WO2001001220A2

WO2001001220A2 - Electronic classification and searching systems and methods

Info

Publication number: WO2001001220A2
Application number: PCT/US2000/017728
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Crellen
Original assignee: David Crellen
Priority date: 1999-06-28
Filing date: 2000-06-27
Publication date: 2001-01-04
Also published as: WO2001001220A3; AU5640900A

Abstract

The present invention is a method of classifying and retrieving information from a database, including the steps of providing a database of object keys, providing a query, comparing the query to the database to obtain at least one selected object key, and obtaining an output comprising at least one selected object key. The comparing preferably includes the use of a mask in order to select object keys in the database that correspond to the query. The selected object keys can be ranked based on the query and displayed in a user-friendly format.

Description

ELECTRONIC CLASSIFICATION AND SEARCHING SYSTEMS AND METHODS

The present application claims benefit of priority, and incorporates by reference, United States Provisional Patent Application No. 60/159,917 filed 10/16/00 and United States Provisional Patent Application No. 60/141,497 filed 06/28/99.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the fields of electronic classification and searching systems.

Background The amount of information available on the Internet has advanced at unprecedented rates. The usefulness of this information is limited by the ability to search and retrieve the desired information in a useable format. Search engines have been developed that can rapidly search the Internet for key words and comments and provide "hits." However, the results of these searches are often disappointing due to the large number of inappropriate hits or the lack of appropriate hits. For example, if an Internet user wanted to search for housing in San

Diego, the terms "housing" and "San Diego" would be logical choices for a query to perform a search. Using this query, large numbers of inappropriate hits are obtained, mostly directed towards San Diego weather and the Pacific Ocean. The present invention addresses this problem by providing an electronic classification and searching system that increases the appropriateness of the hits obtained by a search. The present invention provides related benefits as well.

Brief Description of the Figures

FIG. 1 depicts one aspect of an object key of the present invention for a hotel category.

FIG. 2 depicts one aspect of a form of the present invention for a hotel category.

FIG. 3 depicts one aspect of a process flow chart for the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts one aspect of a comparing method and structure that optionally includes a mask. FIG. 5 depicts one aspect of a ranking method and structure of the present invention. FIG. 6 depicts one aspect of a method of manufacture of the present invention.

Summary

The present invention recognizes that searching methods and articles of manufacture currently used, particularly on the Internet, suffer from incomplete or poor selection of information retrieved. Thus, there exists a need for more efficient searching methods and articles of manufacture. The present invention relates to electronic classification and searching systems to address this need.

One aspect of the present invention is an object key that includes at least two of the following: a unique fields code, a supporting fields code, an attributes fields code and an owner code. The object key can include optional additional information, such as an http code, a URL code, a URI code, a text code, a graphics code, an accuracy code and an owner code. The object key is preferably in a machine readable format and in a linear orientation and can have extensions and additional space. An object key can include or be related to an object code (such as an http, URL or URI, such as used in a relational database). The particular codes can be in any order in the linear configuration. Preferably, the object key includes a unique fields code, a supporting fields code, and an attributes field code, optionally in that order. Another aspect of the present invention is a method of making an object key, including: obtaining information from a source such as a form and converting the information into a machine readable format. The form is preferably a standard form, which, for example, can be completed and submitted by an information provider. The information is preferably in a machine readable format, and the machine readable format preferably forms the object key itself

A further aspect of the present invention is an object key made by a method of the present invention.

Another aspect of the present invention is a composition of matter that includes two or more object keys. The object keys can be provided in a machine readable format and can be provided in the form of a database.

A further aspect of the present invention is a method of searching a database, including: providing a database of object keys, providing a query and comparing the query to the database. The comparing preferably includes the use of a mask in order to select object keys in the database that correspond to the query.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method of retrieving information from a database, including: providing a database of object keys, providing a query, comparing the query to the database to obtain at least one selected object key, and obtaining an output comprising at least one selected object key. The selected object keys can be ranked based on the query and displayed. Preferably the display is in a user-friendly format.

