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Method and apparatus for creating condition sets and extraction programs to identify and retrieve data from files in a network

  • US 5,951,640 A
  • Filed: 02/19/1997
  • Issued: 09/14/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/19/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of operating a computer network for permitting a user to identify and retrieve data from files stored on computers in the network, each of the files including a plurality of fields having data stored therein, the method comprising the steps of:

  • (a) receiving into a first computer in the network an identification of a file;

    (b) receiving into the first computer location information representative of the identity and location of a second computer in the network where the file is stored;

    (c) receiving into the first computer a condition set with criteria specifying a field within the file;

    (d) in response to steps (a)-(c), creating in the network an extraction program operable by the second computer for locating and copying the field;

    (e) sending the condition set and the extraction program to the second computer;

    (f) directing the second computer in accordance with the extraction program to locate and copy the field from the file and to send the copied field to the first computer; and

    (g) storing the copied field in a data repository file in a computer in the network that can be accessed by the user.

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