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WO2004088544A1 - Processeur de requetes pour articles classifiables - Google Patents

Processeur de requetes pour articles classifiables Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004088544A1
WO2004088544A1 PCT/NZ2004/000062 NZ2004000062W WO2004088544A1 WO 2004088544 A1 WO2004088544 A1 WO 2004088544A1 NZ 2004000062 W NZ2004000062 W NZ 2004000062W WO 2004088544 A1 WO2004088544 A1 WO 2004088544A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
search
items
software
database
item
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PCT/NZ2004/000062
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English (en)
Inventor
Keith Graham Mandeno
Nenad Slavko Nikolic
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Individual
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Individual
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Publication of WO2004088544A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004088544A1/fr
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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F16/00—Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor
    • G06F16/20—Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor of structured data, e.g. relational data
    • G06F16/24—Querying
    • G06F16/242—Query formulation
    • G06F16/2428—Query predicate definition using graphical user interfaces, including menus and forms

Definitions

  • This invention relates to software for information retrieval such as by means of access using the Internet or an intranet; to browsing optimisation, to a form of "temporary bookmark management", enhancement of navigation and to web site content organisation and management, thereby facilitating access by a user to managed data held in an organised database.
  • This specification addresses several types of "enhancement of navigation" by a person within a computer database, largely in order to facilitate the end purpose of the search be it e- commerce, information retrieval, access to a file, or similar tasks.
  • the act of looking for an item in a database, or a particular computer file within a directory, is a frequently carried out task for a computer user, yet the quality of the human interface, providing assistance to the user, is usually poor.
  • the inventors are involved with an e-commerce venture. Development of the present invention was primarily stimulated by the existence of frustrating and hard-to- use interfaces within presently existing search engines, web sites, programmes, and the like.
  • E-commerce catalogues are not as easy to use as their corresponding printed paper catalogues, though each has specific advantages. Often a printed catalogue (typically 1500 pages in size in our business) must be available to supplement an electronic form. Most catalogues grow by using more hyperlink search levels, meaning that the searcher will encounter greater difficulties with the search. Many searchers revert to a printed catalogue (if still available) as a store of information.
  • Some sites such as the USPTO or the ESPACE patents search engines, do retain the parameters in a user-modifiable fonn after a search, but that search is not hierarchical, and is unstructured because the user can enter any string. (In this case that may well be the most appropriate design for a search engine though many of this type maintain immense indexes including everything but "stop" words too insignificant to be descriptive). Helping the user; leading the user to a "permissible scope or range" during a search. a) The software of many searchable sites, including e-commerce sites offers no guidance to the naive user as to what can be asked for in a free-form search window.
  • Some search engines display the number of hits involved in a Boolean search, helping the user to see which terms are too restrictive or too general.
  • Many computer programs and many sites on the World Wide Web offer a form of table-based search engine with hierarchical search screens. Hierarchical hyperlinks are commonly employed to guide the user through a number of separate displayable screens in order to complete a search input.
  • Hierarchical hyperlinks are commonly employed to guide the user through a number of separate displayable screens in order to complete a search input.
  • a search that uses a previously constructed classification which forces the user to stay within a limited range of available parameters tends to lead the searcher towards a result as he or she selects from the available list, moving down a hierarchical stracture towards a more closely described set of search descriptors and a more limited number of genuine choices.
  • a search that is not based on prior classification of this type and which lacks the pre-ordained search terms leaves the searcher unaware of the actual range of available items until the search is run (at which time (in general) a computer programme will attempt to match the parameters possessed by each existing item with the set of parameters specified by the user and report those items that matched). In many cases a user unfamiliar with a specific e-commerce web site cannot discern what is on offer, or why he or she failed to find any item of a desired type.
  • Hierarchical Classified Data Set CDS the type mainly considered during the development of this invention, is one in which a hierarchy of super-groups, groups, sub-groups etc each hold Descriptors that reasonably describe a single item or a group of items.
