification of the request with that of the information stored;

means for downloading the appropriate information in response to the search, in which, when the initial search request includes more than one unique identifier, the steps are carried out of;

sorting the provider content into groups having the same unique identifier;

searching the groups to ascertain the content providers appearing in more than one group;

taking the content provider or providers listed in the most groups;

sorting those groups as a first classification list of content providers;

repeating the process until there is a final classification list of content providers listed in only one group; and

downloading the provider content for each of these lists to the enquirer computer; and

means for upgrading the information provided by the active content providers in response to a request from an active content provider.

53. A system as claimed in claim 52, in which:

the directory computer includes means for downloading a list of the unique identifiers relevant to the search request;

the search computer includes means for choosing a unique identifier to initiate the downloading of providers content; and

the directory computer includes means for downloading the provider content stored with that unique identifier in the provider database.

54. A system as claimed in claim 52, in which the provider content in the provider database for the content providers includes detailed information on the company information, goods and services provided.

55. A system as claimed in claim 52, in which the unique identifiers are based on the company information and the types of goods and services.

56. A system as claimed in claim 52, in which the unique identifiers are by category of user based on the enquirers requirements for information.

57. A system as claimed in claim 52, in which, on the search computer opening communication with the directory computer, the search computer specifies the enquirers requirements by category of user.

58. A system as claimed in claim 52, in which on completion of a search, the enquirer edits the provider content downloaded.

59. A system as claimed in claim 52, in which the provider content downloaded is stored.

60. A system as claimed in claim 52, in which the directory computer stores the search computer ID in a separate search recording database;

and on the content of the provider database being updated, the steps are performed of;

the directory computer searches the search recording database;

the previous enquiries requesting content that has now been updated are retrieved and the new content is downloaded to the relevant search computers.

61. A system as claimed in claim 52 in which the directory computer stores the search computer ID in a separate recording database;

and on an active content provider updating its own content, the steps are performed of;

the active content provider computer requests that previous enquirers be updated with the new content;

the directory computer searches the search recording database;

the previous enquiries requesting content that has now been updated are retrieved and the new content is downloaded to the relevant search computers.

62. A method for an enquirer to obtain information from a directory system comprising a directory for company information, goods and services;

a communications network;

a directory computer operated by a directory provider; and

a plurality of active content providers operating active content provider computers, at least some of which are connected to the directory computer;

in which the directory system includes;

a classification of company information, goods and services for which the information will be provided under unique identifiers;

a list of company information, goods and services as provider content which the active content providers have included and which are updated from time to time by the active content provider computers;

a list of company information, goods and services provided by unconnected passive providers which the directory provider includes as provider content in the directory;

unique identifiers allocated by the directory computer to the provider content in the directory;

a provider database of the provider content for active content providers and passive providers;

the method comprising using a search computer connected within the network and carrying out the steps of;

the search computer opens a communications link with the directory computer;

the directory computer downloads a search page containing a query heading;

the search computer enters a word or words onto the search page as an initial search request;

the directory computer carries out a search through the provider database; and

the directory computer downloads the provider content relevant to the search request as a search result, in which, when the initial search request includes more than one unique identifier, the steps are carried out of;

sorting the provider content into groups having the same unique identifier;

searching the groups to ascertain the content providers appearing in more than one group;

taking the content provider or providers listed in the most groups;

sorting those groups as a first classification list of content providers;

repeating the process until there is a final classification list of content providers listed in only one group; and

downloading the provider content for each of these lists to the enquirer computer.

63. A method as claimed in claim 62, in which:

the directory computer downloads a list of the unique identifiers relevant to the search request;

the search computer chooses a unique identifier to initiate the downloading of providers content; and

the directory computer downloads the provider content stored with that unique identifier in the provider database.

64. A method as claimed in claim 62, in which the provider content in the provider database for the content providers includes detailed information on the company information, goods and services provided.

65. A method as claimed in claim 62, in which the unique identifiers are based on the company information and the types of goods and services.

66. A method as claimed in claim 62, in which the unique identifiers are by category of user based on the enquirers requirements for information.

