System and method for a social network

• US 7,543,039 B2
• Filed: 03/26/2007
• Issued: 06/02/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 07/15/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Slingshot Technologies LLC
• Original Assignee: Richard B. Himmelstein
• Inventors: Himmelstein, Richard B.
• Primary Examiner(s): NEURAUTER, GEORGE C
• Application Number:
  US11/691,073
• Publication Number:
  US 20070192411A1
• Time in Patent Office: 799 Days
• Field of Search: 707/10, 709/217, 715/765, 715/780
• US Class Current: 709/217
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/242 Query formulation
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/951 Indexing; Web crawling techniques
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/9538 Presentation of query results

Abstract

A system and method for efficiently accessing Internet resources is disclosed. One example method for inputting and searching information in a database is disclosed which comprises a step of providing access for entering information of a first user. The example method also includes steps of receiving and storing the information of the first user. The example method further includes a step of creating a link to the stored information of the first user and receiving, by a centralized database management system, the link to the information of the first user. The method still further includes a step of processing a search request of a second user, search results of the search request including the information of the first user, and the stored information of the first user is accessed via the link.

Claims

1. A method for inputting and searching information in a database, comprising:

providing access for entering information of a first user;

receiving the information of the first user;

storing the information of the first user;

providing a link to the stored information of the first user;

receiving, by a centralized database management system, the link to the information of the first user;

processing a search request of a second user, the search request including a key phrase; and

searching the stored information of the first user via the link.

2. The method of claim 1 further including displaying the information of the first user in a data table having at least one row and at least two columns.

3. The method of claim 1 further including displaying the information of the first user.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein providing access includes interfacing with a software application.

5. The method of claim 1 further comprising displaying the stored information, including a displayed item, whereby a specific color of the displayed item indicates an available action.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising receiving a priority access level associated with the information of the first user.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein processing a search request includes analyzing a priority access level of the second user.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the information of the first user is stored in a local database.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein the information of the first user is stored by an internet service provider of the first user.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein the information of the first user is stored by a central database management system server.

11. The method of claim 1 further comprising displaying the stored information using contrasting lettering to indicate an available action.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein the information includes an e-mail address which may be used in place of a telephone number.

13. The method of claim 1 wherein the information includes an e-mail address which may be used in place of a fax number.

14. The method of claim 1 wherein the stored information includes a column maintained by an institution.

15. The method of claim 1 wherein processing a search request includes receiving a database selection from the second user.

16. The method of claim 1 wherein the information is automatically updated as the second user accesses the Internet.

17. The method of claim 3 wherein the information is organized according to an organizational structure of an institution.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the organizational structure is determined by title.

19. The method of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the information has been verified for accuracy.

20. The method of claim 1 further comprising validating the information of the first user.

21. The method of claim 1 wherein the information comprises a desired method of contact.

22. A system for inputting and searching information in a database, comprising:

means for providing access for entering information of a first user;

means for receiving the information of the first user;

means for storing the information of the first user;

means for providing a link to the stored information of the first user;

means for receiving, by a centralized database management system, the link to the information of the first user;

means for processing a search request of a second user; and

means for searching the stored information of the first user via the link.

23. A system for inputting and searching information in a database, comprising:

a network device comprising;

a processor,

a memory connected to the processor,

an input device connected to the processor, and

an output device, and

whereby the network device is operative to provide access for entering information of a first user, store the information of the first user, and provide a link to the stored information of the first user; and

a centralized database management system comprising;

a processor,

a memory connected to the processor,

an input device connected to the processor, and

an output device, and

whereby the centralized database management system is operative to receive the link to the information of the first user and process a search request of a second user, and search the stored information of the first user via the link.