Database element retrieval by example

Details Database element retrieval by example Database element retrieval by example

1998-07-15

2001-05-08

Black, Thomas (Department: 2171)

Data processing: database and file management or data structures

Database design

Data structure types

C707S793000, C707S793000, C707S793000, C707S793000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06230154

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a system for storing and retrieving database elements, and more particularly to a method for retrieving elements residing in a collection of elements based on the similarity to an external or query example.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Large quantities of data are typically collected and stored in some sort of organized format, such as a database. It is often desirable to locate a number of elements within the collection that are similar to a specific query example. The problem of performing a search for such similar elements comes down to the definition of “similar”.
The present invention provides a database element retrieval system and method in which elements are retrieved from the database on the basis of their similarity to an external example or query.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention comprises a database element retrieval system. According to the invention, database elements are retrieved on the basis of their “similarity” to an external example or query example.
In a first aspect, the present invention provides a database element retrieval system comprising: (a) means for storing a plurality of elements, (b) means for processing an external query, said means for processing including, (i) means for generating search parameters associated with said query, (ii) means for determining a classification for said query, (iii) means for setting a search range in the database for said query, (iv) means for establishing a search space in the database, said search space being based on said search range and said classification, (v) means for retrieving a plurality of elements from said search space in response to said query.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for retrieving one or more elements from a database in response to a query, said method comprising the steps of: (a) generating search parameters associated with said query, (b) determining a classification for said query, (c) setting a search range in the database for said query, (d) establishing a search space in the database, said search space being based on said search range and said classification, (e) retrieving a plurality of elements from said search space in response to said query.


REFERENCES:
patent: 5197005 (1993-03-01), Shwrtz et al.
patent: 5442780 (1995-08-01), Takanashi et al.
patent: 5577241 (1996-11-01), Spencer
patent: 5600831 (1997-02-01), Levy et al.
patent: 5742815 (1998-04-01), Stern
patent: 5826261 (1998-10-01), Spencer

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