67. A method as claimed in claim 62, in which, on the search computer opening communication with the directory computer, the search computer specifies the enquirers requirements by category of user.

68. A method as claimed in claim 62, in which, on the search computer opening communication with the directory computer, the search computer specifies the enquirers requirements by category of user and then only the provider content relevant to that category of user supplied by the active content providers is downloaded.

69. A method as claimed in claim 62, in which, on opening communications with the directory system, the directory computer downloads a search recording panel, as each search page is entered, the search recording panel is updated to record the search criteria.

70. A method as claimed in claim 62, in which, on opening communications with the directory system, the directory computer downloads a search recording panel, as each search page is entered, the search recording panel is updated to record the search criteria and is displayed on portion of the screen of the search computer each time the search page is displayed.

71. A method as claimed in claim 62, in which, on opening communications with the directory system, the directory computer downloads a search recording panel which is displayed on portion of the screen of the search computer and as each search page is entered, the search recording panel is updated to record the search criteria.

72. A method as claimed in claim 62, in which, on opening communications with the directory system, the directory computer downloads a search recording panel, as each search page is entered, the search recording panel is updated to record the search criteria and on completion of a search, the search recording panel is stored.

73. A method as claimed in claim 62, in which, on opening communications with the directory system, the directory computer downloads a search recording panel, as each search page is entered, the search recording panel is updated to record the search criteria said search recording panel is displayed on portion of the screen of the search computer each time the search page is displayed and on completion of a search the search recording panel is stored.

74. A method as claimed in claim 62, in which on completion of a search, the enquirer edits the provider content downloaded.

75. A method as claimed in claim 62, in which the provider content downloaded is stored.

76. A method as claimed in claim 62, in which the directory computer stores the search computer ID in a separate search recording database;

and on the content of the provider database being updated, the steps are performed of;

the directory computer searches the search recording database;

the previous enquiries requesting content that has now been updated are retrieved and the new content is downloaded to the relevant search computers.

77. A method as claimed in claim 62, in which the directory computer stores the search computer ID in a separate search recording database;

and on the content of the provider database being updated, the steps are performed of;

the directory computer searches the search recording database;

the previous enquiries requesting content that has now been updated are retrieved, the directory sends a message to the relevant search computer querying whether an update is required and if requested the new content is downloaded to the relevant search computers.

78. A method as claimed in claim 62, in which the directory computer stores the search computer ID in a separate search recording database;

and on the content of the provider database being updated and unless the search computer has previously indicated it does not require new content as it arises, the steps are performed of;

the directory computer searches the search recording database;

the previous enquiries requesting content that has now been updated are retrieved and the new content is downloaded to the relevant search computers.

79. A method as claimed in claim 62 in which the directory computer stores the search computer ID in a separate recording database;

and on an active content provider updating its own content, the steps are performed of;

the active content provider computer requests that previous enquirers be updated with the new content;

the directory computer searches the search recording database;

the previous enquiries requesting content that has now been updated are retrieved and the new content is downloaded to the relevant search computers.

80. A method as claimed in claim 62 in which the directory computer stores the search computer ID in a separate recording database;

and on an active content provider updating its own content, the steps are performed of;

the active content provider computer requests that previous enquirers be updated with the new content;

the directory computer searches the search recording database;

the previous enquiries requesting content that has now been updated are retrieved the directory computer sends a message to the relevant search computer querying whether an update is required and if requested the new content is downloaded to the relevant search computers.

81. A method as claimed in claim 62 in which the directory computer stores the search computer ID in a separate recording database;

and on an active content provider updating its own content and unless the search computer has previously indicated it does not require new content as it arises, the steps are performed of;

the active content provider computer requests that previous enquirers be updated with the new content;

the directory computer searches the search recording database;

the previous enquiries requesting content that has now been updated are retrieved and the new content is downloaded to the relevant search computers.

82. A method as claimed in claim 62, in which, the search computer sends a request to the directory computer for an update of provider content and in which the directory computer downloads changes in content since the previous downloading of provider content to the search computer.