  • the Descriptors have been defined and created by a cataloguer charged with organising the item data.
  • Preferred Descriptors are industry standard words that would impart meaning to a user versed in the industry being catalogued.
  • the CDS comprises the variable contents of boxes 405 - 100 Ordered Classified Data, the type mainly considered during the development of this invention, presents a classified group to the user in a predetermined structure.
  • a Descriptor is a generic name for a field in a data table for the time being displayed in the search board.
  • boxes 405 to 408 plus box 409 comprise the Descriptors.
  • List driven means the searcher is bound to a restricted data set of valid items.
  • a data table is a means for holding related information.
  • a classified catalogue holds ordered information pertaining to sets of items such as stock in a 110 shop or warehouse, books or music, stock catalogues, or museum collections or species of animals or plants in the wild, or the like.
  • the classification data table a) For a commercial example, an equivalent to a printed catalogue of goods, organised by 115 catalogue name, catalogue index, product type and product families would typify the classification system. b) For a scientific example, the affinity of organisms to be subject to a systematic taxonomy (class, order, family, species, and sub-species) provides a valid classification basis.
  • the item data table would include item details and (internal) links to the classification data set and may usefully include fields providing additional data filtering options.
  • the data field 'vendor' provides one filtering option.
  • the user data table For a scientific example the data field 'country' provides one filtering option. 4.
  • the user data would hold the login information, password, search data and other details.
  • SDS Selection Data Set
  • a Field is one part of a record in data table.
  • a Data Base is a collection of data tables.
  • Hyperlink A recognised method of jumping to new information on the same web page or 135 another web page. Widely used on and outside the World Wide Web and is implemented in for example HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language).
  • Search Board A screen menu panel displaying the Selection Data Set. (See 402 - fig 4).
  • Selection Data Set The user choice of Descriptors for the time being displayed on pull-down menus and freeform entry boxes and tick boxes within the Search Board
  • the Selection Data Set has the following elements: a) Classification Data Set: In this example, a hierarchical, ordered list of classified items that appear in pull-down menu boxes labelled Catalogue, Index, Product Type and Product Family. (This is otherwise known as a set of tables, to be used in a top-
  • Vendor A list driven group of entities offering item(s) for trade accessed by a pull down menu box.
  • Keyword is a free form Descriptor, which the searcher reasonably expects to find used within the item data set. (Fig 4 - 410)
  • a search engine is a device for locating items within a database table, starting with the selection data set entered by the user.
  • a SDS cookie is a variable data string containing the user SDS for the time being.
  • a browser may be set to accept (and record), or to reject a cookie.
  • An interface for a search engine is a software bundle capable of displaying choices to a user by 160 means of a display device, accepting input from the user, handling the input according to rules, and passing the input to the search engine itself, optionally after some modification.
  • a terminal is a computer hardware device typically including display means and user control inputs such as a keyboard and/or a pointing device and controlling software; in most cases comprising a common digital computer running browser software.
  • a network Includes local area networks or "intranets" and wide-area networks.
  • the Worldwide Web or Internet is named herein as an existing and preferred wide area network; however equivalents of the Internet developed in the future as replacements or as alternatives should be regarded as equally preferred options.
  • the invention provides software for use within a first digital computer 175 for allowing a person to query or search for a desired selection of items from within a catalogued collection of items represented as entries within at least one database, wherein the software includes
  • (a) means to create a Classification Data Set or CDS (as herein defined) comprising a hierarchically arranged group including at least one member, each member holding one or more
  • (c) means for presenting the CDS to the person so that a search term may be selected by the person from within each member of the group in relation to any previously selected terms
  • (d) means to show and retain a display of the cunent hierarchically arranged set of selected search terms (comprising part of a "selected data set” or SDS as herein defined) so that they remain available for use at least during the person's search, and
  • (d) means for displaying at least one resulting set of zero or more hits resulting from use of 190 the SDS together with the displayed SDS, all so that a search in the catalogued collection may be carried out more effectively and more conveniently.