A further aspect of the present invention is a composition that includes at least one object key retrieved using a method of the present invention. Another aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a composition, compound or article of manufacture that includes: providing a system for manufacturing a composition, compound or article of manufacture; providing a database of object keys that include object keys that relate to objects used or expected to be used in the manufacture of the composition, compound or article of manufacture; searching the database of object keys for the object keys; obtaining an output from the search that includes at least one object key; selecting at least one object key from the output to provide a selected object key.

A further aspect of the present invention is an article of manufacture produced by the method of the present invention.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method of doing business that includes making at least one database of object keys that correspond to goods or services provided by at least one manufacture or distributor; providing the at least one database to customers of the at least one manufacturer or distributor; obtaining a commission on the use of object keys used by at least one of the customers, manufacturer or distributor.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Definitions

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs as exemplified by a variety of technical dictionaries or sources, such as, for example

Muller, Desktop Encyclopedia of Telecommunications (1999); Graham and Quin, XML Specification Guide (1999); Goff and Weinberg, SQL: The Complete Reference (1999). Conventional methods are used for the procedures, such as those provided in the art and various general references. Where a term is provided in the singular, the inventors also contemplate the plural of that term.

Introduction

As a non-limiting introduction to the breadth of the present invention, the present invention includes several general and useful aspects, including:

1) an object key that includes at least two of the following: a unique fields code, a supporting fields code, an attributes fields code and an owner code and can optionally include additional information, such as an http code, a URL code, a URI code, a text code, a graphics code, an accuracy code and an owner code;

2) a method of making an object key, including: obtaining information from a source such as a form and converting the information into a machine readable format;

3) an object key made by a method of the present invention;

4) a composition of matter that includes at two or more object keys;

5) a method of searching a database, including: providing a database of object keys, providing a query and comparing the query to the database; 6) a method of retrieving information from a database, including: providing a database of object keys, providing a query, comparing the query to the database to obtain at least one selected object key. and obtaining an output comprising the at least one selected object key; and 7) a composition that includes at least one object key retrieved using a method of the present invention. 8) Another aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a composition, compound or article of manufacture using at least one object key.

9) A further aspect of the present invention is a composition, compound or article of manufacture produced by the method of the present invention. 10) Another aspect of the present invention is a method of doing business using at least one object key.

These aspects of the invention, as well as others described herein, can be achieved by using the methods, articles of manufacture, compounds and compositions of matter described herein. To gain a full appreciation of the scope of the present invention, it will be further recognized that various aspects of the present invention can be combined to make desirable embodiments of the invention.

A. AN OBJECT KEY The present invention includes an object key that includes at least two of the following: a unique fields code, a supporting fields code, and attributes fields code, an http code, a URL code, a URI code, a text code, a graphics code, an accuracy code, a space code and an owner code.

A "object key" or an "object code key" refers to a structure that includes information that includes at least two of the following: a unique fields code, a supporting fields code, an attributes fields code and an owner code. The object key can include optional additional information, such as an http code, a URL code, a URI code, a text code, a graphics code, an accuracy code and an owner code. The object key is preferably in a machine readable format and in a linear orientation and can have extensions and additional space in a space code. A "unique fields code" refers to a structure that includes information in an object key that refers to a first, broad level of classification, such as an industry (such as, for example, travel, hotels, finance, law or publishing). The unique fields code can include one or more fields.

A "supporting fields code" refers to a structure that includes information in an object key that refers to a second, more particular level of classification, such as a geographic location for a category of hotels. The supporting fields code can include one or more fields. An "attributes fields code" refers to a structure that includes information in an object key that refers to a third, more particular level of classification, such as, for example, whether an automobile has a color, transmission, radio or other features or accessories. The attributes fields code can include one or more fields. A "owner code" refers to a structure that includes information in or associated with an object key that identifies the owner of the object key.

A "http code" or "URL code" or "URI code" refers to a structure that includes information in or associated with an object key that refers to a www address.

A "text code" refers to a structure that includes information in or associated with an object key that provides information that can be displayed as text.

