Data processing: database and file management or data structures – Database design – Data structure types
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-16
2002-12-10
Mizrahi, Diane D. (Department: 2175)
Data processing: database and file management or data structures
Database design
Data structure types
C707S793000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06493717
ABSTRACT:
MICROFICHE APPENDIX
A Source Code Appendix containing computer source code is attached and is incorporated herein. The Source Code Appendix comprises 261 frames on 3 sheets of microfiche.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to systems and methods for managing database information. More specifically, the present invention relates to systems and methods for managing database information to be presented in hypertext format.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Present day database systems are known to be used for storing information for many purposes. For example, retail stores use database systems to store inventory and pricing information, and airlines use these systems to store flight and passenger information. Information in a database system typically is stored in such a way that it may be readily retrieved and displayed on a computer display screen. The format in which it is displayed generally is determined by the application software running on a local computer. This application software interacts with the database system, which actually may be located across a computer network, to retrieve the pieces of information that are to be displayed on the display screen, and then appropriately composes the information so that it may be displayed in a desired way on the display screen.
Viewer software, which is commonly called a Web Browser, is used to request, retrieve, and display information stored on a computer that is in some way connected across a network that, for example, uses World-Wide Web and Internet protocols.
The requested information that is retrieved is delivered to the Web browser in a format known as Hypertext Markup Language (“HTML”). The HTML instructs the Web browser how to arrange the information on a computer display. A Web server that sends the requested information across the computer network is responsible for producing such HTML formatted information.
In some cases, the HTML formatted information is stored in a fixed or static form: the information may be a newspaper article. In other cases, at least a portion of the HTML formatted information is produced dynamically at the time the Web server receives a request from a Web browser: the information may be an up-to-date stock quote.
The HTML formatted information may include information retrieved from a database system, as has been previously mentioned. If the HTML formatted information is to include hierarchically organized information, such as a chart showing food items by category (e.g., milk and cream under dairy, and apples and oranges under fruit), the Web server relies on a fixed hierarchy that is embedded in the database system. For instance, if the database system hierarchically organizes beef, chicken, and fish under meat, the HTML formatted information that is provided by the Web server will also show that beef, chicken, and fish are included in a meat category and in the order shown: starting with beef followed by chicken followed by fish.
To effectively manage the contents of the database system and the hierarchy imposed by the database system, a human manager must use a database management application program that may be running on a local computer or may be running on a computer connected across a network. Similarly, if a human user wishes to effectively interact with the contents of the database system, he or she must use a sophisticated application program that is provided for that purpose. This program, among other things, will permit manipulation of the hierarchy. A human manager or human user that is equipped solely with a Web browser has severely limited capabilities for effecting changes with respect to database systems. As a result, database management cannot be provided on a worldwide, universal basis by means of the World-Wide Web or Internet and Web browsers.
Accordingly, there is a need for a system and method for managing database information to be presented in HTML format for retrieval and display.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The system and method of the present invention permits the management of database information using Web browser. The Web browser will be utilized by the user to make selections that are to be delivered by browser software for retrieving portions of a database and constructing an HTML-compatible presentation of these portions. The present invention will be in accordance with the definitions that hierarchically link these portions separately from any database-provided links between the portions.
The present invention provides the ability to create, share and manage structured database information on the Internet. The present invention simplifies and more efficiently enables the administration and utilization of Internet-based database information repositories. Among other things, the present invention overcomes many of these problems that exist in the management of structured database information within the confines of the HTML environment as they exist today. As such, the present invention allows individuals, groups and organizations worldwide to communally build, manage and navigate large amounts of interrelated web-based structured information. The present invention provides online service and effectively has groups of individuals sharing common interests to build structured database information using only a standard HTML web browser. According to the present invention, the system is capable of harboring content that permits that tracking user interests and activities for marketing or other purposes without the need to violate user privacy.
The present invention provides a DataCrawler system. This system furnishes a pre-built framework for web database applications that browse and edit database information directly using an HTML-based Internet browser. The DataCrawler system has a turn-key application environment that provides powerful navigation and editing functionality. The system is a comprehensive database exploration and data entry/collection system with integrated administration, application and security management. The barrier to creating and maintaining an HTML web site is typically high in terms of cost and technological expertise. This means that the majority of individuals do not have the capability to provide web content. Further, the HTML model provides limited security options for communal contribution of content. The DataCrawler sub-system has a reusable component based technology that provides a universal methodology for exploring and editing database information. The system combines the flexibility to administer customized interrelated database storage with the low maintenance overhead of a structured, pre-built interface.
The system of the present invention can be used to create a leading repository of Internet-based structured database information. As such, the system of the present invention can become the portal for the Internet community to interact with an expanding resource of valuable information. Continuous Internet traffic can be attracted that is interested in browsing or contributing to structured database repositories hosted by the service. Interface and information can then combine together to retain each individual for effectively as long a period as possible.
The present invention will permit a user to use the system while dynamic banner advertising, is displayed at strategic locations on each screen. Users may simultaneously participate in the communal building of on-line content by sharing information through the system.
Audiences can be provided with databases administered by the service directly. These databases can be the more market valuable information sources that it is desirable to carefully control.
The system and method of the pr
DataFree, Inc.
Hale and Dorr LLP
Mizrahi Diane D.
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