  • the invention also provides means for minimising the number of different pages to be displayed by avoidance of a construction using a plurality of links (hyperlinks) between different pages and instead retaining a consistent display comprising a search board including 195 the cmrent SDS beside the or each display of hits.
  • the person is also provided with an option to invoke one or more non-predetermined search terms outside the Descriptors by the inclusion of means that provide for a search based on unique strings such as keywords.
  • the invention also provides means to retain the current SDS during an interval after 200 an earlier search and before a later search, so that the SDS remains visible, and remains functional, so that the SDS from the earlier search may be used during the later search.
  • the invention also provides means to retain the SDS during an interval of indefinite length between an earlier search session and a later search session, so that the SDS remains visible and remains functional, so that the SDS from the earlier search session may be used 205 during the later search session.
  • a preferred means for retaining the SDS comprises a storable and recallable entity holding data and an example entity is a SDS cookie (as herein defined).
  • the catalogued collection of items represented as entries within at least one database are held within a second digital computer or host/server used to store and dispense the infor- 210 mation to at least one first digital computer, each used as an interrogating terminal, and the software used in the host includes means for co-operating with the software (such as an existing browser) used in the terminal.
  • a preferred example of co-operation is that the software used in the host is capable, on demand, of communicating executable software suitable for use within the terminal to provide 215 means for allowing a person to query or search within a catalogued collection of items represented as entries within at least one database, in order to retrieve a selection of items from the group.
  • the software for use within the terminal and the software for use within the host are provided as a combination package capable of ranning within a single computer.
  • the search terms are stored remotely from the terminal and may be recalled for use - at a later date.
  • a plurality of terminals are connectable by means of a data network to the host thereby providing access to the group of items for a plurality of persons
  • the SDS cookie is 225 held within the host; otherwise the SDS cookie is held within the terminal.
  • the display of found items includes further descriptive information.
  • the further descriptive information may be accessed by means of at least one icon alongside each found item, selection of which causes a corresponding function to be enabled.
  • Preferred corresponding functions for the case of a warehouse catalogue or other e-commerce 230 application include the functions of: (a) providing a purchase price, (b) seeking a quotation, or (c) providing further information, perhaps in the form of a separate but linked file.
  • the invention provides software for use within at least one digital computer; the software providing means for allowing a catalogued collection of items represented as entries within at least one database to be prepared for later retrieval of 235 information by a person, wherein the software includes means for:- a) maintaining at least one set of controlled Descriptors (the Classification Data Set as herein defined) belonging to a hierarchical level for the catalogue; the at least one set being created by classifying a plurality of items intended for inclusion in the catalogue and adding zero or more Descriptors to each hierarchical level of the controlled set of Descriptors for
  • each item ; and b) maintaining the catalogue in the form of a plurality of records holding at least one Descriptor taken from each controlled set of Descriptors, at each hierarchical level, for each of the plurality of items for inclusion in the catalogue, so that a hierarchically arranged group, the group having more than one member, of predetermined, available search terms
  • 245 is generated and may used in searching.
  • the invention provides a first method for classifying or cataloguing at least one item in order to render the item findable by a searcher from within a catalogue-like database holding a plurality of catalogued items; the method including: a) creation of a classification system having more than one hierarchical level for describing the 250 items to be included in the catalogue-like database wherein each level is provided with an associated list of Descriptors reflecting the options available at that level, b) (for each item to be included in the catalogue-like database) addition of a Descriptor, if not already present, to the list of Descriptors within each hierarchical level, and c) (for each item to be included in the catalogue-like database), making an internal link 255 between the item and a corresponding Descriptor at each level, so that subsequent selection of a partial or complete hierarchical set of Descriptors will retrieve at least one corresponding item.