A "graphics code" refers to a structure that includes information in or associated with an object key that encodes graphics, such as, for example, gif codes.

A "space code" refers to a structure that includes unused space in or associated with an object key that can be used as needed, if needed, to store additional information in an object key.

An "accuracy code" refers to a structure that can confirm the accuracy of an object key, such as by confirming that the length and contents of the object key have not been altered.

The various codes in an object key can be of any appropriate size for an application. The codes are preferably between about 10 bytes and about 1 ,000,000 bytes, preferably between about 40 and about 100,000 bytes or between about 100 bytes and about 10,000 bytes or between about 500 bytes and about 1,000 bytes.

An object key preferably comprises a unique fields code and a supporting fields code and can include an attributes fields code. Optionally, an object key can include one or more of the following: an http code, a URL code, a URI code, a text code, a graphics code, an accuracy code, a space code and an owner code. A preferred object key (marked as ObjectKey, which is not intended to define or limit in any way an "object key" as described herein) is provided in FIG. 1. The codes that are included in an object code can be provided in any order, but are preferably provided as set forth in FIG. 1. The structure of an object key is preferably in a linear configuration, where a "linear configuration" refers to a linear format of information on a structure such as an object key. By analogy, protein molecules includes information in the form of a string of amino acids in a linear format or a linear configuration.

An object key can be provided in a machine readable format, which can be provided as an article of manufacture or composition. For example, object keys can be provided on a magnetic medium that is compatible and useable by a machine, such as a CPU. A "machine readable format" refers to information stored on a structure that is compatible with a machine such that the information can be used by that machine or another machine. For example, an object key can be provided on or within a magnetic medium, paper medium or plastic medium, such as cycloolifin copolymers. The "machine" includes a processing unit, such as a central processing unit, or CPU, that includes structures such as software and hardware, that can read the information. The information can be processed by a variety of structures and programs, such as processing programs, comparing programs, formatting programs, output programs or display programs.

B. A METHOD OF MAKING AN OBJECT KEY AND OBJECT KEYS MADE BY SUCH METHODS

The present invention also includes a method of making an object key, including: obtaining information from a form and converting said information into a machine readable format. "Obtaining information" refers to information being obtained from any source in a format that can be converted to at least a portion of an object key. Preferably, the information is obtained using a form or a standard form, where a "form" refers to a paper or electronic form that a user, including a human or machine, can complete to provide information for at least a portion of an object key. A "standard form" refers to a form that is used by a particular group, such as an industry, to provide information that can form the basis of at least a portion of an object key. One example of a standard form is depicted in FIG. 2.

In one aspect of the present invention a form or standard form is provided to interested entities, persons or machines such that they can provide information in a format, preferably a standard format. For example, a form such as depicted in FIG. 2 can be provided to hotel owners who want their information provided in a database useful with the present invention.

The form is completed in whole or in part and the information contained therein is translated into a object key where "converting information" refers to the process of converting obtained information into an object key. Such converting can be accomplished using programs that convert information into a code, such as binary or hex, that can encode an object key.

The form can be provided as a paper copy and the completed information entered into a machine manually or by scanning into a machine readable format. Alternatively, the form can be provided and completed electronically, preferably in a machine readable format, and the information entered into a machine by an entity, person or machine. The object key is preferably in a machine readable format so that it can be utilized by various aspects of the present invention. The present invention also includes an object key made by a method of the present invention. The present invention also includes a plurality of object keys made by a method of the present invention, which can be combined to form a structure, such as a database.

1 . A COMPOSITION OF MATTER THAT INCLUDES TWO OR MORE OBJECT KEYS

The present invention also includes a composition of matter that includes two or more object keys. As used in this context, "composition of matter" refers to physical objects, including articles of manufacture. Compositions of matter can include machine readable formats, including magnetic disks, magnetic tapes, paper, marks on paper and CD disks. The machine readable formats can be provided with or within a machine.

