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Method and apparatus for organizing data by overlaying a searchable database with a directory tree structure

  • US 7,085,766 B2
  • Filed: 03/06/2001
  • Issued: 08/01/2006
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/09/2000
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of organizing data within a searchable database comprising the steps of:

  • a. generating a directory tree structure, wherein the directory tree structure includes nodes and branches comprising a designated category for each node and branches comprising links between the nodes;

    b. generating one or more data pointers, wherein each data pointer corresponds to a specific node and the data pointer links the specific node to an item of data within the searchable database, wherein each data pointer is categorized by a navigation path through the directory tree structure and by one or more parameters, wherein each parameter is set with a corresponding value associated with an individual data item thereby forming a set parameter, and the parameters are specific to the node in which the data pointer is included, further wherein all items of data linked to the specific node by the corresponding pointers of the specific node are related to the designated category of the specific node;

    c. generating one or more node pointers, wherein a first node pointer corresponds to a first node located in a first navigation path through the directory tree structure, and the first node pointer is directed to a second node located in a second navigation path different than the first navigation path, thereby forming a cross-link between two nodes located in two different navigation paths; and

    d. navigating the directory tree structure and selecting a corresponding data pointer to access a particular item of data within the searchable database utilizing a search module including keyword search, hierarchical search, dichotomous key search and parametric search, wherein each utilization of the search module at any node within the directory tree structure includes availability of the keyword search, the hierarchical search, the dichotomous key search and the parametric search.

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