  • the invention provides a further method for retrieving information concerning the said catalogued item from within the database by a searcher operating a 260 terminal, wherein the further method includes the steps of: a) placing a selected search term in zero or more of a hierarchical range of selection boxes displayed at the terminal, and b) optionally entering a search modifier selected from a list of permitted modifiers or entering a free-form modifier, and
  • one or more of the selection data set can be edited for re-use by the searcher so that the search can be repeated.
  • this invention provides a search board interface for a catalogue held as an electronic data base wherein a user may use a search board to search within the catalogue for one or more items each represented by a record and having more than one field for each record, 275 wherein a) more than one selection box each conesponding to one of a hierarchy of Descriptors is shown on the display device, and b) the user selection of a Descriptor for loading into a hierarchical selection box is limited to valid Descriptors in that field, and
  • each Descriptor is presented again within the corresponding selection box after the search is run, and d) each Descriptor is available for modification in hierarchical order prior to ranning another search, and e) all user searches, regardless of the number of levels of hierarchy, take place within a single 285 frame set, so that the interface allows the user's selection of any one or more Descriptors to be inspected and optionally edited for re-use after each run of a search procedure, and so that the interface is more easily and more accurately selected for repeated use.
  • the invention provides a procedure for classifying or cataloguing and then finding at least one item, the data being stored within a computing means as a database concerning a 290 plurality of items; the procedure including a) a classification method for items and information for use during the creation of the data base, the method including at least one level of hierarchy and the creation of one or more Descriptors that indicate a hierarchical structure; b) the input of one or more items including their classification from the range of permitted 295 Descriptors within that hierarchical classification data set in order to specify at least one or more attributes possessed by an item to be catalogued, and c) a finding method for retrieving information concerning the said catalogued item from within the database by a searcher operating a terminal, wherein the finding method includes the steps of
  • 300 i) entering none or the highest one or as many of an hierarchical range of selection boxes displayed at the terminal, and ii) optionally entering a search modifier selected from a list of permitted modifiers or entering a freeform modifier, and iii) causing execution of a search within the database employing the entered search data set, 305 and iv) inspecting a display of a set of item-related information for each found item, if any, for which a coincidence between the selection data set and the item Descriptor occurred, and v) the invention further providing retention and display of all search Descriptors used so that 310 vi) one or more of the Selection Data Set can be edited for re-use by the searcher so that the search can be repeated.
  • this invention provides a search board interface for a catalogue held as an electronic data base wherein a user may use a search board to search within the catalogue in order to locate one or more items each represented by a record and having more than one 315 field for each record, the interface providing that: a) more than one selection box each corresponding to one of a hierarchy of Descriptors is shown on the display device, b) the user's selection of a Descriptor for loading into a selection box is limited to valid Descriptors in that field,
  • each Descriptor is presented again within the corresponding selection box after the search is run, d) each Descriptor is available for modification in hierarchical order prior to ranning another search, and e) all user searches, regardless of the number of levels of hierarchy, take place within a single 325 frame set, so that the interface allows the user's selection of any one or more Descriptors to be inspected and optionally edited for re-use after each ran of a search procedure, and so that the interface is more easily and more accurately selected for repeated use.
  • the invention provides a digital computer wherein the digital computer is ranning software in a stand-alone form, as previously described in this section.
  • the invention provides a host computer connected through a network to at least one terminal, wherein the host computer and the terminal are ranning software in a form capable of communicating with each other across a network, as previously described in this section.
  • Fig 1 is a flow chart showing a procedure for generating and mamtaining an hierarchical array of lists of standard terms for items included in a catalogue.
  • 340 Fig 2 is a flow chart showing a procedure for generating and mamtaining a database of items, holding the standard terms selected for each item, and any extra information required by the catalogue and underlying purpose.
  • Fig 3 is a flow chart showing a sequence of interactions between a host (server holding a catalogued database) and a searcher at a requesting computer when searching a 345 database of items according to the invention, and taking useful steps at the completion of the search.