Two or more object codes can be combined in a database, where a "database" refers to a compilation of information, such as two or more object keys. The information in a database need to be limited to object keys alone and can be arranged in any appropriate manner appropriate for database configuration and management. For example, a database of a plurality of object keys can be arranged by class codes on a first level, by description codes on a second levels, and by attribute codes on a third level. Alternatively, the information need not be arranged in any particular order or by other criteria, such as chronologically from the date the information was entered into the database.

The database can be provided in a machine readable format, where the machine readable format can be in one or more locations. Preferably, the database is contained on one machine or a plurality of machines at one physical location, but that need not be the case. For example, a portion of a database can be on one machine at one location, and another portion of a database can be on another machine at another location. The number of machines can be any number appropriate for use with the present invention. The invention also includes a machine that includes such a database or a portion thereof. The machine can be running or not running and be included in the present invention.

2. A METHOD OF SEARCHING A DATABASE

The present invention also includes a method of searching a database, including: providing a database that comprises at least two object keys, providing a query and comparing said query to said database. "Searching a database" refers to comparing a query to a database and identifying appropriate members of the database. Appropriate members of the database can represent exact matches with the query or partial matches with the query.

"Query" refers to a collection of information that is used to compare with the members of a database. "Comparing," with regard to a database and a query, refers to the process of determining members of a database that match in whole or in part with a query.

In a preferred aspect of the present invention, a user, such as a user on the Internet, provides a query that is to be compared to a database that includes object keys. The query is transformed into a machine readable format, preferably a format that is the same or similar to an object key. In another preferred aspect of the present invention, the query is made using a form or standard form that is functionally the same or similar to the form or standard form used to generate the object keys that are present in the database. The query can provide for "must include" criteria, "may include" criteria, and "must not include" criteria. These types of criteria can be for any type of code in the object key format. For example, for a class of hotels, a description query could include a "may include" criteria for the location of Mexico and an attribute query of "may include" criteria of a pool and a "must not include" criteria for pets. The query and the members of the database are then compared to determine which members of the database match the query, where the match can be exact or non-exact. A non- exact match is a match that is at least 40%, at least 50% or at least 60%, preferably at least 70%) or 80% and more preferably at least 90%, at least 95%) or at least 97%. The percentages reflect the percentage of matches of the query with the object key relative to the object key. The comparing of a query to a database can use a "mask," which refers to a structure that is used to enhance the importance or reduce the importance of at least a portion of a query or at least a portion of a database or at least a portion of an object key (FIG. 4).

E. A METHOD OF RETRIEVING INFORMATION FROM A DATABASE

The present invention also includes a method of retrieving information from a database, including: providing a database of object keys, providing a query, comparing said query to said database to obtain at least one selected object key, and obtaining an output comprising said at least one selected object key. The identified appropriate members of a database can be ranked, provided as a database, and displayed. Information can include any information, including reference to a location, such as an http, a URL or a URI. One aspect of the invention is diagramed in FIG. 3.

In operation, the procedures described in section D above are used to provide at least one selected object key. The at least one object key can be provided as an output, such as in a machine readable format. The output can be provided in any appropriate format, such as a database. The members of the database can be arranged in any appropriate manner, and are preferably ranked.

Ranking of object keys, particularly when more than one object key is present in an output, can be accomplished using a variety of methods. (FIG. 5). Selected object keys are preferably displayed for a user, such as a human or machine.

The display preferably takes a configuration that is appropriate for the intended user, which is a "user-friendly format." For example, if an intended user is a human, then graphical displays, such as those provided in HTML or JAVA or similar user interface programs are preferred. The object key can include as part of its structure code that interfaces with such user interface programs. The display can be similar to the form used to generate the object key. In addition, if the object key includes in its structure a graphic structure such as a graphic file such as a gif file, then that graphic can be displayed. An object key can include a pointer for an http. a URL or a URI to retrieve further information at those locations.

3. A COMPOSITION THAT INCLUDES AT LEAST ONE OBJECT KEY RETRIEVED USING A METHOD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION The present invention also includes a composition that includes at least one object key retrieved using a method of the present invention. The object key(s) obtained using the methods described in section E above can be collected and provided in a machine readable format, preferably in a database. The present invention includes such collections and databases.

