Distributed globally accessible information network
First Claim
1. A distributed information network constructed for gathering information from sites distributed across a globally accessible computer network, comprising:
- a root server that stores a list of multiple distributed sites each of which represented by metadata corresponding to directly or indirectly available live information content;
multiple distributed sites each of which implemented with an information provider that is remotely located from the root server, the information provider of each of the distributed sites storing metadata corresponding to information content that is retrievable from the site of or a site associated with the information provider, the information content being retrievable in response to a profiled information search request for search results derivable from the information content to which the metadata correspond by a search performed on live information content available at the site or sites associated with the information provider;
a profiled information communication link between the root server and each of the multiple distributed sites, the profiled information communication link enabling formation of a path for delivery of the search results of directly or indirectly available live information content to which the metadata correspond to a destination site from a site or sites represented by the metadata of the profiled information search request, the search results of directly or indirectly available live information content organized for content-specific presentation;
an administration interface associated with the root server; and
a metadata update communication link between the administration interface and the multiple distributed sites to provide to the administration interface updated metadatabase information and thereby enable the root server to host updated metadatabases of types of information stored on the distributed information network.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A distributed information network is constructed for gathering information from sites distributed across a globally accessible computer network, i.e., the Internet. The distributed information network preferably includes a root server that stores a list of multiple distributed sites each represented by metadata. A network browser delivers an information search request to the root server, which in response develops a profiled information search request. The information provider of each of the distributed sites stores metadata corresponding to information content that is retrievable in response to the profiled information search request for search results derivable from the information content to which the metadata correspond. A profiled information communication link between the root server and each of the multiple distribution sites enables formation of a path for delivery of the search results to a destination site, from a site or sites represented by the metadata of the profiled information search request.
236 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A distributed information network constructed for gathering information from sites distributed across a globally accessible computer network, comprising:
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a root server that stores a list of multiple distributed sites each of which represented by metadata corresponding to directly or indirectly available live information content; multiple distributed sites each of which implemented with an information provider that is remotely located from the root server, the information provider of each of the distributed sites storing metadata corresponding to information content that is retrievable from the site of or a site associated with the information provider, the information content being retrievable in response to a profiled information search request for search results derivable from the information content to which the metadata correspond by a search performed on live information content available at the site or sites associated with the information provider; a profiled information communication link between the root server and each of the multiple distributed sites, the profiled information communication link enabling formation of a path for delivery of the search results of directly or indirectly available live information content to which the metadata correspond to a destination site from a site or sites represented by the metadata of the profiled information search request, the search results of directly or indirectly available live information content organized for content-specific presentation; an administration interface associated with the root server; and a metadata update communication link between the administration interface and the multiple distributed sites to provide to the administration interface updated metadatabase information and thereby enable the root server to host updated metadatabases of types of information stored on the distributed information network. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17)
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14. A method of gathering information from multiple sites distributed across a globally accessible computer network, comprising:
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implementing with each of the multiple distributed sites an information provider storing metadata corresponding to information content that is retrievable from the site of or a site associated with the information provider, the information content being retrievable in response to a profiled information search request for search results derivable from the information content to which the metadata correspond; establishing a profiled information communication link between a root server that stores a list of multiple distributed sites each of which represented by metadata corresponding to directly or indirectly available live information content and each of the multiple distributed sites storing metadata corresponding to information content that is retrievable in response to a profiled information search request; transmitting from an operating system client to the root server a profiled information search request for search results derivable from the information content to which the metadata correspond by a search performed on live information content available at the site or sites associated with the information provider; forming a communication path for delivery of the search results of directly or indirectly available live information content to which the metadata correspond to a destination site from a site or sites represented by the metadata of the profiled information search request; delivering to the destination site the search results of directly or indirectly available live information content organized for content-specific presentation; implementing an administration interface associated with the root server; and establishing a metadata update communication link between the administration interface and the multiple distributed sites to provide to the administration interface updated metadatabase information and thereby enable the root server to host updated metadatabases of types of information stored on the distributed information network. - View Dependent Claims (15, 18, 19)
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Specification