  • Fig 4 is a typical screen layout as seen by a searcher at a requesting computer during a search.
  • Fig 5 reproduces a captured typical screen layout as seen by a searcher at a requesting 350 computer during a search. (Colour would be used in practical screen layouts).
  • Fig 6 reproduces a typical screen layout as seen by a classifier when loading information relation to searchable items.
  • Fig 7 reproduces a typical product-description screen layout as seen by a classifier when loading specific information relating to a searchable item.
  • this invention first creates classified catalogues consisting of any information pertaining to things that are inherently classifiable, such as stock in a shop or warehouse, books or music, museum collections, lists of animals or plants (especially where the hierarchy of species names as developed by Linnaeus is used) or the like.
  • the classified catalogue is then made available for searching by means of Classified Data Sets within the structure of a
  • 360 search board menu all of which is displayed by an appropriate programme either ranning within a single computer or partly ranning within a user computer and partly within a server computer (which usually transmits the user software to the user computer (terminal) on each occasion).
  • the user runs, modifies, and re-runs a multi-level search while retaining a full view of the 365 logical structure of all search elements.
  • the set of attributes that relate to a particular item to be included within the electronic catalogue or database are (a) described in terms of a hierarchy ranging from broad to narrow Descriptors, and (b) are selected from a deliberately limited pre-deter- rnined range.
  • This CDS may be supplemented by for example key-word searches (Fig 4: 410) 370 or search on provenance, manufacturer/vendor 409, or the like.
  • This Example relates to use of the invention within an e-commerce web site, in which an electronic equipment vendor offers items from a catalogue that exists in electronic form. At this time, most browsers can support routines written in Java, HTML, XML, and the like. 375 Although the cunently preferred language for use in a requesting computer 302 (fig 3) when browsing is HTML (hypertext markup language) the invention may be written using any applicable software in one or more languages as are commonly used in such situations. The visual appearances of the examples are given by way of example and are also non-limiting. CLASSIFIED CATALOGUE CREATION
  • Fig 1 100 is the starting point of a process for creating and mamtaining lists of standard terms; the Classification Data Set. This process can be regarded as a first thread to be run from time to time, even while item classification (Fig 2) is continuing.
  • an item to be included in a catalogue is taken 102, and for each category (such as hierarchical level or vendor) a classifier reviews the cunent list of standard terms and ensures that one of
  • a count can be kept of the number of times that any particular standard term has been used within a catalogue as created in Fig 2). A low or zero count may indicate that the term is inappropriate while a high count may suggest that the term is too broad and cannot distinguish items.
  • the flow chart of Fig 2 also terminates with a decision (206) as to whether to re-start or finish (207). It will be appreciated that although
  • Fig 7 shows an in-house classifier's screen as used when data relating to products are being added or edited.
  • 701 indicates an area set aside for text Descriptor entry
  • 702 indicates an area for illustration loading
  • 703 indicates an area for entering pricing details.
  • 704 indicates an open one of 415 several drop-down menus for use in picking one Descriptor from the choices offered at each level thereby classifying the item. Because the same choices are offered to searchers at a later date, there should be no uncertainty in relation to finding what is present.
  • Fig 3 shows in a top-down format a typical dialogue 300 as may occur from start (303) to 420 finish (320) when a person makes use of the searchable database.
  • a remote server hosting a database 301 within a server computer forming part of an Internet service provider or other host.
  • a requesting terminal or computer 302 operated by a user who wishes to make use of the catalogue or catalogues on offer.
  • Use of the World Wide Web is assumed, although any of the communications media such as 425 intranets known to those skilled in computer communications could be used.
  • 301 and 302 may on occasion comprise logical, not physical divisions of the same computer but for the example we shall assume a separate server.
  • the first step is to ascertain the URL (uniform resource locator) of the server 301 in order to establish a connection 305 to the web site of the information provider.