4. METHOD OF MANUFACTURE USING OBJECT KEYS

Another aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a composition, compound or article of manufacture that includes: providing a system for manufacturing a composition, compound or article of manufacture; providing a database of object keys that include object keys that relate to objects used or expected to be used in the manufacture of said composition, compound or article of manufacture; searching said database of object keys for said object keys; obtaining an output from said search that includes at least one object key; selecting at least one object key from said output to provide a selected object key. A further aspect of the present invention is a composition, compound or article of manufacture produced by the method of the present invention.

In operation of this method, a system of manufacture is provided. Such a system includes all or some of the components used in a manufacture process to make a composition, compound or article of manufacture. The components used in a manufacture process can be provided in the same or different locations, such as in one or more industry sites. The components used in a manufacture process include, but are not limited to, one or more of: powerplant, purchasing hardware and software, storage hardware and software, manufacturing hardware and software, management hardware and software, legal hardware and software, sales hardware and software, accounts receivable hardware and software and accounting hardware and software. Such a system optionally includes human resources hardware and software.

These various components are interrelated to provide a system of manufacture. Key to the operation of the system of manufacture is the ability to efficiently identify, order and obtain goods and services used in the manufacture process. At least one database of object keys can be used to increase the efficiency of these processes. In operation of the method of the present invention, a database of object keys that includes object keys that relate to objects used or expected to be used in the manufacture process are provided in one or more locations. Preferably, the database is provided in one or more locations, preferably on the open market, such as on the World Wide Web. The database can be searched using methods of the present invention to identify goods or services used in the manufacture process. The identified goods or services, and their object keys, can be stored in a separate database such that they are available for later searching. The identified goods or services can be ordered from a supplier or provider of such goods or services. Ordered goods can be stored on the manufacturing site or in an appropriate storage facility such as a warehouse, preferably under an object key designation. Preferably, the availability, number and location of various goods in a warehouse or on the open market can be linked to a database of object keys using appropriate software, such as database management software as commercially available or later developed.

The method of the present invention also includes using an identified object, such as a good or service, in a method of manufacture. The present invention also includes a composition, compound or article of manufacture made using a method of the present invention.

5. METHOD OF DOING BUSINESS USING OBJECT KEYS Another aspect of the present invention is a method of doing business that includes making at least one database of object keys that correspond to goods or services provided by at least one manufacture or distributor; providing the at least one database to customers of the at least one manufacturer or distributor; optionally obtaining a commission on the use of object keys used by at least one of the customers, manufacturer or distributor. In one aspect of the present invention, a catalogue of goods or services of a service provider, manufacture or distributor is converted into object keys, such as at least one database of object keys. A variety of service providers, manufactures or distributors can form one or more syndicates such that object keys are a standard for the syndicate. The at least one database of object keys can be provided to the customers of the service providers, manufactures or distributors in an appropriate form, such as on the World Wide Web. When object keys are used in transactions between customers, manufactures or service providers, a commission is logged and transferred to at least one the customer, manufacture, service provider or organization that manages the at least one database. The use of such database can be tracked using software and hardware commercially available, such as is used to track "hits" on the World Wide Web, or as are later developed. All publications, including patent documents, world wide web sites, book chapters, books and scientific articles, referred to in this application and set forth in the bibliography are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual publication were individually incorporated by reference.

All headings are for the convenience of the reader and should not be used to limit the meaning of the text that follows the heading, unless so specified.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An object key, comprising at least two of the following: a) a unique fields code; b) a supporting fields code; c) an attributes fields code; d) an owner code; e) a text code; f) a graphics code; g) an http code; h) a URL code; i) a URI code; j) an accuracy code; and k) a space code.

2. The object key of claim 1, wherein said object key is in a machine readable format.

3. The object key of claim 1, wherein said object key is in a linear configuration.

4 A method of making an object key, comprising: a) obtaining information from a form; and b) converting said information into a machine readable format.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein said form is a standard form.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein said information is obtained in a machine readable format.