  • URL uniform resource locator
  • browser-type software will accept graphics and page layout code 306, including search board layout from the server 301.
  • Fig 4 shows such a page layout.
  • the software places particular importance on holding the user SDS for display and re-use over a period of time.
  • the authors consider that managing the SDS contributes to the "look and feel" of the software. Users fall into one of four usage modes. More serious users tend to often return to the e-commerce site for further quotations and/or purchases of a similar type
  • the software will return the SDS from the server to the terminal together with the search results, thereby refreshing the search board.
  • the search board While the user remains within the catalogue search, the search board always shows the most current SDS.
  • the SDS is lost owing to the absence of a recording medium. Lacking recall of the SDS from an old session, the first use of the search board shows an empty SDS.
  • Each user who enters Catalogue Search and makes a selection on the Search Board and clicks the Submit button causes the SDS to be transmitted to the server.
  • the server 460 activates a search engine to select the data requested within the SDS and returns the SDS and data requested for display to the user's computer together with a SDS cookie.
  • the user's browser determines from preference settings or the like whether it will record or reject the cookie.
  • the SDS cookie is also recorded in 465 the user data area within the server. From this sequence, various opportunities arise.
  • the SDS will be recorded during a search within a SDS cookie held on the user's computer.
  • the SDS cookie is read and updated for each new catalogue search.
  • the user may leave Catalogue Search, visit other web pages and on return will find the SDS appears, to automatically re-establish the last
  • the user may log in at any computer that accepts cookies and the server, upon accepting the login attempt, will use the SDS data recorded in the database to retrieve information and to update the SDS cookie. Hence, on visiting the catalogue the last user search is automatically re-established. Also, the user has access to commercial features of the site
  • a Classification Data Set may be presented using a selected one of multiple techniques.
  • the selected technique may depend on the size and complexity of the CDS.
  • One technique involves sending all elements of the CDS within a single (HTML) file which loads all selection options in a single upload.
  • a second technique involves uploading the highest
  • the second technique has the advantage of being capable of handling a very large CDS, and the disadvantage of there being a momentary pause while the next subset of the CDS is uploaded before a subsequent selection can be completed. Both techniques have been implemented, with the preferred example (Example 1) using the
  • the first step is for the requesting computer to nominate a specific database if more than one database is available from that server. Once that is done, the Classification Data Set including all the search terms (309) for all categories within that catalogue is passed from the server to the requesting computer in one file. It is
  • the hierarchy may comprise two to ten or even more levels though typically three to five hierarchical levels is sufficient for any kind of catalogue in order to refine a search to the relevant items only, so that a reasonably "pure" set of hits is returned. More than five or six may test the cunent speeds of
  • the system allows any category to be made maximally broad by selecting a "select 520 all terms” response, which will also disable any existing selection of particular terms within lower hierarchies.
  • the "+ Select All +” option which allows all the terms currently available in the subset to be included in the SDS is being shown in boxes 408 and 409.
  • Use of hierarchies helps impose order on the items that the searcher is preparing to search through in order to find a relevant item. In practice, a searcher who is new to the site is quickly and 525 easily guided to appropriate items in existence by means of the hierarchical classification.
  • the "Submit” button is activated.
  • the current SDS (314) is returned to the server (301).
  • a database search is made up from the SDS and is executed within the server.
  • the current set of search terms (the SDS) is refreshed from the version held in the server to the searching computer so that the SDS is maintained on the
  • search board 402 remaining on display both during and after search execution and ready for optional alteration by the user.
  • the inventors consider display of the SDS to be a significant advantage of their invention. Many prior-art search engines clear (or fail to reload) the entire set of terms when one term is modified or when a search is executed, and the user must re- enter them all. Under current browser and web-page related software constraints, the SDS on
  • a list of hits (if any) 315 is received from the server (301) and displayed at 413 for inspection. If the searcher notes an interesting hit 414, it may be explored and further details requested
  • Additional search terms can be used.