7. The method of claim 4, wherein said machine readable format provides an object key.

8. An object code made by the method of claim 4.

9. A composition of matter, comprising: two or more object keys.

10. The composition of claim 9, wherein said object keys are provided in a machine readable format.

1 1. The composition of claim 9, wherein said two or more object keys is a database of object keys.

12. A method of searching a database, comprising: a) providing a database of object keys; b) providing a query; and c) comparing said query to said database.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein said comparing comprises a mask.

14. A method of retrieving information from a database, comprising: a) providing a database of object keys; b) providing a query; c) comparing said query to said database to obtain at least one selected object key; and d) obtaining an output comprising said at least one selected object key.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising ranking selected object keys if more that one object key is selected.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising displaying said at least one selected object key.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein said displaying is in a user-friendly format.

18. The method of claim 14, further comprising relating said at least one selected object key to additional information at an http, a URL or a URI.

19. A composition, comprising: at least one object key retrieved using the method of claim 14.

20. The composition of claim 19, wherein said at least one object key is in a machine readable format.

21. A method for manufacturing a composition, compound or article of manufacture, comprising: a) providing a system for manufacturing a composition, compound or article of manufacture; b) providing a database of object keys that include object keys that relate to objects used or expected to be used in the manufacture of said composition, compound or article of manufacture; c) searching said database of object keys for said object keys; d) obtaining an output from said search that includes at least one object key; e) selecting at least one object key from said output to provide a selected object key.

22. The method of claim 21 , further comprising the step of obtaining the object corresponding to said selected object key to provide a selected object.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising using said selected object in the manufacture of said composition, compound or article of manufacture.

24. A composition, compound or article of manufacture produced by the method of claim 21.

25. A method of doing business, comprising: a) making at least one database of object keys that correspond to goods or services provided by at least one manufacture or distributor; b) providing said at least one database to customers of said at least one manufacturer or distributor;

26. The method of claim 25, further comprising tracking the use of said object keys by said customers, distributor or manufacturer.

27. The method of claim 25, further comprising obtaining a commission on the use of object keys used by at least one of said customers, manufacturer or distributor.

28. An object key for identifying members of a database and readably by a computer system, the object key comprising at least two of the following: first means for enabling a processor to broadly classify a composition of matter; second means for enabling a processor to particularly classify the composition of matter; third means for enabling a processor to more particularly classify the composition of matter; and fourth means for enabling a processor to identify an owner of the composition of matter; wherein the object key is in a machine readable format.

29. The object key of claim 28, further comprising optional additional information.

30. The object key of claim 29, wherein said optional additional information is one or more items selected from the group of http code, URL code, URI code, text code, graphics code, accuracy code, and a space code.

31. The object key of claim 28, wherein said first means of the object key is a unique fields code, said second means of the object key is a supporting fields code, said third means of the object code is an attributes fields code, and said fourth means of the object code is an owner code.

32. The object key of claim 28, wherein the object key is in a linear configuration.

33. A database of members for use with a computer system, comprising: a plurality of members, wherein each member is searchable according to an object key, said object key comprising at least two of the following: a first means for enabling a processor to broadly classify each said member; a second means for enabling a processor to particularly classify each said member; a third means for enabling a processor to more particularly classify each said member; and a fourth means for enabling a processor to identify an owner of each said member; wherein said plurality of members and each said object key are in a machine readable format.

34. The database of claim 33, wherein said object key further comprises a means for enabling a processor to provide optional additional information.

35. The database of claim 34, wherein said optional additional information is one or more items selected from the group of http code, URL code, URI code, text code, graphics code, accuracy code, and a space code.

36. The database of claim 33, wherein each said object key is in a linear configuration.

37. The database of claim 33, wherein said first means of each said object key is a unique fields code, said second means of each said object key is a supporting fields code, said third means of each said object code is an attributes fields code, and said fourth means of each said object code is an owner code.