  • the user may search by vendor (manufacturer) 409 or an analogous type of Descriptor in other catalogues, such as provenance, age, common name, tribe, or materials for museum specimens.
  • vendor manufacturer
  • the user may use a key-word search 410 as for many prior-art search engines, either alone or implicitly in a Boolean "AND" combi- 550 nation with the SDS.
  • the user is offered two options;"key-words through all fields" (416) or "key-words just within order codes”.
  • Fig 4 shows a preferred screen layout as generated by the preferred software upon a display device 400 during a search.
  • the GUI is conveniently written in a language that allows frames.
  • the bar 401 is used to select "Catalogue search" from several pages available on
  • the Search Board at left (402) is a frame containing several labelled entry boxes arranged in a top-down hierarchy.
  • the first box 405 is entitled “Catalogue” by analogy with the idea of physically pulling one or more printed catalogues down from a bookshelf in order to search through them.
  • Box 406 is called “Index” by analogy with the act of opening the index pages in the selected printed catalogue.
  • Box 407 is called "Product Type” by analogy
  • the alternate Keyword Search box 410 allows entry of key word or product code strings for direct access to expected items although there need not be a mechanism here to impose a predetermined limit on the choice.
  • "Search through” radio buttons (416) direct the keyword search through either all fields/tables or through order codes.
  • the "Submit” button 411 is activated in order to execute the search and at this
  • the constructed strategy is sent to the host computer, typically as a SDS of selected terms.
  • the searcher may press the "Submit" button 411 at any time before completing all possible fields, the result list from too broad a search may be unmanageably large. Note that, as shown here, the search terms in use remain visible to the user during construction of a search, while he/she is inspecting the resulting hits, and the search terms
  • 585 may be edited before doing another search (see below).
  • An entire database relating to all items is likely to be too difficult to search without an imposed organisation, if a searcher knows little of the usual organisation of the items covered by the database.
  • 595 may be acquired by the user.
  • Figs 5 and 6 illustrate evolution of a search for tilt and inclination sensors.
  • the user has selected only the broad field of "Sensors" from the available list as a catalogue title and 67 hits (representing all sensors included in the database at the time) are to be shown to the user in 4 frames. This would be tedious to read through.
  • the Index has been defined as 600 "Tilt & inclination” by selecting that term from the Index box.
  • the product type has been specified here as "Fluid filled inclinometers" and the right-hand frame is currently showing 4 complete frames out of 8.
  • the shopping basket procedure conveniently has the options of making an immediate payment or 605 requesting a quote for an order in bulk.
  • the "user area" button 403 opens a user's personal page within this web site where the most recent past searches are displayed and any quotes requested are, once prepared by an executive, made available to the user for acceptance or refusal.
  • each set of user area contents is held under password protection in a computer at the source of the web page.
  • Fig 5 is a screen copy of a similar search and this example is for rotary switches of a certain manufacturer's family. Note that the software can show images within the list of hits.
  • Fig 6 shows a copy of a screen used during preparation of a catalogue including means to accept image files (cf Fig 1). Note that the terms comprising the Catalogue Data Set extend across the page and have the same headings as the Selection Data set. Descriptions, illustrations,
  • This library (database plus software according to the invention) may be usefully held entirely within a laptop computer carried into the field. In 'stand-alone" cases such as
  • example 1 there is no requirement for communication over the World Wide Web or other network.
  • Some differences from example 1 include that more than one catalogue may be generated during initial classification of the same group of individual species. This provides alternative views of the same group; useful to different people or at different times.
  • the Linnaean zoological classification system from phylum down to sub-species is of course hierarchical, but
  • Habitat, behaviour, and zoological classification are examples of three catalogues, one of which may be selected as the first step in a search. The specific names and number of some other hierarchical selection boxes to be shown on the screen would follow from the catalogue. For example, under "habitat” there may be type (mountain, plains, ocean), location (country,
  • any programme in which the user has to find the desired file to open but the file names are not 640 sufficiently informative, any other requirement to search through a group of items, or a search engine for use on the World Wide Web.
  • the invention could be used with (for example) any other warehouse holding a range of item for sale, documenting for retrieval a collection in a museum, or a book shop.
  • the interface may show a 645 user how many items remain in the selected group during the process of making a more and more specific selection. Speech may be used instead of a pointing device.
  • the system may construct a directory structure like that of the host system within the requesting computer, for the sake of better organisation.
  • each of the search terms remains visible within its same selection box (405-410) after performing a search and while the searcher is inspecting the items found (413), so that the searcher can see how he or she has arrived at a certain set of retrieved items 315.
  • a first pass at searching may be only approximately correct, and the searcher will want to 655 repeat a similar search.
  • Some searchers may have disabilities in relation to pressing keys on keyboards, problems in bringing relevant data (possibly in different volumes of handbooks)
  • a preferred "user assistance" feature of the invention is that the user is only able to apply a search term if an entry for that Descriptor exists, implying that an item has been classified and is available for finding. As a result the user cannot search for things that are not on offer. Inspection of the list immediately shows what is held in the database.
  • the invention more closely mimics the action of opening one or more printed catalogues 680 in order to select an item, yet it retains the known advantages of pubUshing on the Web, such as no actual printing and distribution costs, better recording of user activity/interest, and a trivial updating procedure. More than one printed catalogue can be merged into one electronic catalogue.
  • the closer resemblance to a paper catalogue search provided in software according to the invention means that a user finds the search engine easier to use, 685 especially when browsing. That greater ease of use means that a vendor (or web-site owner) finds that more buyers complete the process of searching and will place orders.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Mathematical Physics (AREA)
  • Computational Linguistics (AREA)
  • Data Mining & Analysis (AREA)
  • Databases & Information Systems (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Information Retrieval, Db Structures And Fs Structures Therefor (AREA)

Abstract

Selon la présente invention, des catalogues de recherche informatisée détiennent des informations sous la forme de descripteurs prédéterminés classés de façon hiérarchique qui correspondent à des articles pouvant être classifiés de manière inhérente. Les descripteurs sont choisis à partir d'un menu de tables de recherche hiérarchique, de sorte que l'on peut construire une stratégie de recherche. Les termes en usage à un instant donné et leurs relations réciproques sont toujours visibles sur la table de recherche, ce qui permet de minimiser la difficulté de la recherche. La personne qui effectue la recherche peut facilement modifier et répéter une recherche. Une recherche par mot-clé non classifié est facultativement disponible. Les recherches en cours peuvent être stockées dans des témoins de connexion et/ou dans le serveur. Les applications de l'invention comprennent le commerce électronique sur la Toile et la fourniture d'informations concernant des articles tels que des listes d'espèces animales ou végétales à partir d'un ordinateur isolé.
PCT/NZ2004/000062 2003-04-04 2004-04-02 Processeur de requetes pour articles classifiables Ceased WO2004088544A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NZ525182 2003-04-04
NZ525182A NZ525182A (en) 2003-04-04 2003-04-04 Query processor for classifiable items

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WO2004088544A1 true WO2004088544A1 (fr) 2004-10-14

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CN114238454A (zh) * 2021-12-02 2022-03-25 上海双茂网络科技有限公司 一种国产芯片集成方案应用方法及系统
CN115080806A (zh) * 2022-06-16 2022-09-20 北京字跳网络技术有限公司 一种数据搜索方法、装置、设备及介质
CN119003459A (zh) * 2023-05-19 2024-11-22 中国石油天然气集团有限公司 一种地震数据高效合并方法、介质及设备

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CN119003459B (zh) * 2023-05-19 2025-09-26 中国石油天然气集团有限公司 一种地震数据高效合并方法、介质及设备

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